Independence Day

Greetings and a warm welcome to all. Please join us following the 10:30 liturgy for refreshments and fellowship in the Parish Hall.

We welcome today our visiting priest, the Reverend Peggy Muncie, as our celebrant and preacher. We appreciate that she is back with us for this special July 4 service and celebration as we remember and honor our nation’s birthday. Happy 4th to all!
I want to thank Betty Peters for her donation to our Memorial Garden  a “life-size” statue of St. Francis. We are grateful for her generosity towards our parish. We will bless our statue of St. Francis very soon.
Please remember to bring back bulletins from the parishes where you worship while you are traveling. This enables us to learn about other parishes and their worship and ministries. 
Today’s Gospel resonates in a number ways  with our Core Values here at Ascension.  We have identified them as Outreach, Compassion, Christian Formation, and Fellowship.
Jesus sends the additional 70 to carry out his mission to neighbors far and near. His outreach is extended to the ill and marginalized to demonstrate compassion and those actions that represent and reflect  the kingdom of God. Beginning next Sunday, July 11, we will  pray aloud in unison at the conclusion of the regular Prayers of the People a new prayer titled Ascension’s Prayer for Mission:
O God, creator of heaven and earth, open our hearts and minds to embrace unity with you and with one another as we strive to practice forgiveness and reconciliation.  Help us to be mindful of others and to invite and welcome others to our parish. Lead us to walk the path as  disciples of Christ, called to serve neighbors near and far. Direct us on our journey as we strive to meet the needs of our parish and community through sharing and caring, enhancing our lives and faith through relationships and interactions with one another. Guide us as we seek to meet the spiritual needs of God’s people in our worship, prayer, and study. Help us to show gratitude to you through faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and resources. May we be united as one with you and your creation through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

Ecce quam bonum,    Deedie+