Ascension’s Mission Statement
“DISCIPLES OF CHRIST CALLED TO SERVE NEIGHBORS NEAR AND FAR”

Greetings and a warm welcome to all this 5th Sunday of Lent.

Our reading from John’s Gospel gives us an indication that we are very close to Palm Sunday, and prepares us for the somber pilgrimage through Holy Week.  You should have received a letter from me recently with an invitation and an explanation of the Christian Seder Meal on Maundy Thursday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. We will begin Holy Week with choral evensong at 7:00PM on Monday and also observe the Good Friday liturgy on Friday at noon and 7:00PM and the Stations of the Cross at 5:00. I hope that you will all involve yourselves as fully as possible in Ascension’s offerings of worship and prayers during Holy Week. 
Dating back to the early years of the Church, the clergy have gathered on a day in Holy Week to renew their ordination vows and to participate with the bishop in the blessing of the new oils to be used in the diocesan churches during the coming year. This special event will take place in our diocese on Monday in Holy Week, March 29, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2827 Wheat Street in Columbia. The oils that will be blessed are the Oil of Chrism, the Oil of Catechumen, and the Oil of the Sick. You are also invited to attend this special liturgy which begins at 11 AM. Please check the St. John’s web site for directions: www.stjohnscolumbia.org and click on “visitors” and then “find us.” You may also call the church at 803-799-4767. I will be happy to give you directions. You may also want to take in lunch; there are some very good restaurants close by.
Please see below the official invitation to Bishop-elect Waldo’s Consecration and Ordination on May 22 in Greenville. For pertinent information please consult the special web site: www.edusc.org/Consecration. I will also keep you posted as the Transition Committee gives the Standing Committee more details.

Ecce quam bonum,
Deedie+