Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Ascension of our Lord
May 16, 2021 – 10:30 AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples are told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we our faith and find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven invigorate our mission.
Our Turn
That Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection is a fundamental Christian belief—so much so that we include it in our creeds. The response of his disciples to this extraordinary action was not one of shock, nor of dismay that he had again been taken from them. Instead, the disciples returned “to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God” (Luke 24:52-53).
The gospels tell us that for three years Jesus’ disciples misunderstood his parables, misinterpreted his actions, and just plain missed the point of his public ministry. In a transformative moment just before his ascension, however, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). It might have been the most significant “light-bulb moment” in history. Over and over, Jesus had tried to convey his purpose to his disciples; now all became clear to them. Exhilarating as this enlightenment must have been, it also came with profound responsibilities. Since Jesus’ time on earth was over, it was now the disciples’ time. With Jesus no longer physically present to preach and to teach, to perform miracles, to heal, and to show compassion, all these responsibilities fell to those who followed him.
And yet this overwhelming task now seemed manageable to these once-bumbling disciples because Jesus provided them with the understanding they needed. That understanding is available to each of us as well. Baptized into the body of Christ, we have all that we need to proclaim Jesus’ message. No wonder the disciples were joyous as they returned to Jerusalem. We can be, too. As spiritual descendants of those first students, we have the extraordinary privilege of showing and telling the world about the invitation of the Son of God. Whenever we look on another person with love and compassion, seeing Christ in them, we are proclaiming the great good news of perfect and unconditional love. What a gift we have been given, that Jesus has entrusted us with his message to share.
Gathering
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.
Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters, and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN – “How Great Is Our God with How Great Thou Art”
The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty;
Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice.
He wraps himself in light, and darkness tries to hide,
And trembles at his voice, and trembles at his voice.
How great is our God! Sing with me: How great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
And age to age he stands, and time is in his hands;
Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End.
The Godhead, three in one: Father, Spirit, Son,
The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb.
How great is our God! Sing with me: How great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
But when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee,
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Name above all names, worthy of all praise.
My heart will sing: How great is our God!
Name above all names, worthy of all praise.
My heart will sing: How great is our God!
How great is our God! Sing with me: How great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
How great is our God! Sing with me: How great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE
In peace, in peace, let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.
For the reign of God, and for peace throughout the world;
for the unity of all let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.
For your people here, who have come to give you praise;
for the strength to live your Word, let us pray to the…
Lord, have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Help save, and defend us, O God.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
Now is the feast of the Lamb once slain,
whose blood has freed and united us
to be one great people of God. Refrain
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
Power and riches, wisdom and might,
all honor and glory to Christ forever. Refrain
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
For God has come to dwell with us,
to make us people of God;
to make all things new.
Now the feast and celebration,
all of creation sings for joy
to the God of life and love and freedom;
praise and glory forevermore!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God,
your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Acts 1:1-11
Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world, and that the disciples will be accompanied and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.
A reading from the book of Acts.
[Luke writes:] In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instruc- tions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Ephesians 1:15-23
The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.
A reading from the book of Ephesians.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia!
GOSPEL READING Luke 24:44-53
On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said to the eleven and those with them,] “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
MESSAGE
HYMN OF THE DAY – “One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails)”
Higher than the mountains that I face.
Stronger than the power of the grave,
Constant in the trial and the change,
One thing remains, one thing remains.
Your love, your love, your love will never change.
On and on and on and on it goes.
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul.
And I never, ever have to be afraid.
One thing remains, one thing remains.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me:
Your love.
On and on and on and on it goes.
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul.
And I never, ever have to be afraid.
One thing remains, one thing remains.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me:
Your love.
In death, in life, I’m confident and covered
By the power of your great love.
My debt is paid; There’s nothing that can separate my heart
From your great love.
In death, in life, I’m confident and covered
By the power of your great love.
My debt is paid; There’s nothing that can separate my heart
From your great love.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.
Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me:
Your love.
In death, in life, I’m confident and covered
By the power of your great love.
My debt is paid; There’s nothing that can separate my heart
From your great love, your love.
Higher than the mountains that I face.
