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 Family Service/WWB. Come and join us at easter2020.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
• Resurrection Reminders: No matter how you try to change it, there will always be good and bad things in life. How you move forward is how you balance them both. Since COVID changed our lives, there have been impacts coming from all sides. Some have been good, and some have been bad. I have had times where I struggled to have more good than bad. It has been in those times when I’ve taken stock of how God continues to be there. I enjoy the quiet times I now get to have as I walk or run every day. I have more time to take in the Word through Coffee Table Bible study and sipping my coffee during Sunday services. Despite not being able to “get out and meet people,” I am meeting new people through bible study and seeing who’s at church on Sunday. I see long lost friends pop up on the screen and then I send them a “hello, how are you.” I always believe in just moving forward, no matter how fast or slow, just keep going. That’s just what I’ve been doing. Since my world has been forced to relax, I take pause for giving thanks for everything and everyone I have in my life. (Kim Pike)
• Greetings from the Parish Network Visitors:

GOD IS LOVE
“In as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40

The Parish Network Visitors provides a means for the Parish to keep in touch with the elderly, sick, and the shut-ins. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PNV had to make changes in ways of carrying out their ministry within the Parish. Even in the middle of this pandemic when many things have stopped, it is good to know that even though physical distancing has kept us apart, we are keeping in touch by telephone. As well, our members have been part of the Ascension Telephone Visitor group, carrying out its ministry regularly with love and care. Just recently reading the article submitted to the Anglican Life by Louise Smith (St. John the Evangelist, Topsail), I noted with interest her words: “While broadening personal space has kept us apart, social distancing is bringing us together.” Words that I am sure many would agree are true during this pandemic. “Brothers and Sisters let us love not just in word or speech but in truth and action.” John 3:18

• Pentecost Growing Project - A Fun Growing Project for All: Plant a seed, any seed, and watch it grow! Use whatever you have around the house - apple seeds, beans, tomato seeds, etc. Plant it in a container safely inside your home. Prior to Pentecost, we invite you to submit a picture of your growing plant, which will be included in our online worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 31. Please submit photos to [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. on May 28.
• Heads Without Beds Home Again Fundraiser: My participation in Home Again Furniture Bank’s first annual Heads Without Beds campaign is only a week 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 at 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. 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, please make it payable to Home Again Furniture Bank and drop it in our mail slot in the front entrance of our church or mail 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 Covid-19 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. 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.
• 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 Sixth Week of Easter, which include:
  • Psalm 66:19 devotional, illustration, and coloring page
  • Children's worship bulletin
  • Pentecost Coloring Page, which you can access here. Please follow the link for a complete list of resources for Easter VI: illstrtdm.in/EasterWeek6
• 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 www.ascensionnl.ca. Please visit us at this address for up-to-date information on church activities.
• Coffee Matters, Mount Pearl: Coffee Matters Mount Pearl is offering daily supper specials, along with reheat and eat meals. Daily specials are posted the day before on their Facebook page. All food is made from scratch. Call 221-7700 to get information on daily specials and to place your order for curbside pickup. Delivery is available in Mount Pearl area.
• 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 or you can reach out to any of the organizations listed here:
  • Bridge the Gapp: If you are finding it difficult to cope or feel anxious, Bridge the Gapp offers many services to support you and your wellbeing. Please visit bridgethegapp.ca for more information.
  • Provincial CHANNAL Warm Line: If you are feeling isolated and alone during COVID-19, you are encouraged to reach out and speak with a trained mental health peer supporter. Call the Provincial CHANNAL Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. daily. Note that due to large call volumes, you may be prompted to leave a voice mail. CHANNAL will return your call with a blocked phone number to protect your privacy.
  • Mental Health Crisis Line: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you should call 1-888-737-4668, available 24 hours a day.
  • Crisis Text Line (powered by Kids Help Phone): Children, youth and young adults can text ‘TALK’ to 686868, and adults can text ‘WELLNESS’ to 741741, to a trained volunteer Crisis Responder who will help with any issues – big or small. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
  • For the Frontlines (powered by Kids Help Phone): Workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic can text ‘FRONTLINE’ to 741741 to reach a Crisis Responder. This service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
  • Kids Help Phone: Kids Help Phone offers free telephone and texting support to children and youth, 24 hours a day in French and English. Youth can be anonymous and will receive professional counselling, information and referrals. Call 1-800-668-6868, visit KidsHelpPhone.ca for online resources or download the Always There app.
  • SeniorsNL: For seniors and individuals who support seniors, SeniorsNL is a great resource that is available throughout the province. Individuals can call 1-800-563-5599 for information or just to talk. SeniorsNL can also be contacted via email at [email protected] or online at seniorsnl.ca.
  • Provincial Opioid Toll-Free Line: Eastern Health has launched a temporary information line to help individuals navigate the system and connect with opioid addiction supports and services. The line is intended for use by those receiving Opioid Dependence Treatment, those seeking support for their opiate use, their families and health care providers. Call 1-844-752-3588 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• Food First NL - New Community Food Helpline Launched: Food First NL is part of a coalition of organizations that has launched a new community food helpline. Callers can access the helpline by calling 811, and will be directed to services like food banks and meal programs. The helpline will serve people who are increasingly food insecure due to COVID-19, but may not have access to online resources. Follow the link listed here to access Food First NL to obtain an online listing of 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 Covid-19 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 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 at 368-5693 and leave a message.
• Parish Recycling: The Parish has a recycling program that financially supports youth programs. The church office is presently closed to the public, as per direction from the Diocese and Provincial Government, so this program was temporarily suspended. The recycling facility has reopened and, as a result, we are requesting that you drop recycling you may have directly to the Green Depot at 1217 Kenmount Road, Paradise. The Green Depot accepts ready-to-serve beverage containers on which a deposit was paid such as aluminum cans, plastic soft drink bottles, etc. Simply tag your bag (using a plain label or masking tape) with the following information: "Parish of the Ascension, phone number 368-5693 and the date”. You can drop the recycling for contactless service. For more information on what is accepted, visit greendepotnl.ca/whats-accepted for details. We appreciate any recycling donations you may drop off to the Green Depot.
• Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Lunch and Learn Webinar: On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador will be hosting another Lunch & Learn webinar. Join us from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to get information on our First Link program, including how to become a referring partner. This presentation is free and open to the public. The aim of this webinar is to provide information about our First Link Program and inform you of the process to connect us with individuals. In order to connect with our clients, we require people such as you to help bridge those connections by becoming referring partners. If you are interested in registering for the webinar, please email your name, email address and profession and/or position title to [email protected] or, give us a call at (709) 576-0608.

