We make much of Christmas, and rightly so. Easter is the center of our joy. But, in many parts of the world—especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe—the Ascension is a bigger deal than Christmas. Churches pack out on Ascension Day. Processions fill the streets. The feast is marked with joy, music, and proclamation.
Why?

Because the Ascension of Jesus Christ changes everything.

The story comes near the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. Jesus, risen from the dead, gathers with his disciples one last time. He blesses them—and then, in full view, he is “taken up” into heaven and hidden by a cloud (Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:9–11). Angels appear and tell the disciples: “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way.”

This isn’t just a miracle of levitation or a poetic way of saying Jesus left. It is, as one theologian put it, a “theological earthquake.” Jesus doesn’t disappear. He ascends—meaning, he is exalted, enthroned, glorified.

He doesn’t go away to rest. He goes to reign.

When we confess in the Apostles’ Creed that Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father,” we’re using royal language.

To sit at the right hand is not a statement of location. It’s a statement of authority.

The earliest Christians understood this. They quoted Psalm 110 and Daniel 7—texts where the Messiah is raised up, given dominion, and enthroned alongside God. Jesus now reigns from heaven, not just over the Church, but over all creation, visible and invisible.

That includes every government, every economy, every system, every human heart, and every cosmic power. As Paul puts it: “God raised him up… and seated him at his right hand… far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:20–21).

So if Jesus is King now, we can live with confidence now.

In John 16:7, Jesus says something shocking: “It is better for you that I go away.”

Why? Because when he ascends, he will send the Holy Spirit. The Church will not be left alone. The Spirit will come to fill us, empower us, and guide us.

That’s why the Church celebrates Pentecost ten days after Ascension. The two are connected. Ascension isn’t about absence—it’s about expansion. Jesus, now ascended, is no longer limited by geography or time. He is present everywhere—by his Spirit, in his Church, and in the Sacraments.

The Ascension isn’t a strange add-on to the story of Jesus. It’s what everything in Scripture has been pointing toward.

• When Enoch was taken up without tasting death, he became a mysterious sign of humanity’s destiny to dwell with God. Jesus ascends having passed through death and been raised, not merely taken but enthroned—so that by his triumph over the grave, he might lead many sons and daughters into the presence of the Father.
• When Moses ascended Mount Sinai and entered the cloud of God’s presence, he returned with a covenant. Jesus ascends into the true heavenly sanctuary as the mediator of a new and eternal covenant.
• When Elijah was taken up into heaven, his prophetic spirit fell on Elisha. Jesus ascends—and the Spirit falls upon the Church to carry on his mission.
• When the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year with blood. Jesus enters once for all, carrying not animal blood but his own, as our eternal intercessor.
• And the cloud of glory—that mysterious sign of God’s presence that hovered over the tabernacle and temple—now surrounds Jesus as he enters heaven itself.

The Ascension is the climax of Jesus’ priestly work and the beginning of his royal reign.

Here’s a beautiful and often overlooked truth: Jesus didn’t stop being human when he ascended.

He didn’t discard his body or leave it behind. He ascended with his resurrected, glorified, fully human body—and took that humanity into the very life of God.

Which means: our humanity is now seated at the right hand of the Father.

The Ascension isn’t just good news about Jesus. It’s good news about you. Your body matters. Your suffering matters. Your future matters. Jesus has made a place for you with God.

He is our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20). Where he has gone, we will follow.

The Ascension is also cosmic warfare.

The Bible speaks of “powers and principalities”—spiritual beings that influence nations, cultures, and systems of injustice. When Jesus ascends, he is exalted above them all (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:21). He is not just King over the Church. He is King over the whole universe.

The Ascension means that Christ is not only Savior—he is Lord. His authority is already established. His kingdom has begun. And the Church is now his embassy, bearing witness to that kingdom in a world that doesn’t yet see it.

If you’ve been in church and heard the words:
     “Lift up your hearts.”
     “We lift them to the Lord.”
…you’ve celebrated the Ascension.

This ancient call and response in our communion liturgy reflects the truth that in worship, we are being lifted up to where Christ is. As Hebrews 12 says, we come to the heavenly Jerusalem, joining the worship of angels, saints, and the enthroned Christ.

St. Leo the Great once said, “What was visible in our Redeemer has passed into the sacraments.” Christ is not gone. He is gloriously present—in the Word, in the Table, and in the gathered Church.

The last thing Jesus says before he ascends?

