Though it may not be as widely marked as Easter or Christmas, it offers a beautiful opportunity to gather with others in faith, reflection, and fellowship.
Whether you’re planning a simple supper at home or a more communal celebration with your church, a feast can turn this holy day into something truly memorable.
Here’s how to plan a meaningful Ascension Day meal, complete with ideas for food, décor, and prayers.
1. Start with the Spirit of the Day
Ascension Day is a celebration of hope, commissioning, and anticipation. It’s a time to reflect on Jesus’ final words and prepare for Pentecost. Keep this in mind when planning your gathering: the tone should be joyful, uplifting, and spiritually nourishing.
Consider beginning your meal with a short reading (Acts 1:6–11 is the classic choice) and a prayer of thanksgiving. If you’re with children or a mixed-age group, you might include a short story or craft to make the occasion more interactive.
2. Seasonal and Symbolic Food Ideas
Ascension Day doesn’t have traditional foods in the way Easter might, but you can create your own feast using symbolic and seasonal inspiration:
At Home:
Light, uplifting dishes: Think fresh salads, lemony chicken, herbed fish, and asparagus—foods that feel like spring and evoke a sense of "rising" or "ascension".
'Heavenly' desserts: Angel food cake, cloud meringues, or pavlovas topped with spring berries.
Freshly baked bread: A nod to the breaking of bread and sharing in fellowship.
For a Church or Community Gathering:
Bring-and-share lunch or supper: Invite attendees to bring a dish that reflects the season. Provide a list of ideas to help guide choices.
Ascension-themed dishes: Name dishes playfully—“Heavenly Hummus”, “Cloud Nine Cupcakes”, or “Spiritual Spring Salad”.
Vegetarian focus: Consider making the meal more inclusive with plant-based dishes that everyone can enjoy.
3. Setting the Scene
Whether you're hosting in your kitchen or a church hall, the atmosphere matters:
Décor: Use white and gold, traditional Ascension Day colours symbolising purity and glory. Add fresh flowers—lilies, daisies, or even wildflowers from a local walk.
Candles and light: Incorporate gentle lighting to signify Christ as the light of the world.
Sky elements: Paper doves, clouds, or stars make simple yet meaningful decorations, especially in church halls or family settings.
4. Incorporate Reflection and Worship
If you're planning a church-based event, consider including a short liturgy or hymn-sing before the meal. For a home celebration, invite guests to write down prayers or reflections and place them in a "prayer jar" to be shared or offered later.
You could also include:
A short group discussion about what “ascension” means in everyday life.
A simple blessing to end the meal and look ahead to Pentecost.
5. Make It Intergenerational
Ascension Day can be a brilliant teaching moment for children and a source of encouragement for older generations. Create opportunities for storytelling, sharing personal reflections, or even singing together. Encourage young guests to help with serving food, reading Scripture, or decorating.
Conclusion:
Creating a feast for Ascension Day doesn’t have to be elaborate. Whether it’s a light meal at home or a joyful church gathering, the goal is to honour the significance of the day while deepening your community’s connection to one another and to God. With a little planning, your celebration can lift hearts as much as it fills plates.