Author: Steve

May 5, 2024

Lectionary Texts

Acts 10.44-48 — Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized.

Psalm 98 — God has done a great thing. Make a joyful noise! Let all Creation praise God.

1 John 5. 1-6 — Love, that is born of God, conquers the world.

John 15.9-17 — “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…. So my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete…. To love is to lay down your life… I call you friends, not servants… You didn’t choose me; I chose you… Go and bear fruit.”

Preaching Thoughts

Acts
       This is the “gentile Pentecost:” Cornelius was not a Jew. In Acts Luke shows us the community of followers of Jesus not just growing in numbers but expanding in inclusivity. As we saw last week, when the community of the baptized included the Ethiopian eunuch, a foreign, gender-nonconforming person of color, now it also includes people who aren’t even part of the faith community. As Mark Miller’s song says, “Draw the circle wide.”

1 John
       John’s epistle here reflects the same sentiment we see in the gospel: “Take courage, I have conquered the world!” (Jn. 16.33). Take some care to unpack what it means for love to conquer the world. It doesn’t mean hate and fear and violence are ended. It doesn’t mean injustice has been stopped. But maybe it means love is stronger than evil. That love endures, despite evil’s violence against it. That what actually matters most in the world—what matters at all— is not power or conquest or ego, but love. That even when evil appears victorious, love actually prevails. That everything, even evil, is gathered up in love. That maybe after thousands of years of human struggle our story will turn out to be one of love. So we love, knowing it won’t look like victory. Of course the real victory is that in our struggle between love and fear, no matter how it turns out, we have struggled on the right side.
        Notice how John conflates obeying, believing, and loving. It’s all one thing. You don’t believe if you don’t love, and it isn’t love if you don’t actually obey the command to love.

John
       Well, golly. There are at least half a dozen sermons in here.
       — Love. Christians don’t have Ten Commandments; that’s Jewish. We have one. Try posting that in your local courthouse! The commandment—or the Ten, for that matter—aren’t laws to be imposed on everybody. They’re the marriage vows of people who love God. They’re our feeble “I do” to God’s infinite, perfect, mind-blowing “I do” to us. We love as we have been loved. And to replicate that love we first have to receive it.
       —As I have loved you. Jesus goes above and beyond the Golden Rule. We don’t just do as we wish others would do to us: there’s no wishing here. We have been loved perfectly, and we return that love. It’s a love we couldn’t have wished for without having experienced it because it exceeds our imaginations. It’s love we didn’t even know we needed till we received it. That’s a pretty high bar. Of course we fail; and when we do, what does Jesus do? He loves us perfectly.
       — Joy. Jesus doesn’t give us commandments to make us subservient. He does so to deepen our joy. It’s all about joy. If you love of neighbor doesn’t give you deep joy you’ve got it wrong. You’re not loving as you have been loved, which is with great delight. Jesus doesn’t love us out of duty, like some bratty kid whose mom says ”Say you’re sorry” and he whines: “Sahrrry.’ No, Jesus loves us because it gives him delight. He loves to love us! Because he loves us. Julian of Norwich says Christ says to her “If I could have suffered more for you I would have.” Because he loves seeing to it that she receives love, even if it hurts him. To love our beloved gives us joy.
       — Lay down your life. You don’t have to die. But you do have to lay down your control, your agenda, your ego, your self-protection, even your success at loving. We have a lot to lay down. And when it feels like it’s just killing us… well, that’s where resurrection happens.
      — Friends. We’re familiar with language of Jesus as “Lord.” We’re a bit dubious of people who talk like Jesus is their pal, like he’s their drinking buddy. We imagine Jesus calling us, forgiving us, saving us… but do we imagine Jesus wanting to spend time with us? Jesus chooses, not just to be servants in his religious project, but to be his friends because he likes us and likes being with us— and in fact needs us. Jesus is a real friend, who knows you, sees you as you really are, and will be loyal to you without ever compromising who he is. He wants you to be OK. He’ll stand by you when the world is against you, and he’ll also disagree with you. He’ll remind you how beautiful you are and also let you know when you’re being a jerk. He’ll expect you to do better, because he sees glory in you. He “gets” you when nobody else does. He’ll listen to you when you just need to talk nonsense. He’ll be silent with you when words would wreck it. And he wants you for that kind of friend too. He wants you to stand by him, to listen to him, to care about him, to care about what he cares about. He’s a companion—that is, one who breaks bread with you, and asks you to be his companion, to be the Bread of Life with him.
      — I chose you. Take care not to become one of those people who are proud of their faith, like they’ve done this great thing in choosing Jesus. Look, he just saved your life, because he cares about you. He’s been pursuing you all your years. Don’t be taking credit for that. Be grateful. Be humble—but remember he chose you for a reason. You have something to offer. You’re worth it. You give him delight. Don’t take credit for that—it’s a gift of God—but neither forget it or cease to trust it.
     —   Go and bear fruit. This is the point, isn’t it? Not what we believe, but how that bears fruit in our lives. The whole point of an apple tree is apples. The whole point a a human life is love.

