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 thetransmission.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
• Resurrection Reminders: I consider myself an extrovert. I thrive being with people. I enjoy having family gather for meals. Sitting with friends for a chat keeps me going. That has all changed for now, not for ever, just for now! This time has made me look inside the “me”, and what I can and should be doing to see new life. We call ourselves an Easter people, and indeed we are! Resurrection is new life. What have I been doing to experience this ‘new life’ not just Easter but all times? I have been learning to re-enjoy the quiet, the solitude, the being still, the me and God time. I am still being fed! God is constant! What is around me may change, God remains my peace.
  So where have I been seeing ‘Resurrection’? Where am I experiencing ‘New Life’? I see it in the 16 ducklings in a small pond near our home and in the shoots pushing up through the ground and flowers that are bursting forth with colour. I hear it in the birds chirping from a nest made in a house eave and in the spruce tree next door. I experience it in the opportunity to speak with neighbourhood people even from a distance, some who are familiar, others who have become familiar. As a family, ‘new life’ came in the very recent birth of our second grandchild. I have seen ‘Resurrection’ throughout my life and in my ministry. I experience ‘New Life” every day.
  I thank God! For the “me” in me, I have been fed spiritually in all this and more. I am constantly being refreshed in the diversity (and at times over abundance) of on-line worship. The variety of faith expressions has been what my soul has been absorbing like water to a sponge. I am finding refreshment in the words of familiar hymns, contemporary religious songs, podcasts of choral and classical music, homilies that say just what I need for now as I walk, and in the song of the wind whistling through the trees. So while I look forward to the time when things will be ‘normal’, I also acknowledge that for right now this is normal. It is a ‘new life’! It is ‘Resurrection’! It is God, the Creator, Jesus the Sustainer, the Holy Spirit the Comforter. (Father John+)
• Greetings from the Youth Group: Our youth group represents the parishes of St. Mary the Virgin, St. Michael and All Angels, the Cathedral in St. John's; St. John the Evangelist, CBS; the Church of the Ascension, and the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl. The compassion, care, fun and faith shown by youth and their 'young at heart’ leaders, are examples of God's mission at work. COVID 19 has not stopped our youth from getting together in a new format - ZOOM! We have reached out to one another to see how each other are doing. It is wonderful to see them and hear about how the pandemic has changed their lives, yet learning how to cope and do things in a new way. We have met each other’s pets, seen where each hangs out in their home, and have welcomed new members. Even on Zoom, their energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and for that we, their leaders, are truly grateful. From all the leaders and the youth, please stay safe. Blessings to you all!
• Historical Pictures of the Church: As many of you know, recently the Church of the Ascension has launched a new website. During the last month or so, a small group has been getting to together on-line to discuss the history of the Parish. We have reached a point wherein we have assembled considerable text on a number of issues but we do not have very much in the way of photographs. We would like as many of you as possible to dig deeply into your personal photo collections and search out pictures that you feel could add to the history of the Parish. You can forward electronic ones by email. Actual prints can be dropped off for scanning and we will return them to you unharmed. Please submit them to the Church Office over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, you may see some of them on our website down the road.
• 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. This past Thursday we had Lee-Ann Matthews as our guest. Next week our guest will be Jenny Wright. Check each Thursday as we hear from guests from across the country, around the world, and close to home. 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.
• 65th Anniversary of the Ordination of Reverend Charles Green: We give God thanks this week for the sixty-fifth anniversary of The Reverend Charles Green. Traditionally in the church, ordinations were held on the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, and at Pentecost. On June 12, Reverend Green will celebrate. Remember he and his family in prayer this week, and remember the ministry of all those who are celebrating ordination anniversaries at this time. We give thanks for Charlie's faithfulness and witness in ministry throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• 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, June 21, we will celebrate those with birthdays in the month of June. 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, June 18, at 5 p.m.
• Father’s Day Sunday: Father’s Day is coming, and we intend to celebrate and give thanks to all father and father figures in our lives. We invite you to send a picture of your father figure for our service on June 21. The pictures will be used at the beginning of the Sunday online service.
  Who do you have in your life who is a father figure to you? Please send a picture to [email protected]. In order to be included in the prelude video, we need to receive photos by 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 18. We look forward to seeing you and those you love!
• Coffee Matters: As you may already be aware, Coffee Matters is closed in Mount Pearl. On behalf of the parish we want to thank Scott Hillier and his team for always reaching out in the community and supporting all the parishes. During the pandemic, Scott made and donated cold plates to the parishes in the area to be distributed among the parishioners. For this, and for all you have done and will do, we ask God to bless you, and we are ever thankful that you express through your person and your business the gifts of hospitality, kindness, equality, and justice.
• Website Team: Thank you for our awesome website! We extend a deep gratitude for all the hard work and countless hours that was spent in getting our website to where it is. Without your guidance, support and expertise, this would not have been possible. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.
• 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 $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 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.
• 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.
• Anglican East NL Announces Virtual Lavrock Summer Camp 2020: You are invited to join us for a camp unlike any other! This year our theme will be the earth: it’s in our hands! While things will be a little different this year, there will be familiar faces and many of the activities you have come to love at summer camp! Here’s what you need to know:
  • Who: if you are between the ages of 8 and 13, this is for you!
  • What: activities for you and your entire family!
  • Where: right in your own home!
  • When: July 6 - 9 (about 30 minutes each day)
  • How: all you need to do is pre-register by contacting [email protected].

