THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY
June 1 , 2025
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTION.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS.
This is the Sunday after the Ascension, where the Church invites us to maintain emotional and spiritual sobriety in the face of the end or the goal of human history and our lives that has drawn near to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Ascensiontide is a time of prayerful expectation for the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost next Sunday and the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the gifts which He bestows upon us.
THE LESSON : 1 Peter 4:7-11
The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers. Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever.
THE GOSPEL: John 15:26-16:3
But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
THANK YOU to the St. Mary’s church family. The presentation to Sandra was so meaningful and thoughtful. The picture is wonderful! The nursery mural, the Beulah Land display and the poem by Hilary all beautifully framed. Sandra was so obviously pleased with it. Sandra will certainly enjoy it in her new home. The reminder of past events will engage her memory and make her smile. She can wrap herself in her prayer shawl like a big hug from you all. Thank-you and blessings to all from Sandra’s family (Mike, Andrea, Lila, Gwen, Bonnie, Keelan, Amelie, Tristan, Eveline and David)
Heart and Hands
For decades you held on tightly and tenderly
Holding the hands of children, taking babies into your arms.
Hands of yours pass on the faith, first handed to you making
Fishers of Children.
Hands baked, set out crafts, moved the felt, the wooden figures
Offered lunch, puffed wheat square, lawn games, childcare.
Open hands, from a full heart, ready to serve, not to count the cost.
From God’s heart and hands to St. Mary’s little ones,
Thank you, dear Sandra, faithful servant.
THE FEAST OF PENTECOST. Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church! We will begin at 10.00 a.m. with Morning Prayer, followed at 10.30 with Holy Communion. This is will be a family service and include a song by the children’s choir. Lunch follows the service. Please bring a salad to share!
SYNOD APPOINTMENT. We give thanks and pray for Beth who was elected to Diocesan Council, and as delegate to the General Synod.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer: Tuesday to Friday at 8.30 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.