St Paul’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660

website: StPaulsManistee.com

facebook: SPLCManistee

Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

June 1, 2025 Ascension

JESUS REIGNS OVER EVERYTHING FOR THE BENEFIT OF HIS CHURCH

WELCOME – We will be using the red hymnal today.

HYMN 171“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”

– please stand for last stanza

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT – page 26

PRAYER OF THE DAY:

Lord Jesus, King of glory, on this day you ascended far above the heavens and at God’s right hand you rule the nations. Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that at your command and by your power we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen.

FIRST LESSON: Acts 1:1-11

Jesus ascends to rule over all things as his Church serves as his witnesses.

1I wrote my first book, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began doing and teaching 2until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After he had suffered, he presented himself alive to the apostles with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and told them things about the kingdom of God. 4 Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the Father promised, which you 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 were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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.” 9 After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

SECOND LESSON: Revelation 19:11-16

St. John sees the ascended Lord as a warrior riding on a white horse fighting against all those who oppose Christ’s gospel and his Church.

11 I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and he judges and makes war in righteousness. 12 His eyes are like blazing flames, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him, which no one knows except he himself. 13 He is also clothed in a garment that had been dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies in heaven, which were clothed with white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron staff. He himself is going to trample the winepress of the fierce anger of the Almighty God. 16 On his garment and on his thigh this name is written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

P: The Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY:

Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia.

Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. Alleluia.

C: Alleluia Response – page 30

GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53

Before he ascends, Jesus promises to send the disciples power from on high to carry out the mission of the Church.

44 He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “This is what is written and so it must be: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jeru-salem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Look, I am sending you what my Father promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” 50 He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen.

P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: (sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN 169 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”

SERMON: Revelation 19:11-16

Our Ascended Lord – the Real Superhero

HYMN 341 (1,4) “Crown Him with Many Crowns”

NICENE CREED – page 31

PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER – page 32

COMMUNION LITURGY - pages 33-35

Because God’s Word clearly teaches us about the Real Presence and the fellowship connected with the Lord’s Supper, we kindly ask that only WELS and ELS communicant members come forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood in this Sacrament. Pastor Himm offers a free class so you can become a communicant member.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

THANK THE LORD & PRAYER - pages 36

BLESSING pages 37 (sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.

HYMN 173 “On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build”

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR

is located at the back door near the water cooler.

The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING.

It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement.

CLASS STARTING: Pastor Himm will be starting a Bible Information Class soon. Are you interested in learning more about the Bible & the Christian faith, or church membership? Let Pastor know if you want to join this next group of learners.

All Scripture readings are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version ® (EHV ®)