Call to Worship

1.
Leader: Eternal God, you create us in beauty.
All: We sing your praise.
Loving Christ, you heal us and teach us and lead us with love and grace.
We sing your praise.
Holy Spirit, you live in us so we shine with your love.
We sing your praise. We worship in joy. Alleluia!

2.
Leader: O God, Energy of Love, you call us into being.All: We abide in your love, and your joy is in us.
Heart of Love, you guide us in each moment, each breath.
We abide in your love, and your joy is in us.
The world does not understand love, but your love conquers the world.
We abide in your love, and your joy is in us. Alleluia!

3.
Leader: O Mystery of Love, we turn to you.
All: O beauty of Love, we worship you.
O Christ of Love, we thank you.
O Spirit of Love, we welcome you.
Dwell in our hearts.
Share with us your delight.
Make us channels of your love.
Make us radiant with your joy.
God of love, make us people of love. Amen.

Collect / Prayer of the Day

1.
God of love, you create us each moment in tender love. Speak your Word to us in scripture, in prayer and in song. Fill us with your love, so that we may be your love song for the world, in the name and spirit of Jesus, Amen.

2.
Gracious God, your commandments are not burdensome. Help us to hear with joy, to be changed in trust, and to live in faith, bearing your love into this world in the name of Christ. Amen.

3.
God of love, your Word is love. In the reading of your scripture and the proclaiming of your Word, may we hear your love in our hearts, and may it fill us, so that we are people of love, in your Spirit, in the name of Christ. Amen.

4.
Gracious God, in Jesus you have loved us deeply. You have shown us what love looks like, in his life and ministry, and in scripture,. Help us, as we hear the scripture read and your Word proclaimed, to know your love and receive your love, so that we might be more able to give your love to others in the name of Christ. Amen.

5.
O Christ, like sunlight poured into an open meadow,
you pour your love into our hearts.
Like the earth laid out beneath us,
you have laid down your life for us.
Pour your Word into our hearts.
Fill us with you love,
so that we may love others as you have loved us. Amen.

6.
God, in Christ you have loved us and laid down your life for us.
Live in our hearts, so that we will lay down our lives for others.
Come, Holy Spirit, and transform us by your grace. Amen.

Listening Prayer

(suitable as a Collect, preparation for hearing scriptures, or invitation to prayer)

Christ our friend,
you have chosen us for your joy.
You have loved us.
You have laid down your life for us.
And you have commanded us so to love.
Friend, in the stillness
we sit with you.
Hold us in your presence,
that the warmth of your love
may radiate in us.

Prayer of Confession

Pastor: The grace of God be with you.
Congregation: And also with you.
Trusting in God’s tender mercy, let us confess our sin to God with one another.
God of love, help us to see ourselves with the eyes of love,
to see all that is in us that is loving,
and all that is not loving.
By the grace that we know in Christ,
forgive us, heal us, and perfect your love in us.
   Silent prayer … the word of grace

Readings

1. 1 John 5.1-6

Leader: Everyone who trusts that Jesus is the Messiah has been born of God.
All: Everyone who loves God loves the one who came from God.
To love God and follow God’s commandments is to love God’s children.
The love of God is this: that we follow God’s commandments.
God’s commandments are not burdensome,
for whatever is born of God conquers the world.
What is born of God conquers the world! Our trust in this is our victory.
Who is it who conquers the world? Those who trust in Jesus, the Only Begotten of God.
Thanks be to God.


2.
                       To Love

Infinite Love,
you who love me into being each moment,
let me this day flow freely with that love,
for it is not my love I give but yours.
I seek in all and above all to love,
to appreciate, to forgive,
to encourage, to comfort,
to thank, to assist, to bless.
May I choose to be loving
rather than to be right,
to be gentle rather than tough,
to be curious rather than judging,
to meet all with reverence and humility and delight.
And with those whom I cannot love easily,
let me hold and protect with all my being
room for you to love them, even through me.
O Spirit of Love, you who love me infinitely and perfectly,
breathe your love in me.

Eucharistic Prayer

[After the introduction, the body of the prayer may be read responsively with the presiding leader(s) and congregation, or by the leader(s) alone.]

