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The Sixth Sunday after Easter
Luke 24:50-53
Sermon Notes
Music Notes
Liturgy Notes
Theme of the Service
This service of worship celebrates the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The Worship Sourcebook has this information about Ascension Day:
"Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter, marks the day on which Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples and ascended to heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:1-12).
Though often overlooked, the ascension of Christ is filled with theological significance. Christ's ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, prays for us and perfects our prayers. The ascension is a witness and guarantee of our own bodily resurrection, as well as an invitation for us to set our hearts and minds "on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col. 3:1-2) to rule over all things in heaven and throughout the universe (Eph. 1:10, 20-23). Finally, the ascension of Jesus serves as the prelude to Pentecost, when the power of the risen Christ came upon all believers through the Holy Spirit.
Some churches observe Ascension Day with a service on the actual day of ascension, which is always a Thursday. Others observe Jesus' ascension on the preceding or following Sunday. As during the celebration of Easter, the liturgical colors are white and gold." (p.655)
See the Liturgy Notes for additional confession statements of faith on the Ascension.
* * * * *
WE GATHER BEFORE GOD
Prelude: "God Has Gone Up with Shouts of Joy!" [see music notes]
"At the Name of Jesus"
Introit: "Psalm 47," Ellingboe [see music notes]
*The Call to Worship:
Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.
For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved.
Since, then, we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness,
so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to find help in time of need. (Psalm 47:1-2; 93:1; Hebrews 4:14, 16, NRSV)
* Song of Praise: "God Has Gone Up with Shouts of Joy!" SNC 154
or: "Psalm 47: Clap Your Hands All You Nations" SNC 156
*Our Declaration of Trust and God's Greeting:
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, who do you trust?
Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen!
*Song of Praise: "At the Name of Jesus" PH 148, PsH 467, RL 336, RN 279, TH 163, TWC 266, UMH 168 [see music notes]
or: "He Is Exalted" RN 238, SNC 41
or: "Lord Most High" SNC 47
WE ARE RENEWED IN GOD'S GRACE
The Call to Confession and Prayer of Confession:
While we claim to celebrate the ascension of our Lord,
the way we live proclaims our lack of faith
in his power to deal with the world.
Let us confess the incongruity between our faith and practice.
Let us pray.
We come, O Lord, on this day of glory to confess our lack of trust.
While we sing of your lordship over all creation,
we have too often acted as though you are powerless
in the face of today's events.
Help us to live with confidence in your presence today
and in hope for life with you forever. Amen. (TWS, O.2.2.2.)
The Assurance of Pardon: 1 John 2:1-2
Our Song of Dedication: "Crown Him with Many Crowns" PH 151, PsH 410, RL 600, RN 56, SFL 181, TH 295, TWC 92, UMH 327
or: "You Are Crowned with Many Crowns" SNC 158
God's Guide for Grateful Living
GOD SPEAKS FROM HIS WORD
The Children's Moment
*Song of Preparation: "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" Coronation: PH 142, PsH 471, RL 595, RN 45, TH 296, TWC 95, UMH 154; Diadem: PH 143, TH 297, TWC 93, UMH 155; Miles Lane: RL 594
or: "We Will Glorify" RN 33, SFL 18, SNC 21, TWC 118
The Prayer for Illumination
The Old Testament Reading: Psalm 93
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
The New Testament Reading: Luke 24:36-53
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
Sermon: He Left..and They Worshiped
Text: Luke 24:50-53
The Prayer of Application
WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD
Anthem: "Christus Paradox," Fedak [see music notes]
*Our Affirmation of Faith: [see liturgy notes]
What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?
That Christ, while his disciples watched,
was lifted up from the earth to heaven
and will be there for our good until he comes again
to judge the living and the dead.
But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
Christ is truly human and truly God.
In his human nature Christ is not now on earth;
but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit
he is not absent from us for a moment.
How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
First, he pleads our cause in heaven
in the presence of his Father
Second, we have our own flesh in heaven-
a guarantee that Christ our head
will take us, his members, to himself in heaven
Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee.
By the Spirit's power we make the goal of our lives,
not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is,
sitting at God's right hand.
Why the next words: "and is seated at the right hand of God"?
Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that he is head of his church,
and that the Father rules all things through him.
How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
First, through his Holy Spirit
he pours out his gifts from heaven upon us his members.
Second, by his power he defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies.
(from The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Days 18-19)
*Song of Faith: "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise" PsH 409, RL 331, TH 290, TWC 258, UMH 312
The Prayers of the People [see liturgy notes]
The Offertory Prayer
The Offering of Music: "Christus Paradox" [see music notes]
or: "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise"
We offer our gifts for..
WE LEAVE WITH GOD'S PRESENCE
*The Benediction with Congregational Amen!
*Song: "Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing" PH 108, PsH 413, RN 300, TWC 243, UMH 318
Postlude: "Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing" [see music notes]
*You are invited to stand.
1. There are two challenges to be aware of when preaching the ascension of Christ. One deals with the tendency to wonder if this is an actual historical event. Did Jesus really ascend to heaven? Or, is this only a story? We are in the same position as on Easter Sunday, proclaiming the historical reality of an event that is clearly supernatural. The second challenge is to make a convincing case that the ascension does make a difference in our lives. Does it really matter that he ascended to heaven? What is the practical benefit for us?
2. Perhaps it would be wise to address the importance of this event in the life and ministry of Christ. The Ascension is often overlooked in the life of Christ. While we pay much attention to his birth, baptism, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection, his ascension is largely bypassed. Matthew, Mark and John do not tell us this story, but Luke includes it both as the climax of his gospel and the opening event of Acts (see 1:1-11). Paul (1 Timothy 3:16) and the writer of Hebrews (7-10 and 12:2) also consider it critically important. The material from the Heidelberg Catechism included in the liturgy (Lord's Days 18-19) makes an excellent case for considering this event pivotal. Our profession in the Apostles' Creed is careful to include it also (".he ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.").
3. Not only is this an important belief, but it makes our faith so rich! The Heidelberg Catechism says Christ was "lifted up from earth into heaven and will be there for our good" (Q&A 46). What is the practical benefit for us? Q&A 49 answers this by pointing out three benefits: He pleads our cause to the Father, Christ's presence in heaven guarantees our resurrection, and he sends the Spirit to lead and sanctify us. Additionally, Q&A 51 points to two other benefits from Christ's reign at God's right hand: He pours out his gifts through his Holy Spirit as well as defends us and keeps us safe from all enemies. If Christ did not ascend and is not now seated at the right hand of God the Father, then all of these benefits fall away. However, since he is there, our faith is rich for it is built on the lordship of Jesus Christ.
4. Luke concludes his gospel with some insights into the personal responses of the disciples. This group is more than a tiny group of 11 disciples. In verse 33 Luke speaks of a larger group which included "the Eleven and those with them, assembled together." This larger group remains in view through the conclusion of Luke's gospel. Note the continuity that appears in verses 33, 36, 40, 44, 45 and 50. This larger group responded with worship when Jesus was taken up. Whatever else that worship involved, it was characterized by "great joy" and "praising God" (v.52-53). The ascension of Christ, his lordship, the great benefits for us, and our response of worship all belong together in this story!
Glossary of Hymnal Abbreviations:
PH The Presbyterian Hymnal (Presbyterian Church USA; Westminster/John Knox Press)
PsH The Psalter Hymnal (Christian Reformed Church; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
RL Rejoice in the Lord (Reformed Church in America; W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
RN Renew! (Hope Publishing Company)
SFL Songs for LiFE (children's songbook; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
SNC Sing! A New Creation (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Christian Reformed Church,
Reformed Church in America; Faith Alive Christian Resources)
TH Trinity Hymnal (Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church in America; Great
Commission Publications)
TWC The Worshiping Church (Hope Publishing Company)
UMH The United Methodist Hymnal (United Methodist Publishing House)
WOV With One Voice (Augsburg Fortress)
Suggestions for prelude music could include the following selections:
GENEVAN 138/MIT FREUDEN ZART ["God Has Gone Up with Shouts of Joy!"]
