Hail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (CBH508, UM465)
God Of The Sparrow (NCH32, PH272, UM122)
Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above (CBH59, PH483, UM126)
I'll Praise My Maker (CBH166, PH253, UM60)
O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free (NCH209, PH83, UM267)
In Christ There Is No East Or West (CBH306, PH439, 440, UM548)
Born Of God, Eternal Savior (NCH542)
Anthems
Let God Arise, Eugene Butler, SMP, SATB
That They May All be One, Carl Mueller, G. Schirmer, SATB
O Sing To The Lord/Cantad al Senor, Ziegenhals, CBA, Unison/2--part
O Praise The Lord, Ye Children, Powell, 3--part
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 68)
Leader: Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy.
Men: Sing to God, sing praises to God's name.
Women: Lift up a song to God who rides upon the clouds,
People: Be exultant before Yahweh,
Leader: Parent of orphans and protector of widows is God in the holy habitation.
People: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Holy One.
Call to Confession
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that God may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Yahweh, because you are cared for. Let us come together confessing our sins before the Almighty.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, since the dawn of our faith, Christians have always been persecuted somewhere, even today. Holy wars abound. But we're not persecuted ourselves in this place at this time. So why do we act that way sometimes? We do not live our faith with gratitude and awe. We have a hard time simply coming to church once a week, whereas the first Christians lived together and shared their belongings. We are selfish in our giving to the church, because there are so many material possessions that we just "have to have." Forgive us, God. Help us set our priorities by putting our faith first. Give us strength to proudly share our beliefs with others. Give us courage to let others know the great joy we have in loving you. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
The God of all grace, who has called you to eternal glory in Christ, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Scripture Readings
Acts 1:6--14: The Acts passage reminds us once again of the Ascension, and then goes on to name the disciples who have re--gathered in Jerusalem. It is also clear that there were women among them, as well as Jesus' mother and brothers. One liturgist or the pastor can simply read it.
John 17:1--11: This passage is part of a prayer Jesus says, asking for strength for what is to come - for himself and for his disciples. It is offered right before Jesus goes to the garden where he is arrested. It is a soliloquy, which would be very effective given by someone in a kneeling, prayerful position. It would be best memorized, but could be done with much practice in reading.
Prayer of Dedication
Giving God, Jesus often prayed to you on behalf of the world, which he would be leaving. Jesus had great concern for people in the world, for their safety, their health, for their souls. May the gifts we have given today help the people of the world to be fed, housed, clothed, and to know Christ. Amen.
Benediction
Leader: May God bless you with joy and faith.
People: May we share all God's blessings with others.
Leader: May the love of Jesus go with you today.
People: May we share the love of Jesus with others.
Leader: May the Holy Spirit give you energy for the journey.
People: May it be so. Amen.
