COCU38A.Easter7A

Readings
Acts 1:6-14
The disciples question Jesus about the timing of God’s restoration of Israel, but Jesus promises the Holy Spirit and then ascends into heaven as they watch. Then two white-robed men tell them that Jesus will return in the same way they saw him leave.
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
A psalm of victory and praise, celebrating God’s might in military terms, and rejoicing in God’s protection of the weak and vulnerable, and in God’s provision of a home for God’s people.
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Peter encourages the persecuted believers, reminding them that they have witnessed Christ’s suffering and share in it, and that they have the hope of seeing Christ’s glory, and sharing in that as well.
John 17:1-11
Jesus prays for himself that God will take him back into the glory he shared with the Father. Then he prays for his disciples, who have received Christ’s message and have believed and given him glory, that they may be protected by God’s name and may be one as Christ and the Father are one.
(Summaries by John van de Laar, Sacredise)
Call to Worship
At the presence of God, we rejoice:
glorifying the One who is Parent of all orphans.
In the presence of Jesus Christ, we listen:
to the Voice who calls us to humbly serve others.
Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we speak:
making God’s love known to the world-forsaken in our midst.
(Source: Thom Shuman)

Lord, we praise you this morning for the love that grants us freedom,
and for the grace that allows us to dwell in peace.
We praise you for the sun that shines upon our endeavours
and for the moon and the stars at night which remind us of your glory.
We thank you for the many good things that you have bestowed upon us.
Help us, O God, in this time of worship, and beyond,
to have a heart that exalts in your grace and goodness,
lips unafraid to proclaim your praise,
and minds which are focussed on living
according your glorious and living word.
We ask this through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed!
Ascended Lord Jesus, we adore You!
Once you lived a human life, subject to limitations of time:
Now you are the same yesterday, today and forever!
Once you were limited to one particular place:
Now you are present wherever people turn to you!
Once only those who met you face to face knew you:
Now your divine love extends throughout all the world!
Ascended Jesus, Lord of time and space, love as wide as life,
we adore You. Amen!

Reflection: The promise of the Spirit by Rev Sue (Western Australia)