05/16/2026
May 17, 2026 - Ascension Sunday with Communion - Rev. Samuel
10: 30 a.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY BAS 185
GOSPEL 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
Processional Hymn # 405 COMMON PRAISE
“Alleluia No. 1”
Glory to God
Gathering Prayer
Holy God, send your promised Spirit of revelation and
wisdom, so that, in the blessed freedom of hope, we may
witness to the grace of forgiveness and sing with joy to the
One who makes us one. Amen.
Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002) alt.
Children’s Talk & Song (INSERT)
“Jump for Joy”
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
First Reading Acts 1: 1-11
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 After his suffering[a] he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While staying[b] with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[c] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
The Ascension of Jesus
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Psalm # 47 BAS 764
1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; *shout to God with a cry of joy. 2 For the Lord Most High is to be feared; *he is the great king over all the earth. 3 He subdues the peoples under us, *and the nations under our feet. 4 He chooses our inheritance for us, *the pride of Jacob whom he loves. 5 God has gone up with a shout, *the Lord with the sound of the ram’s-horn. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; *sing praises to our king, sing praises. 7 For God is king of all the earth; *sing praises with all your skill. 8 God reigns over the nations; *God sits upon his holy throne. 9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered together *with the people of the God of Abraham. 10 The rulers of the earth belong to God, *and he is highly exalted.
Blessed are you, God of all the earth; you have called us out of every people and nation to be a royal priesthood and citizens of your holy city. May our words of praise call the world to turn to the joy of fellowship with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Second Reading Ephesians 1: 15-23
15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,[c] 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Gospel Hymn # 247 COMMON PRAISE VS 1,2 / 3,4
“Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”
Holy Gospel Luke 24: 44-53
The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ:
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
“The Gospel of Christ”, Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ’
SERMON – Rev. Samuel
Apostles Creed BAS 189
Prayers of the People # 15 BAS 122
In joy and hope let us pray to the source of all life saying, “Hear us Lord of Glory!”
Heavenly Father, we praise Your Holy Name as we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of your only Son, Jesus Christ, who forty days earlier rose from the dead in glory and triumph over sin and death. May we always remember the promise of Christ’s presence, live faithfully according to His teachings, and rejoice in the hope of eternal life through Him.
That our risen Saviour may fill us with the joy of his holy and life-giving resurrection, let us pray to the Lord. Hear us Lord of Glory!
We thank you Lord God, for St. Athanasius church, for every member of our congregation and for the power of your Holy Spirit working through each of us. We pray for each of our priests and their families, Rev. Samuel, Rev. Ron, Rev. Dr. David, Rev. Carol and we ask that you continue to protect and guide them as they serve and honour you. We also ask for your blessings upon Diocesan Bishop Andrew Asbil, and Area Bishops Kevin Robertson and Ryscilla Shaw, for Archdeacon John Anderson and for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto. We pray for the future of St. Athanasius Church, and ask that it be your will for us to continue to provide a strong and faithful ministry in Orillia.
That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the Easter gospel, let us pray to the Lord. Hear us, Lord of Glory!
On our parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Krist, Christina & children Elsa & Erik Hayes; Angie Hinton, Anna Hobson, Bill & Grace Hobson, Kevin & Denise & children Matthew & Mitchell Horn, Andrew & Shannon & daughter Grace Hunter. We thank you Lord God for Canada and for our many freedoms, the change of seasons and the beauty of nature. We pray for all world leaders; that you provide them with the wisdom and discernment to effectively lead! We pray for King Charles and for the Royal family. We pray for our Prime Minster, our Premier, MP, and MPP, our Orillia Mayor and city councillors.
That He may grant us humility to be subject to one another in Christian love. Let us pray to the Lord. Hear us, Lord of Glory!
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer this morning we give thanks and pray for The Diocese of Jerusalem. In the Huronia Deanery Cycle of Prayer we give thanks and pray for The Rev. Samuel Fayomi, Associate Priest for the Community of Churches of Huronia. In our community we give thanks and pray for North Simcoe Crisis Centre.
In the Social Justice and Advocacy Cycle of Prayer we pray for St. George, Grafton, its provision of affordable seniors housing through the Haldimand Court Apartments, Community Care Dinners, monthly Soup Lunch, Christmas hampers and food donations, and support of Transition House in Cobourg; we pray for St. George, Pickering Village, its ministry providing food and community through the Community Garden and Thursday Lunch programs, its knitting ministry, support of migrant workers, Joanne’s House for homeless youth, Herizon House refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, and ongoing advocacy for the Duffin’s Creek watershed; and we pray for St. Hilary, Cooksville, its community garden, weekly food cupboard and holiday hampers, backpacks and school supplies for children in Mississauga and Ghana, knitted items for patients at Trillium Hospital, bed mats, and international relief efforts for natural disasters.
We thank you Lord for all those you have healed and for answers to prayers. This morning we pray for those on our prayer chain; including, Gloria and Norm Barlock, Jeannette Barlow, Audrey Kinnear, Betty French, Kevin Moore, David Oakley, Judy Smith, Sylvia Spencer & Ted Vincent. Please pray for those on your heart either silently or aloud.
That He may provide for those who lack food, work or shelter, let us pray to the Lord. Hear us Lord of Glory!
We pray to you Lord for regions and countries throughout the world that are undergoing a crisis and for an end to violence especially in the Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen and South Africa. We pray for countries suffering from floods, fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
That by His power wars and famine may cease through all the earth, let us pray to the Lord. Hear us, Lord of Glory!
