Today, Thursday, May 18^th is is the Feast of the Ascension.

The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are the most thorough accounts of this event. The Ascension closes out the Gospel of Luke and begins the Acts account. Both were written by the same author.

If you have time, follow this link to the Lectionary Page for Ascension Day. Scroll down to the bottom and read the gospel lection first, and scroll back up and read the Acts account. You may notice something interesting:

Weird, huh? Luke/Acts is considered one long narrative written by the same author. Lots of good reasons to accept that. But it’s odd that Luke wasn’t concerned about presenting a consistent story. Did Jesus ascend on the first Sunday after the Resurrection? Or 40 days later? Did the disciples encounter two robed angelic “men”—or not?

I find it fascinating. It doesn’t destroy my faith to have these kinds of things pointed out. And modern people aren’t the only ones who noticed these. Ancient people could see them, too, and yet their faith was not destroyed.

These inconsistencies serve to remind us that the biblical accounts were not written by firsthand observers of the events, but by people who inherited the stories, and wrote them down in a coherent narrative. But in doing so, they were trying to express the inexpressible, to record a soul-transforming event that was ineffable and indescribable. Put it this way, the Ascension wasn’t something that could be photographed by an iPhone. It wasn’t an event that could be marked on a specific date on a calendar. “Ascension is really about a shamefully executed criminal being raised into the very life of God,” one commentator says, and even more, that when Jesus ascends, “he takes all of us with him,” while yet abiding with us always.

Blessings,

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.

Thanks to all those who have participated in our Turning Point outreach project. there's still time to contribute—the drive will continue through Sunday, the 21st. A comprehensive list of Turning Point needs can still be found by clicking here or on the table at the back of the church. Together we can make a real difference in the lives of victims of domestic abuse.

On May 28, Pentecost Sunday, in the 10:30 a.m. service, we need people to read a few sentences of scripture in another language. Everyone will be reading together, simultaneously, to add to the effect of the Pentecost narrative that day.

Please email us at communications@trinitybeth.org, or call the church office and leave a message with Kay.

We have 3 faithful, talented crucifers currently serving the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. We need at least 3 more. In fact, the more we have, the fewer times per month anyone needs to serve.

Please prayerfully consider this important role! Anyone of any age able to carry the crucifer can serve. Please contact Sara Klingner at sara.klingner@gmail.com to volunteer.

Lectionary Bible study begins around 11:45 a.m. Get your snacks and join the group at a table in the back of the parish hall. No need to be there every time. Join us when you can!

We need more volunteers to help with providing and preparing snacks for our hospitality hour after the 10:30 service. Text or email Sister Ruth at (484.707.2304 or studycindy20@gmail.com) if you would like to take a shift!

If you rearrange your date(s) of service as reader, intercessor, usher, Altar Guild, or hospitality person, please inform Kay Mackewicz so she can change names in the worship bulletin.

Kay can be reached at (610) 867-4741 or by email at churchadmin@trinitybeth.org.

Listen to last Sunday's Sermon! All sermons are now recorded and available on the website.