Scripture Focus: Luke
24:44-53 (note: this is the Gospel text
for Thursday, May 17, Ascension of Our Lord.
Many churches read the ascension texts on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. There will also be a Children’s Sermon posted
using the texts appointed for Sunday, May 20.)
Preparation: Make
a “to-do” list with the items: 1) Receive power from God. 2) Go to the temple
and pray. 3) Go tell what you have seen.
Faith+Open: As the children gather ask them, “Have you
ever been left with a list of things to do?”
Maybe you get a list at home like, first you need to finish your dinner,
then you need to clean up your room, then you can go play with your
friends. Guess what, the disciples got a
list like that, too!
Faith+Share: Today
we are celebrating the Ascension of Our Lord.
That’s a big word, don’t you think?
Does anyone know what it means?
Wait for a few answers. You guys are pretty smart! Ascension means to go up. It can also describe when someone gets more
power or more responsibility. Kings and
queens ascend to the thrown when they become a kind or queen. In the story of Jesus’ ascension he really
does go up – up into the sky to be with God, but before he goes he leaves a “To-Do”
list.
Right before he
ascends, Jesus tells the disciples that they are the ones who know what
happened in Jerusalem (what we know as the Easter story) and that they need to
tell the story to other people. Get
out your list. First, though, they have a few other things
to do. Jesus tells them to wait in the
city until they have been “clothed with power from on high.” That always makes me think of a super hero
suit from God! Like the disciples become
super storytellers for God! Storytellers
who can baptize people, and heal the sick and injured, who can travel amazing
distances and tell the story over and over.
Pretty cool, huh? Then they go to
the temple and bless God for the amazing gifts that God has given them. Then they head out into the world to share
the good news! That story starts next week
when we celebrate Pentecost. So, this is
our last chance this year to say this, Happy Easter!
Faith+Prayer: Powerful God, we thank you for the gifts
you give us. Help us to use our gifts
like the disciples did, by going out into the world and sharing the good news
of Christ. Amen
Faith+Blessing: Remember what Jesus says to his disciples:
Do not be afraid and peace be with you. +
~GB
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