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Ascension Sunday

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, June 1, 2025

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THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

June 1, 2025

10:00 a.m.

First Lutheran Church,

The Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City

PRELUDE A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing settings by James Kasen- Paul Manz

You see him now, ascending high | up to the portals of the sky."

Alleluia, alleluia! | "Hereafter Jesus you shall see | returning in great majesty."

O risen Christ, ascended Lord, | all praise to you let earth accord.

Alleluia, alleluia! | You are, while endless ages run, | with Father and with Spirit one

WELCOME Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia!

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, the One who was, who is, and who is to come.

Amen.

Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection,and called to live the baptized life,

let us give thanks for the gifts of baptism.

Holy God, we give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that make a people your own, that restore to wholeness, and empower us to be witnesses in your name.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that strengthen believers

and give new life to beloved servants of your church; waters that extend your boundless love

and cross barriers of our own making.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

We give you thanks for the waters of baptism, waters that open the hearts of believers

and give a voice in the night to those in captivity; waters that set your people on a new path,

rejoicing in the Spirit’s power.

Baptized into you, O Living One, make us one as you are one.

Grant us grace, love, and life, O Living One, that our every day is shaped by these waters that give us our very lives in you. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One. Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Guide My Feet

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray together: Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

THE FIRST READING: Acts 1:1-11

Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.

Luke writes: 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 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. 4 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; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

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.”

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

PSALM 47 congregation repeats refrain after the cantor

1 Clap your hands, | all you peoples;

shout to God with a | joyful sound.

2 For the Lord Most High is | to be feared:

a great king over | all the earth,

3 who subdues the | peoples under us,

and the nations un- | der our feet;

4 who chooses our inheri- | tance for us,

the pride of Jacob, | whom God loves. / R

5 God has gone up | with a shout,

the Lord with the sound | of the ram’s horn.

6 Sing praises to | God, sing praises;

sing praises to our | king, sing praises. / R

7 For God is king of | all the earth;

sing praises | with a song.

8 God reigns o- | ver the nations;

God is en- | throned on high.

9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered as the people of the | God of Abraham.

The rulers of the earth belong to God, who is high- | ly exalted. / R

EPISTLE LESSON: Ephesians 1:15-23

The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.

15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray 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, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 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, 21 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. 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Go and make disciples of all nations, | says the Lord;* I am with you always, to the end | of the age. (Matt. 28:19, 20)

GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53 Glory to you, O Lord.

On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.

44 Jesus said to the eleven and those with 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.”45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 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, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 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.”

50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Kurt Christenson

HYMN OF THE DAY Alleluia Sing to Jesus Intro by Michael Burkhardt

Verses 1, 2, 5

OFFERING

You may also give online using the button at the top right of your screen.

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor

Look Ye Saints the Sight is Glorious Bryn Calfaria

Paul Manz

Hark, those bursts of acclamation! | Hark, those loud triumphant chords!

Jesus takes the highest station; | O what joy the sight affords!

OFFERING PRAYER

Gracious Provider, you set your immense treasures among us, opening your heart to the world. As we prepare to feast on your bountiful love, deepen our commitment to sharing those treasures with others, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

*each petition will end with the phrase “Hear us, O God.”

The congregation responds with “Your mercy is great.”

APOSTLES CREED We share together in the ancient story of faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

COMMUNION LITURGY

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 indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ; who, enthroned forever at your right hand,

intercedes for us as our great high priest. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

OUR LORD'S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: 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. 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.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is somehow present in the bread and wine, however full of mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer. We also have gluten free wafers. If you wish for those please indicate when you approach the Pastor.

AGNUS DEI Lamb of God

COMMUNION HYMN In This Feast of Love

COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.

Living One, in this feast you have made yourself known to us. Send us now to tell of your wonders, sing of your glory, and proclaim your risen life to a wounded and weary world. Amen.

SENDING HYMN A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

Verses 1, 4, 5

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

The triune God, who was, who is, and who is to come, Sovereign, Savior, and Spirit, light your way with resurrection dawn, now and always.

Amen.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

You are the body of Christ raised up for the world. Go in peace. Share the good news.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Guide My Feet, While I Run this Race Improv FLC Musicians

Sanctuary flowers were given by Bill & Paul Engel in honor of Bill Radatz’s 80th Birthday and all of his continuing work on our art gallery wall.

