Dear friends,

Yesterday was Ascension Day when we celebrate Christ rising into the heavens, ascending to his place at the right hand of God the Father. It can help us to reflect on many things, perhaps including how odd our faith can feel at times! In this instance to different stories are presented to us, strangely both by the same author – St Luke. Our scriptures can be hard to study some times and I know many of you have reflected on this over the years as you have attempted to follow Jesus and learn more about the Bible. We have just purchased some copies of a book about reading the Bible called “How to Eat Bread” if anyone would like to borrow a copy they are kept in the Lady Chapel, just let one of the ministry team know you would like to.

Back to our two stories which describe Jesus ascending into the heavens…

In the first, Luke ties the moment closely to the resurrection of Jesus, that moment that changes everything for everyone. It is the resurrection that brings us hope not just for this life but for an afterlife – for restored life to come. Sometimes people ask if the Bible really describes Jesus as divine, was he really God? In this reading the disciples clearly think so as we read of a rare occasion where they bow down and worship him, something only appropriate to the one true God.

In the second account we read of the disciples hopes and confusion. I love to read about those early followers of Jesus struggling to understand and wishing things were different.

How often are we the same? How often do we long for change to happen soon, for better things to come or for justice to prevail?

Both these accounts lead us to a belief that Jesus is alive and present. Not present as he once was but not dead and gone either. We are left waiting then for next week – for Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit in a fresh way. For God’s presence to be amongst the followers of Jesus in spiritual form.

As we continue through this interesting season of St Martin’s life, we are very aware of that feeling of absence as we discern who will be our next vicar. In the meantime, we celebrate the good things that happen in our community; the love shared, the friendships made, the guidance found and the answered prayers. We hold these along with the challenges of life; the deaths, the unexpected illness, the promises broken and lives disrupted. We gather each week, sometimes more than once, to seek God together in the midst of each of these things. Looking for God in our communion, in each other and in the mystery of our faith.

This week Rev’d Simon will take both our services and I will join the Sunday Spirit team at 10:30 to think about blessings with the children and young people. Hope to see you soon, you are welcome and invited!

Grace & peace,

Phil