Mission control

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For 5 June 2011, Ascension, based on Acts 1:1-11

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”


Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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About Dr. Laura Dejmek, O.P.

Laura is a single, Lay Dominican living in Chicago Illinois. Her life experiences include teaching elementary school music to children ages six through twelve.
Laura is a regular ecumenical preacher at two Episcopal parishes in the suburbs of Chicago. She is the Promoter of Preaching for Lay Dominicans in the Central Province of the United States.
Laura received her doctorate in ministry in preaching via the ACTS D.Min in Preaching program in Chicago. Laura received her Master of Divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois with a double concentration in Biblical Studies and Liturgy. She is the first Master of Divinity student at Catholic Theological Union to complete this degree with a double concentration. In addition, to having a Master’s of Music, Laura is a classically-trained soprano.