St Paul’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Website: www.StPaulsManistee.com

Facebook: SPLCManistee

Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821

May 12, 2024 Ascension Christ has ascended, He is closer than ever.

WELCOME

HYMN 171 “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”

(Please stand for last stanza)

SERVICE OF THE WORD - pages 38-44

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

Before Jesus ascends, he promises to send his disciples the Holy Spirit so that he could continue to carry out his saving work through the Church.

1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken 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.

PSALM 47 – page 85

SECOND LESSON: Ephesians 4:7-16

St. Paul explains the power and purpose of Christ’s ascension. Jesus left this world for our good. He ascended so that he could give gifts to us.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why itsays: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

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.

(Sing) Alleluia.....page 40

GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53

The risen Savior ascended, and his disciples responded with joyful worship.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told 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 so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.

C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

HYMN 169 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”

SERMON: Ephesians 4:7-16

Gifts from our Ascended Lord.

APOSTLES’ CREED - page 4

ASCENSION PRAYER

M: Blessed Jesus, you ascended to the right hand of your Father’s majesty, power, and glory and now reign as eternal King of kings and Lord of lords. C: We praise you for your victory over sin, death, Satan, and hell.

M: O ascended Prophet, equip your Church to proclaim the precious gospel message of God’s love for all the world.

C: Give courage to our hearts, power to our words, and success to our efforts.

M: O ascended High Priest, represent us before the Father as his own dear children and heirs. Defend us against Satan’s every accusation. Ask for the Father’s rich blessings in our everyday lives.

C: Plead for his mercy and grace on our behalf.

M: O ascended King, direct the affairs of governments and nations that they may serve the best interest of your Church.

C: You are our Lord, Master, and King. Special prayers and intercessions may follow.

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer.

M: As the disciples lifted their eyes to watch your ascension, so lift our eyes daily to look for your coming again in glory.

C: Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

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

PRAYER - page 43

C: Amen. (sung)

BLESSING - page 443

C: Amen. Amen. Amen. (sung)

HYMN 341 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”

ANNOUNCEMENTS & REFRESHMENTS

THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area and around the world. Our guests may but are not expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

If you are visiting today, please sign our Guest Book in the entryway.

All Scripture readings are from the NIV 2011. Used by permission.