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

God of love, we thank you,
for you have embodied your love
and your delight in us.
Your Creation is a gift of love.
In Christ you have laid down your life for us.
Your grace is a gift of love.
In love you set us free from all that oppresses,
and choose us to join you in working for justice,
that all your Beloved may know fullness of life.
Your love has conquered the world.
You call us to this meal, to feast on your love
and to share in your joy.
Therefore withy all Creation we praise you.

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, 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 God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]

Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ,
who embodied your love.
He fed the hungry, healed the broken, and gathered the outcast.
In Christ you befriended us, that his joy may be ours.
He laid down his life for us, a gift of love and delight;
but you raised him from the dead, for love conquers even death.

     (The Blessing and Covenant) *
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ.
May the love that is born of you radiate in our hearts.
May we love you with all our heart, mind, soul and strength,
and love our neighbor as ourselves.
We did not choose you, but you have chosen us.
Send us to go and bear the fruit of compassion and justice,
for the healing of the world,
that your joy may be in us,
and our joy may be complete.

     [Spoken or sung]
Amen.

____________
* The Blessing and Covenant
[I usually don’t print the words. I want people to be looking at the bread, not their bulletins.]

On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples,saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.

Prayer of Dedication / Sending / after Communion

[Adapt as needed.]
1.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) Send us out, filled and changed by your love, to serve others for the sake of the healing of the world, in the name and the Spirit of Christ. Amen.

2.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) You have chosen us; you have loved us; you have laid down your life for us; you have empowered us to go and bear fruit. How can we but shine with gratitude, radiate joy, and bear love into this world, to your deep delight? Send us, Beloved, in te name of Christ. Amen.

Suggested Songs

(Click on titles to view, and hear an audio clip, on the Music page)

Communion Song (Tune: Fairest Lord Jesus)
        [Included in Easter Communion Songs,
        brief songs of invitation to communion set to familiar hymn tunes.]

Dear blessed Jesus, you laid down your life for us.
Risen from death, now you bid us dine.
Grateful, we bring our gifts, as we receive from you
your love poured out in bread and wine.

Come, risen Jesus, make your presence known to us;
come in flesh we can see and feel.
In bread and wine and prayer, in those with whom we share,
be present in this holy meal

Christ, as we share this meal, give to us your Spirit.
Make us your Body, your Word made clear.
In our forgiveness, in hearts of grace and peace,
the world may see you risen here.


Fill Me, Love        (Tune: Lead Me, Lord)

Fill me, Love, fill me with the oil of love,
may my lamp burn, burn long and bright.
For, Love, you fill me when my heart is empty,
so I may shine through the longest night.



Fulfill Your Love In Me      (Original song)

Refrain:
Fulfill your love in me, O Loving Spirit,
fulfill your love in me, O Heart of Love.

Verses:Speak the name Beloved in my deepest soul.
Hold me in your heart, your gentle loving. (Refrain)

Heal me with your mercy and your tenderness.
Bring to life the grace in me to love you. (Refrain)

Give me grace to love my neighbor as myself,
freely, with the love with which you love me. (Refrain)



O Sovereign Love     (Tune: Amazing Grace)

Beloved, you who guard and guide and give for every need,
reign in my heart, O Sovereign Christ; direct each thought and deed.

O Sovereign Love, my root, my sun, my purpose and my peace,
I spurn the world’s vain, anxious rule, and trust your Law of Grace.

The Empire of your justice, God, with mercy’s clear command
shall be my home; my loyalty is to no lesser land.

In humble and obedient thanks I pledge my life to you,
to join your work of justice, God, to make the world anew.

Reign in my heart, O Christ, my Rule. In faith I am compelled
to serve you, who by love alone have conquered all the world.



Set Me Free (To Love) (Original song)

From all that binds me, Love, set me free.
From all that binds me, Love, set me free.
Set me free, Love, set me free.
Oh Love, set me free for love.

From what I fear, O Love set me free….
From what I cling to, Love, set me free…
To live in perfect love, set me free….

May 12, 2024

Lectionary Texts

Ascension Day
[Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, is May 9.
It may be observed on Sunday the 12^th.
Make sure you use at least one of the ascension stories on Sunday!]

Luke 24.44-53 — Luke’s shorter ascension story.

Ephesians 1. 15-23 — For wisdom, “that the eyes of your heart be enlightened.” God raised Christ and seated Christ n power over all things.

Psalm 47 — Praise God for ruling over all Creation. God has “gone up with a shout.”

Acts 1.1-11 — The ascension of Christ.

