Ascension : Church News
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 17.11.2011 (Article Archived on 01.12.2011)

Many thanks to all whose hard work and enthusiasm enabled a memorable Remembrance service to be kept on Sunday last

St. Mary’s Church

 Ascension Island (Diocese of St.Helena)

From: FATHER CHRISTOPHER BROWN

Many thanks to all whose hard work and enthusiasm enabled a memorable Remembrance service to be kept on Sunday last. How very good to see Titan  Airways and the Ascension Hospital staff laying wreathes this year.

My particular thanks go to the staff of A.I.G. who set up the tents and chairs; to the R.A.F. who produced the Service pamphlets; to Paul Cooke and Johnny Green who provided the music and the public address system, and to all the readers and Church members who ensured the smooth running of the service. Colin, Head Boy of Two Boats School delivered Pope John Paul’s Message of Peace with clarity and understanding.

Some of those who died in military service on Ascension were young lads of Colin’s Age; this gave the reading an added poignancy. Last week, for whatever reason, only the first paragraph of my article got through to the islander, so they hope to be able to publish the remaining part this week. It gives some statistics of numbers of British and American service personnel who have died in the nine years since the international Involvement in Afghanistan; I hope it gets published.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Festival of Christ the King. Unlike those many  Sundays in the church year given over to Christ’s ministry, teaching, suffering and Death, this Sunday proclaims Christ’s glory and majesty; His victory and exaltation. It helps prepare us for the coming Advent Season when we reflect on Christ’s  “parousia” or Second Coming in glory to wind up all human history and begin the final judgement. Please note for your diaries: Nov.23rd. Bishop Richard Fenwick arrives. He will hold a Service of Induction for Fr. Chris (afternoon of Nov.24) and a service of Confirmation on Sunday 27th. November.

This promises to be a wonderful church occasion for our ten adult candidates.

This Sunday’s service is a Holy Eucharist at 10-30pm..