Ascension Of

Our Lord

May 21, 2020

ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Personal Prayer: “Lord, speak to me today through the Scriptures and Symbols of this Easter Season!”

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT

“Empowered by the Holy Spirit, We share our Faith, by Loving and Serving our Neighbor.”

People of St. Matthew MinistersPastor Scott Lee PastorDeacon Jeanne G. Sach Director of MusicDisciples Welcomed Ushers

WELCOME! Thank you for coming to worship God at St. Matthew. May your hearts be touched and your minds inspired to be all that God is calling you to be. Please come again and invite others to come with you.HOLY COMMUNION: The Lord Jesus welcomes everyone to share in his real presence with us here today in Holy Communion. The method of communion is intinction, as you come to the table by the center aisle, receive the bread, place the bread reverently in the wine or grape juice chalice, and acknowledge God’s gift by saying Amen. Please return to your seats by side aisle. If you do not wish to receive Communion you are invited to come to the table for a blessing.Matthew 28:19 “…Go, and make disciples” If you are either looking for a church home or know of others who would like to become a member of a church that is Gospel-filled and Spirit-led, look no farther St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church is the church where you can be nourished in God’s Word and welcomed into serving in ministry. Please let Pastor Lee know of your interest and he will contact you about becoming a member of this church. Welcome – and be inspired by the transformative Word of God! THE INTRODUCTION: In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

Contact Information:

Email: St.matthewwoodlyn1913@gmail.comChurch website: http://stmatthewlutheranwoodlyn.orgSummer Camp / Preschool Website: https://stmatthewwoodlynforkids.weebly.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewlutheranwoodlyn/Pastor Lee Email: St.matthewwoodlyn1913@gmail.comOffice Hours: Tuesday and Friday 8:15am to 3:30pm

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* Thanksgiving for BaptismAll may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.Alleluia! Christ is risen.Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,we are raised with him to new life.Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.Water may be poured into the font as the presiding minister gives thanks.We give you thanks, O God,for in the beginning you created us in your imageand planted us in a well-watered garden.In the desert you promised pools of water for the parched,and you gave us water from the rock.When we did not know the way,you sent the Good Shepherd to lead us to still waters.At the cross, you watered us from Jesus’ wounded side,and on this day, you shower us again with the water of life.We praise you for your salvation through water,for the water in this font,and for all water everywhere.Bathe us in your forgiveness, grace, and love.Satisfy the thirsty, and give us the life only you can give.To you be given honor and praisethrough Jesus Christ our Lordin the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.Amen.

*The Gathering Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” ELW 855

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The GreetingP: Alleluia! Christ is risen.C: Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

C: And also with you.

*The Kyrie

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*The Hymn of Praise

P: The Lord be with youC: And also with you.

*Prayer of the Day

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P: Let us prayC: Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

First Reading Acts 1:1-11  Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

[Luke writes:] 1In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After 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. 4While 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; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But 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.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They 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.”

The Word of The Lord: Thanks be to God

The Psalm Psalm 47God has gone up with a shout.  (Ps. 47:5) 1Clap your hands, | all you peoples;  shout to God with a | joyful sound.

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 2For the LORD Most High is | to be feared:  a great king over | all the earth, 3who subdues the | peoples under us,  and the nations un- | der our feet; 4who chooses our inheri- | tance for us,  the pride of Jacob, | whom God loves. R 5God has gone up | with a shout,  the LORD with the sound | of the ram’s horn. 6Sing praises to | God, sing praises;  sing praises to our | king, sing praises. R 7For God is king of | all the earth;  sing praises | with a song. 8God reigns o- | ver the nations;  God is en- | throned on high. 9The nobles of the peoples have gathered as the people of the | God of Abraham.  The rulers of the earth belong to God, who is high- | ly exalted. R

Second Reading Ephesians 1:15-23The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

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The Word of The Lord: Thanks be to God

*The Alleluia

P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke the 24th Chapter

* Gospel Luke 24:44-53On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.44[Jesus said to the eleven and those with 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.”45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And 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.”  50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

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P: The Gospel of the Lord.

The Sermon Pastor Scott R. Lee

*Hymn of The Day “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” ELW 393

Musical Offering

*Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.* On the third day he rose again.He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

*Prayers of The Church p. 16A: Lord in your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

*Sharing of The Peace

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P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.C: And also with you.P: Let us share the peace.

