A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
This is the day that the Lord has made.
May 25, 2025 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “Rejoice, the Lord is King” -Hymn #224
Welcome and Announcements
Moment of Silence—Memorial Day Remembrance
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message (Rose Admiraal)
*Opening Hymn “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise” -vv. 1-3; Hymn #209
*Call to Worship –Psalm 47
God has gone up with a shout.
Clap your hands, all you peoples;
Shout to God with loud songs of joy.
For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
He subdued peoples under us
and nations under our feet.
He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
God has gone up with a shout,
the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the king of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm.
God is king over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.
*Hymn of Praise “He Is Lord” -Hymn #227
Call to Confession -1 John 1:8-10
Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon -1 John 2:1-2
Guide for Grateful Living -1 John 2:5-6
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts “Jesus Shall Reign” -Hymn #219
*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.
*The Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
(One of four standards of belief in the Reformed Church in America)
Regarding the Ascension of our Lord
Q&A 46
Q. What do you mean by saying, “He ascended to heaven”?
A. That Christ while his disciples watched, was taken up from the earth into heaven and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.
Q&A 49
Q. How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?
A. First, he is our advocate in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that Christ our head will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a corresponding pledge. By the Spirit’s power we seek not earthly things but the things above, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Acts 1:1-11 (NIV Pew Bible Page 1549)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “The Benefits of the Lord’s Ascension”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. On 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 #553 “How Great Thou Art”
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Closing Hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” -Hymn #2
*Benediction
*Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.