Once you express your interest, we will send you a complete information package. Please note, this is a free camp. Pre-registration is required though, because we still need parental permission. Spread the word!!

In the life of many Christian faith communities, this Sunday we are observing the Feast of the Holy Trinity. This is a time when Scripture, music, images and reflections are focused on the mystery of the Divine – of God, Holy One, as Trinity. It is mystery, and though many have offered detailed commentary on the nature of God, none can fully realize the nature of the Holy One.

In Christian communities we find ways to express our love and devotion to the Trinity, some of which cause difference between individuals and faith communities. In some instances, over the years, I have experienced a theological focus that draws individuals and communities into disagreement and dissension that escalates from playful banter to obstinate rejection of any thought or perspective different from one’s own. On these occasions I lament.

Today, in my life, as I breathe in and out, as I give thanks for creation and the presence of the Creator in our midst, I remember, I sing, I contemplate, and I pray for creation and the gift of the Holy One.

Today in my life, as I move and act in this world, I give thanks for all humanity, and for the presence of Jesus among us, incarnated.

Today in this place, I feel the pulse of my heart’s beat. I give thanks for the essence of all that is intangible, for the presence of the Holy One that does not abandon, who is our constant companion.

For me Trinity is less about explaining the mystery of the God, and more about the nature of humanity’s relationship with the Holy One, and our relationship with each other. Both of these relationships suffer as humans individually and communally ignore the nature of love, care, reconciliation, justice, and dignity.

This past week the Scripture has challenged me, for in the Great Commission, (Matthew 28:16-20) Jesus gives disciples authority and power to share and spread his Good News. Unfortunately, so often there is difference in the interpretation of what the Good News entails, and how we are to embrace and enact this Good News. Unfortunately, the love, care, reconciliation, justice and dignity get overshadowed by authority and power. Holding Holy Scriptures for unjust means before sacred spaces, inciting riots and ignoring the vulnerable is not the power to which Jesus refers. Misuse of authority and power seem to be the weakness of many in humanity.

This week we have seen this with actions in the United States and elsewhere. #BlackLivesMatter and #ThursdaysinBlack need to be standards of human discourse such that all are afforded dignity, care, safety,
reconciliation, love and justice. It is the way of the Trinity; it is the way of the Holy One.

There will always be difference; there should always be dialogue and diversity. We are not immune from addressing difference and diversity in ways that afford dignity to the vulnerable. The journey of the Way of the Holy One is abandoning power and authority and embracing a way forward that honours human dignity, creation, and our Creator.

This day I am reminded of Desmond Tutu’s words from Tromso, Norway on December 5, 1991.

I have sometimes said in big meetings where you have black and white together: “Raise your hands!” Then I’ve said, “Move your hands,” and I’ve said, “look at your hands – different colors representing different people. You are the rainbow people of God.” And you remember the rainbow in the Bible is a sign of peace. The rainbow is the sign of prosperity. We want peace, prosperity, and justice and we can have it when all the people of God, the rainbow people of God, work together.”

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.

