Vicar's News - 1 June 2025
- Fr Ian
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Christ's feet in the ceiling of the Ascension Chapel at the Anglican Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham, England
The Feast of Christ's Ascension
The Ascension points both to an event in history, the last resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples, and to the purpose of Jesus’ victory on the cross - the taking of our humanity to God. Heaven is not located ‘above’ the earth, and Christian iconography is not always helpful, as shown (amusingly) above where the feet of the ascending Jesus protrude through a polystyrene cloud!
We celebrate Jesus’ presence with us, and not lament his absence. This presence is the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of St John, the Spirit is poured out by the Father on the day of resurrection and it is in response to Jesus’ promise “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever” (John 14.16). St Paul developed a theology of the Holy Spirit. Writing to the Romans he referred to the ‘Spirit of God’ as the ‘Spirit of Christ’. The Holy Spirit does not replace the risen Lord for he is one with the risen Lord and the Father in the life of the Holy Trinity.
The Ascension is located as an event in history, but it points to the central event of the Christian scriptures, the resurrection of Jesus, to the reality of his presence with those who are united to him in baptism and faith, and to the future hope of our transformation into his likeness.
Music on Sunday
TENOR & BASS EUCHARIST@ 10.00 AM
Prelude: Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr (Alone to God in the highest be glory)
BWV 662- J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Hymns: Processional Immortal, invisible, God only wise
Gradual The head that once was crowned with thorns
Thanksgiving Hail, thou source of every blessing
Post Communion Alleluia, sing to Jesus
Setting: St. Andrew's Mass -Timothy Mallis (b.1996)
Psalm: 110 (NPCW)
Anthem: Panis angelicus - Claudio Casciolini (1697-1760)
Motet: Glory to the Lamb - David Blackwell (*1961) (vl ,3,4)
Postlude: Heut' triumphieret Gottes Sohn, BWV 630 -
Johann Sebastian Bach ( 1685-1750)
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a cherished tradition celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide. This festival dates back over 2,000 years and honours the great poet Qu Yuan, who sacrificed himself for his people.
Families gather to enjoy zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), dragon boat races, and performances rich in poetry and folklore.
It is a time of unity, remembrance, and cultural pride, symbolising resilience and devotion.
🎉 Join Us for a Special Celebration!
📅 Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: St Andrews Brighton Church
Experience an afternoon of poetry, dance, singing, and spectacular performances! Whether you are familiar with the traditions or discovering them for the first time, this is an event for everyone to come together, celebrate, and enjoy.
Everyone is welcome—bring family and friends!
English Conversation Group
Our English Conversations continue to grow on Tuesdays at 9.30am during term time, in the Parish Hall.
Rosters
The new roster period will be from Saturday 5 July through to Sunday 26 October. Please advise co-ordinators of availability.
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