May 17, 2026
Ascension Sunday
May 15, 2026 Livestream Worship + Online Bulletin
Gathering
I Stand Amazed in the Presence arr. James Koerts
Prelude
For the Beauty of the Earth arr. Jason Tonioli
Welcome
Call to Worship
Sometimes faith calls us to act.
Sometimes faith calls us to wait.
In uncertainty we gather in prayer.
In hope we trust God’s promises.
The Spirit is near even in the waiting.
God is preparing something new.
Come, let us worship the God of patient hope.
We wait with open hearts.
Hymn
Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know UMH#163
A Reading from the Old Testament
Joel 2:28–29
A Reading from the Psalms
Psalm 130 UMH p. 848
Anthem
Psalm 150 John Harper
Reading from the New Testament
Acts 1:6–14
Sermon
Lessons in Waiting. |. Rev. Paula Dempsey
Joys & Concerns with the Lord’s Prayer
Holy God,
Breath of life and source of love,
Your presence fills heaven and earth.
May your name be honored in all we do.
Let your dream for the world take root among us.
Let your hope rise here on earth
as surely as it lives in heaven.
Give us today what we need for this day—
bread for our bodies, wisdom for our choices,
and courage for the work before us.
Forgive us when we turn away from love,
as we learn to forgive those who have wounded us.
Lead us away from fear and despair,
and guide us toward justice, mercy, and peace.
For the world belongs to you,
the Spirit moves through you,
and the power of resurrection is yours
now and always. Amen.
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
Make a Gift of a Tithe or Offering
Doxology UMH#94
Hymn
Christ Is the World’s Light UMH#188
Blessing and Sharing of Christ’s Light
Postlude
Jesus Shall Reign arr. Anne Krentz Organ
Today’s worship participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Kelly Dotson
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Worship Arts Associate: Patty Higgins
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Mars Hill United Methodist Church
PO Box 427
Mars Hill, NC 28754
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