Stronger than the power of the grave,
Constant in the trial and the change,
One thing remains, one thing remains:
Your love.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Alive in the risen Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bring our prayers before God who promises to hear us and answer in steadfast love.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
In the hope of new life in Christ, we raise our prayers to you, trusting in your never-ending goodness and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
Lift up your heads;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your voices;
we lift them up to God.
Lift up your hearts;
we lift them up to God.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
And so we gather at the table. We come from many different places in life. And as we come together around the table we discover that our differences are not something we just tolerate, but that our differences are indeed a blessing. So come, children of God, just as you are. Wherever you are on this journey of life and faith, you are welcome here – here in this place, here in this community, here at this table. Come, children of God, come and remember.
Remember the stories that Jesus’ friends tell: Stories of bread broken and shared to feed a multitude; stories of gathering both enemy and friend together around a common table; stories of unlikely guests revealing the face of the sacred.
On a night of both celebration and betrayal Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it; gave it to his disciples and said, “Take and eat, this is my body given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Then Jesus took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And so we pray: Lord, bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be open, and that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst, indeed in one another.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The risen Christ invites us to this table. Come, eat and be satisfied.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION – Receiving the Lord’s tangible presence.
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.
Communion Statement ~ If you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Redeemer and would like to receive Holy Communion, then come forward to receive the elements. If you would just like to come forward and receive a blessing, then you may do that also.
NOTE: We invite everyone to come forward for Holy Communion. If you have a gluten allergy, gluten-free wafers are available upon request when receiving Communion. Also, if you prefer not to receive wine at Communion, apple juice is available upon request.
LAMB OF GOD
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you break the chains of hatred and fear: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you are the way of justice and peace: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you are the way of mercy and love: have mercy on us, mercy on us. mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace, grant us peace, grant us peace.
REFLECTION DURING COMMUNION
As we prepare to receive the sacrament today, may we quietly take this time to center our- selves on Christ, and the amazing gifts of grace and forgiveness that we have been given. As we receive the body and the blood of our Lord, let us reflect upon His sacrifice. Finally, may we take this time to ask the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts, and then to work in us and through us in the coming days.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Wellspring of joy,
through this meal you have put gladness in our hearts. Satisfy the hunger still around us, and send us as joyful witnesses, that your love may bring joy to the hearts of all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sending
BLESSING
May our glorious God grant you a spirit of wisdom to know and to love the risen Lord Jesus. The God of life, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – Son of God, Eternal Savior
Son of God, eternal Savior,
source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh, whose birth among us
hallows all our human race,
you our head, who, throned in glory,
for your own will ever plead:
fill us with your love and pity,
heal our wrong, and help our need.
As you, Lord, have lived for others,
so may we for others live.
Freely have your gifts been granted;
freely may your servants give.
Yours the gold and yours the silver,
yours the wealth of land and sea;
we but stewards of your bounty
held in solemn trust will be.
Come, O Christ, and reign among us,
King of love and Prince of peace;
hush the storm of strife and passion,
bid its cruel discords cease.
By your patient years of toiling,
by your silent hours of pain,
quench our fevered thirst of pleasure,
stem our selfish greed of gain.
Son of God, eternal Savior,
source of life and truth and grace,
Word made flesh, whose birth among us
hallows all our human race:
by your praying, by your willing
that your people should be one,
grant, oh, grant our hope’s fruition:
here on earth your will be done.
DISMISSAL
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve
in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
Matthias, Apostle
Friday, May 14, 2021
Matthias was the apostle added to the Twelve after Jesus’ resurrection, as a replacement for the dead Judas Iscariot. He had traveled among the followers of Jesus throughout the Lord’s ministry. Formerly commemorated on February 24, Matthias’s celebration is moved to May 14 in agreement with most Western calendars.
Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, died 1160
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Erik is considered the patron saint of Sweden. As king of that nation, he tried to bring peace in the region, and to spread Christianity in Scandinavia. He was also known for his attempts to make fair laws and to protect those who were poor or sick.
Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330
Friday, May 21, 2021
Influenced by her son to become Christian, Helena (or Helen) lived an exemplary life of faith. She is also remembered for traveling through Palestine building churches on the sites she believed to be associated with Christ’s life.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress.
All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Curches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.