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Ascension isn’t the Church’s retreat—it’s our commissioning. Jesus reigns from heaven so that the Church can bear witness on earth. He is our intercessor, our King, and our strength. And until he comes again—as the angels promised—we live as his ambassadors.

That means your life, your work, your prayers, your parenting, your friendships—all of it is part of proclaiming: Jesus is Lord.

In Ephesians 2:6, Paul says something amazing: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places.”

Already.

That means the Ascension isn’t just about what happened to Jesus. It’s about what has already begun to happen to us. Our hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s anchored in heaven, where Jesus reigns, where prayers are heard, and where our future is secure.
One day, he will return. One day, the skies will part. One day, heaven and earth will be made new.

But until then, he is not gone—he is reigning. He is not absent—he is with us always, in a new and powerful way.

This Sunday—right here in our own congregation—we will celebrate the Ascension. Maybe for some of us it’s the first time. Maybe for others, it’s still the beginning of a new rhythm.

Let’s not let this feast pass us by.

Let’s rejoice that Christ has ascended—not to leave us, but to reign over us. Not to withdraw, but to fill all things with his presence. Let’s tell our children. Let’s remind our hearts. Let’s gather at the Table, lift up our hearts, and say together:

“We lift them to the Lord.”

By Deacon Andrew S. Ames Fuller

Photo credit Getty Images

We are delighted to share that Shannon Ames Fuller was ordained as a transitional deacon on Saturday, January 25th! Transitional deacons spend a period of time (normally a year) as deacons on their way to being ordained to the priesthood, grounding all ordained clergy as “deacons first.” As you get to know Shannon in new ways this year, we hope you’ll quickly see her heart for worship, her theological strength, her preaching, her gift for guiding children and youth, and her deep desire to serve God’s people of all ages.

Shannon grew up in beautiful upstate New York in a family of strong faith. She spent her childhood in a non-denominational environment and gradually came into Anglicanism, moving through a charismatic Bible school, community college, and then Wesleyan University. After graduating with a degree in communications and a minor in childhood education, Shannon went right into work as an administrator and program director for the Episcopal Diocese of Albany’s youth and summer camp program, where she discovered a deep love for liturgy and the Book of Common Prayer.

Longing to delve further into ministry, Shannon then spent time in urban outreach with a group of priest friends who encouraged her to “check out their seminary.” That path led her to Trinity Anglican Seminary in Pennsylvania, where her understanding of the theological underpinnings of Anglicanism only fueled her excitement to engage more deeply with this expression of the faith. During these years, she confirmed a call to ordained ministry, met and married her husband Andrew (a fellow seminarian), and welcomed their first child. Surrounded by the support and grace of Trinity professors, fellow seminarians, clergy, and laypeople, Shannon’s calling was affirmed and shaped in a profound way.

Formal Education

• Associate of Science (A.S.) in Elementary Education and Teaching from Mohawk Valley Community College
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Rhetorical Communication with a minor in Inclusive Childhood Education from Houghton University (NY)
• Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Trinity Anglican Seminary (PA), where Shannon was appointed Class President

She is also certified in Godly Play, a children’s ministry approach that embraces wonder, discovery, and interactive Scripture.

Shannon’s unique blend of academic excellence and hands-on ministry has led her to focus on nurturing faith in children, youth, and families in ways that are both theologically robust and spiritually engaging.

Shannon’s passion for children’s and youth ministry has guided her for well over a decade. In her administrative and leadership role at the Episcopal Diocese of Albany (NY), she launched K–6th grade summer programs and coordinated youth events year-round for middle and high school students. As she moved to church plants in Edgeworth and State College, Pennsylvania, Shannon introduced children’s chapel programs mirroring the liturgical worship of the main congregation, ensuring a smooth transition for kids from preschool through second grade into “big church.”

Through these experiences, Shannon fell in love with the beauty and depth of Anglican worship, instilling in her a commitment to Godly Play—a method that fosters curiosity, playfulness, and an interactive experience with Scripture. By weaving together songs, biblical storytelling, and opportunities for reflection, Shannon creates spaces where children can feel at home in the church’s liturgical life and grow in their own faith.

Shannon and her husband, Andrew (a C4SO Deacon who is Assisting Clergy at SLMD), met as students at Trinity Anglican Seminary. They married and worked in ministry in Pittsburgh before moving to TX. They now live in Hurst with their three children: Ephrem, Lilias, and Adorée (born just a week before her friend, Trixie Madden!). When she isn’t juggling family life and ministry, you can find Shannon exploring the outdoors, strolling through coffee shops, or tending to her garden—little ones usually in tow!