7^th Sunday of Easter

Acts 1.15-17, 21-26 — The election of Matthias

Psalm 1 — Blessed are those…tree planted by streams of water

1 John 5.9-13 — Believe the testimony of eternal life

John 17.6-19 — “I have given them your Word… I’m not in the world, but they are…Not one was lost…protect them from the evil one…they don’t belong to the world …sanctify them”

Preaching Thoughts

Luke
       This is the end of Volume 1 of Luke’s gospel, Acts being volume 2. Here’s a shorter version of the story that’s repeated in Acts 1. In this version it’s late on the day of the resurrection. In Acts it’s 40 days later. Notice how Luke doesn’t mind telling two contradictory versions. They’re stories, not history.
       Jesus says scripture says the Messiah is to die and be raised. Well, Luke says it. Most scholars think Jesus never said that. But no one, Christian or Jewish, has ever been able to find scriptures that actually say that. It’s only through our Christian lens that we can overlay Jesus’ story onto Hebrew scriptures and see how they look similar. Take Isaiah’s servant songs. They’re not really about the Messiah (or even a person at all; they could be about the whole nation of Israel), and they don’t really describe resurrection. It’s not fair to pretend Isaiah had Jesus in mind in those songs. But we can see Jesus in them. The early church saw the resurrection as consonant with the way scripture shows us God, and their way of saying that was “scripture says this.” Let that be good enough.
       Jesus probably also didn’t say ”repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations.” But again it encapsulates the sense of mission of the early church. This is Luke’s version of a Great Commission, like John 20.22-23 and Matthew 28.18-20. This is what the early church believed they were about. The Jesus Seminar translates it: “All peoples will be called on to undergo a change of heart for the forgiveness of sins.” The root of this, the action we need to take, is not so much preaching but forgiving. It’s often assumed that people need to repent to be forgiven, but that’s not what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is the wounded person letting go of the hurt regardless of the hurtful person’s behavior. People will experience a change of heart when they receive forgiveness. We forgive, and that changes them; then they repent.

Ephesians
       What a rich vein. Pray your way through this slowly. Here is my paraphrase of the book of Ephesians. See also a couple readings below.
      Ephesians wasn’t written by Paul. Maybe his less anal sister. If you’re ever down, just read Ephesians., It’s stuffed with one blessing after another. The writer really cared about her congregation and believed in them.
      The prayer in this passage is for wisdom and enlightenment but it doesn’t mean being smart or knowing the right answers. It means the enlightenment of our hearts, the way our soul knows things our minds can’t comprehend. Like what it’s like to be loved. The writer wants you to hope, and to trust in the power of God, the power that raised Christ, power that is greater than any other power.

Acts
        The story of the Ascension, like that of the Transfiguration, is highly symbolic. Treating it as a historical fact that proves a certain point (like that Jesus is divine) is not as fruitful as letting it be a story that invites our wonder. The story offers layers of “meaning” and significance. 
     It’s the opener of Season Two of Luke’s series Jesus and His People. It begins as so many episodes do, with “Previously, in the Gospel of Luke,” and then does a little recap to bring us up to the present moment. (There’s also a little teaser for the next episode: “You will be baptized by the Holy Spirit not many does from now…” ) “Theophilus” could be a real person, or a symbolic name. It means “God-Lover.” Just like, yes, “Amadeus.”
      Jesus appears during 40 days, the Official Biblical Gestational Period. Scripture’s way of saying something holy is unfolding. Then the disciples want to know the old Messianic question: will you finally throw off Roman occupation and set Israel free? As usual Jesus changes the question, as if to say “My kingdom is not of this world.” Then he turns the focus from himself to the disciples: “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.” A foreshadowing of Pentecost. And of the work following that. The disciples (we) are to be Jesus’ witnesses, both to behold him and to “bear witness,” to show him forth in our living, in an expanding world from there in town in Jerusalem, across the country and even the “enemy country” of Samaria, and out into all the world. Jesus lays out a plan for a community that is radically expansive, not in conquest but in inclusion.
      We still cling to the ancient worldview that God is “up” (NFL players point to the sky when they score. Why not point to the ground, or their hearts?) Given that geography, for Jesus to ascend implies he’s gone ”up” to be with God on the throne—that is, to rule over all Creation. Love is actually sovereign, even if it’s unseen.
       For those concerned with the physical body of Jesus after the resurrection, this seems to present a puzzle: now where is Jesus? But he has told them: In you. In Luke 24.48-49 and Acts 1.8 Jesus has charged them to continue his ministry and promised the Spirit (in John 20.22 he has already breathed his spirit into them). So it’s not just a story about Jesus: it’s a story about us. Jesus is the spirit; they (we) are the body. On Pentecost the disciples will discover that gift with amazing power. The Ascension makes way for the community to become the physical body of the risen Christ.
       This is also a story about grief and transition: the disciples now have to live without Jesus in physical form. Kind of like the Smothers Brothers’ old “looking up in the air gag,” it evokes some awkwardness and confusion. It reflects a lot of the change, grief and uncertainty in the early church, and in the church these days. Some days it does seem like the church is just standing there in a daze, looking up into the air.
      It raises the question of how we live out our faith without the reassurance of Jesus’ physical presence with us. Much as we might wish he were ”here” in that way, we have to learn to accept his presence in a different form.
      “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Hm. Maybe that’s in reference to the scriptures depicting God coming “in the clouds” Jesus is going to come back through the sky? Or maybe it means he’ll come in a way as unexpected as this? Or maybe it simply means “You really saw him go, didn’t you? When he comes, don’t worry, you’ll see it.” Let it be a mystery.

