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/BAS. Come and join us at easter2020.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
• Resurrection Reminders: We had just barely come through the challenges of Snowmageddon 2020 when we were tossed into a much bigger and mightier challenge, COVID-19. In a matter of a few short weeks COVID-19 became a global crisis and a world upheaval. Medical teams around the world worked around the clock in their efforts to put a stop to or at least slow down the spread of this seemingly unstoppable wildfire. We all know what followed, some of which include; homes became work stations for many, normal activities and routines were abruptly halted, Sunday worship by the faith communities in the way they were accustomed to was put on hold. Fear, insecurity, uncertainty, anxiety, hopelessness and loneliness are just a few of the feelings people are experiencing. In spite of and in the midst of all this, however, we see many acts of kindness and generosity being displayed by people. Meals, hot and cold, are being delivered to the needy and less fortunate; phone calls to the shut-ins; picking up and delivering groceries to the doorstep; churches providing online services to parishioners (who have the means) to watch in the comfort of their homes on electronic devices. Sylvia and I join hundreds of others who find great solace in watching and participating in these online services. We especially enjoy the morning services from the Cathedral. The huge advantage is that you can watch these services anytime, as well as other services, giving you a wider and broader spectrum of liturgies. For this we thank God for the internet-based technology. Now that there is easing of some of the restrictions, we remain hopeful for a broader scope in the weeks to come and eventually to a return to (I’m sure) a new normal way of life. This still being the Season of Easter, we are reminded that we, people of faith, are Easter people. We are creatures of hope, and our faith lets us believe and trust in the One and only One who offers that hope and who is still in control. God Bless and stay safe (Tasker King)
• Greetings from the ACW: Happy Mother’s Day from the ACW and a special wish for all our ACW members. This Mother’s Day will most likely look a little different from others. Most of us will not be able to gather with our children or our mothers as in past years. Hopefully, some of you have been able to “double your bubble” and can now visit with family, but many will spend this Mother’s Day alone. If you find yourself struggling this weekend please reach out…to the clergy, or to a fellow ACW member; we all have a shoulder to lean on. Recently while making some Easter cards I found this verse and thought it very appropriate to share here: “I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isiah 46:4.
• Heads Without Beds Home Again Fundraiser: My participation in Home Again Furniture Bank’s first annual Heads Without Beds campaign is only three weeks away. I hope I can count on your support. For the past five years, I have been continually supporting and upholding the work of Home Again as it addresses Furniture Poverty in our region. I have driven trucks, moved furniture, provided administrative and volunteer support, and made personal donations of finances, skills, and time. On May 22, I will sleep without my bed to raise the funds needed to end furniture poverty in our region. You can help me reach my goal of $2,000 by sponsoring me: canadahelps.org/en/dn/46483. Heads Without Beds is raising funds so that more individuals and families in our region will receive the beds, blankets, sofas, dishes and dining tables they need. Each week, Home Again’s passionate volunteers deliver the basic furniture and housewares that we tend to take for granted. These furnishings turn houses into homes for people like Adam. Adam has cerebral palsy. Until he received a bed from Home Again, he was sleeping on the floor. Adam spoke about this time in his life and said, "It was horrible, I would not want anybody to go through what I had to go through. I am so grateful for these guys helping me to get a bed and get my life back on track. It's made a huge difference in my life.” I have chosen to sleep without my bed for one night so that people like Adam won’t have to. Your sponsorship will change lives: canadahelps.org/en/dn/46483. All donations above $20 are tax-deductible. If you’d prefer to write a cheque, they can be made payable to: Home Again Furniture Bank and mailed to 58 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 1B1. Thank you in advance, David.
• Thursdays in Black: Many factors of isolation, inability to work, and challenges of mental health are apparent during the Covid19 pandemic. In this time, we lament acts of violence against women in the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick recently, and the violence that has occurred even in the city of Mount Pearl. The Anglican Church of Canada supports the initiative of the World Council of Churches Thursdays in Black, which advocates for the ending of rape and gender based violence. To this end, every Thursday, the Parish of the Ascension will host a zoom hour with the Rector, and there will be an offering of prayer, the lighting of a candle, and the opportunity for education from local resources from the St. John’s Status of Women Centre. Here is the link to attend the zoom meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/85448642529?pwd=WjhveDRRMjZxQWp2bWhBODRCVnZXUT09. At this time, and at all times, gender-based violence and rape is unacceptable. As followers of Jesus, we believe in respecting the dignity of every human being, and advocating for justice, peace, and reconciliation. This will be streamed live to the Parish of the Ascension Facebook page: oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/FaithGenderCovid19Statement_April2020.pdf.
• PWRDF Resources: We would like to share some resources that might be helpful:
  • A Covenant for Climate Justice - This new worship resource includes a Service of the Word, to be used in whole or in part.
