 Forty days after Easter, the Church keeps the feast of the Ascension, the day when the risen Christ was taken up before his disciples. As the book of Acts of the Apostles tells us, “He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts of the Apostles 1:9).
The Ascension is not the story of Jesus leaving the world behind. It is the proclamation that human nature, our very flesh and blood, has been carried into the life of God. In Christ, humanity is enthroned in heaven. He ascends not to abandon the earth, but to fill all things with his presence. Epistle to the Ephesians gives us the Church’s great vision of this mystery: “He ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things” (Epistle to the Ephesians 4:10). The Ascension means Christ reigns now. His lordship is not distant. It reaches into the ordinary, the broken, the hidden places of life. Heaven is no longer sealed. In Christ, heaven and earth are joined. The great theologian Athanasius of Alexandria wrote, “He became human that we might become divine.” The Ascension is the radiant fulfilment of that hope. The one who descended into our frailty has now raised our humanity into glory. And the mystic Julian of Norwich, whose vision was shaped by the nearness of God, wrote, “And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” On Ascension Day, that promise sounds with particular force. Christ has gone before us. Our future is not emptiness, but communion. This is why Ascension is such a joyful feast. It tells us that the risen Christ reigns, that prayer is heard, that human life is precious beyond measure, and that the destiny of creation is glory. You are warmly invited to celebrate Ascension Day with us at St John’s Church Sharow at 7.00pm, Thursday, 14th May 2026. We will gather for worship, Holy Eucharist, and one of the most stirring moments of the year: trumpets sounding from atop the bell tower, letting praise ring out over the village and fields. There is something profoundly fitting in that sound. On the day Christ ascended, the Church lifts both voice and heart. Trumpets from the tower do more than mark an occasion. They proclaim to the whole community that Christ is risen, Christ is ascended, and Christ reigns. Whether you come every week, or have not crossed the church threshold for many years, this feast belongs to you. Come and stand beneath the evening sky. Come and hear the call of joy. Come and celebrate the Lord who ascends, yet remains nearer to us than our own breath.
0 Comments
 Join us this Christmas Day for the first time or as a regular. 10am, all are very welcome on this special day. 10am services at both churches.
The Holy Innocents at Copt Hewick are having a glorious festive evening on December 20th ! lease do come along HG45BY. Judith writes: "We are having our carol singing in the village hall at 6.00pm on Saturday the 20th December, which is also the village pub night. There will be a small group of musicians, to accompany our carols. The hall has also kindly offered mince pies and mulled wine. "  All are invited to a joyous Christmas Eve celebration. Come alone, with family, with friends. Come in fancy dress! We'll have an unrehearsed, informal and impromptu nativity story with audience participation and plenty of laughs. Along with all your favourite carols and readings. 4pm on Wednesday 24th December AKA Christmas Eve At St Johns Sharow. We've plenty of parking but please arrive early.   First Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm
As evening falls and the light softens, our church fills with the gentle glow of candles, quiet music, and a sense of stillness. Candlenights is a space to pause — to breathe, to pray, to reflect, and to simply be. Each first Sunday of the month, from 5:30–7:30pm, the doors of St John’s are open for anyone who wishes to step out of the noise of the week and into a place of calm. Whether you come for five minutes or stay for the whole two hours, you’re welcome just as you are. There’s no formal service, no expectation to speak or participate — simply a peaceful, sacred atmosphere shaped by candlelight, gentle music, and the quiet presence of others doing the same. Some choose to sit in stillness, others light a candle, catch up with your writing, read a book, remember loved ones, or wander quietly in the space. In the glow of many small flames, we are reminded that even the smallest light can hold back the darkness. Come as you are. Come and rest. Candlenights – the first Sunday of every month, 5:30–7:30pm at St John’s. This is a new project that I’m super excited for ! Loneliness is an epidemic recognised to be sweeping across the globe, so we are hosting an evening Magdalen Fellowship, once a month on the third Sunday. You’re invited to come from 5.30 and bring your supper or join us for a cup of tea and chat, fellowship is what this group excels at. Well, that, and silence. Give yourself a little peace as the leader lulls you into a gentle Christian meditation, or contemplative prayer. Everyone is invited, we have folk join the fellowship from all denominations and across the region. This extra group is especially looking to welcome those who are busy in the week and would enjoy some time of peace. Please do join us !.  |
NewsBlog Submissions are always very welcome. Share anything you like ! Please send news, articles of interest and events to CommsStJohn'[email protected] Events DiaryCategories
All
Archives
May 2026
|
RSS Feed
Come as you are. You'll find a welcome face.
Typically, the church is open 10am-4pm, seven days per week. Our Facebook Page is never left unattended for long, so please don't hesitate to pop in, join a service or just message 'hello'.
|
