May 2026

Dear Friends,

The Meaning of the Ascension

The day of The Ascension of Our Lord is on May 14, 2026. Sadly, it is often overlooked and virtually forgotten because it is a midweek celebration. It is a very significant event in the New Testament as recorded in Mark 16:19 and expounded upon in the book of Hebrews.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mk. 16:19 KJV)

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb. 9:11-28 KJV)

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb. 10:14-22 KJV)

A very significant event indeed. May God sanctify it in our hearts and remembrance. A blessed Ascension to you and yours.

God’s Peace,
Jay Weidner

DONATIONS RECEIVED...

In memory of Edith Bisila
From Richard & Marilyn Howk

In memory of Henry L’Esperance
From Marilyn L’Esperance

In memory of Emil & Taimi Lahti
From Michael & Margaret Laurin

BOARD MEETING DATE SET

There will be a board meeting on Saturday, May 16 at 10AM at 914 Pine Street, Hancock.

UPCOMING FALL SEMESTER

As the Spring semester comes to an end, we start to plan for future classes offered at the seminary. The Fall semester daily classes beginon Wednesday, September 2nd and the Monday night class on Acts of the Apostles begins on September 14th. Stay tuned for information on the upcoming classes. A complete class schedule is available on our website https://ilseminary.org/classchedule.htm.

If you are interested in learning more about taking classes either online or in person, please contact the seminary by emailing cilseminary@ilseminary.com or call (906) 482-3337.