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Depending on your background, the Ascension may not be a part of the gospel story that you are very familiar with, but in our liturgy and in the New Testament, the Ascension features prominently as the essential culmination of Jesus’ work of saving us. See further below for some beautiful examples of this.
I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven…after his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God…After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. — Acts 1:1-3, 9
The Bible tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection, a feast that the church still celebrates 40 days after Easter, this Thursday May 14.
Ascension Sunday Bishop Visit & Confirmation — We are excited to have Bishop Stewart joining us to preach and confirm students and adults who are joining the church as members. See their names below and please pray for them as they prepare for confirmation.
Confirmation is an ancient sacramental practice of being strengthened by the Holy Spirit for mission in the church and the world. As Anglicans,confirmation is how adults become members of the church and how students affirm their faith in a mature way. Find out more about confirmation here.
Almighty and everliving God, we beseech you to strengthen these your servants for witness and ministry through the power of your Holy Spirit. Daily increase in them your manifold virtues of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and the spirit of holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.
More About the Ascension:
“[The Father] raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” — Ephesians 1:20-23
“As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.” — Sunday Communion Liturgy, Book of Common Prayer
“On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” — Nicene Creed
Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven: May our hearts and minds also there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. — Collect for Ascension Day, Book of Common Prayer
Ascension Day Resources:
An article on the meaning and ways to celebrate the Ascension. https://anglicancompass.com/the-liturgical-home-ascension/
A podcast from a priest in our Diocese on the meaning of the Ascension
https://wordandtable.simplecast.com/episodes/the-ascension
A podcast from City of Light’s Rachel Hoskins reflecting on the prayer from Ascension Sunday.
https://soundcloud.com/user-552848152/31-ascension-sunday
A liturgy you can pray in your household on Ascension Day
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-mWH-Fqh59SOoQ_Ti7pm5mHnEGXei_z2T9cFbxKSKpU/edit?tab=t.0