† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Choral Introit “See, the Conqueror Mounts In Triumph” Roentgen
See, The conqueror mounts in triumph:
See the King in royal state,
Riding on the clouds, His chariot,
To His heavenly palace gate.
Hark! The choirs of angel voices
Joyful Halleluhjahs sing,
And the portals high are lofted
To receive their heavenly king.
†Call to Worship
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Christ is exalted—yet Christ is not far away.
Christ reigns—and Christ remains with us.
Let us worship the God whose glory fills heaven and earth.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
†Opening Hymn “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” UMH 500
Prayer of Illumination
Risen Christ, open our hearts and mind to your living Word. As the stone was rolled away, remove every barrier that keeps us from seeing your truth. Let your resurrection light awaken us, renew us, and draw us into the life you promised. Speak, Lord, your servants are listening. Amen
A Reading from the Old Testament Daniel 7:9-14 NRSV
As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One[a] took his throne; his clothing was white as snow and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and flowed out from his presence. A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him. The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the noise of the arrogant words that the horn was speaking. And as I watched, the beast was put to death and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a human being coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
Sovereign God, as we celebrate Christ’s ascension, lift our eyes beyond what is temporary. When the world feels heavy, remind us that Jesus reigns with mercy. When the church feels small, remind us that your Spirit is strong. Strengthen our hands for the work that is holy: prayer that is faithful, love that is courageous, and mission that is steady. Make Lovely Lane bold in witness and generous in compassion, until our city reflects more of your justice and peace. In the name of the risen and reigning Christ. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 334
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response “Alleluia” UMH 186
†A Reading from the Gospel Luke 24:44-53 NRSV
Then he said to 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 our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Responsive Hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise ” UMH 103
Invitation to Offering
Offertory “Sons and Daughters of the King ” Smith
Hail the day that sees Him rise, Alleluia!
To His throne beyond the skies. Alleluia!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!
Enters now the highest heaven. Alleluia!
There for Him high triumph waits; Alleluia!
Lift your heads, eternal gates. Alleluia!
He has conquered death and sin; Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in. Alleluia!
Highest heaven its Lord receives; Alleluia!
Yet He loves the earth He leaves. Alleluia!
Though returning to His throne, Alleluia!
Still He calls us all His own. Alleluia!
Lord, though parted from our sight, Alleluia!
Far above the starry height, Alleluia!
Grant our hearts may thither rise,
Seeking Thee above the skies.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Offering Prayer
God of glory, receive our gifts. Use them to strengthen your church’s witness, extend compassion, and proclaim the reign of Christ. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” UMH 327
†Benediction
Go in peace. Christ reigns, the Spirit empowers, and God’s mission continues through you. Amen.
†Benediction Response “All His Work Has Ended” Havergal
All His work has ended;
Joyfully we sing.
Jesus has ascended;
Glory to the King.
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude