May 29th Ascension Sunday

Join us in person or live-streamed at 10AM or find our recorded service at your convenience. Details on our Worship page. Service words are below.

Acknowledgement

Welcome

A warm welcome is extended to all who are gathering St. Paul’s this morning for our time of worship together. Your presence both enriches us and this time of celebration together.

Opening Hymn: 465 CP Here in this Place New Light is Streaming

Here in this place, new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away. See, in this space, our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in - the lost and forsaken, gather us in - the blind and the lame. Call to us now, and we shall awaken, we shall arise at the sound of our name. We are the young - our lives are a mystery, we are the old - who yearn for your face. We have been sung throughout all of history, called to be light to the whole human race. Gather us in - the rich and the haughty, gather us in - the proud and the strong. Give us a heart so meek and so lowly, give us the courage to enter the song. Here we will take the wine and the water, here we will take the bread of new birth. Here you shall call your sons and your daughters, call us anew to be salt for the earth. Give us to drink the wine of compassion, give us to eat the bread that is you. Nourish us well, and teach us to fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true. Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away, but here in this place, the new light is shining; now is the Kingdom, now is the day. Gather us in - and hold us forever, gather us in - and make us your own. Gather us in - all peoples together, fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

Gathering of the Community

Lord Jesus, breathe on me; give me strength today. Holy Spirit, work in me. For this I pray.

Come let us gather in the joy and wonder of the Easter Season

Let us celebrate Christ’s presence in our world today.

Jesus has promised that wherever we are, his Spirit will be in our midst.

Lord Jesus, breathe on me; give me strength today. Holy Spirit, work in me. For this I pray.

Prayer of the Day

Refreshing God, in times of dryness you are like cool, spring rains giving new life to the parched places of our lives. We come before you now to celebrate the new life you give to us and others each and every day. Amen

Collect of the day

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of his peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Proclamation of the Word

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 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. They 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."

Listen for the leading of the Spirit Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn: 418 CP Draw the Circle Wide

Chorus Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, Standing side by side, Draw the circle wide. God the still point of the circle, round whom all creation turns; Nothing lost, but held forever, in God’s gracious arms. Chorus Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small; Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call. Chorus Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before;

Let the dream of Christ be in us, open every door. Chorus x2

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke 24:44-53 Then he said to 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." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And 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." Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

The Gospel of Christ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Presentation to former Wardens

Installation of Parish Council

Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, we are all baptized by the one Spirit into one Body, and given gifts for a variety of ministries for the common good. Our purpose is to commission these persons in the Name of God and of this congregation to a special ministry to which they are called

We ask God’s blessings upon them in their newly accepted responsibilities, and to pledge to them our prayers and support in the extension of God’s Kingdom.

You have been called to a ministry in this congregation. Will you, as long as you are engaged in this work, perform it with diligence?

I will

Warden declaration:

Martins, you have been appointed Incumbent’s Warden, and

Patricia, you have been elected People’s Warden of this congregation,

Chris, you have been appointed Deputy Warden of this congregation.

I would remind you that the office of Church Warden is an ancient and honourable one, and carries with great responsibility. Each of you is possessed of equal authority, and yours is a joint and mutual responsibility.

Together with the Incumbent and the Parish Council, this congregation will look to you, for leadership in all that pertains to the good management and welfare of the parish, and encouragement in all efforts to promote the well–being of the congregation.

In order that you may have fuller and more detailed knowledge of the duties and responsibilities that pertain to your office, I commend to you to study the Canons of this Diocese.

Do you accept the office of Warden in this church and the responsibilities of that office in accordance with the principles set forth in the Canons of this Diocese?

Wardens: I declare that I will faithfully and truly execute the office of church warden within my parish, to the best of my skill and knowledge.

Let us, therefore, pray that God may richly bless those who are have assumed these leadership roles:

Loving God whose blessed Son came not to be ministered to, but to minister, we pray that you bless all who, following in His steps, give themselves to the service of their fellow worshipers. We pray especially for those who are have assumed leadership roles in work of this parish. Grant them wisdom, patience and courage to strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall; that, being inspired by the life of Jesus, they may minister to the suffering, the friendless and the needy; for the sake of Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.

An Affirmation of Faith

In response to the word reflected on, let us stand and share an affirmation of faith.

We believe in a light that smothers darkness. It tears through every shadow in our world, and leaves a clarity brighter than the sun, and we name that light: God!

We believe in a love that crushes hatred, and leaves a space for forgiveness, to rebuild, redesign, and re-create our world, and we name that love: God!

We believe in a truth that rips through injustice revealing a different vision for our world:

of freedom, fairness, and future,

and we name that truth: God!

We believe in a hope that rattles oppressors, shaping the intent of the Creator for a people destined for love, and we name that hope: God!

We believe in a time towards which all history travels, where all our lives will be held, and bound into eternity, and we name that time: God!

The Prayers of Intercession – Denise MacRae

Lord, in your mercy Hear our prayer

The Peace (Iona)

God makes peace within us. Let us claim it. God makes peace between us. Let us share it .

Let us greet another as a sign of God’s peace.

The peace of God is here… to stay. Thanks be to God.

The Celebration of the Eucharist

Offertory Hymn: 460 CP Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining

Lord, the Light of Your Love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining, Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth You now bring us, Shine on me. Shine on me.

Refrain: Shine, Jesus shine, Fill this land with the Father's glory.

Blaze, Spirit blaze, Set our hearts on fire.

Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy.

Send forth Your word, Lord and let there be light. Lord I come to Your awesome presence, from the shadows into Your radiance. By the blood I may enter Your brightness, search me, try me, consume all my darkness. Shine on me. Shine on me. Refrain

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness. So our faces display Your likeness. Ever changing from glory to glory, mirrored here may our lives tell Your story. Shine on me. Shine on me. Refrain

Prayer over the Gifts

Eternal God, our Saviour Jesus Christ has promised to be with us until the end of time. Accept all we offer you this day, and renew us in his transfigured life; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Eucharistic Prayer (alternative Eucharistic Prayers to Scottish Liturgy, Anglican Eucharistic Liturgies p. 61)

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.

Worship and praise belong to you, God, in every place and at all times. You made us, all the people of the world and everything that is.

You give us the daylight. Your Word lights up or minds. Jesus was born among us to be light in our darkness. Your Spirit lives in us so that we can look at the world with your eyes.

One day we will be with you in heaven, but already we laugh with the saints and the angels and sing their joyful song:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord

Blessed is one who comes in the name of the Lord

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might Heaven and Earth of your glory are full Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest.

God, you never forget us or turn away from us, even when we fail you.

You sent your son Jesus who gave his life for us.

He healed those who were sick, cared for those who were poor, and cried with those who were sad.

He forgave sinners and taught us to forgive.

For all your love we give you thanks in the way that Jesus showed us.

On the night before he died while he was having supper with his friends, he took bread and offered you thanks.

He broke the bread and gave it to them, saying:

“Take, eat. This is my body: it is broken for you.”

After supper he took the cup, he offered you thanks, and gave it to them saying:

“Drink this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant; it is poured out for you and for all, that sins may be forgiven. Do this in remembrance of me.”

So as we do what Jesus told us,

we open our hearts to him;

we remember how he died

and rose again to live now in us.

Together with him we offer you these gifts: in them we give you ourselves.

Send your Holy Spirit on us and on this bread and wine, that they may be the Body and Blood of Christ, and that sharing your life, we may travel in your company to our journey’s end.

With all your people we give you thanks and praise through the Son and in the Spirit now and forever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, let us pray

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins.

As we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours.

Now and forever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread

Lord, we died with you on the cross.

Now we are raised to new life.

We were buried in your tomb.

Now we share in your resurrection.

Live in us, that we may live in you.

The Communion

These are the Gifts of God for the people of God

Thanks be to God

Hymns:

Oh Freedom

Oh freedom. (freedom is coming) Oh freedom (freedom is coming).

Oh freedom. Freedom is coming. Oh yes, I know.

Oh freedom, (freedom is coming) Oh freedom (freedom is coming)

Oh freedom. Freedom is coming. Oh yes, I know.

Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know), Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know)

Oh yes, I know. Oh yes, I know. Oh yes. I know.

Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know), Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know)

Oh yes, I know. Oh yes, I know. Oh yes. I know.

Oh Jesus (Jesus is coming), Oh Jesus (Jesus is coming)

Oh Jesus. Jesus is coming. Oh yes, I know.

Oh Jesus (Jesus is coming), Oh Jesus (Jesus is coming)

Oh Jesus. Jesus is coming. Oh yes, I know.

Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know), Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know)

Oh yes, I know. Oh yes, I know. Oh yes. I know.

Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know), Oh yes, I know (Oh yes, I know)

Oh yes, I know. Oh yes, I know. Oh yes. I know.

Oh freedom, (freedom is coming) Oh freedom (freedom is coming)

Oh freedom. Freedom is coming. Oh yes, I know.

They’ll Know We Are Christians

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land. Chorus

We will work with each other, we will work side by side, We will work with each other, we will work side by side, And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride. Chorus

All praise to Creator from whom all things come, And all praise to Christ Jesus, God’s only son, And all praise to the Spirit, who makes us one. Chorus

Prayer after Communion

Eternal Giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom. Confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Doxology

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or

imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church

and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Announcements

Dismissal

As people of faith, we have gathered for worship.

As people of faith, we now return to the world.

Go out to share the story of faith, the story of life, with the world around us.

We share the faith in word and in deed, in speech and in action.

As we go out to give a living witness,

we testify to God's love active in the world,knowing that God goes

with us, sharing the laughter and the hope, the fears and the tears.

Thanks be to God! Amen. Alleluia

Closing Hymn: This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine x 3