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Sunday 16th May 2021

Introduction by Graeme Coulthard

Today we mark Ascension, in Christian belief, the ascent of
Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after his
Resurrection (Easter being reckoned as the first day). The
Feast of the Ascension ranks with Christmas, Easter, and
Pentecost in the universality of its observance among
Christians. The feast has been celebrated 40 days after
Easter in both Eastern and Western Christianity since the
4th century. Prior to that time, the Ascension was
commemorated as a part of the celebration of the descent of
the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

So much for the history. So today at the end of the period
when we’ve been thinking about Jesus in the 40 days after
Easter, we rejoice in the glorious image of his return to
heaven, and we take one last step on the way to the Gift at
Pentecost.

After the bells end we’ll hear our first hymn “Crown him
with many crowns".

Ascension of Jesus; Rom Neamt Monastry

Ascension

HYMN: Crown him with many crowns

PRAYER

Said by Rev John Smith

O Almighty God,
whose blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things:
Mercifully give us faith to perceive that,
according to his promise,
he abides with his Church on earth,
even to the end of the ages;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

O Lord,
Your Ascension into heaven
marks the culmination of the Easter Season,
and it contains an important teaching for us.
May we live life as an earthly reality
and develop our human potential to the fullest.
May we make use of the results of science
to achieve a better life on this planet.

But in our best moments
we know that there must be more
than all of this,
a transcending Reality.

As Christians, we know that this Reality
is Your loving Father
Who awaits us with You and the Holy Spirit.
Where You have gone,
we ultimately will come - if we are faithful. AMEN

THE LORD'S PRAYER

LESSON

 Read by Frances Carroll

Acts 1; 1-11

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 instructions 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 was baptised with water,
but you will be baptised 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".

Hymn: Thou hast, O Lord (Solo by Tom Fairbairn)

Reflection

PRAYER

Said by Rev John Smith

As we wait and watch for the coming of the Lord once again we turn to God
in prayer:
For the Church, that the Lord will grant wisdom and insight to all who lead
and guide us in our faith.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

For our world, that those in authority may work to create a just and fairer
society for all.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

For our country and for the family of nations, that God may reign in the
hearts of all and so bring peace, justice and truth to the ends of the earth.
That the dangers we face through Climate change, and Covid, through
hunger, thirst, war and terrorism will pass.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

For all who are sick, suffering, housebound, elderly or infirm: that they will be
comforted by the healing touch of Christ.
Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer

God our Father,
we ask you to hear and answer our prayers
so that in the time between Jesus’ ascension and his return in majesty,
we may bear witness to your great love for us.
We ask this in the name of him who has ascended to your right hand,
there to celebrate life with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen

HYMN: The head that once was crowned with thorns

THE BLESSING and BENEDICTION

Said by Rev John Smith

Christ our King make you faithful
and strong to do his will,
and bring you to reign with him in glory.

And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
be with you this day and in all the days to come. AMEN.


Voluntary

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