In times of crisis it is comforting to have others pray for you and your loved ones.  The Church of the Ascension has a prayer chain just for this purpose.  Gladys Dement is the coordinator for the prayer chain and would like to give newcomers and all parishioners the opportunity to become an important link in the existing chain. 

The Prayer Chain needs your HELP.  With so many people on the move our callers have diminished. Please contact Gladys via the church office at 301-863-8551 if you wish to volunteer.  The prayer chain is updated regularly, so call today to become part of this extremely vital ministry!

As I faced my Maker at the last Judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives, like the squares of a quilt, in many piles. An angel sat before each of us sewing quilt squares together into tapestries that represented our lives. As my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life.

I saw hardships that I had endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. No one else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty. Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light. . . the scrutiny of truth.

The others arose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been! My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to arise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. 1 had had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I had spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully; each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the critical gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it had been.

I arose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with eyes wide. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image.

The face of Christ.

Our Lord then stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.

Author Unknown