Organ:
Bender, Jan. (1974 Chantry) Augsburg Organ Library - Easter. Augsburg 11-11075 [2000] (M)
Candlyn, T. and Frederick H. Prelude on Mit Freuden Zart. Abingdon APM-148 [1961] (E-M)
Ferguson, John. Three Psalm Preludes. Augsburg 11-10823 [1997] (M)
Haan, Raymond H. Canonic Variations on With High Delight. Concordia 97-6167 [1992] (E-M)
Leavitt, John. Three Hymn Preludes. Concordia 97-5894 [1985] (M)
Leavitt, John. With High Delight. Concordia 97-6845 [2000] (E-M)
Wolniakowski, Michael. Partita on With High Delight, Let Us Unite. Morningstar MSM-10-416
[1996] (M-D)
Handbells:
McChesney, Kevin. Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above. AGEHR AG23006 [1993]
(2-3 octaves, M)
KING'S WESTON ["At the Name of Jesus"]
Organ:
Burkhardt, Michael. Praise and Thanksgiving, set 3. Morningstar MSM-10-753 [1990] (E-M)
Johnson, David N. Easy Trios. Augsburg 11-9291 [1969] (E)
Powell, Robert J. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart. Augsburg 11-10478 [1994] (E-M)
Schaffner. John Hebden. Organ Music for the Seasons, vol. 2. Augsburg 11-11010 [1999] (E-M)
Stearns, Peter Pindar. Twelve Hymn Preludes for General Use. Flammer HF-5145 [1987] (E-M)
Handbells:
Gramann, Fred. Fantasy on "King's Weston." Agape 1671 [1994] (3-6 0ctaves, D)
Additional suggestions based on contemporary-styled songs later sung in the service are as follows:
YOU ARE CROWNED WITH MANY CROWNS
Piano:
Hayes, Mark. Lord Be Glorified, vol 3. Word 301 0084 315 [1995] (M)
HE IS EXALTED
Organ:
Bock, Fred. Organ Praise and Worship. Fred Bock BG0923 [1993] (M)
Piano:
Hayes, Mark. Lord Be Glorified. Word 301 0047 312 [1990] (M)
WE WILL GLORIFY
Organ:
Bock, Fred. Organ Praise and Worship. Fred Bock BG0923 [1993] (E-M)
Piano:
Wilson, John F. This Is the Day. Hope 243 [1992] (E-M)
Handbells:
Starks, Howard. We Will Glorify. Singspiration 7532 [1985] (3-5 octaves, M)
The introit " Psalm 47" set by Bradley Ellingboe is published by Kjos 8890 [1998] and scored for SATB voices with percussion).
Alternative harmonizations for organ on the opening response hymn can be found in:
KING'S WESTON ["At the Name of Jesus"]
Burkhardt, Michael. As Though the Whole Creation Cried. Morningstar MSM-10-555 [2001]
Eggert, John. Creative Hymn Accompaniments for Organ, vol. 2. CPH97-6851 [2000]
Alternative harmonizations for organ on DIADEMATA ["Crown Him with Many Crowns"] can be found in:
Ferguson, John. Hymn Harmonizations for Organ, bk. 1. Ludwig O-05 [1975]
Wood, Dale. New Settings of Twenty Well-Known Hymn Tunes. Augsburg 11-9292 [1968]
Alternative harmonizations for the two hymn tunes usually associated with the hymn text "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" can be found in the following resources:
MILES LANE
Alternative Harmonization for Organ:
Wood, Dale. New Settings of Twenty Well-Known Hymn Tunes. Augsburg 11-9292 [1968]
CORONATION
Alternative Harmonizations for Organ:
Eggert, John. Creative Hymn Accompaniments for Organ, vol. 2. CPH97-6851 [2000]
Goode, Jack C. Thirty-four Changes on Hymn Tunes. H W Grey GB 644 [1978]
Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
Maynard, Lynette. Let It Rip! At the Piano, vol. 2. Augsburg ISBN 0-8006-7580-0 [2003]
The anthem "Christus Paradox" set by Alfred Fedak is published by GIA G-5463 [2000] for SATB voices and organ. This text is also set congregationally in SNC 182.
