All on-site services have been suspended until further notice.
If you are in need of prayer (over the phone or video call), please feel free to contact Rhonda to arrange an appointment.
You may want to pray the Blue Christmas service with this recording.
An original radio play by Gilbert
~
featuring
Thomas as our announcer
the children of Ascension as Sheep
Trevor as Shepherd #1
Andrew as Shepherd #2
Cynthia as Gabriel
Sarah as Mary
Robert as Joseph
Gilbert as the just-born Jesus
~
with sound and music effects by Kate, Meghan, & Dave
and the Ascension Christmas Choir
~
produced and edited by Rhonda
An original radio play by Gilbert
~
featuring
Thomas as our announcer
Sarah as Mary
Robert as Joseph
Kate as the Innkeeper
Christine & Tom as the troublemakers
Gilbert as the just-born Jesus
~
with sound and music effects by Kate, Meghan, & Dave
and the Ascension Radio Quartet (Alan, Jocelyn, Meghan & Kate)
~
produced and edited by Rhonda
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In this week’s reading, “gentleness” was part of Paul’s pastoral advice to the young church in Philippi. There are, in fact, many passages in the Bible that talk about the importance of gentle approaches, such as: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” (Proverbs 15:1) and “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)
What would it look like if we “let our gentleness be known to everyone?” What would the tone and volume of our voices be, for example? Would our words be soft and understanding, or sharp and impatient? The stresses of this season – and of our pandemic circumstances more generally – impact us all to one degree or another. As an Advent practice, let’s take Paul’s timeless advice to heart and find ways every day to let our gentleness be known, to strangers as well as those close to us.
How does it feel when you’re close enough to someone you love that they’re in your “personal space?” Happy? Reassuring? Affirming? Now imagine how much nearer to you God is… How does that make you feel?
Although none of us is John the Baptist, we share in his ministry of proclamation and preparation. Is that a ministry you want? Why or why not?This week, our readings call us to “sing praises,” “shout aloud,” “sing for joy,” and “rejoice in the Lord always.” What would happen to our hearts if every time we looked around, we noticed something – a big thing or a small thing – for which we were grateful? Would we get used to seeing evidence of God’s grace in our lives and feel closer to God as a result? Might we then trust God more deeply?
In uncertain situations, most people will feel “safer” if they are in the company of loved ones, behind solid doors, or, perhaps in extreme circumstances, guarded by trusted authorities. How much more protected – at peace – do you feel in God’s loving embrace, in the knowledge that “even the hairs of your head are all counted” by God. “So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:30)
A Virtual Exhibition Exploring John the Baptist as a Person and a Prophet
John the Baptist is an important person in Advent, the one who calls us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ arrival. This virtual exhibition will walk you through the Uffizi Galleries’ stunning array of artwork depicting the John’s life and ministry. As the exhibit’s commentary notes, Western art has dedicated more space and time to John the Baptist over the centuries than any other saint. From medieval iconography to famous Renaissance paintings, to 20th century canvases, this virtual tour highlights not only the milestones of John the Baptist’s life, but also his prophetic mission.
When you access the virtual tour, remember to scroll down through the informative and thoughtful written commentary in the left-hand column on the screen; you can advance the tour by clicking on the arrow on the right-hand side of the image.
Sometimes technology is a wonderful advantage; this is one of those times!
Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways.
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow.
The story this week has made me wonder about…
(what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.
The story this week has filled me with…
(how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.
The story this week has reminded me of…
(are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.