Ascension of the Lord
May 17th, 2026
You are welcome to print this liturgy at home and bring it with you on Sunday.
Call to Worship
The Lord be with you.
and also with you.
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Opening Sentences
from the Northumbria Community
One thing I have asked of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life;
to behold the beauty of the Lord
and to seek God in God’s temple.
Who is it that you seek?
We seek the Lord our God.
Do you seek God with all your heart?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your soul?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your mind?
Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Do you seek God with all your strength?
Amen. Christ, have mercy.
Song of Praise
Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending (Charles Wesley)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
Once for favored sinners slain;
Thousand thousand saints attending,
Swell the triumph of his train:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
God appears on earth to reign.
Every eye shall now behold him
Robed in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at naught and sold Him,
Pierced and nailed Him to the tree,
Deeply wailing, deeply wailing,
Deeply wailing,
Shall the true Messiah see.
The dear tokens of his passion
Still his dazzling body bears;
Cause of endless exultation
To his ransomed worshipers;
With what rapture, with what rapture,
With what rapture
Gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, Amen! let all adore Thee,
High on thy eternal throne;
Savior, take the power and glory,
Claim the kingdom for Thine own;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Everlasting God, come down!
Everlasting God, come down!
Everlasting God, come down!
Everlasting God, come down!
Everlasting God, come down!
The Collect of the Day from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Holy God, send your promised Spirit of revelation and wisdom, so that, in the blessed freedom of hope, we may witness to the grace of forgiveness and sing with joy to the One who makes us one. Amen.
First Lesson Acts 1:1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After 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. While 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; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 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.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 47
Clap your hands, all you *peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of *joy.
For the Lord, the Most High, is *awesome,
a great king over all the *earth.
He subdued peoples under *us,
and nations under our *feet.
He chose our heritage for *us,
the pride of Jacob whom he *loves.
God has gone up with a *shout,
the Lord with the sound of a *trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing *praises;
sing praises to our King, sing *praises.
For God is the king of all the *earth;
sing praises with a *psalm.
God is king over the *nations;
God sits on his holy *throne.
The princes of the peoples *gather
as the people of the God of *Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to *God;
he is highly ex*alted.
Glory be to the Father, and to the *Son,
and to the Holy *Spirit.
As it was in the be*ginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. A*men.
Second Reading Ephesians 1:15-23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 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, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God 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, far 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. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The Gospel Reading John 17:1-11
+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Homily
A Creed from the United Church of Canada
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
The Prayers of the People
by Rev. Terri Pilarski
For all the blessings of this life, we give thanks to you, Creator God. For families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, who nurture us, that the love of God may grow within. That your love, your Word, like a seed, may grow to produce in us, good fruit.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For the leaders of various nations and cities, that they may lead with strong hearts and gentle hands and generous spirits, with compassion and mercy, with wisdom and grace. May they reflect your will guiding all their actions and decisions.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who serve in harms way, those who live in dangerous places, those who live in areas of war and strife, those who live in fear, those who worry about employment, bills, food, and struggle just to find dignity in life. May your grace bring peace and safety to all people, one to another.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who suffer from any illness or dis-ease of mind, body, or spirit: Restore these, and all those we carry in our hearts, to fullness of health— health as only you, O God, can bring. May your mercy shower each of us with healing mercy and love.
May your love be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
For those who are dying, and for those who have died: send forth your comforting love. Give solace to those who mourn. Console those who grieve. May your grace surround us like a mantle upon our heads,
a shawl upon our shoulders, a hand, to hold our hand.
May your love, be like a seed, taking root and growing strong.
Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we have hurt others, and we have been hurt. We have presumed upon others, and we have been presumed upon. We have taken others for granted, and we have been taken for granted. We have dishonored others, and we have been dishonored. As we receive your forgiveness for our wrongs, we extend forgiveness to others who have wronged us. Have mercy upon us all. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Be reminded my friends: as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. So, let us heed God admonitions that we need not be afraid and that God has not come to condemn the world but to redeem it! Amen.
