Please check the following websites for regular updates on information related to the COVID 19 pandemic:

• ascensionnl.ca
• anglicanenl.net (You will find the most recent weekly letter from our Bishop under our Bishop’s Writings)
• anglicanenl.net/home/covid19/
• mountpearl.ca
• who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/

• On-Line Church Service: This Sunday at 11 a.m., the Parishes of St. Michael and All Angels, St. Mary the Virgin, the Good Shepherd, and the Ascension are hosting Morning Prayer from the Wee Worship Book. Come and join us at www.lent2020.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
• Bishop's Easter Pastoral Letter: Here is a link to the Bishops Easter pastoral letter as well as a link to his YouTube video https://youtu.be/qKwwmZPUA2E
• Easter Flowers – In Memoriam: Anyone wishing to have loved ones remembered at Easter are asked to please list the name(s) of the departed so we can include them in the memorial booklet. Please remember to put your name and church number on the envelope. Deadline for memoriam donations is April 19. The booklet will be published on-line on May 3.You may drop your donation in the mailbox located at the front entrance of the church (the mail slot is to the right). Thank you. Archdeaconry of Avalon Good Friday Children’s Service: Attention families! While we may not be able to gather in the traditional way this Good Friday, some colleagues from the Archdeaconry of Avalon have designed a children's service so we can remember this important day. Join us at facebook.com/AnglicanEastNL 10 a.m. on Good Friday to see some familiar faces (and puppets!). Why not bring your puppet too? See you there!
• Birthday Sunday: The planning team for the joint worship for the parishes of Church of the Ascension, Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Mary the Virgin and St. Michael and All Angels is designating the third Sunday of each month as family/youth Sunday. The worship for that Sunday will include the celebration of birthdays for that given month. Please send us a picture of yourself to include during the Birthday Sunday celebration portion of the liturgy. On Sunday, April 19, we will celebrate both March and April birthdays. You can send your photos to [email protected] Deadline for submitting photos is the Thursday before for the Sunday service at 5 p.m. Deadline for this month is Thursday, April 16, at 5 p.m.
• Blessing Bags: If you have items purchased for the Blessing Bags, please hold them and we will collect them at a later date. There will be a celebration service and dedication of the Blessing Bags at a future date. Thank you.
• Outreach: This is a time for our faith community to come together to uplift each other. Please don’t forget to regularly check on your family, friends and neighbours. If you are in need of pastoral contact, or if you know of anyone who is struggling at this stressful time, please let one of the clergy know.
• Food First NL: Food First NL works with communities in Newfoundland & Labrador to ensure everyone has access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate food. Please visit their website at foodfirstnl.ca/covid19 to find updates to NL Community Food Programs.
• Clergy Contact During the COVID 19 Pandemic: During the outbreak of COVID-19, the clergy will be reaching out to all parishioners. They will do their best to contact everyone, however our parish list may need to be updated. If you have not received a call or an e-mail since the closure of the church building, please e-mail your updated contact information to [email protected]. In the event that you do not have e-mail available, please call the parish office and leave a message.
• Mount Pearl Foodbanks: Want to join us in making a difference? The Ministerial of Mount Pearl is raising money to benefit Foodbanks in Mount Pearl during the Covid19 Pandemic. From April 1 to June 30, 2020, The Parish of the Ascension will be receiving money on behalf of all the congregations in Mount Pearl, for distribution to the three Mount Pearl Foodbanks. All donations will help make an impact. The City of Mount Pearl will match funds up to the first $5000. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to the clergy and people of the Ministerial of Mount Pearl! If you would like to help, please log in to gofundme.com and search Parish of the Ascension. Follow the prompts to make a donation. Thanks very much.
• Emmaus House Food Bank: Emmaus House Food Bank is looking for a few additional volunteers. Many of the volunteers are older seniors (75+), some with chronic medical issues who cannot come in without putting themselves or other family members at risk. If you could spare a few hours weekly to assist in volunteering, it would be much appreciated. If you are able to help, please contact Derrick Bishop at [email protected] and he will be able to set up a suitable time for orientation and time to assist in the food bank operation.
• City of Mount Pearl Update: The City of Mt. Pearl has created a page on their website for those who have responded with their services and offerings. They will be promoting this page on their social channels and it can be found at: https://bit.ly/3bOsiGY
• Social Justice Co-operative: The Social Justice Co-operative has established a service called “Neighbouring” to safely reach out to our neighbours who may be in need during this pandemic. They have set-up a website, neighbouring.org, and are looking for non-profit community groups who may be able to assist in this work.
• Canadian Blood Services: The need for blood has not stopped for patients who rely on blood for their ongoing health treatments due to the COVID-19. We ask you to book your appointment at blood.ca, call 1-888-236-6283, or download the app “GiveBlood.” Listed below are office hours for St. John’s Donor Center at 7 Wicklow Street, St. John’s:
  • Tuesday & Wednesday ….….3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday …….………………9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
  • Friday …………….………... 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Saturday……..….…………...10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
• Please be assured that donation events are places of wellness. In response to the evolving COVID19 situation, we are working closely with health-care partners and are following all recommended guidelines from the federal and provincial governments. We have added measures to our already careful procedures for donor screening and infection control that keep donors, patients, employees, volunteers, and our mobile event partners safe.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Alleluia! Christ is Risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
May his grace and peace be with you;
May he fill our hearts with joy!
Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed!

