SERVICE FOR
THE LORD’S DAY

May 17, 2026

Ascension of the Lord Sunday

 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

Liturgist, June Hedrick

CALL TO WORSHIP – Psalm 47:5-8

Leader: God has ascended amid shouts of joy,

People: the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.

Leader: Sing praises to God, sing praises;

People: sing praises to our King, sing praises.

Leader: For God is the King of all the earth;

People: sing to him a psalm of praise.

Leader: God reigns over the nations;

People: God is seated on his holy throne.

*OPENING HYMN #262 Rejoice, the Lord is King

*OPENING PRAYER

*PRAISE SONG Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me

GUIDED PRAYER

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — Westminster Larger Catechism Q.53

Leader: How was Christ exalted in his ascension?

People: Christ’s exaltation in his ascension began after his resurrection when he appeared to the apostles a number of times, talked to them about the kingdom of God, and commissioned them to preach the gospel to all nations. Forty days after his resurrection, in our human nature and as our head, he visibly went up into the highest heavens, triumphing over enemies. There he receives gifts for men, raises our minds, and prepares a place for us, where he himself is and shall continue to be until his second coming at the end of the world.  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

WORSHIPING GOD WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

       Offertory 

       *Offertory Response — Doxology #808

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

       *Prayer of Dedication

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                                     Luke 24:33-53

Pastor:  The Word of the Lord

People:  Thanks be to God

SERMON: Rev. David Garrison

DISAPPEARING ACT

Series: Resurrection Stories

While he was blessing them, he left them
and was taken up into heaven. — Luke 24:51

*CLOSING HYMN #259 A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

*BENEDICTION  

*POSTLUDE 

For Our Guests:

WELCOME TO NORTHMINSTER EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

We are glad you are here.  We hope the information listed on these pages will help you choose your next steps in connecting at Northminster. To learn more about activities here, please pick up our newsletter from the rack in the hallway or foyer table.  You can also learn more about us by browsing our website, on Facebook, and YouTube.
 
Upcoming calendar events can be found here.
 
News & Announcements for the week of Sunday, May 17 can be found here.
 
This Sunday’s Scripture reading:

33   They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

36   While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37   They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40   When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

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 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 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.”

50   When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While 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. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

— Luke 24:33-53 (NIV)