Thoughts from Deacon Matthew as his Church of the Resurrection chapter closes and his Church of the Ascension chapter begins.

We’ve been meeting together as the Ascension team for several weeks now, thinking, talking, and praying about Church of the Ascension.  We are companions at the beginning of a journey, growing as friends and as people.  Already we have enjoyed so much about one another; discovering our love of food and drink, sports and games, music and laughter.  We’ve also been caring for each other, as we’ve grieved the loss of a dear friend so young, listened and prayed for deep concerns, reached out to connect and to love.  At the center of what we’re about is Jesus – hearing his voice, making him plain, following him in this new adventure.

My official time at Church of the Resurrection is drawing to a close.  Amazing things have I seen and been a part of at this church.  I am grateful for the lessons and the challenges, the laughter and the tears; they’ve made me who I am today.  Most importantly, and what I will miss the most, are the dear people of Resurrection.  So many friends, so many wonderful memories covering nearly 10 years of worship and service together.  I trust that you know that Kris and I love you and will always pray for you.  But we won’t say good-bye. Elmhurst is only nine miles and 22 minutes from Resurrection.  Church of the Ascension isn’t that far away.

This new church has a straightforward vision:

To be a place of Anglican Worship and Spirituality; Consisting of a people on mission to proclaim the Love of Christ;
Who have a plan to practice deep hospitality and release people for service in the world.

We’ll worship the Risen and Ascended Christ in Word and Sacrament, following our familiar liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer.  Our mission will rely upon the Holy Spirit to bless and empower this work for we desire many who have lost their way to return to Christ, or to meet him for the first time.  The practice of Ascension will be to love and care for those who enter our church; living life together and serving in meaningful ways.

Would you consider being involved?

1. Pray.  Pray a lot.  Every day.  Several times a day.
2. Introduce.  Do you know someone in Elmhurst or other towns to the east of Wheaton?  Can we meet them?  My email address is .
3. Visit.  Although we have not decided with 100% certainty, signs are pointing to a July start on Saturday nights at 5 PM.  We’ll keep you posted.

Thank you, Church of the Resurrection, for your love and friendship.  An exciting adventure has just begun – so glad you are a part of it.

Peace,

Matthew, Kris and the Ascension Team (without whom we could not be doing this)

Click here to visit Church of the Ascension’s blog.
Click here to download the Ascension Prayer Card.

Look below for photos from yesterday’s service where we celebrated and blessed Church of the Ascension.

Fr. Stewart presenting Ascension with a gift of a Chalice made by Resurrection's Nadine Rorem

Matthew and the Whitakers at the Church of the Ascension Rez Cafe yesterday.

Blessing Church of the Ascension yesterday on the Feast of the Ascension