Avondale E-Worship
Ascension Sunday
May 16, 2021

Guest Pastor Rev. Dr. Tom Robinson
"Look Around"
Acts 1:1-11

The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 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.”

The Ascension of Jesus
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.”
Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
Go outside, lie in the grass and look up at the clouds! What shapes do you see in the clouds?

One evening Jesus appreared to His friends in a room. He told them to go out and tell everyone that He was alive, to share with others all that He had taught them in their time together and then to wait in Jerusalem for a special gift from God. Jesus then led His friends out of town and began to pray. As He was praying He began to rise up into Heaven and was soon covered by a cloud. His friends could no longer hear Him or see Him. Two angels appeared and said to them, "Jesus has been taken away from you and into Heaven. He will come back one day in the clouds, just like He went away!"

What do you think Heaven is like?

The angels came down to tell Jesus' friends they could stop looking up, trying to find Him. He was gone now but would one day return. Jesus gave his friends instructions before going to Heaven. He told them to tell everyone He was alive, share what He taught them and wait in jerusalem for a special gift from God!

Look Around!
Next week we will learn about the special gift from God. While you wait, look around instead of up. With who around you can you share the good news that Jesus is alive? What have you learned from Jesus that you would like to share with others?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for Jesus and Angels and Heaven and special gifts! Amen.
Welcome Guest
Thank you for joining us in worship!
If you are interested in hearing more about Avondale, please take a moment to fill out our Next Steps form!
We look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to share how God is working through the Avondale community!
Member Care Corner
Baptized last Saturday, May 8, 2021 in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, was Nina Ariail Mendoza and Sophie Clark Mendoza. Parents, Roberto Mendoza and Laurin Ariail, along with other family and several elders gathered in the Sacred Garden for this special time. As a part of worship today, you will have the opportunity to see their baptism.
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim.

Member Directory online...
For the updated password, email Caroline .
Prayer Requests

Graham Baakko & Family; Ron Crossley; Abigail Corriher; Jozsef Eyer; Stewart Farris; Claire Graham; Kim Kirk; Gail Love; Tim O'Neil; Rita Outland; Tina Sanderson; Sarah Sperry; Gail Trippodo; Courtney Williams & Family.
Mission
A Presbytery of Charlotte Mission Ministry
Helping to reduce hunger and relieve suffering in Charlotte and surrounding areas!

And Peter said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” -Gospel of John 21: 15-17
Getting Together to Help Our Homeless Neighbors
last Tuesday of every month @ 4 PM
NEXT DATE - MAY 25
Join us for this opportunity to serve our neighbors together! We will gather in the Fellowship Hall with a table for each socially distanced participant and have all the supplies you need. Masks required.
A maximum of 10 people are needed for each session and slots fill fast! Sign-up today using this link!
The Offering Plate
Scan the QR code above using your smart phone camera to pull up the Avondale giving webpage!

For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check, PayPal or a one-time or reoccurring bank draft. Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please contact Jacqueline for more information.
Announcements
Worship Gathering - Small Groups
Did you know that the early church started in small groups, often within individual homes?
Starting today, we are offering 2-3 small group worship gatherings on the Avondale campus....think a "Worship Watch-Party" followed by a small group discussion on the scripture and sermon. Gatherings are limited to 10 or less participants. Masks are required at this time.
If you are interested in participating in one of these small group gatherings, use the link below to sign-up!
Pentecost
May 23, 2021

Our next in-person worship opportunity is scheduled for May 23 at 9:30 AM in the courtyard! The Avondale Adventures children will lead us in worship, both in-person and virtually as we celebrate Pentecost!

Maximum of 100 gathered outside. Masks are required. Please bring your own seating. Limited chairs available for those in need. A pre-recorded pentecost service will be streamed at 9:30 AM on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend.
Following worship, Congregational Life invites you to join in fellowship and enjoy a light brunch outdoors!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Graduate Recognition
Join Avondale families in celebrating the graduates in their lives. High school and college...the accomplishments are many. If you have a graduate that you would like to celebrate, please complete the form below!

Graduates will be recognized and celebrated Sunday, June 13th during worship!
Avondale's Quarterly Newsletter
Avondale Avenues is here.
Find Session reports, a Letter from our Pastor, Member News, birthdays and anniversaries, pictures, ministry updates and more.
Thank you all for contributing!
Avondale Presbyterian
2821 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-333-6194