Church of the Ascension

The Story at Home

Peace in times of trouble

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 22, 2022

John 14:23-29

Jesus answered, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.” 

Something to Do

Those who love me keep my word

Love is revealed in living so love Jesus by keeping his word – care for others, practice compassion and non-judgement, seek peace, speak out against injustice. There is no shortage of opportunity.

For example, Ascension member Debbie Grisdale invites us to join the campaign of Ban the Bomb Ottawa to call on the city to become a signatory to the City Campaign of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The Cities Appeal is a commitment by a city or town indicating its support for the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and its willingness to call on their national government to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay. 17 Canadian cities have already signed on. City Council will vote on the motion on May 25th.

Bishop Shane and Ascension’s Executive Committee have sent letters of support for the motion to Mayor Watson. You can read Exec’s here (and use it for crafting your own!).

Do not let your hearts be troubled

This is often easier said than done but practice helps. When you feel troubled or afraid, take time to ground yourself in the peace of Jesus. Breathe deeply and know you are being filled with the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and teacher. Remind yourself that Jesus, having gone to his Father, has become available to us in all times and places. He is with you now, in the midst of trouble, and so you can experience the troubles of the world without fear.

Something to Wonder

the Holy Spirit…will remind you of all that I have said

Is there something you need the Holy Spirit to remind you of? Perhaps it is something that God once whispered just to you. Perhaps it is something that Jesus taught everyone but you have forgotten it – entirely or occasionally. Perhaps it is something that you make a habit of forgetting.

Sit quietly and invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you

What fills you with a sense of peace?
When was the last time you felt peaceful? What was that like?
What does peace feel in your body? In your mind?
How would you describe it to a child?
How would you describe it to someone who knows you very, very well?

Is peace a difficult thing for you to experience? How does Jesus’ promise of peace make you feel?

Something to Learn

Christians and Disarmament

There are many Christian groups involved in peacemaking around the world and at home. Project Ploughshares is the peace research institute of the Canadian Council of Churches, engaging in research and advocacy at all levels of civil society with the goal of preventing armed conflict and creating peace.

Explore their website to learn about their findings and how you can support their work: Project Ploughshares.

Something to Pray

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.

Quality Time with the Good Shepherd

Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 8, 2022

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 
   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; 
   he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake. 
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
   your rod and your staff—
   they comfort me. 
You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
   my whole life long.

Something to Do

Go for a walk with your shepherd

Go for a walk somewhere you feel safe; somewhere that restores your soul. Walk in silence, breathing slowly and deeply, and know you are walking in the company of God.

Consider finding your way to the labyrinth at the church and walking there, winding your way into the centre and back out.

Have a feast with your shepherd

Make yourself a meal that you will really, really enjoy. It might be fancy or it might be simple. It might be one your own or it might be with other people. It might be a whole dinner or simply an afternoon snack. Whatever it is, make it something that will nourish your body and delight your taste buds. This is what God’s love feels like.

Something to Wonder

Where are you walking?

Last year, I shared a guided reflection on Psalm 23 in our Fourth Sunday of Easter service. Walk your way through it again with this video. (the guided reflection starts at about the 2:50 mark.

Something to Learn

Vocations Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, often called Good Shepherd Sunday, is also Vocations Sunday – a day of intentional prayer in many provinces of the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Church, and the Roman Catholic Church that God would call people to ordained ministry (priests and deacons) and the religious life (to be nuns and monks). Learn more about Canadian Anglican religious communities here.

Of course, God also calls people to ministry that doesn’t involve ordination or taking vows and so this is a good day to pray for the development of lay vocations, too! The Body of Christ needs lay people to exercise their own ministries of oversight, pastoral care, evangelism, education, exhortation, prayer, peacemaking, and more – both within the church and in the whole of their lives.

Something to Pray

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.

Saul and Ananias

Third Sunday of Easter
May 1, 2022

Acts 9:1-20

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 

The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

Something to Do

Be Ananias

While you may not be sent to heal someone who has been “breathing threats and murder” against you, is there someone who needs your care even though they have given you good reason to not trust them? Do something kind for that person or, if it is not safe or you do not have access to them, include them in your prayers this week and ask God to bring them healing and the help they need.

Enter the story

This is another one of those stories with wonderful characters and a fast-paced plot. Read it again and simply enjoy it a a short story. Imagine the inner states of Saul and of Ananias as the story progresses. Imagine the greeting Saul received when he began preaching in the synagogues. Write an additional scene to the story, either expanding on the relationship between Saul and Ananias or Saul’s encounters in the synagogue.