Call to Worship

1.
Leader: Love has been crucified, but love has risen.
All: Love has ascended over us.
Love reigns supreme over all the world.
Love reigns in our hearts.
God of love, lead us as we worship.
Christ of love, lead us as we live.
Spirit of love, rise up; the world is yours.

2.
Leader: Christ, who was crucified, has been raised from the dead.
All: Christ is risen. Alleluia!
Christ has ascended into heaven and reigns with God over all things.
Christ is the ruler of our lives. Alleluia!
God gives us the Spirit, that we may be the risen Body of Christ.
Christ is alive in us. Alleluia!

3.
Leader: Holy Mystery, beyond, we seek you.
All: Loving Presence, among, we greet you.
Shapeshifter Christ, moving, we praise you.
Transcendent Spirit, filling us, we thank you.
We do not understand you, but we love you.
We do not comprehend, but we worship,
in awe, in joy, and gratitude. Alleluia!

4.
Leader: God of infinite mystery, your love is the heart of the universe.
All: The Beloved lives among us with grace.
Your love is the great power within all things.
The Beloved rules over the universe with tender compassion and mercy.
Christ, your love, has ascended to the throne of all Creation.
There is no power greater, no authority higher, that that of your love.
Your love is your power!
Your love is your might!
Your love is your victory!
The Beloved is our heart, and we are the Body of the Beloved.
Alleluia! Come, Spirit of Love, and reign over us.
Come, beloved, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

5.
Leader: We come to this time and place seeking God.
All: So often we are simply in a daze, looking up into the sky.
But you are not in the sky; you are in and among us.
You have transcended one time and place,
and are with us in all times and places.
We open our heart to your presence.
May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened,
that we may know the joy of your love. Amen.

Collect / Prayer of the Day

1.
Loving God, your eternal Christ once dwelt on earth, confined by time and space.
Give us faith to discern in every time and place the presence among us
of the One who is has ascended to fill all things and rule all things,
Jesus Christ the Beloved. Amen.

2.
Eternal God, in mercy you have raised Christ from the dead; in love you have set Christ to rule over all Creation. By your Spirit raise Christ up to rule in our hearts, with your mercy and grace. Amen.

3.
God of love, may the law of your Love reign over us. May the power of your Word have authority for us. May your throne be not only in the heart of the world but in the word of our hearts. Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening. Amen.

4.
Gracious God, you have placed Christ in power over this world. By your grace, may Christ be in power over our own lives. Help us to pledge our allegiance to Christ, to give your Beloved our heart and mind and soul and strength, so that we may truly serve as your faithful witnesses in this world, in the name of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit Amen.

Listening Prayer

(suitable as a Collect, preparation for hearing scriptures, or invitation to prayer)

1.
Loving Mystery,
open to me a spirit of revelation;
enlighten the eyes of my heart
to know your hope
and the power of your love.
May Christ rise over me and in me,
ruling all, filling all.

2.
God, enlighten the eyes of my heart,
that I may see clearly what is your true and beautiful will;
and even if I may not see your will,
that I may see what is true and beautiful;
and even if I may not see that,
that I may see what is.

Enlighten the eyes of my heart,
that I may be open to your light.
Amen.

Readings

1. Ephesians 1.15-23 – A paraphrase

I pray that God, the Womb of Love,
who in Jesus has embodied among us
the love that creates and orders our lives
and makes them good and beautiful,
may awaken in you deep awareness
of God’s presence and love.
With the eyes of your heart enlightened
may you have the hope God has for you;
may you live in wonder and trust
of the gifts we all receive as God’s Beloved;
may you come more deeply to trust
the immeasurable power of God’s love.

