FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
ASCENSION OF THE LORD
MAY 17, 2026
PRELUDE Guidance, by Lani Smith
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-SISTERHOOD will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 11:30 AM for pizza, paid for by PW
-SESSION will meet Thursday, May 21 at 1:30 PM in the Center Meeting Room
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 PM in the church lounge
- NEW MEMBER OR CONFIRMATION CLASS: if you’re interested in participating, please contact Robby or Donna. -
- BE A GREETER Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board by the office.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Clap your hands, all people!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For God rules over earth and heaven.
Sing our psalms of praise!
God has gone up with a shout;
Let us make a joyful noise to God!
*OPENING HYMN #455 (blue) “All Creatures of Our God and King”
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for the Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest us both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fertile earth, that day by day unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them God’s glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And everyone of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, your Creator bless, and worship God in humbleness,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Christ who was and is and is to come, we stand looking up at the heavens, looking for you there. Forgive us for believing that you have left us. Forgive us for failing to recognize you in the world around us. Forgive us for waiting idly for your return, instead of doing the work you have called us to do. You are above us, around us, before us, and within us; help us to embody you in our time and place, today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear this astounding truth: Christ is the one who reigns on high, Christ is the one with the power to judge us, and Christ is the one who offers us eternal love, forgiveness, and mercy.
Response: All praise to Christ who lived, died, and lives again! Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 1:6-14
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
SERMON What is Eternal Life? Larry Ort, pulpit supply
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there 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
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #144 (blue) “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne!
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone!
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by His blood.
Alleluia! Not as orphans are we left in sorrow now.
Alleluia! He is near us; faith believes nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him, when the forty days were o'er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise, "I am with you evermore"?
Alleluia! Bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay.
Alleluia! Here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners, earth's Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary, earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne.
Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh, our great High Priest
Thou on earth both Priest and Victim in the eucharistic feast.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Don B, Jan J, Carrie VB, Skip W
Our homebound or in care members: JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #341 (blue) “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine”
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above, fiilled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, pPraising my Savior all the day long
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns
ORDER OF WORSHIP
ASCENSION OF THE LORD
MAY 17, 2026
PRELUDE Guidance, by Lani Smith
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM, Center Meeting Room
-SISTERHOOD will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 11:30 AM for pizza, paid for by PW
-SESSION will meet Thursday, May 21 at 1:30 PM in the Center Meeting Room
-MEN’S BROTHERHOOD will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 PM in the church lounge
- NEW MEMBER OR CONFIRMATION CLASS: if you’re interested in participating, please contact Robby or Donna. -
- BE A GREETER Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board by the office.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Clap your hands, all people!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For God rules over earth and heaven.
Sing our psalms of praise!
God has gone up with a shout;
Let us make a joyful noise to God!
*OPENING HYMN #455 (blue) “All Creatures of Our God and King”
All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heaven along,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for the Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest us both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fertile earth, that day by day unfoldest blessings on your way,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them God’s glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And everyone of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, your Creator bless, and worship God in humbleness,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Christ who was and is and is to come, we stand looking up at the heavens, looking for you there. Forgive us for believing that you have left us. Forgive us for failing to recognize you in the world around us. Forgive us for waiting idly for your return, instead of doing the work you have called us to do. You are above us, around us, before us, and within us; help us to embody you in our time and place, today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear this astounding truth: Christ is the one who reigns on high, Christ is the one with the power to judge us, and Christ is the one who offers us eternal love, forgiveness, and mercy.
Response: All praise to Christ who lived, died, and lives again! Alleluia!
*GLORIA PATRI”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 1:6-14
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
John 17:1-11
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
SERMON What is Eternal Life? Larry Ort, pulpit supply
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there 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
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #144 (blue) “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus; His the scepter, His the throne!
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone!
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood;
Jesus out of every nation hath redeemed us by His blood.
Alleluia! Not as orphans are we left in sorrow now.
Alleluia! He is near us; faith believes nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him, when the forty days were o'er,
Shall our hearts forget His promise, "I am with you evermore"?
Alleluia! Bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay.
Alleluia! Here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners, earth's Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary, earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne.
Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh, our great High Priest
Thou on earth both Priest and Victim in the eucharistic feast.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Don B, Jan J, Carrie VB, Skip W
Our homebound or in care members: JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
*CLOSING HYMN #341 (blue) “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine”
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above, fiilled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, pPraising my Savior all the day long
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns
