This is Ascension Sunday, the day we acknowledge and celebrate Jesus’ ascension to heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection.  The text for today is from the opening verses of Acts, recording that ascension of Jesus.  In some ways it is reminiscent of this season in our lives when there are graduations from high schools, colleges, and such, where children and others have been educated and trained and are now sent out to the next phase of their lives.  Acts records that during the forty days between the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension, he has appeared to them repeatedly and has continued to prepare the disciples to carry on his mission after he is gone.  As he is about to leave them to reunite with God in heaven, Jesus lets the disciples know that they have not only been prepared by him but will soon be empowered through the Holy Spirit to carry on the work.  It reminds us that we, too, are commissioned and empowered to carry on discipleship and the work of Jesus in the world.     (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)