Worship from Home | St. John's Church

Worship at Home Service

The Ascension of the Lord

May 17, 2026

Welcome

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them"

MATTHEW 18: 31-46

We continue to be in extraordinary times, but St. John’s is committed to acting with care for each other. Our online worship provides music and prayers which are up-dated weekly. We hope our online worship inspires you and helps you to feel united in spirit as we seek God.

Opening Sentence

Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the close of the age.

Matthew 28: 19, 20

Gathering the Community

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn

''I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say"

Collect for The Ascension of the Lord

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of his peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Hymn

'Lord of All Hopefulness'

The Word of God

Luke 24: 44-53

Homily

Silence for Reflections

Prayers of the People

Today we remember and give thanks for mothers, for those who care for and nurture future generations. We give thanks for their love and their guidance as we pray for the church, the world, and all in need, saying, “God of love, hear our prayer.”

In these troubling times, we continue to pray for peace in our world; for an end to all wars. We pray especially for the people of Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Iran O God it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let your great love shine on the waste of our wrath and sorrows, and give peace to your Church, peace among nations, peace in our homes and peace in our hearts.

R- God of love, hear our prayer

We pray for churches around the world - may they be strengthened and seen as beacons of hope during these trying times.

We pray for this parish of St. John’s and other parishes in our community. We pray for all church leaders, especially Susan and Colin, our Bishops, Rev. Audrius and other clergy leaders that they may be given strength and wisdom to lead in these challenging times. Draw your church together, O Lord, into one great company of disciples, together following our Lord into every walk of life, together serving him in mission to the world and together witnessing to his love in our communities.

R- God of love, hear our prayer

We pray for all who are facing challenges- we pray for the sick and for those going for tests and appointments. We pray for all who are homeless, for all who are hungry, for the sick and the healing for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones.

We pray for our friends and for our families, especially remembering, Trish, Finn, Paul & Valerie, Audra, Mary, Mattagan & Carol, Mike & Barb, Jan & Treavor, George & Kathy, Wilson, Sheila & John, Joan, Janet and family.

R- God of love, hear our prayer

Closing Prayer: Holy God, your whole creation declares your glory. May we see you in all your works and live in the light of your righteousness, through him who is the light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Doxology

Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen

Blessing

May Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we redeemed: guide us and strengthen us by his Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you.

Go in peace as a sign of hope for all people by showing forth the living presence of God in this world and may the blessing of God almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

ST. JOHN'S

The Ascension of the Lord

Fr. Audrius Sarka