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After Ascension. The Ascended Christ: a future with hope
These days from Ascension to Pentecost are heady ones. We recall Christ returning to the heart of the divinity – and the assurance that we can go there too. And we have the longing for the outpouring of the Spirit. It’s a fundamental part of Christian theology that we aren’t just stuck in our current mess, but have hope for the future. As Jeremiah 29.11 says, ‘For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.’
During these days we are invited to enter a time of intentional prayer, called Thy Kingdom Come. This call originated from the Archbishops, but it has been adopted by many different denominations. If you’d like to pray there are some resources here.
I invite you to think of the ascension this week and to pray each day that you can find ways to celebrate your ascension as united to the I AM presence in the world. If we do this, I think you will be amazed to see how we can each be brimming with light and joy and our energies increased.
ASCENSION
I AM Ascension Light,
All of good won at last
For all eternity.
I AM Light, all weights are gone.
Into the air I raise;
To all I pour with full God Power
My wondrous song of praise.
All hail! I AM the living Christ,
The ever-loving One,
Ascended now with full God Power,
I AM a blazing Sun!
Elizabeth Clare Prophet © 2010 Summit Publications, Inc
Do stay alert and safe - both to slow down the virus’ spread, and for the sake of our NHS workers. And do be praying for our NHS and health services across the world.
And may the Spirit come to you in power!
Thursday Eucharist
Thursday is our online Eucharist as a benefice at 12noon. Please join us if you can.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/701093091?pwd=YzhBbDBnRHl0eUNvSTJsT0ZkU3Q1dz09
Meeting ID: 701 093 091
Password: 007761
Next Sunday is Pentecost
We look forward to next Sunday at 1030, joining together for Pentecost Sunday – do wear colours of the Spirit, reds, oranges, yellows or decorate the space behind you. Do join in and spread the word. Last week it went out to hundreds of people and we hope to do the same again.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/890739081?pwd=aURNcHRheVZ0R3pXeXkzRERqdDl4QT09
Meeting ID: 890 739 081
Password: 020375
Other news:
Some of you may recall that in an earlier Mercy and Kindness session Toby looked at Elgar's Cello Concerto. A heads up that on 29 May at 7pm the Royal Ballet is streaming a premiere of Cathy Marston's The Cellist, set to a commissioned score by Philip Feeney. More details here: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-cellist-stream-details
Fire Pit Reflections: If you missed Ross’ Fire Pit Reflection from Sunday’s service you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/GiBOT34KLK0
Thought for the Day is available through the website each day and I warmly encourage you to follow this Monday to Friday to keep yourselves spiritually active! https://witneyparish.org.uk/outreach/thought-for-the-day.php
Today, Wednesday 27 May we are having our usual Benefice Virtual Drinks Party at 7.30pm. If you are able to then do join us for this – simply pour yourself a drink, press this link and settle back for an hour of fun and fellowship, when there’ll be a variety of acts coming your way!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/244330560?pwd=Z1F0bG5ySkhqK0o0MUs3S1NYb3Z5QT09
Meeting ID: 244 330 560
Password: 011610
Giving: Thank you for responding to the recent letter asking you to consider making a one off extra donation to the Parish this year. If you wish to make a contribution, details of how to do this our on our website
https://www.witneyparish.org.uk/belong/giving.php
Pastoral Care remains our key concern. If you have any worries please be in touch with us so we can support you – remember, you are not alone. Even as we have to spatially distance ourselves, we can grow closer together as a community of Christ.
Prayer: Please be aware that Ross is on holiday this week and there will be no morning or evening prayer livestreamed between Monday 25th and Friday 29th. Many of you have said you are using the Daily Prayer App or the simple office on our website and we continue to pray this at 9am and 5.30pm daily.
Finally, a very happy Easter season and do continue to pray and keep the Faith!
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
from St Patrick’s Breastplate
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