Shannon joined the staff at St. Luke as Family Minister in September, bringing with her a robust theological foundation and a deep commitment to nurturing the faith of every generation. On Saturday, January 25th, Shannon was ordained as a transitional deacon—a significant step on the journey toward eventual ordination as a priest, God willing. She was ordained by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, but will transfer her orders to the Diocese of C4SO now that she is serving at SLMD. In her new role as deacon, Shannon will continue to share her enthusiasm, strong theological insight, and heart for service with our parish, especially among our families and youngest members.

Shannon often describes herself as an “older sister in the faith,” walking alongside children and youth as they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. She reminds us that as adults, even while we teach and nurture our children’s spiritual lives, we are also learning from their childlike wonder and trust—a beautiful reflection of how Jesus calls us to approach His Kingdom.

We couldn’t be more excited for Shannon as she enters ordained ministry and continues to serve in this vital role at SLMD. Her presence among us will undoubtedly enrich our worship, connect us more deeply to our youngest members, and invite all of us to step more fully into the wonder and beauty of God’s story.

Please join us in congratulating Shannon. Let’s walk together, side by side, as we continue to nurture faith in the next generation and, in the process, discover anew the childlike hearts we are all called to have in God’s Kingdom.

We thank God for leading Shannon to St. Luke Medical District, for calling her into ordained ministry, and for the countless ways her gifts will bless our entire church family in the days ahead!

DAY 1: Learning
God of all wisdom and truth, this school year, please help my child(ren) to set aside all distractions so that they can focus, create, learn and grow in wisdom and understanding. Grant them curiosity, a love for ideas and a passion for learning. Bless them with moments of true wonder. Grow their ability to question and think critically. Help them to recognize and celebrate the gifts you have given them, and to use them with enthusiasm. And in all of this, open their hearts to your presence and guide them with your Spirit, that they would see through your eyes what is beautiful and true. Amen,

DAY 2: Friends
Lord, please help my child(ren) to find true, godly, and loyal friends, who are pure in heart and gracious in speech. Guide their relationships, that they would love, inspire, challenge and encourage one another through all of life’s adventures. Help them to see others through your eyes, that they would have a heart full of compassion. Gift them with kindness, generosity of spirit and friendliness, that they would greet others with a welcoming smile. Amen.

DAY 3: Resilience
God, who calms the storms, I pray that any adversity would help my child(ren) to learn and grow. Through the ups and downs of this year, grant my child the sure knowledge of your love. Help them to always turn to you, that they would face trials with courage and integrity, and bounce back with increased confidence, grit and resilience. Use every experience and every relationship to nourish them and shape them in your image. Amen,

DAY 4: Safety
Lord, our Protector and Savior, wherever my child(ren) go, a piece of my heart is always with them. Thank you for the miracle that they are! You knew them before they were born, you can count the hairs on their head. Please protect them, and keep them safe from danger or harm. Guide them to make wise choices, to withstand social pressure and avoid the many temptations of this world. Enfold them in your protection and bring them home safely each day, and grant me/us the peace of knowing you hold them in the palm of your hand. Amen.

DAY 5: Godliness
Creator God, let all things work together this year to draw my child closer to you. Open their hearts to your presence and fill their spirit with your love and grace. Help them grow in understanding of your teachings. Give them the confidence that comes from knowing that they are children of God. Help them learn to depend on you, to turn to you in prayer, and to place their confidence in you. Help them to shine your light in the world, and to be a testament to your goodness and mercy. Amen.

Creator God, thank you for the gift of our child(ren) and the blessing of our family. We are so grateful for the privilege, and we know that we can’t do it without you. We ask that you would equip us to love generously, to discipline effectively, and to provide a peaceful and nurturing home. Help us to celebrate together and care for one another, and to work out our differences with mercy and grace. Guide us to see the gifts you’ve given each child and to recognize their needs, so that we would know how to best support and encourage them. Help us to calm their fears, anxieties and insecurities, and reassure them that they are always safe in you. Align our hearts with yours, that we can help teach our children through faithful example, and encourage them toward a life in you.  Through this year’s ups and downs, busyness and activities, help us to be intentional and mindful, that we would be fully present for each special moment of laughter, wonder and beauty with these special little people you’ve given over to our care. Amen.

