The Lenten Season is a wonderful time for us to reflect on the meaning of new life offered to us in the risen Christ. It is a time for discerning and asking our Lord how he may use us anew to proclaim his good news to those who come among us. We are a vital and alive community of faith which has so much to offer those who come among us. We are warm, full of hospitality, and the focus of our life is Christ, the Bread of Life.
Already new members of the parish have extended invitations to others and the parish has experienced wonderful growth. I am sure that they don't see themselves as evangelists, though that is what they are, but simply as friends who wish to share their experience. This wonderful spirit will continue to build a loving community that cares deeply for one another and desires to extend that love to the larger community.
What is it about Ascension that you cherish? What news about the parish do you wish to share with others? Know that by inviting people to participate in our worship is to be about our Lord's work. We don't want to grow for growth's sake, we don't want to grow because we want a larger pledge base, we want to grow because it is our Lord's Great Commission and the continual sign of our life and vitality.
Reflections of a parish priest
These reflections are offered to you, dear reader, for the nourishment of your soul and spirit in this time of political, religious, and cultural confusion. It remains to be known what topics will be covered in this missive, but I am hopeful that whatever comes forth from my hand or the reader's will inspire and aid you on your journey to the Cross.
1 comment:
What is it that I value about Church of the Ascension: a real feeling of sacredness, of holiness that exists in its midst.
We, with our flaws and faults, ARE this holiness because of God's Grace, because of his incomprehensible forgiveness and love. It is an awesome and truly precious thing and one for which all people hunger.
Let us pray that this holy thing that is God within us will continue to grow and flourish...not a building but this holy and sacred thing that is God within each of us. And let us also pray that those who hunger for it will come here, find it amongst us, become part of it, enrich it and help it to grow ever stronger and brighter in a dark and frightened world.
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