Please do join us for our regular Sunday Service

All welcome, Sundays at 10.30am

Since the late fourth century, on the fortieth day of Easter the Church celebrates Christ's ascension to heaven. This marks the end of his earthly ministry and the Feast of the Ascension is therefore closely connected with the theme of mission.

The season of Easter is celebrated for fifty days, culminating in the Day of Pentecost, May 14th this year.

Matthew's Gospel ends with Jesus's final words to his disciples, that they should go to all nations and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28.19-20). In John's Gospel, Jesus instructed his followers to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 14.15-17). The feast of Pentecost celebrates the account of the Holy Spirit coming on the disciples empowering them for mission (Acts 2.1-47). Ascension and Pentecost are closely linked. The Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father,

On that first day of the week, when fear locked the doors, You came to Your disciples with words of peace.

Lord Jesus, breathe that same peace nto our hearts today,

Calm our anxeties,

Dissolve our doubts,

And replace our fear with the assurance of Your presence.

May our lives bear witness to Your resurrection power, and may we walk each day in the joy and hope that You are alive and with us always.

Amen