Collect for the Feast of the Ascension
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens
that he might fill all things:
Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise,
he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Comments
I am always amazed that Episcopal churches studiously avoid what should be a major feast day--and a good excuse for an outdoor celebration and a picnic! This, after cramming as many services as possible into Lent and especially Holy Week.
But to be picky about it, May 20, 2012 was the "Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day." Ain't no such thing as Ascension Sunday in the BCP.
At the Church of the Holy Comforter, Montgomery AL we had a service on the Eve of the Ascension. The church usually has a Wednesday evening Eucharist, so we fit it in that way. I preached in American Sign Language and the interim rector was the celebrant in spoken English. Yes, we had a professional interpreter there.
I remember many, many years ago, when I subscribed to the Christian Century magazine, a writer said, "Ascension Day falls on Thursday this year." You can imagine what the letters-to-the-editor were like in the ensuing weeks. He went on to become a prominent Methodist bishop.
I still maintain that Ascension Day should be given a more prominent place in the life of a parish.
Your service at Holy Comforter sounds lovely.