Thank you for the gift of our teachers, who dedicate their lives to shaping the minds and characters of their students. Bless (teacher’s name) as this school year begins. Prepare her heart to welcome and love our child, and help our child to show love and respect in return. Bless her with the wisdom, skill and courage to teach what is good and true. Nourish her creativity and love for learning , that she can inspire and engage her class. Give her insight, grace and compassion in dealing with any students who aren’t thriving. Strengthen and nourish her for the many challenges ahead. Give her a powerful sense of your presence, and grant her the joy and peace that comes from serving you. Protect her against any stresses and pressures, and bless her with confidence that her faithfulness and passion will make a lasting impact on the lives of her students.

As we start this new school year, we recognize with gratitude the many blessings you’ve bestowed on our family, our community and our nation. Our hearts cry out for all of those children for whom school isn’t possible, those children who are hungry and in need, and those who are in sickness or danger. We know that each one is a child of God. Please give us eyes to see the need around us, discernment to understand how you are calling us to help, and willing hearts to follow that call.

Big thank you to Charnaie Gordon, whose blog post helped inspire us! We celebrate and share your heart for God, passion for education and love for kids. Check out https://hereweeread.com/2019/08/first-day-of-school-prayers-for-children-and-parents-5-day-prayer-challenge.html

We are thrilled to announce that Michael Gomez has joined St. Luke Medical District (SLMD) as our new Worship Leader. A versatile and accomplished songwriter, composer, producer, and performing artist, Michael brings extensive experience in worship ministry and music production. We are very excited to see how God uses his gifts at SLMD, to bless the congregation and our community. Rector James Madden notes,“Music is the heart language of the people situated within God’s story of salvation. Within the Anglican tradition, it provides the emotional resonance to thread word and sacrament to a cohesive experience. We believe Michael is the leader who will be able to facilitate this high calling.”
 
With over a decade of experience in church ministry, Michael was most recently the Executive Producer at Highland Park United Methodist Church for the contemporary Cornerstone Service.  Prior to that, he spent 6 years helping to plant Grove Church. As the principal congregational worship leader, Michael helped develop the identity and culture of Grove Church, formulating a strong philosophy of worship purpose and practice, and developing a unique worship style blending modern and traditional elements, while overseeing all aspects of production for services. He has mastered every element of worship leading, from maintaining audio/video equipment, to song selection, arrangement and band leadership.

Michael holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Latin American Studies and TV/Radio from SMU, as well as a Certificate of Guitar Performance from London Music School. He plays guitar and bass, and sometimes a little piano as well. He is the founder of RoomFour Guitar Studio (www.roomfourguitar.com), where he leads guitar instruction programs and events.
 
A singer/songwriter, Michael started LateNative (www.latenative.com) in 2014. His songwriting and composition skills have earned him recognition, including being named a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Gomez's work is affiliated with BMI, and he has collaborated with notable producers and musicians in the industry. These collaborations include work with Chris Bell (known for his work with Erykah Badu and The Eagles), Warren Huart (who has worked with Aerosmith and The Fray), as well as renowned drummers Blair Sinta (Alanis Morissette, Annie Lennox) and David Palmer (ABC, Rod Stewart).
 
Gomez's musical journey includes performances at prominent venues such as House of Blues and Kessler Theater. He has also gained valuable recording experience at various studios, including Dallas Sound Lab and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. Additionally, he has shared his storytelling expertise through lectures with groups like the Highland Park Literary Festival.
 
Fluent in Spanish and skilled in various music production and presentation software, his expertise extends to audio/video editing, graphic design, and web design, making him a well-rounded professional in the music industry. Michael brings a full and diverse set of talents to his new role at SLMD.

A native of Garland, TX, Michael was raised in a Pentacostal church with Baptist schooling, and has spent the last 10 years at Methodist churches. But he has been on the path to Anglicanism since his time in England in 2001. While studying music at the London Music School, Michael attended Holy Trinity Brompton, and got to see a fresh expression of traditional faith. There, he developed a taste for liturgical worship and the emphasis on meeting God at the Table. In the last few years, he started a theological journey that led him to NT Wright and CS Lewis. Friends began to tell him that he should explore Anglicanism, and that exploration brought him to SLMD.

Michael and his wife Paloma live in University Park, with their beloved retriever, Lucky. Paloma teaches 3rd grade at Hockaday. His daughter Lucy will be starting her 2nd year at UT next month, and Sophie will be a senior at Highland Park High School. He said recently, “What I love about the Park Cities is the strong sense of community, and that close-knit feeling of people who both live and work here.” He loves walking over to Burger House with his girls for a shake, or grabbing a glass of wine at DL Mack’s - and of course the jam sessions at the studio! Please join us in welcoming Michael to his new church home at St. Luke Medical District!