Theme: Jesus Appears to the Disciples; Jesus Ascends to Heaven. Instead of debating the mechanics, discover the meaning of the Ascension.

AN INVITATION TO ASCENSION SUNDAY

Pastoral Invitation
Pastor: Welcome, in the name of the risen Christ, to this Sunday designated as the Ascension of Jesus. What do you as a corporate community of faith know about the ascension? (Wait.) Now, what do you consider its meaning for your life, for our life, for your life, this day? (Wait for a response; offer no insights of your own at this time.) What's the purpose of your coming today?
All: We're here to learn God's truth.
Pastor: Are you sure? (Long pause.) Because to learn God's truth is to act on it; and to act on it will bring appreciations and criticisms. It will cause joy and fear if we take it seri…