You’re going to love this week’s craft! It’s a foldable exploding squash book. Template included below and video demonstration.
You can use the template for lots of different events, but here I’m using it to show Jesus’ command that we should take the good news of God’s love “To the ends of the Earth!”
Plus your liturgy for Ascension and links to other resources. If you have not seen the slightly mad (and theologically dubious) ‘Bin Bag Ascension’, you really must. Links below.
Exploding Squash Book
You will need:
- paper (plain or printed template)
- scissors
- glue stick
- pens / stickers to decorate
Template: Click here or the image for a PNG file or an A4 PDF
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Ascension Resources
- Alleluia, I suppose including a most irreverent captioning of a sacred and deeply meaningful painting
- To the Ends of the Earth Together Apart intergen resource pack – 10-page PDF
- Bin-bag ascension science activity (including video!) – perfect for Messy Church
- Great Commission / Pentecost round up – loads of science / craft vids and links to other sites
- Ian Paul’s blog on the centrality (quite literally in the case of Luke’s writings) of the Ascension
Liturgy for Ascension
Seventh Sunday in Easter (or Ascension Sunday)
Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23
Confession and Absolution
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”
Lord, when we are slow to believe your promises, in your goodness,
forgive us.
“Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations.”
Lord, when we are slow to repent and slow to proclaim your forgiveness, in your goodness,
forgive us.
“See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Lord, when we live in our own power instead of in your Holy Spirit, in your goodness,
forgive us.
In the name of Jesus, lifted to the Father’s side and reigning now in glory,
I proclaim forgiveness to all who truly repent.
May the Father fill us with the Spirit,
poured out upon all who believe.
Amen.
Blessing and Dismissal
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
as you come to know him.
May you, with the eyes of your heart enlightened,
know what is the hope to which he has called you,
what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.
May you know the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe,
according to the working of his great strength.
And the blessing of God: Father, Son, Spirit,
be upon you and remain in you,
this day and always.
Amen.
Go in God’s power
and take his message of peace nd love
to the ends of the earth.
In God’s strength, we will.
The Reflectionary 