SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER-ASCENSION May 17, 2026

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

Wisconsin Synod

Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827

Organist Mindy Kane, Karen Davis, Church Telephone 763-682-4573

Lorraine Roush Email pastor@myimmanuel.org

WELCOME, VISITORS:     We are glad you could be with us and we welcome you back any time. Please sign our “Welcome” card found in the pew holders or sign the guest book in the narthex/entry.

Before Communion

Lord, I am not worthy to be a guest at your holy table. But you are the friend of sinners, and you will not cast me out. This bread is your body, which bore my sins upon the tree. This wine is your blood, which purifies me from all guilt. At your invitation, I come rejoicing. Receive me, my Savior. Amen.

THE COMMON SERVICE

HYMN (#173) “On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build”

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (Sung) Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS

M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and

actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.

For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.

But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior

Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

C: (Sung) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us.

M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: (Sung) Amen.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

GLORY BE TO GOD

C: (Sung) Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, 

good will toward men.

We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, 

we glorify you, we give thanks to you, for your great glory,

O Lord God, heav’nly King, God the Father almighty.

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ;

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

You take away the sin of the world; receive our prayer.

You sit at the right hand of God the Father; have mercy on us.

For you only are holy; you only are the Lord.

You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the 

glory of God the Father. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: The Lord be with you.

C: (Sung) And also with you.

M: Let us pray:  Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: (Sung) Amen. 

THE WORD

FIRST LESSON Acts 1:1-11

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”            (NIV)

M: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 47  (page 85)

SECOND LESSON Ephesians 1:15-23

  ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great 

power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.             (NIV)

M: The Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

VERSE OF THE DAY

M: Alleluia. Alleluia. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia.      Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Alleluia.   (Matthew 28:20)

C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

STAND

GOSPEL Luke 24:44-53

After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:

C: (Sung) Glory be to you, O Lord!

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” ⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.      (NIV)

M: The Gospel of the Lord.

C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!                         

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 fully 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 in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy Christian 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.

BE SEATED

HYMN (#171) “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”

SERMON TEXT Luke 24:50-53

⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

SERMON THEME “Our Reaction To Jesus’ Disappearance”

1) From Christ’s Ascension, We Receive Blessing 2) For Christ’s Ascension, We Give Praise

After the sermon, the congregation stands and sings:

C: (Sung) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.

OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For eyes of faith fixed on Jesus, who is seated at the Lord’s right hand, ruling in the midst of His enemies, that we may have no fear of them but abide in Christ’s peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the Church, over which Christ is head, that God would give pastors wisdom to hold fast to the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins; and that He would open the ears of all who hear to rejoice in the fullness of Him who fills all in all, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For an increase of faith, knowledge and wisdom, that God would open our minds to understand the Scriptures and see Christ proclaimed throughout His Holy Word, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For our homes, that God who established Jesus at His right hand would give Him as companion and consolation for those who live alone, strengthen the love of husbands and wives, and bless parents and children as they gather around His Word, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For the rulers, authorities, powers and dominions of this world, that mindful of Christ who reigns far above them, they might govern with wisdom and integrity, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For those who despair of possessing forgiveness, that God would comfort them with the news that Christ is their High Priest forever, full of grace and life, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all communicants, that with penitent hearts they may receive the body and blood of Christ, who sits at God’s right hand, ruling over all things, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For those who mourn, that our risen and ascended Lord would console them with the certainty of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

O Lord, heavenly Father, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

C: 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.

THE SACRAMENT

PREFACE

M: The Lord be with you.

C: (Sung) And also with you.

M: Lift up your hearts.

C: (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord.

M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

C: (Sung) It is good and right so to do.

M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son, the true Passover Lamb, who by his sacrifice took away the sins of the world and by his resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

C: (Sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: 

heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he 

who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, 

which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 

M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: (Sung) Amen

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

C: (Sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; 

have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; 

have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; 

grant us your peace. Amen.

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION HYMN (#175) “Hail the Day that sees Him Rise” (#158) “I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again”

STAND

THANKSGIVING

SONG OF SIMEON

C: (Sung) Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. 

M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 

C: (Sung) And his mercy endures forever.

M: O God the Father, source of all goodness, in your loving kindness you sent your Son to share our humanity. We thank you that through him you have given us pardon and peace in this sacrament. We also pray that you will not forsake us but will rule our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit so that we willingly serve you day after day, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: (Sung) Amen.

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

C: (Sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.

HYMN (#172) “Up through Endless Ranks of Angels”

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER-ASCENSION May 17, 2026 

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
​

​THE SCHEDULE   

Thurs., May 21 6 p.m., Fishers Youth Group

Next Sun., May 24: Greeters: Ray Schmidt

Shut-In Visitors for May: Sharon Liefert & 

Lolene Liefert-Trulson

OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS

THANK YOU to Pastor Paul Marggraf for sharing God’s Word with us this morning and conducting our service while Pastor Oehlke is on vacation in Sweden.

PASTOR’S VACATION: Pastor will be on vacation from May 12-21. In case of emergency, if spiritual care is needed, please reach out to Pastor Paul Schuler at 920-284-0172 or Pastor Dave Russow at 763-923-4749.

FUNERAL SERVICE: The funeral service for Marlene Petersen will be this afternoon with visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. and funeral at 3 p.m. Marlene was called to heaven on May 12, 2026. Her time of grace was 93 years, 5 months, 15 days. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6.

FOOD SHELF: The most recent donations made to benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf totaled 18 pounds plus $45 in cash/checks. Silver-labeled buckets are located in the coat racks in both the upper and lower narthex for this on-going service project with deliveries made monthly.

WEST SCHEDULE: The West Lutheran High School 2026 graduation ceremonies will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on May 23.

MAY FUND-RAISER:  During the month of May, Ladies Fellowship will be sponsoring a fund-raiser for the New Day Pregnancy and Resource Center. The “Blessed Bassinet” is set up in the upper narthex to collect baby items and/or cash for this cause.

MEDITATIONS entitled “Great Gain!” have arrived with daily devotions for May 31 through Aug. 29. Large print editions are also available. Feel free to take additional copies of either version to share. A free-will offering would be gratefully accepted to help defray the costs.

WEST SPRING CONCERT AND ART SHOW: The West Showcase (Spring Concert and Art Show) is today, May 17, 2 p.m. at West Lutheran High School in Plymouth.

ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE: 

Sunday, May 10 63

FOR THE LORD’S WORK:  May 17: General Fund-$2,430, Salem-$23, Youth-$20, Building Fund-$10, West-$20, MLC-$10

Personal Devotions?

Consider using the prayers and readings from each Sunday’s worship bulletin during your daily personal/family devotions—

–“Prayer of the Day”

–“Prayer of the Church”

–Re-read God’s Word and reflect upon it and how it applies to you.

–Review the sermon theme and text and its applications for you.