Ascension Day

Good morning,

How in the world is Memorial Day Weekend upon us?  It seems like Easter was just a week or so ago! 

Although Memorial Day is a major holiday for our country, there is another important day for Christians coming up – Ascension Day!  In our area Ascension Day is perhaps best known for the fact that our Amish neighbors observe it by taking the day off from work and having all sorts of gatherings.

So what is Ascension Day and why doesn’t the church have a service for it? 

Ascension Day is the celebration of Christ ascending into heaven after His death, burial and resurrection. We read about it in Mark 16, Luke 24, and Acts 1.  It occurs 40 days after Easter, in accordance with Acts 1:3:

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.

Ascension Day is observed primarily in Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican churches, and since it is always 40 days after Easter Sunday, it always occurs on Thursday.   However, some denominations, like the Methodists, observe it on the following Sunday.

Putting the accounts of Jesus’ ascension together, we learn that after His resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to His disciples and others. It was during this time that He continued to teach them about His return and the coming kingdom of God.  He also promised again that the Holy Spirit would soon come to help them. After 40 days He was taken up to heaven for the last time. As He ascended, two angels appeared to the disciples to tell them that Jesus would return in glory the same way.

It is important to note that although the Bible gives us the day of Jesus’ ascension, it never instructs us to celebrate it.  Some scholars suggest that Ascension Day was first observed by the church as far back as 68 A.D.   However, there is no written evidence of the church observing Ascension Day until the 4th century, when it was instituted as an official feast of the Catholic Church.  After the Protestant Reformation, many churches chose to not formally observe Ascension Day because of its Catholic origins and connections.

Whether or not we formally celebrate Ascension Day, it serves as a reminder that Jesus is coming back.  The fact that Jesus was resurrected from the grave and ascended to the right hand of the Father is the source of our hope (1 Peter 1:3). We know that those who belong to Him by faith will one day be with Him in heaven, which also just happens to be the main focus of the sermon on Sunday!

Here's what’s happening:

1.               TONIGHT  - Youth group from 6:30 – 8 pm at the schoolhouse.

2.               TONIGHT - Quilt Knotting for MCC from 6:30 – 8pm in the church lobby.

3.               If you are interested in being baptized this summer, please let me know soon.

4.               Next Steps at the Bridge luncheon for new attendees is set for 6/1 after the worship service.  That morning is also Graduation Sunday.  We will be honoring our graduating seniors during the worship service.

5.               The Uganda Children’s Choir is giving a performance to benefit ServeNow at Mt. Vernon Christian Church at 6:30 pm on Sunday 6/1.

6.               I will be leading a workshop called “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” at Waterway Church in Oxford on Sunday, June8 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  We will be discussing what Biblical dating looks like, the common saying that “opposites attract,” and what to consider before getting engaged.  This workshop is for senior high teens and young adults…parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend as well!

7.                I’ve received a request for volunteers to staff the “Prayer Tent” at the Witness Festival on 6/14.  If you would like to volunteer to pray with those who are seeking prayer at the Festival please see me.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is a passage of great comfort to many when they grieve the loss of a loved one.  It is one of the most hopeful passages in the New Testament.  On Sunday we will look at Paul's description of the coming Reunion of the Saints and see how it is our hope for today and tomorrow!

See you on Sunday,

Scott