Suggestions for offertory music are as follows:
PICARDY ["Christus Paradox"/"You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd"]
Organ:
Burkhardt, Michael. Four Hymn Improvisations for Holy Week. Morningstar MSM-10-318 [1995]
(E-M)
Callahan, Charles. Five Improvisations on Communion Hymns. Concordia 97-6126 [1991] (E-M)
Kosche, Kenneth T. Four Organ Preludes for Advent. Morningstar MSM-10-020 [2004] (E-M)
Sowerby, Leo. Meditations on Communion Hymns. H. W. Grey (M)
Travis, Albert L. Prelude on Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. Morningstar MSM-10-821 [1991]
(M)
Warner, Richard. Organ Music for the Communion Service. Concordia 97-1395 [1956] (E-M)
LLANFAIR ["Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise"]
Diemer, Emma Lou. Suite on Easter Hymns. SMP KK322 [1984] (M)
Held, Wilbur. Those Wonderful Welsh, set 2. Morningstar MSM-10-842 [1992] (E-M)
Krapf, Gerhard. Sing and Rejoice, vol. 3. SMP KK278 [1983] (E)
Post, Piet. Free Organ Accompaniments to Hymns, vol. 3. Augsburg 11-9189 [1966] (E-M;
could be used as variations rather than just as alternative harmonizations.)
Powell, Robert J. (1995) Augsburg Organ Library - Easter. Augsburg 11-11075 [2000] (E-M)
Alternative harmonizations and suggestions for postlude on the closing hymn can be found in these resources:
TRURO ["Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing"]
Alternative Harmonization for Organ:
Busarow, Donald. All Praise to You, Eternal God. Augsburg 11-9076 [1980]
Johnson, David N. Free Harmonizations of Twelve Hymn Tunes. Augsburg 11-9190 [1964]
Alternative Harmonization for Piano:
Carlson, J. Bert. Let It Rip! At the Piano, vol. 2. Augsburg ISBN 0-8006-7580-0 [2003]
Organ:
Albrecht, Timothy. Grace Notes VIII. Augsburg 11-10970 [1999] (E-M)
Bingham, Seth. Twelve Hymn Preludes, set 1. H. W. Grey. [1942] (E-M)
Burkhardt, Michael. Four Hymn Improvisations for Holy Week. Morningstar MSM-10-318 [1995]
(E-M)
Cherwien, David. Seasonal Interpretations Lent-Easter. Summa SP-112 [1998] (M)
Kerr, J. Wayne. (1998) Augsburg Organ Library - Easter. Augsburg 11-11075 [2000] (E-M)
1. You will find confessional references to the Ascension of Christ in these confessions:
Belgic Confession, Art. 26
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&As 46-52
Canons of Dort, Pt. V, Art. 1-15
Westminster Confession, Chap. VIII, Sec. 4-5
Our Song of Hope, st. 5
Our World Belongs to God, st. 29
2. We suggest that you speak to the children about the story of the ascension of Christ. We encourage you to explain where Jesus is now and what he is doing. The concept of a person ascending to heaven may be difficult for them to grasp, but the idea of the Father welcoming his Son back after a successful ministry may be easier to grasp. And picturing Jesus there praying for us is even better yet!
3. The affirmation of faith is an important part of a service like this. Worshipers need the opportunity to express their beliefs. These words are from the Heidelberg Catechism. It is structured to be read responsively, either by a leader and the congregation or two halves of the congregation. To reprint for personal use, a ministry setting, or classroom use include this credit line: © 1987, CRC Publications, Grand Rapids MI. www.crcna.org. Reprinted with permission.
4. The Prayers of the People at this service are near the conclusion of the service and should be crafted to reflect what has been proclaimed about the lordship of the ascended Christ. We give him honor and glory as the exalted Lord on the throne, but we also boldly bring the pain, brokenness, violence, and war of our world to him. This is a prayer in which lament can be made for the evil of our world, even while we plead for his merciful intervention.
This weekly worship service has been provided for your use and encouragement by Howard Vanderwell and Norma de Waal Malefyt, Resource Development Specialists at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. You can reach them with your suggestions and comments at howard.vanderwell@calvin.edu or norma.malefyt@calvin.edu. Any materials included here from The Worship Sourcebook are used by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, CRC Publications. This permission is granted for one time worship use in an order of service for a congregation, or in a special program or lesson resource, provided that no part of such reproduction is sold, directly or indirectly. For all other uses, please contact the copyright holder. |