The Ascension of Our Lord
May 17, 2026
Scripture Texts: Acts 1:1–11; Psalm 47:1–10; Ephesians 1:15–23; Luke 24:44–53
Sermon: Opened Minds
Join us in our service of worship at 10:30am that includes the confirmation of three of our youth, a message by Pastor Ryman, sacred music, readings from the Bible, the Lord's Supper, and a chat with our children and Pastor Lord.
Crossword Puzzle based on today's readings
The Ascension of Our Lord
Order of Worship
Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more.
Let us pray for the whole people of God, in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
Eternal God, we offer our thanks and praise for the abundance of your gifts and the myriad blessings you bestow upon your holy church. We lift up to you today our youth, specifically asking that you keep our confirmands steadfast in your holy word. Grant that they may return to its truth daily through the faithful practices established here. Illuminate the path of Elin, Cooper, and Talia and reveal your ways to them, Lord, that they may become proclaimers of your gospel to others, both in word and through the witness of their lives. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, we pray for all educators and volunteers in our schools who have been called to instruct your children across many disciplines. As they reach the end of their school year, grant them your peace and guide them in your wisdom in all aspects of their vocation, that they may be well equipped to continue on their journey and that your kingdom would be glorified here on earth and in heaven. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful Lord, we pray especially for all those presently hospitalized and for all who are suffering and in need. Grant your servants rest, comfort, and peace, and help them to cling to your word of promise throughout their suffering. Be with those who suffer alongside your most vulnerable, and give them open hearts and minds to trust in your holy will, that they may be steadfast and patient, trusting only in you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Everlasting Father, open the minds and hearts of all people who presently walk the lonely road of darkness. Fill them with the knowledge of your son Jesus, the one the scriptures testify to. Invigorate your church by the power of your spirit, that we would glad hearts shout praises of all that Christ has done, and help us prepare and live as you would have us as we await his return in glory. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Teaching
Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson.
Visitors Info
If you live in the area or are passing through, please worship with us in-person. We also livestream our services on this page.
Expect traditional worship with liturgy and Holy Communion each Sunday and a message grounded in the Scriptures and guided by the Lutheran Confessions — all in a friendly, multigenerational environment.
We welcome and encourage children to worship with us. Just before the sermon, our children take up a spare change offering for mission. Then they join one of our pastors on the chancel steps for a chat about today's Scriptures. We think you will love this part of the service.
Announcements
• The Ordination and Installation of Pastor Brian Joseph Lord, May 24, 10:30a
• Youth Sunday, May 31, 10:30am
Vespers

Join us for Vespers this evening in the parsonage (across the street from the church) at 6:00. We will be eating and laughing, singing and praying, and reading and discussing the readings for The Ascension of Our Lord Sunday: Exodus 3:1–12; Hebrews 12:18–29; Luke 10:17–24. These readings are also found on page 1246 in For All the Saints, volume III.
Morning Prayer
Join us for Morning Prayer in the chapel, Monday through Friday at 8:30am, where we read and discuss Scripture and pray together. Our readings for the week of The Ascension of Our Lord Sunday are listed below, and are also found beginning on page 1246 in For All the Saints, volume III.
Sunday: Exodus 3:1–12; Hebrews 12:18–29; Luke 10:17–24
Monday: Joshua 1:1–9; Ephesians 3:1–13; Matthew 8:5–17
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 16:1–13a; Ephesians 3:14–21; Matthew 8:18–27
Wednesday: Isaiah 4:2–6; Ephesians 4:1–16; Matthew 8:28–34
Thursday: Zechariah 4:1–14; Ephesians 4:17–32; Matthew 9:1–8
Friday: Jeremiah 31:27–34; Ephesians 5:1–32; Matthew 9:9–17
Saturday: Ezekiel 36:22–27, 24–29; Ephesians 6:1–24; Matthew 9:18–26
*We do not meet in the chapel on Saturdays. On Sundays, we meet in the parsonage at 6pm to discuss the readings.
Giving
You may give an offering online to the General Fund and to some specific funds, using this secure link. If you do not have an account with Tithely, it will only take a few minutes to set that up. If you need help, please call the church office at 704-633-0922. Please note that a small, typical percentage is retained by Tithely.
You may also mail offerings to:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
205 St. Paul's Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
License
Streaming License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 URL: stpaulslutheran.church GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC),as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.
Performance License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play and perform in any of the Licensee’s facilities within the United States any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP,BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS PERFORMmusic License Terms and Conditions.
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