Forty years the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness before they were led by Joshua across the Jordan into the Promised Land.  Forty days after Easter the new, wandering Israel is led by the greater Joshua (Yeshua) across the glassy, crystalline sea to the right hand of God on high.  Jesus Christ is the beginning of the New Creation; he is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15) and the pioneer of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10ff).  Today, as C.S. Lewis reminds us, "a new chapter in cosmic history has opened."  Christ closed the door to everlasting death by his own death and opened heaven for all as easily as he opened his own tomb.  The dragon is slain, the Lamb has conquered and now the King ascends to his throne.  All of this...follows along in joyful refrain as we celebrate the Ascension... 

Jesus' resurrection leads to his Ascension.  You don't get one without the other.  The "It is Finished" of Good Friday must be extended throughout the whole world...

Think of Christ's Ascension like the coronation scene towards the end of Tolkien's Return of the King: the Ring has been destroyed, Mordor is defeated, Aragorn ascends the throne having conquered the enemies of middle-earth, all things are under his feet and elves, men and even hobbits gather for feast and festival.  Ascension is a triumphal entry, not into Jerusalem to die, but into the Heavenly Jerusalem as King: palms are waved in exaltation, the vault of heaven resounds, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive honor and glory and blessing." 

The rooms are empty; the Renovation begins!

Thanks to all those last Sunday who used their strong backs to empty two rooms on the second floor that will be renovated this summer!

We will transform the Godly Play room into the Atrium of the True Vine (for ages 6-9 under Miss Beth's continuing leadership) and the large room at the northern end of the hall will be readied as an atrium for older-aged children.  We will be using the same paint color, lighting, and flooring that have made the Creation and Good Shepherd Atria so stunning.

Can you scrape and patch walls that need some TLC?  Do you have skills installing lighting?  Contact the Parish Office so that we can begin to organize the work crews and dates for work.

Thanks in advance for your dedication to the faith journey of our younger sisters and brothers in Christ!

Katherine Grace Ryder was born and received her first blessing from Fr. Derek on Memorial Day.  Parents Joe and Stephanie, Katherine, and big sister Claire happily returned home yesterday.  

For the Church

Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Katherine, the Presiding Bishop; Holly, our bishop

Derek, our priest; Heidi & Russ, our missionaries in Chile; our parish staff, wardens and vestry

For those baptized at the Easter Vigil

Niki Park; Mathew Pope, Ava Park, Clara McCorkill, & Emily Stallings

For those who received the laying on of hands by our Bishop

Niki Park, Andy Graham, Teresa Park, Linda Buchanan, Lena Simmons, Joe Ryder, Stephanie Ryder, Becca Mina, Mitchell Harbin, Franklin Marzullo, Lloyd Ostby, Walter Short, Jeff Fremeau, and Gina Fremeau  

For Justice and Peace  

For Barack, our president, Terry, our governor; Ken, our mayor; Mac Baechtold; Erin Elliott-Carrico; Nate Kingsbury; Will Oast; Dariana Torres and Bill Wolter who are serving our country overseas or away from home; for the Coast Guard Personnel on watch and on patrol from Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

For those in any Need or Trouble  

In our Parish: Bobby Barclay, Donald Bowles; Bill Edwards; Darryl Foytik; Ron Fritz; Vivian Hillman; Mavia Hudgins; Bob McBride; Teresa Park; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Alice Robbins; Betty Jo Ross; Barbara Stearns; Sue Taylor; Jennie Todd; Lauren Weaver; Mark Woodland

Thanksgivings