Something to Wonder

Be Saul

Take some time in prayer and ask God if there is something you have got really wrong. This error could be political or personal or spiritual. If there is, admit it and work to change your mind and your behaviour.

The power of resurrection

This story is, ultimately, a resurrection story. Saul dies to his old beliefs and his old ways and is reborn with a new purpose: to bring the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles.

Have you every experienced rebirth to a new purpose? Did something have to die for that to happen?
Have you ever resisted rebirth? Why?
Do you think you may be being called to rebirth now? What may need to die for you to follow that call?`

Something to Learn

Saul (Paul) of Tarsus

The oldest texts in the New Testament are the letters written by Saul, called Paul in most of the Biblical record (including Acts after chapter 13). These letters shaped not just the communities they were addressed to but the development of the entire faith. Learn more about the work and faith of Paul.

The PBS series, From Jesus to Christ, includes a wonderful set of mini-essays and interviews with a variety of scholars on Paul’s Mission and Letters.

Something to Pray

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.

Thomas has a few questions…

Second Sunday of Easter
April 24, 2022
(A Story at Home Rerun from 2018)

John 20:24-31

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” 

Something to Do

Unless I see…

Instead of calling Thomas Doubting Thomas, we should call him Scientist Thomas.  Insisting on evidence—information that you can check by touching it or looking at it or hearing it or smelling it—is an important part of scientific discovery.  Do an experiment this week and practice using your senses to gain information about the world. This website has some suggestions.

… I will not believe.

God for a walk and imagine the stones and trees and waterways shouting their praises to God. Imagine If we are going to keep calling Thomas Doubting Thomas, we should remember that doubts are not necessarily bad. Doubts simply mean we don’t know something for sure—and, if we’re honest, there are lots of things we don’t know for sure.
 
Set a timer for three minutes and see how many doubts you can write down in that time. If you are doing this with other people, award a prize to the person with the longest list.

Something to Wonder

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”

The Greek word we translate as “believe” also means “trust.”  Remembering that can help us remember that believing isn’t about knowing for sure, it’s about trusting even though we don’t know for sure.
 
What do you trust?  Who do you trust? What makes something or someone trustworthy?
 
Do you find it easy or difficult to trust God?  Why?

“… through believing you might have life in his name”

The language of kingship can be difficult for us to work with but remember that, for much of history and The Easter season reminds us that we don’t just tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection – we actually get to share in Jesus’ resurrection.  Our life is made new in Jesus’ risen life.  Jesus revealed himself to Thomas so that he might join in this new life and Jesus reveals himself to us, too.
 
Where is resurrection happening in your life?  Where is there new growth?  New changes?  New opportunities? 
 
What new things might be possible if you allowed yourself to trust in the power of the resurrection?

Something to Learn

Thomas the Doubter Apostle

When Jesus first appeared to the other disciples, one of the things he said to them was “As the Father sent me, so I send you.”  Thomas clearly got this message too and, according to tradition, is responsible for the introduction of Christianity to India. The historian William Dalrymple explores this tradition’s roots and its contemporary expression in this article for The Guardian: The Incredible Journey.

Faith, Doubt, and Religion

Doubting Thomas Redeemed
by Joseph Brean (published in the National Post, April 13, 2017)
“Skepticism has repeatedly shown its value as an intellectual tool, even for believers. Rather than an obstacle, doubt has been recast as, if not exactly a virtue, at least a stepping stone to faith. The stigma of doubt is weakening and as it does, Thomas is slowly redeemed.”

A spectrum of spirituality: Canadians keep the faith to varying degrees, but few reject it entirely
Angus Reid Institute and Faith in Canada 150 study the “anatomy of faith in Canada”

Something to Pray

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.

Holy Week 2022 – not quite the same…

This is the first Holy Week in three years that gathering together in the flesh has been an option – and it is still not an option for everyone.

But whether you will be in the church for parts of this week or not, let us all remember the lessons we have learned about how to experience these sacred days at home. Let us all remember that we are united not because we can stand in the same place but because we are rooted in the same Spirit, following the same Lord.

Below are a number of ways to enter into Holy Week, some alone or with other members of your household and some on-line, and some at the church. Whatever you choose to do, I pray that you will know the presence of Jesus in the world and in your own life.