Tithes and Offerings

* The Offertory

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*The Offertory PrayerA: Let us PrayC: Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

*The Great ThanksgivingP: The Lord be with you.C: And also with you.P: Lift up your hearts.C: We lift them to the Lord.P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.P: It is indeed right and salutary……….we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

*The Holy, holy, holy Lord

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*The Eucharistic PrayerP: In the night in which he was betrayed,

our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,

and gave it for all to drink, saying:This cup is the new covenant in my blood,shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.By your Spirit bless us and this meal,

that, refreshed with this heavenly food,we may be light for the world,revealing the brilliance of your Son.

C: Amen

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*The Lord’s PrayerOur 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 and ever. Amen.

Distribution of Holy Communion

The Communion Hymn “Beautiful Savior ” ELW 838

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*The Communion BlessingP: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.C: Amen

*The Post Communion Canticle

*Post Communion Prayer A: Life-giving God, you have fed us with your word, and our hearts burn within us. Through this meal you have opened us to your presence. Now send us forth to share the gifts of Easter with all in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.Announcements

*BlessingP: May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning into dancing. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.

C: Amen.*Sending Hymn “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” ELW 392

*Dismissal to Service

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A: Christ is risen, just as he said. Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia

C: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!Sundays and Seasons.com Copyright 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License#SASO22375. Hymns reprinted with All Rights Reserved by CCL1 License #139617 and One License #729686-A

The bulletins today are given to the Glory of God.

The flowers today are given to the Glory of God.

Sponsor Altar Flowers! Contact Linda Graeff, Cathy Lynam, Dan Lozier or Pastor with the details of when you would like to sponsor the altar flowers, or bulletin and the wording of dedication you would like to appear in the Sunday bulletin for that day. Flowers and bulletins are $15.

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Prayers of IntercessionThe prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.Uplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.A brief silence.Living God, you chose us to be your witnesses in the world. We pray for the church in every place and the congregations in our community (especially). Focus our hearts and minds on the ministry we share in your name. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Loving God, all creation sings praise to you. You delight in the oceans, and the mountains are your throne. Teach us humility and respect for our home. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Sovereign God, you rule the heavens, the earth, and time itself. Make this a time of justice, peace, and solidarity among all nations and peoples, so that oppression and violence rule no more. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Tender God, we wait with hope for your presence to heal us, bless us, restore us, and give us peace. You know all the names of those suffering for whom we pray this day (especially). Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Gentle God, you guide us as we seek wisdom. We pray for teachers, professors, theologians, day care workers, and all those charged with teaching the young and old. Give them endurance and persistence in their valuable work. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.Here other intercessions may be offered.Infinite God, your inheritance given to all your saints is your presence in our life and in our death. We remember with thanksgiving the faithful departed (especially Helena, mother of Constantine). Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord.Amen.

GOSPEL MESSAGE

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ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

Why Do You Stand Looking Up Toward Heaven?We often cast our eyes upward to look for God. When we are feeling lonely or misunderstood, we raise our hands to ask why, or shake our fists in gestures of prayer, anguish, or praise. While the scriptures promise that God is king of all the earth, sitting on his holy throne (Psalm 47), we need not only look up for God’s action in our lives. Our ascended Lord lives in the heavens, but Jesus does not leave his disciples—or us—to fumble while he naps in the clouds. Before he ascends, Jesus promises that we are clothed with the Holy Spirit’s power, witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).“Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” the two men in white robes asked the witnesses remaining after Jesus ascended. Why do we stand still in our lives? Is it that we just saw God (Look! Up there! Did you see?), so we expect God to arrive in the same way again? Can God be that expected and predictable? This story of Jesus ascending to the heavens after his time with us on earth gives us mixed feelings: we know he’s returning to where he belongs—out of this world full of brokenness and sin to holiness and glory. Still, our longing is intense: Lord, we want to see you! How will we know it is you when you come again?Ascension Day could be explained as the cynical “I’m outta here” of a God weary of us self-centered, broken humans, but that explanation would be short-sighted because it leaves out the important stop on the cross. Instead, Jesus’ departure is accompanied with the promise of the Spirit’s presence remaining among us. We look up to the skies for help, then return our gaze to those among us in need of our care, to the body of Christ and the wind of the Spirit among the baptized, preparing for the time when Jesus comes again to gather us in.