Actions speak louder than words
A picture is worth a thousand words
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
Love one another, as I have loved you

These sayings, some from common culture, some from Scripture, are strongly resonating with me today.

This past Thursday I observed #ThursdaysinBlack with a friend and her family, and with countless others around the world who advocate against gender-based violence and rape in families, schools, workplaces, and communities. I observe these Thursdays because I believe all are called to uphold human dignity and that there is not a need for violence and death in the world. This passion comes from experiences I have witnessed, and experiences in the communities in which I have lived, of anger, rage, violence, abuse, femicide, death by suicide, and murder.

I can’t help but think that the picture of a society ignoring violence against women has a thousand hard words for me to share. The action of ignoring the plight of gender-based violence speaks so loudly as to a world that I will not want to affirm. A society that treasures profit more than human life is not where my heart resides. For me, the need for humanity to examine the nature of community love and community accountability has to be paramount. All of this is hard and sticky, even at the best of times. And we don’t seem to be in the best of times these days.

For this week, the world continues in the challenges of the Covid19 pandemic. This week Christian faith communities grapple with life, with the Scriptures and the ongoing celebration of resurrection in isolation. This week the persons in communities close at hand and farther afield are continuing in the challenges of this new time, this new way of being, this new reality. People are acting, and treasuring, loving, and portraying a picture of those things that are close to them, those things held as dear to them – and these things do not always lead to love, justice, and peace. Humans in this world have disparate goals, and at times will hurt others to achieve them.

Into all this, I feel the challenge and the disconnect of Scripture that is before me.

Passages from 1 Peter and from the Gospel of John seem to be in contradiction. 1 Peter 3:13-22 asserts a willingness for persons to suffer for the truth, and align with Jesus who suffered, knowing that God’s will shall prevail. John 14:15-21 speaks of Jesus promising that God will send an advocate, a defender, that will support all those that love the Holy One, and keep the commandments.

I guess the contradiction I perceive is the struggle I have with Scripture offering a path of passivity in the face of evil and wrong. We are called to be willing to suffer if the cause is right, and to wait for an advocate, defender (The Holy Spirit) who will support us if we are faithful to God. There is no way that I am going to advocate for suffering peoples to continue to suffer in the face of gender-based violence, in the hope that things transform and God’s intention will be summoned. This is where I believe the action and advocacy of individuals have to be louder than mere words.

