E-MINDER: the Church of the Incarnation

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THE WEEK OF MAY 24-MAY 31, 2009

 

 

Last Thursday was the Feast of the Ascension, depicted in the icon above.  On this day, the church recalls Christ's ascending to heaven forty days after Easter.  Ten days later, a total of fifty days after Easter, the church celebrates Pentecost (Greek for "fiftieth day") and the gift of the Holy Sprit.  The Spirit descends in tongues of flame.

 

The language of ascent and descent, and the associated imagery — particularly of Christ's ascension — can trouble modern minds.  It is helpful to remember the assumed nature of the universe in Biblical times (heaven above and the earth below), and to focus on the more abstract, theological, truths these movements represent.  After his earthly ministry, Christ returned to the Father; and the Spirit was sent forth from the Father and the Son.  These statements reveal the rich inner life and relationship among the three persons of the Triune God.  The following collect for Ascension Day, then, asks that we might also come to share in the life and love of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.   

 

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT INCARNATION

 

Monday, May 25                     Church and Parish House closed in observance of Memorial Day.

 

Wednesday, May 27                12:15 pm.  Holy Eucharist.

                                               5:30 pm.  Holy Eucharist with homily.  Please note the new, earlier time of this service.

                                              

Friday, May 29                         12:15 pm.  Holy Communion with prayers for healing.

                             

 

SUNDAY, MAY 31

PENTECOST / WHITSUNDAY

 

8:30 am:  Holy Eucharist

Homily: the Rector

 

10:00 am:  Bible Study in the Parish House Dining Room.*  This will be the final meeting of the season.  Bible Study will resume in September.

 

11:00 am: Holy Baptism and Communion with Choir

Sermon: the Rector

Music of Bach, Mendelssohn and Duruflé

Sunday School for children ages 4 to 10; Nursery Care is also available

 

5:00 pm: Contemplative Candlelight Communion

Meditation: the Rector

 

 

*The lessons for this Sunday are Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:25-37 or 104:25-32 or 33:12-15, 18-22; 1 Corinthians 12:4-13; John 20:19-23 or John 14:8-17.

COMING UP AT INCARNATION

 

Monday, June 1                       7:00 pm.  Next meeting of the Men's Group.  Professor Greggory Keith Spence will begin a discussion of the ethical problems in human cloning, stem cell research and similar procedures.  Refreshments will be served.

 

Tuesday, June 2                       7:00 pm.  Women's Group meets in the Parish House. All women are welcome to attend.

 

Sunday, June 7                        Volunteer Appreciation Sunday

12:30 pm.  Parish Potluck Luncheon in the Assembly Hall following the 11:00 am service.  Call the church office, 212-689-6350, to sign-up to bring a main course, side dish, or dessert.

 

Tuesday, June 9                       7:00 pm.  The next meeting of the Career Support Group.  This group is intended for persons seeking a job or considering a career change.  Newcomers are always welcome.

 

Saturday, June 13                    3:00-5:00 pm.  Membership Committee hosts guided tours of the church for the neighborhood and wider community.  Suggested donation: $5, per person.

 

Sunday, June 14                      11:00 am.  Guest preacher from London, the Rev. Dr. Alan McCormack, Rector of the Parishes of St Vedast Alias St Foster and St Botolph without Bishopsgate.

 

5:00 pm.  Final Contemplative Candlelight Communion of the season.  The service will be followed by a reception and will resume in September.

 

And in the not-too-distant future:

 

Wednesday, July 15                 6:00-9:00 pm.  “Christmas in July:” a crafts night in preparation for the annual Christmas Fair.

 

Monday, August 3-                  9:15 am-12:00 noon.  Vacation Bible School 

Friday, August 7                      “Discovery Canyon,” for children ages 3-11.  Discovery Canyon is a Christian curriculum that is not denomination-specific.  The cost is $50 per child.  Volunteers needs.  Please speak to the Assistant Minister for more information.

 

Friday, October 9-                   Parish Retreat to Incarnation Center, Ivoryton, CT.

Sunday, October 11

 

INCARNATION CAMP at Incarnation Center, Ivoryton, CT, holds summer programs for children ages 7 to 16.  Registration is now open!  Materials on the camp are available at the entrance of the church.  Visit their website, www.incarnationcamp.org, or speak to the Rector, Doug, or the Assistant Minister, Amanda, for more information.

 

Be well.

 

~the Rev. Amanda Kucik Rinas: amanda@churchoftheincarnation.org

More details available online: www.churchoftheincarnation.org.

 

The featured image can be found at
http://orthodoxwiki.org/ images/ 0/ 03/ Ascension174.jpg.