It is divine love that raised Christ from the dead,
raised Christ to rule the universe with love,
to rule over all human dominion
and all realms before and after humans,
in the visible world and the unseen.
All things are subject to the sovereignty of Love.
And we, the church, are the Body of Christ,
the body of that love,
love that fills everything, and contains everything.
Everything.
Alleluia.

2. Psalm 47 – A paraphrase

Don’t you want to dance?
         Don’t you feel the urge
         to rear back and sing real loud?
Because the Holy One, the Most,
         is so magnificent,
         and so totally has this world.
The Loving One has given us a love
         that overwhelms everything else.
Imagine this: the Infinite One
         has chosen us among all Creation,
         to love us and stay with us!

The universe is a song of praise
         to the Glorious One,
a flash of the radiance
         of God’s infinite power.
Go ahead and sing along!
         Make harmony with the heavenly song!
Sing your heart out to the Beloved!
         Let your whole life be the song!

Love is the heart of everything,
         so let love be the glory of your own heart.
—Doesn’t that make you want to sing?
         To run around shouting like a kid?—
The Loving One rules everything;
         occupies everyone’s secret place.
All of us—the whole planet—
         are God’s little ones,
         God’s dear sweeties.
What kind of a God could this be,
         but the most wonderful?

Poetry

1.
          Ascension Day Prayer

Master of Love, you have been taken from one place
and given in all places.
Released from one body, you now live in ours.
Lord of Love, you reign in my heart.
You are not absent, but within.
The power with which you create worlds,
raise the dead and heal all wounds,
the power of infinite love, lives in me.
Here in my heart, in all our hearts,
where love takes flesh as thoughts take song,
here in my heart your love sings.
Here in my heart is heaven,
and the Lord of Love,
reigning over all the universe.
I am your simple vessel, your humble home,
your sacred Body.
Together, we are your flesh.
We come into the world,
singing and dancing.

2.
          Ascension
We who loved him gawk,
amazed, at first more taken
by his going than his being gone.
But then arises in his place

an awkward, fearful silence
no one wants to break,
assurance, sealed in stark bewilderment,
that what we know is wrong,

that what we love is gone,
that how we might love well we do not know,
that love enough
we cannot summon.

The One we loved has shifted
once again, has hidden once again
somewhere— in someone? how?—
has disappeared into the very air,

or nearer still, where there is no flame yet,
but only hollow wind. How hard it is
when the Beloved slips into
a mystery we might not love.

This would be our defeat, a simple loss,
standing here, looking into air,
had not these strangers come among us,
(heaven always closer than we think),

shaking us from the sky, confusing us,
making us wonder, questioning within,
if we could trust this vanishing,
if he had really gone at all.


          Ascension Day

          I

He gave love a body,
hands and eyes and the weight of flesh;
and then gave it all away,
the love, and even the flesh.


          II

“This is my body. Take it and wear it,”
Still unaccustomed to the fit,
we look at ourselves in the mirror,
admiring our divine hand-me-downs.


          III

Having joined our flesh,
he rises, to look with love,
while life, conceived in us,
sanctifies its gathering flesh.


          IV

Lovers know what it is
to be drawn past your own skin.
Mothers know how a lover can step away
and yet grow within you.

          V

Christ has died, yet is risen;
Christ has gone, yet remains.
We clear the table after the feast.
We look up into the blossoming air.

Response / Creed / Affirmation

1. (Ephesians 1.17-23)
       We give our hearts to the God Christ the Beloved has revealed to us, who calls us to hope, who gives us a glorious inheritance among the saints, and who shows immeasurably great power for us who trust.
       God has shown that power in raising Christ from the dead and seating Christ beside God 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.
       God has put all things under Christ’s feet and has made Christ the head over all things for the church, which is Christ’s body, the fullness of God who fills all in all. Alleluia!


2. Adapted from Teresa of Avila

Christ has no body now but ours,
no hands, no feet on earth but ours.
Ours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world.
Ours are the feet with which he walks about to do good.
Ours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
       Christ, be with us; Christ be within us.
       Christ, hold us all in your loving Spirit. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

[After the introduction, the body of the prayer may be read responsively with the presiding leader(s) and congregation, or by the leader(s) alone.]

God is with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to the Holy One, our God.
It is good and beautiful to give God our praise.

We thank you for the gift of Creation,
for your Covenant of love, and your steadfast presence with us.
We thank you for your great love, by which you reign over the world,
far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
in this age and in the age to come.
By the great power of your love you set the slaves free in Egypt,
and by that love you set us free from all that oppresses.
You gave us the gift of Jesus Christ,
who is our head, who fills everything.
Joyous to share in this meal, we sing your praise.