Please Lord God, comfort those who have lost loved ones and are grieving. We pray for the family and friends of Gloria Johnson and Pat Norton.
That He may reveal the light of His presence to the sick, the weak and the dying that they may be comforted and strengthened; let us pray to the Lord. Hear us, Lord of Glory!
Loving God, you have reconciled us in Christ Jesus and have given us the ministry of reconciliation. We pray for all those from whom we are estranged. Bring healing to strained or broken relationships. Forgive us for the times we have wronged others, whether by ignorance, neglect, or intention. Grant us the courage and the grace to seek their forgiveness and opportunity to make amends. Where others have wronged us, grant us a gracious spirit, that we might forgive even as we have been forgiven in Jesus Christ.
That He may send the fire of the Holy Spirit upon His people, that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection, let us pray to the Lord. Hear us, Lord of Glory! Amen.
Confession and Absolution BAS 191
The Peace BAS 192
THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST
Offertory Hymn # 507 COMMON PRAISE
“Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
Prayer over the Gifts:
Eternal God, our Saviour Jesus Christ has promised to be
with us until the end of time. Accept all we offer you this
day, and renew us in his transfigured life; for the sake of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Eucharistic Prayer # 2 BAS 196
The Lord’s Prayer # 2 BAS 211
Breaking of the Bread # 2 BAS 212
Celebrant : We break this bread to share in the body of
Christ.
All: We, being many, are one body, for we all share in the
one bread.
Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) BAS 247
Communion Hymns COMMON PRAISE
# 49 “Draw Near and Take”
# 56 “I Am the Bread, the Bread of Life”
Prayer after Communion
Eternal Giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has
sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his
kingdom. Confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the
good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Glory to God (Doxology) BAS 214
Blessing & Three-Fold Amen
Recessional Hymn # 309 COMMON PRAISE
“Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet”
Dismissal BAS 215
PLEASE JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP IN THE HALL
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE
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Sun May 17 Ascension Sunday with Rev. Samuel
Victoria Day Weekend
Tue May 19 Bible Study 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Office open 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thurs May 21 Office open 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sun May 24 Pentecost with Rev. Ron
Ice Cream Sundae Sunday
All are welcome!
Sat May 30 Celebration of Life for Gloria Johnson
11:00 a.m. at St. Athanasius church
Sun May 31 Trinity Sunday with Ven. John Anderson
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St. Athanasius Spring Blossom Luncheon and
Sale was once again a success with delicious soup,
sandwiches and dessert. The Ladies Fellowship Group was
able to raise over $1600 (minus expenses) to use for
outreach in the community.
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Readings for May 24, 2026
Pentecost with Rev. Ron
Numbers 11: 24-30 Psalm 104: 25-35
Acts 2: 1-21 John 20: 19-23
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The Tuesday Morning Bible Study Group
is held between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the church
hall. Contact Lesley or Diane for more information or to join
the group as we continue our study on “Listening to God”.
We will be starting a study on ‘The Kingdom of God’ in the
near future.
Our secretary, Nancy will continue to be in the office on
Tuesday and Thursday from 1- 4 p.m.
Anyone wishing personal prayers, is invited to call
Lesley Rice, Diane Campbell, or Gord Launchbury
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We continue to need people that will volunteer to help
on Sunday mornings with the service. We have 14
volunteers that are available to be readers during the
year but only 3 regulars that are willing to run the
‘zoom’ for our services. If you are interested in this
position, training is available.
Likewise, we have 6 people who are willing to create
the prayers of the people each month, but only 6
regulars that have volunteered as sides people. If you
wish to be a sides person (we need two each week) and
not count the money, a substitute money counter can
be arranged. Chancel Guild can always use more
volunteers. Contact one of the wardens or Grace to see
what is involved in these volunteer positions.
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The baby bottle drive fundraiser for The
Pregnancy Resource Centre kicked off on Mother's
Day, May 10 and runs until Father's Day, Sunday, June
21. (Baby bottles will be available to take home & fill
with cash). Even small, individual contributions add up!
To celebrate the month of May, spring time
and good friends, we will be having an ice cream social
after church on May 24th. Please join us for ice cream
with a wide variety of toppings available.
An easy way to continue your contributions to St. A’s, even
if you are unable to attend service every week, is to join the
PAR program, where a predetermined amount (decided
upon by you) will be deducted from your bank account or
credit card each month and deposited in the St. A’s account.
This is ideal for those who work Sundays, go on holidays, or
just want the convenience of not writing a cheque each
week, or arranging to have the correct cash you want to
contribute. Please contact Grace for more details, or
speak to our treasurer Linda or one of the wardens
Continue to pray for those in our community and around
the world. We cry out to you Lord God for peace on earth! There
are so many countries in crisis and all are in need of your
intervention. We pray for the Middle East, for The Ukraine and
Russia, the USA, Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the
Congo. God is a wonderful, loving God and will be with each
of us, during these trying times.
ST. ATHANASIUS ANGLICAN CHURCH
in the Diocese of Toronto welcomes you.
MAY ALL WHO ENTER FIND PEACE AND COMFORT
MISSION STATEMENT: “We will share God’s love in our
community by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in
words and action”.
MOTTO: “Sharing God in Everything We Do”
10 Westmount Dr. N. Orillia, Ont. L3V 6B8
705-325-1861 [email protected]
web-site: www.stathanasiusorillia.ca
SUNDAY SERVICES - 10:30 a.m.
May the peace of Christ
surround you as you worship, today.
Know that God loves you & is with you now and always
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