The Story
Holy Week

Luke 22:14-23:56
John 18:1-19:42

As we are in Year C of the lectionary cycle, we heard the Passion according to Luke on Palm Sunday and, as in every year, we will hear the Passion according to John on Good Friday. Both are too long to copy into this post but the links above will take you to the Oremus Bible Browser site. Or, better still, pull out your own Bible and work your way through the story in your own time this week.

You may wish to use this model to organize your reading.

Self-guided Prayer

Resting in the Presence of God

Prayer Walk – The guide offers two forms for a prayer walk. The first is a deeply contemplative walk, using breath prayers to focus your heart and mind as your allow your body to move through the world God made. The second is a form of intercessory prayer that calls on you to be attentive to your surroundings and love God’s world in prayer.

Walk the Labyrinth – Labyrinths are an invitation into the presence of God to release your burdens, receive God’s blessing, and return to God’s world. Hans and Linda have created a wonderful labyrinth in our parking lot – all are welcome to walk it at any time. You can also use a finger labyrinth at home.

A facilitated walk will be offered on Good Friday at 11am.

Contemplative and Creative Arts

Prepared by members of the Contemplative Arts Group for our first locked-down Holy Week, this resource provides options for Scripture based meditations and creative responses, including visual art, movement, writing, baking, and music. It makes use of materials you likely have at home and is easily adaptable for use with younger children.

Music for Holy Week

The Contemplative and Creative Arts Kit, above, includes suggested songs to sing or listen to (all findable on Youtube or similar services). In addition, our music director, Aude has created three Youtube playlists to accompany your prayer time.

Praying Holy Week

The Church of England offers a Holy Week podcast, Walking the Way of the Cross

The Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal monastic order, provide a resource page for each day of Holy Week with readings, prayers, reflections, and music.

Services

Maundy Thursday

Home Prayers at Dinner

Set up your worship space at your table with a candle to light and a simple meal such as bread, cheese, fruit, hummus, olives, and wine (or its substitute) set out.  As you pray, know that you are praying in the company of Ascension and of all the saints. Download the prayers here.

Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing – 7:30 at the church

Come to the church for this solemn service. We will wash one another’s feet (so wear shoes and socks that are easy to remove) which is weird but wonderful. We will share in Eucharist. We will strip the church and sit in the dark to hear the story of Jesus’ betrayal. We will pray in the company of Ascension and of all the saints.

Good Friday

Love is Stronger than Death: Way of the Cross for All-Ages – 10am

This moving service uses simple language and the hope-filled refrain that love is stronger than death to tell the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross in a way that is suitable for young children as well as their elders. Unlike a traditional Stations service or the Liturgy of Good Friday, we end the service with the (quiet) good news of the Resurrection in order to ensure our youngest members feel safe and reassured as they wait for Sunday.

How to join the service:
This service will be offered in a hybrid format. You are welcome to come to the church or to join via Zoom. The Zoom link is available on request from Rhonda.

This service itself will not be recorded but a pre-recorded version is available here.

Labyrinth Walk – 11:00am

Come engage your body, mind and spirit in prayer and reflection on the seven last words of Christ. Steve de Paul has created a meditation in poetry and image, titled Seven Christs which will be available as laminated cards for walking use and as a video loop inside the church for finger labyrinth users.

Find more details here.

Liturgy of Good Friday – 12:00pm at the church

The Good Friday service at the church includes the reading of the Passion of Christ according to St. John, the solemn intercessions, a time of meditation on the Cross of Jesus, and the opportunity to receive Holy Communion from the reserved sacrament.

A simple pre-recorded service will be available on the website as of Friday morning.

Easter Sunday

Claiming the Hope of the Resurrection

Service of the Word- 9 a.m. on Zoom

We will hear the good news of the Easter Gospel, sing with the Easter choir, and renew our baptismal vows as we are reminded of who we are called to be in a world that is crying out for rebirth.

Prepare to join in the celebration by setting up your worship space with :

  • a candle ready to light
  • a big bowl of water

How to join the service:
Download the order of service (available soon).

Join Zoom with a computer or smartphone or call in to Zoom by dialing 1-647-374-4685 and entering the meeting ID 301 177 504.

Eucharist with Baptism and Children’s Talk- 9 a.m. at the church

Register here.

Easter Coffee Hour ~ 10am

Gather outdoors to share coffee, tea, juice, and treats between the on-site Easter services. Zoomers welcome!

Eucharist with Choir and Sermon – 11am at the church

Register here.