Worship Service (at home)
May 24, 2020 (during the season of COVID-19 Virus Quarantine)
Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA
May 24, 2020 Order of Worship
Ascension Sunday – Today is Ascension Sunday, the day we recognize Jesus’ ascent into heaven.
(Prepare for our worship together by taking some quiet time before you start listening to the Prelude. Bring your bible to follow along in the scripture readings.)
PRELUDE “If My People’s Hearts Are Humbled” – Page
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come gather ’round; Jesus is here.
We wait for the coming Spirit.
Come gather ’round; see the power of Christ before you.
With joy, we praise God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus Christ, in you we see awesome power.
You triumph over death and bring forth new life.
You stand over all earthly powers.
You are the head of the church.
Yet, we often fail to acknowledge this power in our lives.
We see violence in the world.
We see injustice in our communities.
We see suffering and death of so many who have the COVID-19 virus and are front line workers.
We see hunger and need among our neighbors.
We see longing for something more.
We see failures and faults in our lives.
In all these things, we feel powerless.
Forgive our hesitance to call upon you.
Forgive our propensity to rely upon ourselves.
Forgive our reluctance to acknowledge your power.
Speak your words of power again.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
May God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation,
that the power of Jesus Christ may be visible in your life.
By the grace of Jesus Christ we are forgiven
and empowered to serve.
MEDITATION “Hear My Prayer, O Lord” (Psalm 143) – Lau
PRAYER– Today we celebrate before the prayer time…Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day on which we honor the many women and men who died while serving in the U.S. military.
(You are invited to say a prayer for our world, nation, community and families. Take this time to lift anyone up for a joy or concern.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE Acts 1:6-14. Luke 24:44-53
MESSAGE WDJD (What Does Jesus Do series) Part 4: “Jesus Prays”
OFFERING (Your gifts of tithes and offerings may be mailed to the church office, or you may arrange to give to God through electronic giving. Please call the church office to use this option.
SPECIAL MUSIC “My Jesus I Love Thee” – Gordon/Hayes
Piano Duet by David Koskey and Dave Shover
(Pic 5)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Holy God, we ask for your blessing of these gifts of our lives, service, money and witness. Use our gifts to make a difference in our world. Touch the lives of those we reach. May each person be transformed by You.
BENEDICTION
In the presence of Christ, we have gathered as community in worship.
In the grace of Christ, we leave the sacred time.
May God clothe you with Power on high.
May God put this Power to work in each of us.
POSTLUDE “Alleluia! Alleluia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise” – Beaney
We look forward to you joining us in celebrating Pentecost in a new way this year!
Rev Susan Halverstadt, Pastor
David Koskey, Director of Music
Dave Shover, Special Music
Portions of the service are taken from “The Abingdon Worship Annual,” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
Faxon-Kenmar UMC is using CCLI Streaming License 3356248 Exp. 3.31.21.
