Dearly beloved,

As I sit down to write this, it is Ascension Day, when the first chapter of the book of Acts tells of Jesus ascending into heaven. It always falls on the 40th day after Easter; Pentecost follows ten days after that.

This account often makes me smile (even more so with the attached picture). We are told that the disciples just stood there watching the sky, staring upwards. It is like when we watch balloons and such slowly making their way up. We try to see it as long as we can, squinting to keep ourselves focused on the ever diminishing object. While their gaze is focused upwards, there appears two people in white – reminiscent of Jesus’ transfiguration with the appearance of Moses & Elijah as well as at the empty tomb. Yet, the disciples don’t see them because they seem to be waiting for Jesus to return. I imagine it was as if they thought this was just a quick trip. I hear the voices of the angels saying “whatcha lookin’ at?”

On the one hand, I find this comical, but is can be a bit disconcerting for them as well. They just got Jesus back after this death and resurrection, they thought he would be with them forever and yet, now he is gone again. You can always hear hear them thinking “now what?!?” Jesus had told them what to expect, what to do -that they would receive the Holy Spirit and that they would be his witnesses throughout the world. Still, they may have felt a bit abandoned.

I know that there have been times when I have felt that way and others have shared with me that same feeling. Jesus can feel very far away at times – whether in our own lives or in the world. We stand looking to the skies, waiting for God to put in an appearance.

I have a quote written in one of my Bibles that says “If God seems far away, who moved?” It reminds me that God is not absent. Just because we don’t see or feel God’s presence doesn’t mean that God isn’t with us. Just because Jesus ascended into heaven – and may be “working from home” – God is very much here! Next week, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, the powerful sign that God’s breath fills our bodies and empowers our lives of faith

May you know that God is with you always, beloved of Christ!

peace in Christ, Pastor Jen

Favorite Hymn Playlist: As we prepare to hear our favorite hymns and songs this summer, Pastor Jen has put together a playlist of the ones that have been shared to date. Many are hymns from our own hymnal and others are popular Christian songs.

You can access the favorite hymn playlist here:

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