  • An invitation to join us on Zoom for “Praying with PWRDF,” Thursdays at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. This 30-minute service includes a short reflection, prayers for partners, and an opportunity to ask for prayers, and is followed by a virtual “coffee hour.” To register, check our Facebook page each week or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Umbach, at [email protected].
  • How can you support PWRDF? It is easy to give online at pwrdf.org/give-today. To direct a gift to PWRDF’s COVID-19 response, click on Emergency Response on our Give Today page, or call toll-free 1-866-308-7973. We are picking up messages regularly and returning calls promptly. For more information, please contact Janice Biehn at [email protected].
• Giving Thanks and Praise – Covid 19: I like to run every day. It helps me to know that I am healthy. I love it. I do a lot of thinking when I run – I think about life and how it can change in an instant. Life has changed at this particular time around the world, not just in our own community. Our life did change in an instant from the normal, as we call it. Giving thanks and praise means more than it ever has to me, especially at this time. We can no longer do many of the things in life that we love to do and take for granted. We cannot go to our church to worship. I was told many years ago that the church is just a building but to me it is a place to worship and feel spiritual with God, particularly at Easter and Christmas seasons. I really missed Palm Sunday, Easter week, and Easter Sunday services. Singing in the choir at these times was very special to me. I also miss Vestry, Giving Thanks and Praise program and the Ascension Café gatherings. I especially miss the interaction with church choir family, the clergy and the congregation. I miss the nods, hugs, handshakes, whispers, smiles, private conversations, social activities and the "how are you doing today" greetings. These actions will never be the same and I feel really sad about this. I will cope but there will be people who cannot, people who will feel lonely and afraid. I pray these people reach out to clergy, a friend or loved one and that they find help. I pray they do not remain alone. It is okay to feel this way and there are hundreds around the world who do. I have my interactions at work, with my husband, with my friend. I am sure it is quite different for the people who work from home or who are home alone in an office when they are used to working closely with many people. This is a big adjustment. You do not have to be alone – reach out and give thanks every day. For many of us we have modern technology which allows us to see one another – Zoom, Skype, and virtual church services. This is a blessing as it allows us to take part and interact with others. However, I miss the spiritual part of the Easter season. I think about the people who do not have access to this modern technology, particularly the most vulnerable, the elderly living alone at home or in a nursing home. The phone call may be okay for some but not the others. Some people wear masks and gloves. We shop differently; we look at people differently; we constantly wash our hands and practice social distancing. There are people I have met at the grocery store who do not follow the rules, although less frequently than before. I believe social distancing will help stop the spread of the virus. I miss my friend who I used to see frequently and we would always hug. No more hugs and we do keep our distance, but we still talk, laugh and see each other which is a good thing. We must follow the rules, even with friends. I give thanks for this and hope it will lead to some form of normal, whatever that may be. We cannot forget our front line workers who go to work daily in homecare, hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, etc. Coping without these people would be scary. I have been thinking about my mom who was a nurse. She would have been on the frontline looking after people. She loved helping others. I know her spirit is with me at this time. As I have said, we have to embrace what and who we have in our lives and give thanks and praise in spite of the pandemic around the world. I pray every day that this virus will end but I know our lives will never be the same again. I give thanks and praise every day. (Rosamund Gellately)
• Check-in with Zoom: The new link for the Zoom check-in is: us02web.zoom.us/j/86320718736?pwd=c2Q4eFJwbmQ0dkYzbkRlY0dNSGdLZz09. This time is allotted for anyone who would like to touch base with others in the parish. Please join us on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. All are welcome!
• Weekly Resources for Sunday’s in Easter: Here are some free faith formation resources for the Fifth Week of Easter, which include:
  • Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 devotional and illustration & coloring page
  • Children's worship bulletin
  • You might be interested in our Pentecost Coloring Page
  • Please go to the link: illstrtdm.in/EasterWeek5 to download resources for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Resources will be available on a weekly basis, so please visit the website for updated materials.
• New Website for Church of the Ascension: The Ascension website was launched on Sunday, May 3. There are certain parts of the website that are under review/construction due to limited resources during the Covid-19 pandemic. We can now be found at ascensionnl.ca. Please visit us at this address for up-to-date information on church activities.
• 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, May 17, we will celebrate those with birthdays in the month of May. 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, May 14, at 5 p.m.
• 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.
• 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 $5,000. 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 www.gofundme.com and search Parish of the Ascension. Follow the prompts to make a donation. Thanks very much.
• 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.