Unfortunately, in situations of power and oppression, individuals, faith communities, governments, and culture can ignore the plight of the vulnerable, and use examples like 1 Peter and John to promote a passive response to violence, specifically gender-based violence. This is wrong. Though life in the Scriptures at times seems clear cut, black and white and may emphasize the glory of suffering, I cannot accept that is what the Holy One intends. My experience of life seems never to have had such clarity. There is always much grey and much to be gained by gathering an ongoing reflection of actions, words, passions, and goals with the entire community, and thus bring the presence of the Holy One into the open. For me, the journey against power and oppression, against gender-based violence, against passivity that promotes subjugation, is in honouring the dignity of humanity, the dignity of creation, and the presence of the Holy One.

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.

Let us now demonstrate the hope that fills our hearts by turning to God in prayer, saying: Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all ministers of the gospel, that they may preach the word boldly and without apology. We pray for Geoffrey our Bishop, for the parishes of Grand Falls and Green Island, and for our brothers and sisters in Ngbo, Nigeria : Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all leaders of nations, that they may be unrelenting in their quest for peace: Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all the suffering people of this world, especially all who suffer and struggle during this time of the pandemic and those who suffer for doing right, for those wanting for things to be back to normal knowing that normal never seems to come: Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, those among us who experience desolation, especially those for whom God seems most remote: Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, all the sick, remembering those on the Ascension Prayer Cycle. We remember those who are dying and those who have died, Ike Hillier, Jim Hallett, Chad Pitcher, Judy Rose, Andrea Best, John Roberts and others known and unknown to us, that they may find life eternal: Lord, hear our prayer.

Empower with your Spirit, O Lord, the newly baptized, and those to be confirmed that they may never cease to praise you for the hope that fills their hearts: Lord, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, it is in the power of your abundant and life-giving Spirit that we call upon you in prayer. Deepen our hope in your presence and your promise; hear us in your tender love, 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, Verna, Wayne and Woodrow.

Collect

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
riches beyond imagination.
Pour into our hearts such love toward you,
that we, loving you above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN 

A Reading from the Book of Acts

Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown God.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.' Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. Acts 17:22-31

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

Psalm

Bless our God, you peoples; make the voice of his praise to be heard; Who holds our souls in life, and will not allow our feet to slip. R

For you, O God, have proved us; you have tried us just as silver is tried. You brought us into the snare; you laid heavy burdens upon our backs. You let enemies ride over our heads; we went through fire and water; but you brought us out into a place of refreshment. R

I will enter your house with burnt offerings and will pay you my vows, which I promised with my lips and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble. I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts with the smoke of rams; I will give you oxen and goats. R

Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he has done for me. I called out to him with my mouth, and his praise was on my tongue. If I had found evil in my heart, the Lord would not have heard me; but in truth God has heard me; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, nor withheld his love from me. R

Psalm 66:7-18

A Reading from the First Letter of Peter

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. 1 Peter 3:13-22

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, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them." John 14:15-21

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

Prayer over the Gifts

God of glory,
accept all we offer you this day,
and bring us to that eternal city of love and light,
where Christ is King.
We ask this in his name. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

Father,
you restored us to life
by raising your Son from death.
May we who receive this sacrament
always be strengthened to do your will,
in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. AMEN

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine let it shine let it shine

Hide it under a bushel no
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel no
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel no
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine let it shine let it shine

Let it shine till Jesus comes
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine tell Jesus comes
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine tell Jesus comes
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine let it shine let it shine

Children of the Light

Chorus: We are children, children of the light,
We are shining, in the darkness of the night.
Hope for this world,
Joy throughout the land,
Touch the hearts of everyone,
Take everybody's hand.

Come and gather 'round the flame,
Share the light in His name,
We the children of the light.
As the wind blows where it will,
Spread the news to everyone,
There's still plenty of time
For we have just begun. Refrain

Join the song of all the earth
We've a dream, a dream to share,
And a promise of re-birth.
Let the earth feel the warmth
Of the love there in your heart,
We have many a dream
And promises to keep. Refrain

Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower;
In the seed an apple tree;
In cocoons a hidden promise:
Butterflies will soon be free.
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence,
Seeking word and melody;
There's a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
What it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning;
In our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing;
In our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
At the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season,
Something God alone can see.

Sing a New Song unto the Lord

Sing a new song unto the Lord;
Let your song be sung from mountains high
Sing a new song unto the Lord
Singing alleluia

Yahweh's people dance for joy.
O come before the Lord
And play for him on glad tambourines,
And let your trumpet sound. Refrain

Rise, O children, from your sleep;
Your Savior now has come.
He has turned your sorrow to joy,
And filled your soul with song. Refrain

Glad my soul, for I have seen
the glory of the Lord.
The trumpet sounds; the dead shall be raised.
I know my Saviour lives. Refrain