Ascension Day
As mentioned earlier, I've been working on a service for Ascension Day that builds upon the historical observance of the feast day, but also something that's more participation than observation.
This is a basic sketch of it:
Sursum Corda
Brief Welcome
Songs (possibly Christ Arose, Crown Him with Many Crowns, My Glorious)
Sermon - delivered from the stations around the room
Visiting the Stations - the different stations focus the participant on different aspects of what Jesus' Ascension means and why it is important. Each station has different visuals (props, video clips, songs, "active learning"-type stuff, etc.) that help relate the point to the participant. These are in no particular order and the participants have ample time to move from station to station.
* We have an Advocate at the Father's right hand.
* We will face persecution
* We are challenged to spread the Gospel with others
* We will join Him in the Great Banquet (Wedding Feast)
* The Kingdom of God is being ushered in right now
* We have the presence of the Holy Spirit
* We anticipate His return
Trumpet Sound
Collect
Songs
Communion "hymn"
Communion
Closing Video and Benediction
So that's it in a nutshell. When I have more time, I'll post more of what I'm thinking. The idea is to really make it something in which everyone feels like they're participating instead of just watching what's going on up on stage.
This is a basic sketch of it:
Sursum Corda
Brief Welcome
Songs (possibly Christ Arose, Crown Him with Many Crowns, My Glorious)
Sermon - delivered from the stations around the room
Visiting the Stations - the different stations focus the participant on different aspects of what Jesus' Ascension means and why it is important. Each station has different visuals (props, video clips, songs, "active learning"-type stuff, etc.) that help relate the point to the participant. These are in no particular order and the participants have ample time to move from station to station.
* We have an Advocate at the Father's right hand.
* We will face persecution
* We are challenged to spread the Gospel with others
* We will join Him in the Great Banquet (Wedding Feast)
* The Kingdom of God is being ushered in right now
* We have the presence of the Holy Spirit
* We anticipate His return
Trumpet Sound
Collect
Songs
Communion "hymn"
Communion
Closing Video and Benediction
So that's it in a nutshell. When I have more time, I'll post more of what I'm thinking. The idea is to really make it something in which everyone feels like they're participating instead of just watching what's going on up on stage.