Ascension Day Service Thursday, May 9

The congregation of St. Chad’s observed Ascension Day last Thursday with the traditional celebration of the Eucharist. Ascension day is one of the most important days in our liturgical year — observing the last act of Our Lord on earth. According to the Faith that we love, and the Kalendar that we live by, this was a Holy Day of Obligation.

From the Ascension Day Epistle from the Acts of the Apostles:
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so came in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

During this service we saw the Pascal Candle extinguished following the reading of the Ascension Day Gospel of St. Luke. This Anglican tradition marked the end of the forty days that began on Easter Day.

Ascension Day Thursday, May 9

The Service at St. Chad's is at noon.

The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now:
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty victor's brow.

— from Hymn 109

In recent weeks we have celebrated the beginning Anamnesis (the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ) that we observe throughout the liturgical year of our faith.

Had in remembrance His birth, His ministry, His blessed passion and precious death, His mighty resurrection.

Now it is time to observe in remembrance this last act of Our Lord on earth and celebrate together His Glorious Ascension. Ascension day is one of the most important days in our liturgical year. According to the Faith that we love, and the Kalendar that we live by, this is a Holy Day of Obligation.

True, Traditional Anglican Worship

Set on a quiet street among a grove of trees in a major Texas city, is a native stone Anglican Church. This is St. Chad’s Parish Church, which offers the worship services of this historic faith.

The Anglican worship services held here are much unchanged from the adoption of rites into the English language by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549; codified by Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1552, and authorized by Parliament in 1662. These Anglican services, after a few adjustments, were authorized in 1928 for the American Church. Through the successive consecration of its bishops, this Church can trace its origin back to the Apostles, and first century Christianity.

Established in 1992, St. Chad’s Parish was named for the seventh century bishop of Lichfield, England. This Parish is home for all worship, baptism, confirmation, marriage, and funeral services, as well as the fellowship, visitation, and spiritual care of its members. St. Chad’s is also a sponsor of an annual Mission to Nigeria by Bishop Ebenezer Manuagwu.

Inside this Parish Church is a warm, friendly place that meets every need for Christian assembly, worship, and fellowship. The chancel contains furniture imported from England, including the altar, the altar rail, prayer desks, and the Bishops chair; artistically hand carved cabinetwork in beautiful quarter-sawn English brown oak. This furniture was purchased from a Parish in England that closed there many years ago, and is believed to be over 200 years old.

Above the altar is a stained glass window representing the four Evangelists and other spiritual references. The window was designed and built by a Parish member, and complements the worship center of the sanctuary.

All are welcome here. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated twice on Sundays; at 8:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m.

Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible!

May 2011 marked 400 years since the first publishing of the King James Bible. This enormous work is acknowledged to be one of the greatest influences on the English language, and the English Church at its beginning, and then as a Scripture source for nearly all of the Christian world. A visit to the Internet shows that the 400th anniversary of the 1611 King James Bible is being observed all over the world.

The King James Bible is the source of the Propers in the Book of Common Prayer, the Scripture source that we live, learn, and worship by every day of our lives.

We are pleased to add observance of this work. St. Chad's has set up a display of an original page from the very first edition of the King James Bible from 1611. It shows this actual page, a certificate of authenticity and pages detailing some history of this momentous achievement.

Due to the popularity of the exhibit, it will be available indefinitely.

Fr. Don