Woodstock Park Congregational Holiness Church

06/14/2026

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06/14/2026

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06/10/2026

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06/08/2026

~ Jesus Left, And They Had Great Joy ~

Luke 24:50-52, “And Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.”

Jesus’ departure brought great joy, which seems almost contradictory. For several weeks after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples several times and proved to them that He was truly alive. They rejoiced, but they also wrestled with their doubts and tried to understand what it all meant. After all, people don’t usually come back from the dead.

Jesus forewarned them of His death and resurrection; He also told them that He must return to the Father. This was the moment for His departure. My text says He “led them.” Jesus was still leading them, but they had to follow. He wanted them to be witnesses of His ascension. Immediately before He left, He began blessing them, and while He was blessing them, “He left and was taken up into heaven.”

When people leave us suddenly, we’re often shocked, grief-stricken, disappointed, or maybe even hurt. Though it seems the disciples felt some of these emotions, their ultimate response is what we need to notice: “They worshiped Him, and with great joy, they praised God.”

While they were the generation that saw Jesus depart, we are the generation that looks for His return. Just as they were able to have joy when He left, imagine our joy when He returns. In the midst of a world of events that we may never understand, let us serve the Lord with joy until that day comes.

06/07/2026

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06/07/2026

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06/06/2026

Monday and Tuesday would be a great time to support ocean waves Revival with James James!

Come and be with us. We're looking forward to a wonderful time in the Lord!

06/05/2026

Join us in supporting the 2026 Youth camp!

Save the date and join us on June 6th at Glen Campground.
We will begin with a prayer walk at 9:00 am. We will work on cleaning, making repairs, and preparing for camp 2026.
Lunch will be served around noon.
Can’t wait to see you there!

06/03/2026

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