Friends and Neighbors, 

This email arrives on the Feast of the Ascension. The Ascension is that event 40 days after the resurrection when Jesus ascended into the heavens. We often skip over this moment in the Christ story. The resurrected Jesus could have stayed on earth and made quite a show of coming back from death. Instead, the followers of Christ are told that they will receive the Holy Spirit and continue the work of sharing God's love. 

As part of the church, we continue to live empowered by the Spirit. Part of our ministry is to remind each other that we do have the Holy Spirit working in us to do the work of loving God and neighbor. We bring the gifts of who we are to be a body serving the world. We share this calling with each other. 

I hope you know that you play a part in welcoming others to our community. No matter how small the part, you are helping others know that God is with them. It may be through acts of service, or by your greeting a stranger. What little ministry or touch has made a difference for you in our community? 

As we remember the Ascension, we also celebrate that Christ has not left us on our own. You remind me of God's presence with me. Together, we share the presence of Christ with the world. You have been given the Spirit to make the love of Christ known. 

Peace,

Fr. John Mark