On this Trinity Sunday we have come before you Lord to offer our praise and adoration. You are God the creator, giving us richly all things to enjoy. You are Christ the Saviour of the world, made flesh to set us free. You are the Spirit of truth and love, willing to dwell in us. You are holy and blessed. One God, eternal Trinity, be near to us the people formed in your image, and close to the world your love brings to life. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Lord we pray for your church throughout the world, for those that are thriving and those which have lost a sense of direction. We give thanks for our church and its people, and gladly acknowledge all the gifts you have given us through its life. We ask you to open wide our hearts that we may welcome the stranger and share our faith with others, open wide our minds that we may receive new truth and understand your will, open wide our doors, that as we have come into worship so we may go out with you to the service of the world, open wide our lives that through discipline and prayer we may experience your power in daily living. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Lord of the universe, we praise you for your creation; you have provided humankind with everything it needs for life and health. Grant that the resources of the earth may neither be hoarded by the selfish nor squandered by the foolish but that all may share your gifts. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

We remember all who bear the responsibility of leadership, for Geoffrey our Bishop and the Synod office staff, for the parishes of Hermitage, the Holy Innocents and the Holy Cross, and our brothers and sisters worshipping in Mexico. For those newly ordained and for those celebrating Ordination anniversaries, especially today we give thanks for the 65th anniversary of Charles Green for his faithfulness and love of the gospel. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Lord we pray for peace in the world, create in us a love for peace, not peace that is absent from struggle, nor peace that is blind to injustice, but peace that makes whole what now is broken. We remember those who struggle against injustice, for men and women who have to establish loves’ supremacy in violent and oppressive societies, and for those whom war and famine have robbed of homes, families and friends, may they be filled with your strength and wisdom, and grant that where the love of humankind has failed, your divine compassion may heal. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

We remember those who are sick, especially those on the Ascension Prayer Cycle, those sad or lonely and those who are brave and patient when things are going wrong. We pray that they may be aware of your comforting presence and know that in your hands they are safe and loved. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Lord we pray for all whose life is saddened by the death of a loved one, especially Lillian Miller, be with them in their loneliness and let them know that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Lord we ask you to lead us into the coming week, help us to believe that you are close by us, keep us from making mistakes and help us never to disappoint you. When we face hard decisions or difficult work, when we enjoy ourselves and have fun with others, may we know that you share these times with us. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer!

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Andrea, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Breandon, Carl, Charlie, Christina, Cindy, Clarence, Claude, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Dot, Dulcie, Edgar, Edith, Elaine, Elizabeth, Erin, Esther, Finnley, Frederick, Flo, George, Georgina, Gerry, Gilbert, 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

Father, we praise you:
through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things.
You reveal your salvation in all the world
by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Through your Holy Spirit
you give us a share in your life and love.
Fill us with the vision of your glory,
that we may always serve and praise you,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

A Reading from the Book of Genesis

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, "Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters." So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth." And it was so. God made the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night - and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky." So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. Genesis 1:1-2:4A

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

Psalm

O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world!

Out of the mouths of infants and children your majesty is praised above the heavens. R

You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, to quell the enemy and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, R

What is man that you should be mindful of him? the son of man that you should seek him out? You have made him but little lower than the angels; you adorn him with glory and honour; R

You give him mastery over the works of your hands; you put all things under his feet; All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, R

The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea. O Lord our governor, how exalted is your name in all the world! R

Psalm 8

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

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 Matthew

People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20

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

Prayer over the Gifts

Living God,
receive all we offer you this day.
Grant that hearing your word and responding to your Spirit,
we may share in your divine life.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

Almighty and eternal God,
may we who have received this Eucharist
worship you in all we do ,and proclaim the glory of your majesty.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.

Each radiant flower that opens,
each vibrant bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
God made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is the Creator,
who has made all things well. [Refrain]

Thou, Who at Thy First Eucharist

Thou, who at Thy first Eucharist didst pray
That all Thy Church might be forever one,
Grant us at every Eucharist to say
With longing heart and soul, Thy will be done.
O may we all one bread, one body be,
Through this blest sacrament of unity.

For all Thy Church, O Lord, we intercede;
Make Thou our sad divisions soon to cease;
Draw us the nearer each to each, we plead,
By drawing all to Thee, O Prince of Peace;
Thus may we all one bread, one body be,
Through this blest sacrament of unity.

So, Lord, at length when sacraments shall cease,
May we be one with all Thy Church above,
One with Thy saints in one unbroken peace,
One with Thy saints in one unbounded love;
More blessèd still, in peace and love to be
One with the Trinity in unity.

Bright the Vision that Delighted

Bright the vision that delighted
once the sight of Judah's seer;
sweet the countless tongues united
to entrance the prophet's ear.

'Lord, thy glory fills the heaven;
earth is with its fullness stored;
unto thee be glory given,
holy, holy, holy, Lord.'

Heaven is still with glory ringing,
earth takes up the angels' cry,
'Holy, holy, holy,' singing,
'Lord of hosts, the Lord most high.'

'Lord, thy glory fills the heaven;
earth is with its fullness stored;
unto thee be glory given,
holy, holy, holy, Lord.'