A Service for the Lord’s Day
May 24, 2020
Seventh Sunday of Easter & Ascension of the Lord
Prelude
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” - performed by Duncan LeMay and Michael Collings
Call to Worship – Psalm 93
The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, Lord,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the Lord on high is mighty.
Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
holiness adorns your house
for endless days.
Opening Prayer
Lord of life, by submitting to death, you conquered the grave. By being lifted on a cross, you draw all people to yourself. By being raised from the dead, you restored to humanity all that we had lost through sin. By ascending into heaven, you reign over all things and promise to return. Throughout these days of Easter, help us to believe and live into this marvelous mystery. For all praise is yours, now and forever. Amen.
Opening Song
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
His the scepter, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood;
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation
has redeemed us by His blood.
Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now.
Alleluia! He is near us;
faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him
when the forty days were o'er,
shall our hearts forget His promise,
"I am with you evermore"?
Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
here on earth our food, our stay.
Alleluia! Here the sinful
flee to You from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
earth's Redeemer, hear our plea
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
Prayer of Confession
Father, show us another way. Your thoughts towards us are love, yet we are too small-minded to think of our neighbors. Your ways lead to life, yet our actions value some lives, but not others. Have mercy on us. For we have diminished ourselves, disregarded our neighbors, and dishonored you. But in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, you have opened a new way. By your Holy Spirit, lead us on the path that leads to life and love. (Silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon
Friends, hear the good news and rejoice: while we were sinners, Christ died for us. In him we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God!
Children’s Message
Scripture Reading
Sermon – The Ascent of the Lord
Affirmation of Faith – from The Scots Confession
We do not doubt that the same body of Christ which was born of the virgin, was crucified, dead, and buried, and which did rise again, did ascend into the heavens for the accomplishment of all things, where in our name and for our comfort he has received all power in heaven and earth, where he sits at the right hand of the Father, having received his kingdom, the only advocate and mediator for us… We believe that the same Lord Jesus shall visibly return for the Last Judgment as he was seen to ascend. And then, we firmly believe, the time of refreshing and restitution of all things shall come, so that those who from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong for righteousness’ sake, shall inherit that blessed immortality promised them from the beginning.
Prayers of the People
We praise you, Risen Lord. You appeared to your friends and followers and offered your peace, and you do the same for us today by the power of your Spirit. Help us to recognize you in our midst, to trust in your rule and reign, and to hope for your coming again.
Lord Jesus, in this time of social distancing, please build up your church. By your Holy Spirit, knit us together in you, our foundation. Lead us to display your love, wisdom, and power to a weary world. And give us the faith and the will to follow as you lead us into this week.
Trusting that you hear us and intercede for us, we lift up our prayers…
With gratitude for those who have courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. Bless their families this Memorial Day, and inspire us all to live lives of self-giving love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For our community leaders, governor, president and lawmakers, that they would use their authority to safeguard the well-being and dignity of everyone, especially those most vulnerable at this time. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For all those who lack food, shelter, and are in situations that are unsafe, bring help. Release compassion among those who can help. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who work and reside in places with limited resources for safe practices (nursing homes, military facilities, prisons), make a way to be as just as possible. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are sick and alone (especially ________), may they know your healing, comfort and care. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those adults and children who are in need or in situations that are unsafe. We pray for provision, friendship, and help. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who provide care (especially ________), give them strength, courage, and rest. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are grieving (especially ________), may they lament and receive comfort in your love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For the church, that our willingness to love others in your name would bring hope to our world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We lift up these prayers, trusting that you hear us. And we pray now 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Offertory
“Indescribable” - performed by Becki Veach
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Closing Song
“Before the Throne of God Above”
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Mural of Christ on a graffiti wall in Bristol, England