A Celebration for Ascension Day

A service reflecting on the 'Uprising of God' from St Martin-in-the-Fields, led by the Rev'd Dr Sam Wells. Ascension Day traditionally completes the season of Easter. Its vision of Christ ascending into the clouds to the throne of heaven can be regal, stately, and awe-inspiring. What if it is actually revolutionary and disruptive? Drawing on the words of John Donne and placing the Ascension in the context of both personal and global struggles, the Ven. Dr Rachel Mann presents the Ascension as a vision of transformation and holiness that disrupts comfortable and conventional ideas of how to live in a troubled world. Spoken word poet Storm Cecile offers a contemporary response to Donne's poem and the service includes contributions from Lord Hastings, Swarzy, Bishop Rosemarie Mallett, Tim Gee and Rev'd Jennifer Smith.

The music is a mixture of choral music from St Martin's Voices directed by Andrew Earis and contemporary worship music from gospel star Becca Folkes directed by Stefan Brown. The organist is John Hosking. The producer is Miriam Williamson from BBC Audio North.