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:
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.
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Additions
I’ve come up with a bunch more stuff to add (& take away – I think I’m gonna change the first two songs). I do need some help, though. Can anyone think of any movie clips that have to do with someone leaving, similar to the ascension story? I was thinking of Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but I’m sure there are better examples. It needs to be a short clip.
Movie Clip For Project
You asked me earlier today about a movie clip for Ascension day. In Star Wars: A New Hope, Obi-Wan is the Christ figure. I think the scene where Vader kills him might be a good clip for this. He is the discipler. Even though the evil one kills him, he really sacrificed himself for the others. Also, as he says, he will become even more powerful after his death. And lastly, his spirit continues to be with Luke. Unfortunately, I have not seen this clip in a long time, a long time 😉 So you may want to check it just to make sure it will work for you. If it doesn’t, let me know and I’ll continue to think about it.
– Seth
Re: Movie Clip For Project
That’s the only other one I could think of. I thought there was one in Lord of the Rings, but it wasn’t what I thought it was.
As for the Star Wars clip, that might have more to do with the resurrection. I’ll see if I can make it fit. Might give me a good excuse to watch the movie, huh? Can’t just watch one clip of it…
Oh, well you know it, then. 🙂
Thanks for the help!
Re: Movie Clip For Project
Something that might help me come up with something better is a better idea of how you are going to use the clip. What do you want it to say? What feelings do you want to get across with it?
– Seth
Re: Movie Clip For Project
I’m trying to think of a clip where people are sad to see someone leave and the character promises to return.
Or one where they’re anticipating someone’s return (that’s what I was trying to think of with Lord of the Rings).
I guess there’s Frosty the Snowman and Terminator 2.
“I’ll be back.”
🙂