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Jan Neuhaus, Lector

Beth Slevcove, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Deacon Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel,

Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers

Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer

Ruth Clayton, Kersten Sutter, Melinda Person, Dan Kjonegaard, Ushers

Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy

from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work

First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:

Connecting with each other
Fostering leadership
Attending to our Virtual Community
Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice

June 27th @ 7:00: Artists Response--This is Our Lives!

Visual artists, photographers, and performers respond with their own State of the Union answers to where we are right now re: race, gender rights, black history, arts funding.

Among the artists contributing: Dorothy Annette, Donna Woods, Becket Logan, Yvette Deas, Portia Gregory, Frank DeLouise, Ron Christopher Jones, Bill Radatz, Kenny Ha, Kailey Madoka Agpaoa, and Michael Ruy. With new theater by Roy Sekigahama and Bil Wright.

Suggested donation of $15 but pay what you can! Refreshments provided. To donate in advance toward the expenses for the show, please give using the QR code to the right.

June 2: FLC Night at TACO

Fellow FLC volunteers, June 2 is the first Monday of June and our evening to assist with serving dinner at TACO. Please consider giving 2 hours of your time for this worthwhile and heartwarming experience. We need 8-10 volunteers. If you can give of your time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday June 2, please let Joann Masters know, either at church or by email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and she'll take care of signing you up. Come join the fun! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Scam Text Update

Earlier this week, some of you received texts from a scammer posing as Pastor Kurt and asking for gift cards. More details about the incident can be found in the Heartbeat. As a reminder for the community, Pastor Kurt or staff will NEVER contact you by text or email asking for money. If you receive a suspicious text from someone at FLC, please do not respond to them, but reach out and let us know.

Next Sunday after worship: “No Kings” Poster-Making

A group of FLC members will be meeting in the parking lot on June 14 at 9:30am to walk over to the “No Kings” protest at the waterfront. After worship on Sunday, June 8, we will be meeting on the patio to make posters for the event. If you would like to make a poster to march with during the event, please bring a poster board with you and some art supplies to share. You can participate even if you’re not meeting us for the event!

ThursDIYs with Pastor Kurt start June 12

There are numerous DIY projects around First Lutheran that need attention. Our little campus is the hardest working building in the city and as Christ’s heart it needs to keep beating. Many projects need professionals to perform but there are many which willing amateurs can do such as painting the back hallway, repairing the closet doors in the lounge, replacing screws into the backs of some chairs, rehanging vertical blinds, painting new hazard stripes on the concrete steps, replacing ceiling tiles in the office, etc.

Beginning ThursDIY June 12th and every ThursDIY throughout the summer Pastor Kurt will be onsite from 8:00 am-12:00 noon with his tool box and know-how. He welcomes your help. All you need to bring are your work clothes and a willing spirit. Coffee break is at 10:00 and for those interested a light lunch at noon.

Please RSVP to Pastor Kurt so he can be sure to have projects and supplies ready to go. He knows it is frustrating to volunteer your time and then not have work ready to perform.

Save the date! July 19 Pride Parade

Pride parade planning is underway! The parade will take place on Saturday, July 19, followed by a Pride-themed worship on July 20. The "SD Lutherans for Love" committee had its first meeting last Thursday and is hoping that congregations around the area will be marching together. We will be using the “Lutherans for Love” theme from previous years. The committee is looking for help with shuttle driving, float towing, and lunch after the parade. Please let Erin know if you can help. More details and a link to purchase T-shirts can be found in the Heartbeat e-news.

De-Escalation Training: July 27

FLC is a community that welcomes and serves a diverse population. Occasionally, we find ourselves confronted by individuals whose behavior makes us feel uncomfortable or unsafe. FLC employees will be attending a de-escalation training on July 27 following worship, presented by our TACO social worker, Leo. We would like to extend this invitation to the larger FLC community and strongly encourage council members, ushers, and TACO volunteers to attend the training so that we can handle these situations with an appropriate and consistent response. We will also discuss the recent policy adopted by the council on handling unexpected visits from ICE.

Magnifying Christ’s Light Project Updates

The tower/exterior painting project has been sent to council for final approval and is expected to be completed in June.
The sacristy and sound booth carpentry projects are ready for scheduling and slated for June completion.

TACO Bites

FLC raised $1,325 during the season of Lent to donate toward TACO’s shower program. That’s 2,600 bottles of shampoo!
Jefferey, the TACO housing coordinator, has resigned from TACO to pursue professional comedy in LA! Jefferey helped numerous TACO clients with housing and other needs. He will be missed!

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lobby
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet
Thursday	12:00 Al Anon in the library 4:00 Book Group in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Saturday	12:00 TACO First Saturday Giveaway
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship