05/17/2026
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, ELCA
Ministers: The People of Our Savior’s
Pastor: Reverend Janelle L. Siffring
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Ascension of our Lord
Holy Communion - Setting III
Council Members: – Kaleb Eichberger, Cathy Hitz, Candi Johnson, Seth Noble, Tom Scranton, Dean Schlote, John Schlote, Lou Steinkraus, and Mike Wragge
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
PRELUDE
THEME OF THE DAY
In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
The assembly stands.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Baptized into Christ, let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Merciful God,
you free us to love others, but we neglect our neighbors and follow our own way. You lead us by the Spirit of joy and peace, but we turn away from the abundant life you offer. You surround us with patience, kindness, and generosity, but we grow weary in doing what is right. In your mercy, forgive us. Do not give up on us. Heal us, break our bonds, and show us the path of life. Amen
You belong to Christ Jesus and you are God’s children through faith. In the cross of ☩ Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, your sins are forgiven. Clothed with Christ, you are a new creation.
Amen
GATHERING SONG ELW #389 verses 1,2,4,5
“Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing”
1 Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.
The cross stands empty to the sky.
Let streets and homes with praises ring.
Love, drowned in death, shall never die.
2 Christ is alive! No longer bound
to distant years in Palestine,
but saving, healing, here and now,
and touching ev’ry place and time.
4 Women and men, in age and youth,
can feel the Spirit, hear the call,
and find the way, the life, the truth,
revealed in Jesus, freed for all.
5 Christ is alive, and comes to bring
good news to this and every age,
till earth and sky and ocean ring
with joy, with justice, love, and praise.
Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936
Text © 1975, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE p. 138
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen
CANTICLE OF PRAISE p. 140
Refrain: This is the feast of vict’ry for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
1. Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Refrain: This is the feast of vict’ry for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
2. Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his.
Refrain: This is the feast of vict’ry for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
3. Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
Refrain: This is the feast of vict’ry for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
4. For the Lamb who was slain
Has begun his reign. Alleluia.
Final Refrain: This is the feast of vict’ry for our God,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Let us pray together.
Almighty God,
your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The assembly is seated.
ROGATION LITANY
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.
Praise to you, O Lord.
The Lord is our Creator and brings seedtime and harvest, sunshine and rain.
Praise to you, O Lord.
Were the Lord to withhold these blessings, we all would be lost.
Praise to you, O Lord.
But God cares for all that God has made, and shares with us out of the great depths of his abundant goodness.
Praise to you, O Lord. Amen
Prayer for Seeds
Creating God, you have given seed to the sower and bread to the people. Nourish, protect, and bless the seeds which your people sow in hope. By your loving and bountiful giving, may they bring forth their fruit in due season.
Amen
Prayer for the Soil
Giver of life, we give you thanks that in the richness of the soil, nature awakens to your call of spring. We praise you for the smell of freshly tilled earth, the beauty of a cleanly cut furrow, and a well-plowed field. We ask that you help us to be good stewards of this land.
Amen
Prayer for Water and Rain
Sustaining God, we receive the fruits of the earth from you. We give you thanks for the smell of the earth after rain, for its welcome cooling, and its necessary hydration for the land. We ask that the rain come as often as it is needed so the crops may flourish and the coming harvest be bountiful.
Amen
Let us pray.
O gracious Father, when you open your hand you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Bless the land and waters, and give the world a plentiful harvest; let your Spirit go forth to renew the face of the earth. As you show us your love and kindness in the bounty of the land, save us from selfish use of your gifts, so that men and women everywhere may give you thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING: Acts 1:1-11
Before he is lifted into heaven, Jesus promises that the missionary work of the disciples will spread out from Jerusalem to all the world. His words provide an outline of the book of Acts.
[Luke writes:] 1 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 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 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 the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
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.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 47
1 Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with a joyful sound.
2 For the LORD Most High is to be feared:
a great king over all the earth,
3 who subdues the peoples under us,
and the nations under our feet;
4 who chooses our inheritance for us,
the pride of Jacob, whom God 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 a song.
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is enthroned on high.
9 The nobles of the peoples have gathered as the people of the God of Abraham.
The rulers of the earth belong to God, who is highly exalted.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:15-23
The risen and exalted Christ reigns over the entire universe. The author of Ephesians prays that we are given the wisdom to know the power of the risen Christ and the empowering hope that the knowledge of this inheritance provides.
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, 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.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
The assembly stands to welcome the gospel.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the end of the age. Alleluia. (Matt. 28:19, 20)
GOSPEL: Luke 24:44-53
The holy gospel according to St. Luke, the 24th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
On the day of his ascension, Jesus leaves his disciples with a commission, a blessing, and a promise of the Holy Spirit.
44 [Jesus said to the eleven and those with 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 the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
The assembly is seated.
CHILDREN’S TIME
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY ELW #392 verses 1,3,4
“Alleluia, Sing to Jesus”
1 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of ev'ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood."
3 Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to you from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
earth's redeemer, hear our plea
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
4 Alleluia! King eternal,
Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary,
earth your footstool, heav'n your throne.
As within the veil you entered,
robed in flesh, our great high priest,
here on earth both priest and victim
in the eucharistic feast.
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898, alt.
Please stand.
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Trusting in the power of Christ’s resurrection to heal and redeem our broken world, let us pray for the needs of all creation.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, your Son Jesus ascended to fill all time and space and is present with all people. By your Holy Spirit, lead your church and its leaders in faith, hope, and love, and in sharing the presence of Christ. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Majestic God, your Son Jesus entrusts his ministry to his followers to care for all you have created. Instill in us a commitment to sustainable ecological practices. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Almighty God, your Son Jesus sits at your right hand and rules the cosmos. Inspire national and local politicians to lead with equity and fairness, raise up advocates and activists for those seeking justice, and cultivate peace throughout the world. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Merciful God, your Son Jesus carries with him the scars of suffering as our wounded healer. Guide with your wisdom the work of surgeons, pharmacists, midwives, and all medical specialists, and bring your healing touch to all who are sick especially Cassie Krause, Mardell Miller, Rita Pitt, Judy Rasmussen, Rick Steinkraus, Bud Rutledge, Jon Stanosheck, Brandi Stueckrath, Dale Olnes, Jade Smith, Carroll & Janet Gustman, Jason Smith, Molly Elwood, Helen Kloppenborg, Laura Peterson, those in our community dealing with illness and loss, the senior members of Our Savior’s, and all who suffer in any way. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Caring God, your Son Jesus reveals the depths of your love and gathers all people to himself. Accompany us in our work and play to make your presence known in all that we do. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Life-giving God, by his death and resurrection, your Son Jesus destroyed death forever. With thanksgiving we remember those who rest from the labors, assured of your promise of everlasting life. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
God of resurrection power, use us and these prayers to proclaim the good news of new life to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our risen Savior.
Amen
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace.
The assembly is seated.
THE MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
OFFERTORY MUSIC
OFFERTORY HYMN # 884
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711
Please stand
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray together.
Merciful God,
accept the fruits of our labor, gathered to give you glory. You have set a table before us, a glimpse of that great day when we will hunger and thirst no more. Nourish us with the body and blood of Jesus, that goodness and mercy may follow us and bless the world you love. In the name of Jesus, Amen
GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ; who, enthroned forever at your right hand, intercedes for us as our great high priest. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY p. 144
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the table of new life. Receive the risen Lord.
The assembly may be seated.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE MEAL
All are welcome at the table of our Lord here at Our Savior’s. Please bring young children forward for a blessing. If you cannot come forward, just let the usher know and we will come to you. This meal is for all children of God.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray together.
Holy One,
through this meal you have made your home among us and are making all things new. Send us now to speak peace to anxious hearts, to love our enemies, and to bring your healing to the nations. In the name of Jesus, Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.
Amen
SENDING SONG ELW #825 all verses
“You Servants of God”
1 You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name, all-victorious, of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all!
2 Ascended on high, almighty to save,
yet still he is nigh, his presence we have.
The great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus, our king!
3 Salvation to God who sits on the throne!
Let all cry aloud and honor the Son.
The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.
4 Then let us adore and give him his right,
all glory and pow'r and wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing, with angels above,
and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love!
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is with you.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Copyright © 2026 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.
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Thank you to all those assisting in worship today!
PRAYERS FOR HEALING
Cassie Krause, Mardell Miller, Rita Pitt, Judy Rasmussen, Rick Steinkraus, Bud Rutledge, Jon Stanosheck, Brandi Stueckrath, Jodi Guthmiller, Dale Olnes, Jade Smith, Carroll & Janet Gustman, Jason Smith, Molly Elwood, Helen Kloppenborg, Laura Peterson, those in our community dealing with illness and loss, the senior members of Our Savior’s, and all who suffer in any way.
COMING EVENTS
MAY 17
9:45 am Coffee Fellowship
10:30 am Worship Service & Holy Communion
11:30 am Worship & Music Committee Meeting
MAY 19
10:00am Cluster Text Study at Immanuel Lutheran, Coleridge
MAY 20
10:00 am Bible Study
11:00 am Chapel & Holy Communion at Plainview Manor
7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
MAY 24
9:45 am Coffee Fellowship
10:30 am Worship Service & Holy Communion
MAY 25
MEMORIAL DAY
10:00 am Memorial Day Service at Plainview High School
MAY 27
10:00 am Bible Study
7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
MAY 29-31
NEBRASKA SYNOD ASSEMBLY IN KEARNEY
MAY 31
10:30 am Worship ? TBD
JUNE 7
Ecumenical Church in Park
