Liturgical Color: White

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53 Mark 16:15-20

Theme: Luke 24:44-53: Jesus' reminder to, and departure from, the disciples. Mark 16:15-20: Jesus' directives to, and departure from, the disciples.

Pastoral Invitation to the Celebration
Try this: Welcome to Ascension Day - probably a day of mystery for most of us. Begin with where the people are by asking them to share their first image when they hear "Ascension Day." Give them time to respond. Maybe they will offer only silence or confusion or ignorance. For the time being, do not respond; do not clarify until later.

You may want to develop a responsive call to worship with the phrase: "Christ has risen!" Put the emphasis on different words and ask the people to repeat. Then, use the phrase, "Christ is Lord! " emphasizing d…