37C - Ascension Day — 39C - Day of Pentecost
 
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD (Psalm 97:1-7)
Let the earth shout with joy at the sovereignty of the LORD:
sun-drenched beaches, reefs and distant islands, rejoice!.
Clouds of deep mystery surround the LORD,
whose throne stands firm on justice 
        and God’s actions which put things right.
The spirit of the LORD rises up,
transforming and dispelling the surrounding powers and principalities.
Lightning shone in the dark of the world,
and the earth writhed as though in childbirth.
Ageless mountains melted like wax before the LORD,
from the presence of the LORD of all the earth
The heavens proclaimed God’s actions which put things right,
and all the people saw the glory of the LORD.

CONFESSION (Psalm 97:8-12)
Those who went after other gods were put to shame -
even the gods bowed down.
Rejoicing and acclamation rise up
because of your judgements, O LORD.
For you, O LORD, are the Most High, over all the earth;
you are greatly exalted over the gods.
For the times we follow other gods, to our own shame
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
You who love the LORD, despise evil,
for the LORD protects the lives of the faithful,
        and will rescue them from the hand of the wicked.
For the times turn from the protection of your hand
Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Light shines out for those who live justly;
        it rejoices for the honest heart.
Rejoice, in the LORD, you whose lives express God’s justice,
and give thanks to the holy name of your God.
For the times when our living does not express your justice
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

Comfort us, heal us, and re-create us, O God,
so that in wholeness 
we may live to your glory,
and the greatness of your holy name. Amen.

A CREATIVE MOMENT - Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
As for last week, a large jug of water (together with several glass tumblers), bright white/gold flowers and a swathe of white/gold cloth draped from these symbols onto the floor, symbolising the river of the water of life. A small fruit tree in a tub or pot could be placed alongside the blue cloth on the floor. Perhaps use v.17 as part of a Call to Worship.

Click here for some ideas for worship in Lent and Easter gleaned from the pages of “On the Move” (now out of print), published by the Joint Board of Christian Education, Melbourne, Australia.

Looking for contemporary music and song resources?
Try David MacGregor’s Together to Celebrate
Or metrical psalms? Try Dale A. Schoening’s Sing the Psalms