Ascension of Our Lord Joplin Missouri — on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Immanuel Lutheran Church gathered to celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord, observed on the seventh and final Sunday of the Easter season. Pastor Christopher Ramstad preached from Acts 1:1-11, exploring how Christ’s ascension is not just a dramatic exit — it is the bold opening of the church’s ongoing story as Spirit-filled witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Ascension of Our Lord in Joplin Missouri: The Story That Never Ends
At Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri, the Easter season concludes with one of the most underappreciated festivals on the church calendar. Ascension Day fell on Thursday, May 14 — exactly 40 days after Easter — but Immanuel observed it this Sunday, gathering to celebrate the risen Lord’s triumphant ascension to the right hand of the Father. As Pastor Ramstad reminded the congregation, this day marks not an ending but a new beginning: the church’s calling to be witnesses of the risen Christ, beginning in Jerusalem and extending to the ends of the earth.
Scripture Readings
Three readings from Holy Scripture proclaimed the mystery of Christ’s ascension and the church’s Spirit-filled mission. The First Reading from Acts 1:1-11 described the risen Christ commanding His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, then being taken up into heaven before their eyes. The Epistle from Ephesians 1:15-23 declared that God seated Christ at His right hand “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” The Holy Gospel from Luke 24:44-53 described Jesus opening the disciples’ minds to the Scriptures, commissioning them as witnesses beginning from Jerusalem, and being “carried up into heaven.”
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
Sermon: The Book of Acts and Your Story
Pastor Ramstad opened with a question he had posed to the high school Bible study the week before: “What one book — besides the Bible — changed your life?” Answers ranged from Hatchet to Lord of the Rings. What makes a story truly memorable? It needs a solid opening, a compelling plot, and an ending that sticks the landing. The Book of Acts delivers all three.
Luke writes to Theophilus — whose name means “friend of God” or “loved by God” — and begins where his Gospel ended: with the Ascension. “Jesus was taken up,” Pastor Ramstad noted. “It’s passive. The Father did this.” Right from verse one, this is God’s story unfolding. The disciples asked: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus redirected them: “You will be my witnesses.”
The Greek word is martus — from which we get the English word martyr. Ten of the eleven apostles standing on that hillside would eventually give their lives for that witness. Bearing the name of Jesus comes with a cost — and a power. Jesus called it dunamis, the dynamite-power of the Holy Spirit: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” This same Spirit-empowered witness continues in the church today — including here in Joplin, Missouri.
The Book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome, “proclaiming the kingdom of God with all boldness and without hindrance” — and then simply closes. No tidy resolution. Because the story is not over. The angels promised: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go” (Acts 1:11). That promise is the ending of every Christian’s story.
Pastor Ramstad applied this to those gathered on this Ascension Sunday: your story in Christ has a solid opening — Holy Baptism in the Triune name. A Spirit-filled plot: daily witness through love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness in every vocation. And an unshakeable ending: resurrection and eternal life in the name of Jesus. “This is his story,” he said. “But dear friends, it’s our story as well.” Browse our full sermon archive from the 2026 Easter season.
A Children’s Talk for Ascension Sunday
DCE Jason Glaskey brought a helium balloon on a long kite string to illustrate the Ascension for the children. A helium balloon naturally floats upward — just as Jesus ascended into the clouds on Ascension Day. But the kite string represents something beautiful: even though Jesus is in heaven, we are still connected to Him through the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit keeps us connected to Jesus all the time,” Jason told the children. Next Sunday, Immanuel will celebrate Pentecost — the 50th day since Easter — when the promised Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples gathered in Jerusalem.
Up through endless ranks of angels, cries of triumph in his wake, / Vanquished all their hellish legions, sin and death his captives make.
Lutheran Service Book 491, “Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels” — Hymn of the Day
Questions About the Ascension of Our Lord
Why does the Ascension of Jesus matter for Christians today?
The Ascension is not Jesus “going away” — it is His coronation. Ephesians 1:20-21 declares that God seated Christ “at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” Jesus now reigns over all creation and intercedes for you before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). As Pastor Ramstad put it: “Jesus is over this whole world, this whole state, this church, your house — over you.” He has promised: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
What is the connection between the Ascension and Pentecost?
Before ascending, Jesus commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Ten days later, on Pentecost Sunday, the Spirit descended with wind and fire. The Holy Spirit is the direct gift of the ascended Christ — the one who keeps the church connected to her Lord in heaven. Confirmation, Holy Baptism, and the preached Word are all means through which the Spirit works faith and keeps believers in living connection with the risen Jesus.
When is Ascension Day and how does the LCMS observe it?
Ascension Day falls on a Thursday — 40 days after Easter Sunday. In 2026, that was May 14. Many LCMS congregations, including Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, observe the festival on the nearest Sunday so the full congregation can participate. See our full worship archive for past sermons and services.
About Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, Missouri
Immanuel Lutheran Church is a confessional congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) at 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. We worship Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday School and Bible Classes at 9:20 AM between services. We are affiliated with Martin Luther School, a K–8 Christian day school on the same campus. Connect with us or fill out an online connection card. Jesus Brings Life. Meet Him Here.