The Divine Service
Here at Ascension of Christ, we believe that our
worship practice should reflect our doctrine, the principle of Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi:
The Law of
Practice is the Law of Belief.
As a result, our worship is biblical and
liturgical, drawing from the best
of the Christian musical tradition, rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran
Confessions.
Divine Service with Weekly Holy Communion
Every Sunday 10:15 AMBible Class - 9:00 AM
Private Confession & Absolution
with Pastor offered by appointment.
Closed Communion
Due to our confession of the Eucharist being the true Body and Blood of Christ, and our desire to uphold the Biblical doctrine of altar fellowship, we practice the historic discipline of Closed Communion. Visitors who desire to commune are kindly asked to speak with the Pastor before the service.
Choir & Handbell Program
Music at Ascension of Christ is not entertainment, but a vehicle for the Word. We invite members to participate in the choral and instrumental life of the parish:
- • Parish Choir: Occassionally leads the congregation in the Propers and Ordinary, as well as historic hymns and anthems.
- • Handbell Choir: Adds solemnity to our major feasts and festival services throughout the Church Year.
Understanding the Liturgy: The Divine Service
We primarily utilize Setting Three from the Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Based on the historic "Common Service," which itself has its roots in the historic liturgy of the Western Church. It is a dialogue between God and His people, where He gives us His gifts of Word & Sacrament, and we respond with thanksgiving.
The Order of the Divine Service: Setting Three
I. Preparation
Confession & Absolution: We begin by kneeling to confess our sins. The Pastor, acting as a called & ordained servant in the stead and by the command of Christ, pronounces the forgiveness of our sins.
The Introit: The "Entrance" Psalm. It sets the theological tone for the specific Sunday in the Church Year.
II. Service of the Word
The Kyrie: "Lord, have mercy." The prayer of the beggar before the King, asking for help in all our needs.
The Gloria in Excelsis: The Great Gloria. We join the angels of Bethlehem in praising the Triune God.
The Salutation & Collect: "The Lord be with you." The Pastor and People greet one another before the specific "Prayer of the Day" (the Collect) is offered.
The Readings: Each Sunday, an Old Testament, Epistle, and Holy Gospel reading are read. We stand for the Gospel as a sign of reverence for Christ's words.
The Alleluia & Verse: A short scriptural song of anticipation before the Gospel reading.
The Creed: Usually the Nicene Creed, where we confess the "one holy catholic (Christian) and apostolic Church."
The Hymn of the Day: The chief hymn of the service that reinforces the Gospel message of the day.
The Sermon: The living voice of the Gospel, where the Law is applied to our hearts and the Gospel is delivered for our comfort.
III. Service of the Sacrament
The Offertory: "Create in me a clean heart, O God." We prepare for the Holy Supper.
The Preface: The ancient dialogue ("Lift up your hearts") leading into the administration of the Eucharist.
The Sanctus: "Holy, Holy, Holy." We join the Seraphim and the palm-branch-waving crowds of Jerusalem ("Hosanna!").
The Lord's Prayer: The prayer Christ taught us, spoken or chanted before the elements are consecrated.
The Words of Institution: The Pastor speaks Christ's own words over the bread and wine. We believe these words do what they say: give us Christ's Body and Blood.
The Pax Domini: "The Peace of the Lord be with you always."
The Agnus Dei: "Lamb of God." We sing to Christ who is now truly present on the Altar in the elements of Bread and Wine.
The Distribution: The faithful come forward to the rail to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins.
IV. Post-Communion & Dismissal
The Nunc Dimittis: The Song of Simeon. Like him, we have seen and tasted our Salvation, and can now "depart in peace."
The Benediction: The Aaronic Blessing. The Pastor places God's name upon the people as they go back into the world, forgiven of their sins through the Word & Sacraments, and ready to serve their neighbor in thanskgiving.
Wednesdays: Matins at 12:00 PM | Vespers at 7:00 PM