            [Sanctus, spoken or sung:]
        Holy, holy, holy One, 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 God.
        Hosanna in the highest.
               [or alternate version]  
 
Blessed are all who come in your name,
and blessed is Jesus, your Christ.
He fed the hungry, healed the broken, gathered the outcast
and proclaimed the dominion of your grace.
By the powers of injustice he was crucified.
But by the great power of your love you raised him from the dead
and seated him at your right hand and made him the head over all things,
the fullness of the One who fills all in all.
He offered to us the hope to which you have called us,
the riches of your glorious inheritance
and the immeasurable power of your grace.
In this meal he is present with us and all the church,
which is Christ’s Body, embodying your covenant of love.

     (The Blessing and Covenant) *

As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.
Therefore, remembering these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

             [Memorial Acclamation, spoken or sung:]
        Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
                     —or—
        Dying, Christ destroyed our death. Rising, Christ restores our life.
        Christ will come again in glory.
             [or alternative]

Pour out your Holy Spirit on these gifts of bread and cup,
that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ.
Pour out your Spirit on us,
that we may be for the world the Body of Christ.
In this meal may we come to know Christ,
so that, with the eyes of our hearts enlightened,
we may trust and live and love in his Spirit.
Receiving the power of your Spirit,
may we be your witnesses in this place,
among strangers and even enemies, and to the ends of the earth.
Risen and ascended Christ, live in us,
for the sake of the wholeness of the world,
to your delight, now and always.

     [Spoken or sung]
Amen.

____________
* The Blessing and Covenant
[I usually don’t print the words. I want people to be looking at the bread, not their bulletins.]

On the night in which he gave himself for us
Jesus took bread, blessed it,. broke it, and gave it to his disciples,saying,
“Take and eat; this is my body.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup,
blessed it with thanks and gave it to them, saying,
“Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood,
poured out for you and for many, in a new Covenant,
which is the forgiveness of sin.”
As long as we break this bread and share this cup
we remember his death and resurrection, until he comes again.

Prayer of Dedication / Sending / after Communion

[Adapt as needed.]
1.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) Guide us by your Spirit, make us the living Body of Christ, and send us into the world in love for the sake of the healing of all Creation. Amen.

2.
Gracious God, we thank you for (the mystery that you give yourself to us / this mystery in which you have given yourself to us.) In Christ you have brought heaven to earth, and in his resurrection you have brought us to heaven, and now you give us to the world. Send us into the world to be his witnesses, to embody the Risen One in our living and our loving, in the grace of your Spirit. Amen.

3.
Gracious God, Christ who was crucified you have raised from the dead.
By this meal grant that we may share in his new life.
You have enthroned Christ to reign over all Creation.
By these gifts may he reign in our hearts.
Christ has promised us his Spirit.
Through this communion may his Spirit fill us and guide us.
Christ has called us as his witnesses.
Strengthened by this food may we share your feast of grace with others,
in the name of Christ, and by the power of your Spirit. Amen.

Suggested Songs

(click on titles to view, and hear an audio clip, on the music page)

Offering song (Tune: HOLY MANNA or Joyful, Joyful)
(Included in Offering Songs, one- or two-verse songs for dedication of offering or communion elements, set to familiar hymn tunes.)

Christ is risen, but no longer in firm flesh that we can hold.
Christ is risen far beyond our thought or power, forms of old.
As a fire can’t keep its light but shines it out; it travels on,
Christ has risen and ascended: love to rule the world has gone.

Christ is risen, and has named us witnesses to all the world.
We are now the risen Body, hands outstretched and grace unfurled.
So we bring our lives to God, that God will bless them, shining bright,
and we pray the Spirit lead us radiating love’s pure light.


Christ Has Ascended (Tune: Morning Has Broken)

Christ has ascended, dead once, yet risen,
seated with God now, sovereign above:
Jesus the healer, ruling Creation,
reigning with mercy, justice and love.

Christ has ascended, hidden in daylight,
always before you, here in plain sight.
Do not look skyward, but to your neighbor,
every face shining with God’s pure light.

Christ has ascended, so that his Spirit
is not his only, but with us all.
Still our companion, he will be with us,
no matter where we follow his call.

Christ has ascended! To his disciples
freely his Spirit Jesus imparts.
We are his Body, witnessing daily,
light of his rising clear in our hearts.

Christ, Ruler of All Things (Tune: Fairest Lord Jesus)

Christ, Ruler of all things, what is seen and unseen,
your love reigns; your grace is sure.
Beneath our fear and strife, death fails to conquer life:
your tender mercy still endures.

Christ, Ruler of our hearts, come and reign within us.
Make us comrades, siblings, friends.
Your love be our life, our only power,
that gives us life that never ends.

