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

Greetings and a warm welcome to all.

In today's Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus embarks on a journey to Jerusalem. We know this  because it is  indicated in Luke's words, “When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” We frequently refer to Luke 9:51-19:27 as the “travel narrative”. Today we hear the meaning of discipleship as related by Jesus' three invitations to follow him and the responses of the individuals. Jesus is very clear with his responses to each of them.

Ironically, in the spirit of travel, we will say farewell to three of our own today as they embark on new journeys and destinations in their lives. We say farewell and traveling blessings, but not “goodbye,” for I am confident we will see Gail Reuning and Bishop Rogers and Anne Harris again; however, it will not be every Sunday. Hopefully, they still have a few more Sundays with us, and we will always welcome them back any time they are able to join us. Today, we have set aside the Refreshment Time after the 10:30 worship to honor them and to show our deep gratitude and appreciation to them for their years of friendship and ministry with us here at Ascension. We have been enriched by their presence and we will be saddened by their absence.  Please join Gail, +Rogers and Anne in the parish hall later this morning.

As I have gotten to know our bishop, Andrew Waldo, better since his arrival, I am pleased at his emphasis on community building, congregational development, and spiritual growth. He has already brought to the clergy and other leaders in the parishes and diocese the tools and resources to enhance these ministries in the body of Christ. The more I look around us here at Ascension, the more opportunities I see for ministry and growth in our parish, the community, and the world. Today our bishop is in Haiti with his wife Mary, their son Benjamin, and others from our diocese. We also have several people from our diocese in Ecuador. They are worshiping in different languages and at different times, but along with us, our travelers on mission trips and Anglicans all over the world, are lifting high the cross, breaking bread, and praising God. Think about it. Think about how connected we are with others through the sacraments, the music, and the prayers. One Body-One Mission-Changing lives.  

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen. (1979 BCP,815)

Ecce quam bonum,
Deedie