God has gone up with a shout!

We released balloons on Ascension Sunday.  Here's the play-by-play:

The balloons in hiding before the service.

The ones that didn't fit in the office were tied to the tower stairwell.

During the notices, we snuck the balloons outside.

They also provide an excellent disguise.

All truly fashionable priests know to match their balloons to their liturgical vestments.

Our children's work is rigorous and comprehensive: here, Serena learns the useful skill of "holding a service sheet and something else as well," which is crucial for life as an adult Christian.

The congregation begins to gather outside with their balloons.

The excitement builds!

And they're off!

"God has gone up with a shout!"

"The Lord with the sound of a trumpet.  Alleluia!"

Away they go.

Once the balloons are gone, we have our final litany, before going back inside for tea and biscuits.  Phoebe (striped skirt) watches the last of the balloons disappear.  And we are alone ... until Pentecost.