This Easter greeting gets sung each year with gusto and love, amid joyful community celebrations. As Christians, our ritual and response comes naturally, as we hear familiar Scripture, engage in the prayers, and meet and greet friends and family, community and congregation. We sing alleluias, we see the paschal candle burning, and many of us have participated in the daily prayers marked during Holy Week.

Each year, on the whole, we have had the opportunity and privilege to experience this together. This year we have not. So this year, I find myself singing the Easter greeting in a vacuum. It has given me fresh perspective.

I imagine the voices of the women, grieving and distraught, echoing into the tomb. The hurried steps of Peter and John as they ran to the tomb, and then echoing into the darkness, as they saw no body, just folded grave clothes, and emptiness.

Fear, confusion, distrust, and isolation are major themes pervading the disciples and all Jesus’ followers that first Easter. Into this experience, the resurrected Jesus emerged, and encountered a distraught and anxious people, in the garden, behind locked doors, on the Emmaus road, on a mountain, and on the beach. Wherever the people went, there was the chance and prospect for Jesus to appear, if people had open ears, eyes, hearts, and lives.

In this time, we are finding new ways to navigate their lives, of adjusting to the reality that is before us. As we are both absent and present from each other, we may become overwhelmed with fear and confusion, isolation and anxiety at times. In this time, we may find new ways to be open to the encounter with the Holy One, and the encounter with each other. May we be mindful of this new reality in which we live, yet may it not diminish our capacity for hope, healing, grace, mercy and love.

May we sing as we encounter the Resurrected Holy One this Easter
May we recognize the Holy One within each of us, both near and far.
Hallelujah! The Lord is risen Indeed!

Peace,

• Donations to Ministry: If you are interested in continuing to donate to the parish ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a variety of ways for you to do so.
  • Church Envelopes: You may still use your envelopes during this time. You may drop them in the mailbox at the main entrance of the church or you can put your givings in the mail.
  • Pre-authorized Givings: You can have your givings automatically deducted on a schedule that works for you. If you are interested in setting up pre-authorized givings, please contact the church office at 368-5693.
  • Canada Helps: You can sign up to make donations to Canada Helps through our parish website.
  • Food Bank Donations: The need for food donations is still great. If you are able to donate to the food bank, we ask that you drop your donation directly to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank at either St. Peter’s Parish Hall on Ashford Drive or Mary Queen of the World on Topsail Road. All donations are gratefully appreciated.