For the past eighteen years I have been able to walk a brief two minutes to the beach at the end of the road, which opens up to Conception Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place of respite for me, a place of reflection, providing solace and calm during chaos and storm. Many beautiful sunsets, icebergs, whales and seabirds have greeted me; in many ways this place offers me holiness and grace in a sometimes challenging life and world.

This beach is not a pristine beach, nor a sandy beach. The beach is reflective of the surrounding environment, sometimes revealing the waste and disregard humanity has for creation.

It is a pebble beach, with many stones larger than my fist. One has to tread carefully at times, and discern wobbly, slippery stones. The shape of the beach changes from season to season, as wind and current, storm and tide transform.

Many walks with family and friends upon this beach have led to precious beachcombing treasures: the perfectly coloured stone, the perfect skipping stone, smooth sea glass, twisted driftwood.

Time on this beach has opened up Scripture for me as I consider so many images: Jesus as the cornerstone, Peter as the rock, the stoning of the woman, the stoning of Stephen, the calling of the first disciples from their fishing nets, breakfast on the beach with the resurrected Jesus.

This week, images in Scripture invite us to consider Jesus as the Living Stone (1 Peter 2:2-10), chosen and precious, a stone that brings stability and life to the community of faith, but is a stumbling block for those who reject and deny Jesus.

These are powerful, challenging words and images that no doubt tested the community of Peter’s day. Today, in our context they are difficult indeed. I do not believe those who do not accept Jesus are any less valuable, loved, or accepted. The world I live in has room to express the breadth of holiness and spirituality without a demand for Christian exclusivity.

In so many conversations and interactions with others, I find people searching and needing acceptance, love, community and meaning. It is as if they are combing the beach of their lives to find the precious items that will give them comfort and stability - treasure that gives them life.

I give thanks when for some; the treasure they find is a path with Jesus. I give thanks when I see those who find treasure in different paths and expressions of holiness.

In this time, with isolation and pandemic transformation of social and personal life, it may be hard for us all to keep our regular patterns and practices. I haven’t walked the beach as often as I should. I am reminded that we are called to live, and to love. As I walk the beach this week, I pray I find a precious living treasure, a stone that reveals to me the Holy One.

Walk your beach this week. Your path of contemplation and discovery; find treasure, and be present as it opens up your heart.

• 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.

