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People are often searching for a place where their deepest spiritual concerns will be addressed honestly. A place where they will be welcomed into a community that shares a common vision. No jargon, no hype. Real people trying to discover who God is together. Church of the Ascension is a new congregation that meets in Elmhurst. Our services blend the ancient and the contemporary and our goal is to present a clear and thoughtful message about what it means to be Christian.

If You Did Not Give up Facebook for Lent...

Matthew Pechanio
February 22, 2012
Please Join our Group: Church of the Ascension, Elmhurst!

See Things as They Really Are Part 4

Matthew Pechanio
February 21, 2012
The Feast of the Transfiguration

Now there is even more to talk about isn’t there? They’ve seen so much and there is so much more to come – but Jesus commands the three disciples to remain quiet about all of this. Tell no one about this experience until after I have been raised from the dead. Perhaps the silence is necessary so the real work can begin now without distraction - Christ’s death on the cross – Jesus knew it had to be done, and this glorious transfiguration might obscure that which is just as great and necessary. The glory and the cross are two sides to the same coin.

See Things as They Really Are Part 3

Matthew Pechanio
February 20, 2012
The Feast of the Transfiguration

It's as though Peter has said: "Let’s stop here! This is wonderful and there is no sign of trouble, none of that nasty betrayal and suffering and death business” After all, the revelation on this mountain top is far more preferable to the equally true revelation soon to come on some other mountains: the Mount of Olives, the place of Chirst’s betrayal; and Gologotha, the hill of death.

God will have none of this picking and choosing. Peter’s euphoria and exuberance is confronted by these two realities:

1. The reality of the horrors to come.

See Things as They Really Are Part 2

Matthew Pechanio
February 17, 2012
The Feast of the Transfiguration

Just prior to the episode upon the mountain Peter gets it right. He identifies Christ as the Messiah. And Jesus commends Peter's observation:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…"

Peter gets it right: “You are the Christ, the Son of God”

See Things as They Really Are

Matthew Pechanio
February 15, 2012
On the Weekend of February 18-19 we Celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration

Matthew 17:4..."Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ "