From a French Bible (St. Omer, Abbey of St. Bertin), c.1190-1200. Now at Koninklijk Bibliotheek, The Hague

 

‘While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven’ (Luke 24:52). This morning we celebrate the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry, but it is also a whole new beginning for humanity  …

The ascension is so central [to Christianity] because it assures us that the Incarnation continues. Christ didn’t just come among us for thirty-three years, slumming, as it were, and then when his work was done, say, “Phew! I’m glad that’s over! I’m going to unzip this skin suit and get back to heavenly living,” leaving us here on our own. He went into heaven with a pledge of all that we are going to become … The Spirit is the pledge of Christ’s presence in us, but Christ’s continuing body is the pledge of what we’re going to have in heaven. So the ascension tells us that Christ has not let go of our humanity. He truly wants to take human beings where we’ve never gone before: into the very life of the triune God.
—Gerrit Scott Dawson, author of Jesus Ascended: The Meaning of Christ’s Continuing Incarnation, from Art and Theology by Victoria Emily Jones

Ascension offers us the assurance that these bodies, these days, are of eternal import. And from this assurance spring lives filled with strength this side of the grave. Most appropriately we conclude our brief overview of Reformed theology with the ‘P’ of ‘TULIP’ – the perseverance of the saints! 

If you are in the area, we warmly welcome you to join us this Sunday.

During the service there is offered a nursery for infants and a programme for young children if desired. There is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street. There is a wheel chair lift available in the doors of the church closest to the manse (the courtyard is entered from the driveway half way along the St. Andrew’s block of Clergy Street) and a wheelchair ramp is available by ramp and door along Princess Street.

If you have any questions, please call the church office Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, or email [email protected]

Have a look at the Order of Service and bulletin below, and consider each hymn and prayer and announcement a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service.

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