Christ, Ruler of the earth, bring your gentle justice:
your Realm come, your will be done.
Heal all oppression; fill us with mercy,
as faithful as the rising sun.

Christ, Ruler of all things, of what is and is to come,
Risen One, our song we raise.
Rule in our living; guide us with tender love.
Your grace in us will be your praise.

Love Is Enthroned (Tune: Finlandia)

O, risen Christ, who once appeared among us,
you have ascended! Loud we sing your praise.
Though we may see no shadow of your nearness,
you have not gone; your loving presence stays.
You are no longer in one time or place,
but in all things, to radiate your grace.

Christ has ascended, reigning now above.
Love is enthroned at the Creator’s side.
All powers on earth are subject to Christ’s love,
who is our history’s unseen, gentle guide.
Though evil try to make this world its home,
Love is its Lord, and love shall overcome.

Go in the peace of Christ who is our Lord,
and gently heal, amid the fear and strife.
For we who eat and drink the living Word
are now Christ’s Body, and Christ’s earthly life.
We may not see the journey or the end,
but Christ still reigns, our ruler and our friend.

O Faithful God (Tune: Finlandia)

O faithful God, whose steadfast love is sure,
O Loving Father, Mother kind and strong:
your Covenant forever will endure;
you bind us to your heart our whole life long.
No matter how rebellious is your child,
in you we are brought home and reconciled

You hold us, God, in kinship with each other.
We have been loved and held when we would run.
We all are siblings, all born of one Mother;
though we would flee, you join us all as one.
Our deepest wounds come from our deepest love,
and so our highest hope for life above.

So teach us God, to bravely love each other,
for all belong within your house of grace,
to give our enemy, who is our brother,
our steadfast mercy, and a wide embrace;
for in our love, though we be right or wrong,
we know the grace to which we all belong.


Risen Bread (Tune: Be Thou My Vision)

You laid your life down like sowing a seed;
once dead and buried, from death you are freed,
rising like wheat in the warmth of the sun!
Christ you are risen! New life has begun!

Christ, you are risen, but not far above:
you live among us in each act of love,
in every deed of compassion you rise,
living in flesh we can see with our eyes.

Christ, we are blest as we gather to dine,
strengthened for love by the bread and the wine.
This is your Body, now entering ours,
strong with your loving, miraculous powers.

Gathered like wheat from the fields in the sun,
once we were scattered but raised we are one.
We are the body of your love and grace,
your blest community, your real human face.

Jesus, you feed us, then bid us to leave,
sharing with others the love we receive.
We are your Body, sent by your command,
making love real as the bread in our hands.

Note:
Third verse may be omitted if there is no communion.
Final verse may be included with other verses
or as a blessing at the end of the service.


You are the Nerve (Tune: Finlandia)

O God, your Christ is risen in your people.
On earth Christ has no body now but ours.
We are the flesh and blood of your compassion:
moved by your Spirit, with its loving powers.
God be our heart, and we will be your Body,
serving in love in all our days and hours.

We are your feet, that go with joy to others
to share your love, the gospel we confess.
We are your eyes that see what is and may be,
that see each person’s need and loveliness.
We are your hands, that work with strength for justice,
your hands that shelter, heal and feed and bless.

Love, move in me, and guide me by your Spirit,
even when I don’t see or understand.
My life is yours, to be your living Body,t
hat I may love and serve at your command.
This is my life, my purpose and my power:
you are the nerve, and I your willing hand.

Your Holy Feast (Tune: “Londonderry Air,” Oh Danny Boy)

Oh healing Christ, you bring us to your table here,
to share with you, and all the ones you love.
We come as one, alike forgiven, healed and dear.
Oh come and bless us, Spirit, tender Dove.
        Oh, make us yours, your servants and your lovers.
        Oh, make us one, united here in you.
        Oh, make us new: the Red Sea lead us over,
        and set us free to walk in harmony with you.

Oh, Christ, you come, forgiving, risen from the dead,
in gracious love, that far outlives the grave.
You offer us your life in this, your humble bread,
and in this wine, your love poured out to save.
        So fill us with your peace and make us one again.
        Oh, fill us with your gentle, freeing love.
        Oh risen Christ, draw us into your rising here,
        and fill us with your light now dawning from above.

We come to eat the bread of peace you offer us.
We come to drink your resurrecting wine.
We come to feast upon your presence here with us,
and so become your Body as we dine.
        So make us whole again, and be our living breath.
        Make us your hands, and you will be our nerve.
        Oh, risen Christ, we join you, rising up from death,
        and by your side we’ll go, made new, to love and serve.