Ascension Day in Arborfield

Today, May 13th, is Ascension Day in the Christian calendar. At our Church of the Ascension in Arborfield, that means a party!

To the right, you see some of the smiliing Church of the Ascension folks, in front of their church building. They're showing off the 2010 Book of Common Prayer calendar, which displayed a photo of their church building this April and was distributed across Canada.

But back to Ascension Day...we'll start with a yummy supper, then go outside to the church lawn for a short service, including a brief talk, prayers and singing. The focus will be on Jesus' ascension into heaven, returning to his Father, after his resurrection from the dead - and what this means for us today.

Then comes more fun - a balloon launch! We'll each have one or more helium balloons to release into the sky, symbolizing both the ascension of Jesus and our releasing of prayers up to God. This is the part the children like best, and there is usually a virtual horde of them taking part in this aspect of the outdoor service.

This year, it's supposed to be sunny and warm - much better than last year's rainy launch. Even then, though, the balloons brought smiles. Check out how carefully Elaine Kapeller and grandson Marshall are choosing their balloons from Steve the Soaked Balloon Man.

In fact, the only creature we know, who doesn't like the balloon launch, is...you guessed it...Gryffin the Welsh Terrier. Here's his reaction to having balloons blown up and stored in his "space" - otherwise known as our church office in Arborfield.

Will you be in Arborfield today? Why not come along for the fun?

Even if you can't physically participate in the party, here are some prayers you can use to participate with us from across the miles:

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of his peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Alternative Services, Anglican Church of Canada)

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, Anglican Church of Canada)