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Introduction
Rev Sydney Maitland
I hope that the music, readings and reflection in this shared Liturgy of the Word will have a feel of Sunday worship together at All Saints, even if we can’t be together in person or join in the Eucharist. We thank the many people who have contributed to the resources here. In turn I would ask you to share the page with colleagues, friends and loved ones who may be missing the beauty of worship and the nearness of God in these difficult times. Our opening hymn is number 130 …
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Hymn 130
Hail the day that sees Him rise Alleluya (words and music) | Joan Kirchner at Christ Church in Harwichport, Massachussetts
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Collect for Ascension Sunday
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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First Reading
Click Bible links on this page to read the text at Bible Gateway. Once there, click 
to hear the full chapter read by David Suchet.
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Psalm
Psalm 47 (words) Omnes gentes, plaudite | Choir of Westminster Abbey
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Second Reading
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Hymn 134
The head that once was crowned with thorns (words and music) | Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge
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Gospel
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Reflection by Rev Sydney Maitland
Apart but not departed
Click link for full text.
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The 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 substance with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation hecame down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
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 andthe 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. With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified. He 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.
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Intercessions
• Pray for the world and its people, for those who suffer and those in need …
• Pray for Church and its members, especially Frances A, Jenny M, Douglas N, Catriona M, Kenneth and Brenda M, Claire, Joanna, Elena J, Alan D, Jessie B, Margaret M …
• Pray for the departed, especially those whose year’s mind falls this month: Amy Fellows, Rosalind Graham, Winifred Newell, Mabel Gray, Iain Anderson, Muriel Whyte, Olivier de Mathan, Maime Campbell, Agnes …
• The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‘
And so let us each bring our own prayers, petitions and thanksgivings to the Lord …
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O God, whose will it is that all should find salvation and come to know the truth: receive the prayers and petitions which we offer in faith and love; through him who gave proof of your purpose, and who sacrificed himself to win freedom for all mankind, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Blessing for Ascension Sunday
Christ our king make us faithful and strong to do his will, that we may reign with him in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always.
Amen.
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Hymn 132
See the Conqueror mounts in triumph (words and music) | Oasis Chorale: ‘We are a group of 40 singers of Anabaptist background from across US and Canada who meet every year to sing acapella music’
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Voluntary
JS Bach: Komm Heiliger Gott| Played by William Porter at the Smarano Organ Academy near Trento, Italy
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