Empowered by the Lord’s promise that he will do whatever we ask in his name, let us pray, saying: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For the church of God and for its leaders, for Geoffrey our Bishop, for the parishes of Grand Bank and Grand Bay, and for the Episcopal Church of New Jersey, that our lives may be for the glory of God alone, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For more vigorous efforts to unite all Christian peoples, lest factions and jealousies prevent the spread of the gospel, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For all who exercise the ministry of preaching, that their words may be full of the spirit and of wisdom, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For those among us whose hearts are troubled and anxious, we pray for those on the Ascension Prayer Cycle, for those who struggle with mental illness, those isolated and alone, that they may find support in our care, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For this local community, that our belief in God will be deepened by the word we share, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Loving God, we give thanks today for mothers!
Thank you for mothers who gave birth to us,
and women/men/caregiver who have treated us as their own children. You teach us how to be good mothers, cherishing and protecting the children among us. Help us mother lovingly, fairly, wisely and with great joy. Help us raise our children to be the people they are born to be, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

For those who have died, especially Larry O’Keefe, Scott Russell, Juanita Hodder and the six Canadian service members killed in a helicopter crash; we pray for those who mourn and grieve their loss, let us pray: We ask this in Jesus’ name.

God of our Lord Jesus Christ, we bring these and all our needs to you, filled with confidence in the power of Jesus’ name. Hear us and answer our prayers in your great wisdom and love. We ask this through Christ who is our risen Lord now and forever. Amen

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Andrea, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Breandon, Carl, Christina, Cindy, Clarence, Claude, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Doris, Dot, Dulcie, Edgar, Edith, Elaine, Elizabeth, Erin, Esther, Frederick, Flo, George, Georgina, Gerry, Gordon, Harry, Herb, Ike, Ina, Jack, Jason, Jenny, John, Josephine, Junior, Kevin, Kim, 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

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
Give us grace to love one another
and walk in the way of his commandments,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

A Reading from the Book of Acts

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. Acts 7:55-60

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

Psalm

In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. R

Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me. R

Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your name, lead me and guide me. R

Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength. Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. R

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving kindness save me. R

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

A Reading from the First Letter of Peter

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: "See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner," and "A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:2-10

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

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him." Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it." John 14:1-14

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

Prayer over the Gifts

Gracious God,
you show us your way
and give us your divine life.
May everything we do
be directed by the knowledge of your truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

God of love,
in this eucharist we have heard your truth
and shared in your life.
May we always walk in your way,
in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds
And drives away our fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
‘tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.

Dear Name! They Rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding-place,
My never-failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace.

Jesus, my Shepherd, brother, friend,
My prophet, priest and king,
My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of our heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see thee as thou art
I’ll praise thee as I ought.

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,
Christ our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light,
Christ our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind's delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight,
Christ our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild,
Christ our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

For each perfect gift of thine,
to the earth so freely given,
graces human and divine,
flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Christ our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

When Mothers of Salem

When mothers of Salem
Their children brought to Jesus,
The stern disciples drove them back,
And bade them to depart:
But Jesus saw them ere they fled
And sweetly smiled and kindly said,
Suffer little children to come unto Me.

For I will receive them
And fold them to My bosom:
I’ll be a shepherd to these lambs,
O drive them not away;
For if their hearts to Me they give,
They shall with Me in glory live:
Suffer little children to come unto Me.

How kind was our Savior
To bid these children welcome!
But there are many thousands
Who have never heard His name;
The Bible they have never read,
They know not that the Savior said,
Suffer little children to come unto Me.

O soon may the heathen
Of every tribe and nation
Fulfill Thy blessèd Word and cast
Their idols all away!
O shine upon them from above
And show Thyself a God of love,
Teach the little children to come unto Thee!

What a Friend we have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials or temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Christ the Savior is our refuge;
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake us?
Are we tempted to despair?
Jesus' strength will shield our weakness,
And we'll find new courage there.