[Charles Henrickson]

A balloon ascension is appropriate for Ascension Day.

I never have liked or used a "balloon ascension." It is a novelty, it seems too gimmicky to me, and I think people would remember the gimmick more than the point it's supposed to make or the rest of the service itself.

Some churches still keep the Feast on the 40th day after Easter. . . .

We did last night; we celebrated the Ascension of Our Lord. In the parishes I've served where Ascension service on the 40th day (always a Thursday) had fallen by the wayside--likewise, Epiphany service on January 6, regardless of the day of the week--I have tried to restore those major festivals to being observed, on the proper days. We usually don't get great attendance, but so what.

When you push Epiphany and Ascension to the following Sunday, then you lose the distinctives of that Sunday.

[redgolum]

It will be celebrated on Sunday in my parish, but there was a service last night.

As I was sitting in a parking lot with a busted fuel pump, we couldn’t make it.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

We celebrated Ascension mass last night, too.

Quite comforting and no gimmicky ballon stuff. Word AND Sacrament. The sermon was about the Law and Gospel in the Ascension account.

Hmmmmm...ballons...Ablaze!...I get it...

[AlbionGirl]

I can see where you're coming from, Pastor, as it might take something away from the true Awe of the Ascension. I know a lot of people don't like the guitar being played at worship, but I always liked it. A single flute is beautiful too.

We learned a song, can't remember if it was named Let there be Peace, or Let it Begin With Me,

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
a peace that was meant to be

To take each moment,
and live each moment
in peace, eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

The song was beautiful and simple with just the guitar as instrument.

On the other hand, I'm with C.S. Lewis in that I really dislike the organ. It is intolerably intrusive. Just after you'd communed and were kneeling down, the organist would start belting out these chords. It made you just want to turn to the loft and shout, for Pete's sake, will you please keep it down! I'm trying to meditate and pray here!