The Peace
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
Song of Preparation
This Time Tomorrow (Brandi Carlile)
When the fire inside that burns so bright
Begins to grow faded
It can be hard to see the ground on which you stand
Though you may not be afraid of walkin' in the darkness
You will feel like a stranger in this land
You can try to carve a faith out of your own
But a broken spirit may dry out the bone
And the edges of the night may cause you sorrow
You know I may not be around this time tomorrow
But I'll always be with you
Yeah, I'll always be with you
When the hope that you hold tightly to has all but vanished
And there are no words of comfort to be found
You will know what it means to be lost and without love
May you fight to kill that deafening sound
But our holy dreams of yesterday aren't gone
They still haunt us like the ghosts of Babylon
And the breakin' of the day might bring you sorrow
You know I may not be around this time tomorrow
But I'll always be with you
Yeah, I'll always be with you
Presentation Hymn
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen
About Communion
On the night Jesus washed his disciples feet and promised to overcome the troubles of this world, he gave his friends a meal to remember their belonging to him and to one another. Friends of Jesus have continued to celebrate this communion meal since that night, and this table is open to all who desire the belonging and peace of Jesus.
Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available if you have those health needs. An usher will invite you to approach the kneelers to receive the meal. If for any reason you’re not prepared to join us, you’re welcome to remain in your seat. If coming to the front is physically difficult for you, please let an usher know and the elements will be brought to you. If you’d like to come up and simply receive a blessing, you can put your arms across your chest and a prayer of peace will be prayed over you.
Celebrating at the Lord’s Table
Be present, be present, Lord Jesus Christ our risen high priest; make yourself known in the breaking of bread.
Amen.
The Great Thanksgiving The Book of Common Prayer
The Lord be with you
and also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and every- where to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. But chiefly are we bound to praise you for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he has destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he has won for us everlasting life.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
+ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
Sanctify these gifts by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. + Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, so we pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
You are welcome to pray in any language.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
The Breaking of the Bread
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
The Invitation
The Gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Music
Fairest Lord Jesus
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature
O thou of God and man the son
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor
Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
andall the, twinkling, stary host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus, shines purer
Than all the angles heaven can boast
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature
Son of God and Son of Man
Thee will I cherish, thee will I honor
Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown
Your Peace Will Make Us One (Audrey Assad)
Mine eyes have seen the glory
Of the coming of the Lord
You are speaking truth to power
You are laying down our swords
Replanting every vineyard
Till a brand new wine is poured
Your peace will make us one
I’ve seen you in our home fires
Burning with a quiet light
You are mothering and feeding
In the wee hours of the night
Your gentle love is patient
You will never fade or tire
Your peace will make us one
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Your peace will make us one
In the beauty of the lilies
You were born across the sea
With a glory in your bosom
That is still transfiguring
Dismantling our empires
Till each one of us is free
Your peace will make us one
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Your peace will make us one
The Great Silence
When all have received communion, ministers and people keep silence for reflection.
Prayer After Communion
Let us pray.
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
Closing Song
We Abide, We Abide In You (The Porter’s Gate)
We are the vineyard you have planted
Tend our leaves and wild branches:
We abide, we abide in you.
We abide, we abide in you.
Fruit growing from our strength and labor,
Rain on us with grace and favor:
We abide, we abide in you.
We abide, we abide in you.
Where can my soul find living water?
Apart from you we bear no fruit!
O plant my feet down by the river:
We abide, we abide in you.
We are the vineyard you have planted
Tend our leaves and wild branches:
We abide, we abide in you.
We abide, we abide in you.
Where can my soul find living water?
Apart from you we bear no fruit!
O plant my feet down by the river:
We abide, we abide in you.
Where can my soul find living water?
Apart from you we bear no fruit!
O plant my feet down by the river:
We abide, we abide in you.
We abide, we abide in you.
We abide, we abide in you.
The Dismissal
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia!