“ Memories remain evergreen”
Perhaps it’s only in our maturity, we realise that memories have become the bedrock of our existence. Like ourselves, although collectively similar memories are uniquely personal to the individual. This was very evident when we gathered for food and friendship at the recent Anna tea.*
Discussing Ascension day the majority of us had been blessed with a day off school ! That was after we had been frogmarched to church for a traditional service celebrating the risen Christ ‘s ascension into Heaven ( Luke 24: 51… Acts 1.1-9) 0ne, even recounting how the teacher’s ingenuity of getting them to cling to a long piece rope had kept the human crocodile in order ! Not a high vis jacket in sight …in fact I am not sure they were in production in the 50’s!
How life has changed for our modern counterparts, high vis jackets aside …speak about Ascension day .. they are genuinely bewildered! Searching the dim recesses of their minds ..had they forgotten something ? No! sadly, so often now traditional church celebrations have been overtaken by secular enterprises in this 21 st century. Many, this year have bemoaned to me the lack of the traditional Easter card!
But what of our creator God, the sacrificial act of His Son…. and the joy of knowing that thanks to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we are assured that our earthly life is but a time of transition, our personal ascension to those eternal shores. Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same. All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His name! Glory to His name
Glory to His name! All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His name! **
My memory of Ascension day is meeting a totally blind lady incarcerated by her disability in the local workhouse ( in 1950’s early 60’s such places still existed though less archaic in nature ) As she sung the CMS chorus her face became radiant.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.***
Even in such circumstances she knew she journeyed not through this world alone but God the Father, God the Son enabled by the power within of Holy Spirit journeyed with her.
All are welcome …..to our Ascension day celebration which is on the 14 th May …come and share your memories and make some new ones. Held hopefully in the grounds of Harpsden Church, (inside the church if wet )
informal service at 12 noon followed by bring and share picnic lunch afterwards… please let Revd Heather know [email protected] for catering purposes what you plan to bring.
*Next Anna Tea May 27th in Dunsden church …tea served at 2.30 ALL are welcome please let Revd Heather know you are coming 07946352026
** written in 1890: by A.B.Simpson based on Hebrews 13 Jesus’ love power and mercy remain the same for ever.
***chorus of the hymn ‘ I serve a risen saviour ‘ Alfred H Ackley 1933 highlighting the personal assurance of Christ's resurrection and his presence in the believer's life.
Bonded in His love Heather.