In the power of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord, saying: Lord, have mercy.

For the whole bright earth, so lovingly created yet so compassionately redeemed, that it may speak again of the glory and majesty of God, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all nations and peoples of the earth, to whom God shows no partiality, that all may be transformed by mercy to live together in hope, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all in high places of authority, for whom Christ was put to death and was raised, that they may be led to govern with equity and justice, bringing life to those in the shadow of death; we pray for Geoffrey our Bishop, for the parish ministry team, for the parishes of Forteau, Fortune/Lamaline and for the peace of Jerusalem and
for the people of the land of the Holy One, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all who have been baptized and given the garments of light, that they, with the whole church, may be witnesses to the gospel in daily life, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all captives, prisoners, and those condemned to die, with whom the Holy One shares suffering and abandonment, that they may find strength, freedom, and forgiveness, because with you “there is mercy and fullness of Redemption.” With you there is “the loving mercy of the heart of our God (who) will give light to those who sit in darkness, those who dwell in the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the way of peace”: let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all who suffer in mind, body, or soul, for whom Christ is risen with healing in his glorious wings; we pray for that they may be comforted, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died, including Doris Genoe, Andrea Lear, Salvatore Sardo, Hilda MacGillivary, and especially those throughout the world from the Coronavirus and for all who grieve, that in Christ who triumphs over death they may find light perpetual and blessed assurance, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

For all gathered, that we, like Mary and Peter and John, may see the tomb empty, and joyfully believing, walk in newness of life, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Rejoicing in the risen presence of our Lord, we commend all for whom we pray and ourselves to Christ, to whom we give laud and praise now and forever. Amen

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Andrea, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Carl, Christina, Clarence, Claude, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Doris, Dot, Dulcie, Edgar, Edith, Elaine, Elizabeth, Erin, Frederick, Flo, George, Georgina, Gerry, Gordon, Harry, Herb, Ina, Jack, Jason, Jenny, John, Josephine, Junior, Kevin, Laura, Leo, Leonie, Lori, Madeline, Marina, Marion, Maurice, Maxine, Maxwell, Melissa, Melvin, Nancy, Pam, Phyllis, Randell, Rodney, Roland, Ruby, Ruth, Rita, Scott, Sean, Stan, Stephen, Tina, Todd, Valerie, and Wayne.

Collect

Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death
and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

A Reading from the Book of Acts

"Then Peter began to speak to the Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:34-43

Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God

Psalm

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his mercy endures for ever. Let Israel now proclaim, "His mercy endures for ever." R

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. There is a sound of exultation and victory in the tents of the righteous: "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! the right hand of the Lord is exalted! the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!" R

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has punished me sorely, but he did not hand me over to death. R

Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord. "This is the gate of the Lord; he who is righteous may enter." R

I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation. The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. R

This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. R

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Colossians

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God

Reader: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John

People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my god and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:1-18

Reader: The Gospel of Christ
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Prayer over the Gifts

God our strength and salvation,
receive all we offer you this day,
and grant that we who have confessed your name,
and received new life in baptism,
may live in the joy of the resurrection,
through Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

God of life,
bring us to the glory of the resurrection
promised in this Easter sacrament.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. AMEN

Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!
But the pain which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

The strife is O’er, The Battle Done

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the victor's triumph won;
O let the song of praise be sung:
Alleluia!

Death's mightiest powers have done their worst;
And Jesus hath his foes dispersed;
Let shouts of praise and joy outburst:
Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell;
The bars from heaven's high portals fell;
Let songs of praise His triumphs tell:
Alleluia!

On the third morn he rose again;
glorious in majesty to reign;
O let us swell the joyful strain:
Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death's dread sting thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to thee:
Alleluia!

The Day of Resurrection!

The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness,
The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over,
With hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil,
That we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal
Of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents,
May hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing,
May raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful!
Let earth her song begin!
The round world keep high triumph,
And all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen
Their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen,
Our joy that hath no end.