Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 68)
One: We shout for joy to God who rides upon the clouds!
All: We will call out to the Lord, the rider of the ancient skies, who dwells in holiness.
One: We sing praises to our awe-inspiring God, before whom the earth quakes, and whose abundant blessings provide for all in need!
All: God is Sovereign over the earth, a defender of the defenseless, and parent to orphans;
One: Our God goes forth before the people, marching through the wilderness of their lives. God binds our wounds and binds us together bringing forth restoration and justice in the world.
All: The Church creates families for those who are alone, and the followers of Christ are called to lead captives to freedom and break the yoke of oppression.
One: Let us proclaim the power of God!
All: O God, how awesome you are in your sanctuary! You give power and strength to your people.
Prayer of Renewal
God Most High, we gather to honor and glorify you. Enfold us in your presence and fill us again with holy awe and mystery. We are yours and we claim you as our God. Forgive us for ignoring the prompting of your Spirit, and for placing our will above yours. Grant us courage to share in Christ’s sufferings, to be his witnesses, and to carry your loving compassion to a hurting world. Amen. Amen.
Scripture Acts 1:6-14
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 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.”