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 thetransmission.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
• Resurrection Reminders: These past months were a time of uncertainty. Our emotion experienced lonesomeness, disappointment, caution, and fear. As the days turned into weeks then months, we rediscovered new life. The water flowing in the river sounded louder. The flowers were blooming with vibrant color. The ducks had increased their family. This is God’s Power working over us. We give thanks to God we live in a place we freely experience his creations and beauty. In those uncertain times I found comfort experiencing children’s laughter and watching family participation, riding bicycles and walking their dogs. I look forward to worshiping with our church family knowing familiar surroundings come to life with new hope and direction. All things are possible to the one who believes, still more to the one who hopes, still more to the one who loves; and most of all, to the one who practices all three. (Mildred Pretty)
• New Website and E-mail addresses 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. Information regarding on-line services is available through the calendar on the new website. Here is a list of new e-mail addresses and helpful links you may find useful:
  • Reverend David Burrows - [email protected]
  • Reverend Lynn Courage - [email protected]
  • Ina Kearley - [email protected]
  • Office Administrator - [email protected]
  • Church Website - ascensionnl.ca
  • Link to view on-line services - thetransmission.ca
  • YouTube Channel - Parish of the Ascension NL
• Historic 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 where 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. 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.
• Memorial Service 2020: Our Memorial Services scheduled for July at Kenmount Road and Forest Road cemeteries have been canceled. Under present provincial COVID-19 policies, mass gatherings are not permitted. Instead, an online Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Anglican Cathedral. The service will be conducted by Reverend Robert Cooke, Rector of St. Mark's; Reverend David Burrows, Rector of the Church of the Ascension; and Archdeacon Roger Whalen, Rector of the Cathedral. Our Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Peddle, will give the sermon and the blessing. The Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook Page will Live Stream the service. The link to this service is: facebook.com/AnglicanEastNL. We hope that this commemorative service will provide comfort for families and friends in honor of their loved ones that are interred in our cemeteries and for those who were unable to pay their respects
  at a funeral home or at the gravesite during the January 17- 25 local state of emergency and during the present COVID-19 Pandemic. Floral tributes may be placed in our cemeteries at your convenience.
• 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 neighbors. 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 ofthe 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.

Ahh, this is summer, and with it comes for some of us, a change. For me it is a Sabbath time to enter into silence away from the reality of parish commitments, social media, and hectic schedules. It is a time to reconnect myself with body and soul so as to engage in deep listening to the Holy One, to self, and to the holiness of family and relationship more deeply.

For many of us, the time of summer is one of increased activity and of re-creation. It is a journey of blossoming and growing, and living into expectations that we have held through cold winter months, and for us also this year, isolating pandemic weeks that have changed our perspective.

Summer can be a time of re-creating, and of establishing rules of life that bring wonder and joy, healing and health to individuals, families, and entire communities. In the acts of discovery and wonder in these weeks, may you be blessed in your being, in your journey.

For some, there may be a need for reminders of what one might explore spiritually during this time. Let me share with you some things:

• We are continuing online (recorded) worship through thetransmission.ca. Here in the course of regular prayer, one can experience learning, reflection, worship, and interaction through our wider transfiguration mission.
• The Scripture these months explores the journey of faith of matriarchs and patriarchs of the book of Genesis all the way to Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. We hear once again of the accounts of Abram and Sarai, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau, Jacob Rachel and Leah, and the Joseph stories, leading to the encounters of Moses, Aaron and Miriam with Pharaoh. Also, Paul’s letter to the Romans is recounted throughout this time, a deep theological reflection of a saint of the early church near the end of his life and ministry. This may be a good time to bring out your Bible to explore more deeply these passages of Scripture.
• We will be continuing to publish the chimes with Resurrection Reminders, weekly prayers, Scripture and Hymns. These will be good resources for you to reflect on how God blesses you in your life, and how you might continue to pray and respond to family, friends, and neighbours in this summer season.
• Enjoy the beauty of creation! This is the space and time, where we are afforded the opportunities to experience God’s beautiful creation in land, sea, and air, as we move and encounter creation. Do not forget to stop and appreciate all that God is, has done, and is doing in creation. Give thanks, and be blessed!

I will continue to remember and pray for you as I take time away from all technology, and rejuvenate myself in these weeks. I shall be away July 6 – August 6. During this time, Rev.’d Lynn will be attending to all the requirements of parish life and work.

God Bless!

• 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.

God of love and grace,
we pray for all those today who are weary,
for those who carry heavy burdens;
give us the courage and humility to know
that the invitation is also for us.
COME BRING YOUR BURDENS TO GOD

We pray for those on the Ascension Prayer Cycle
who are ill or worried about a diagnosis;
for all who are bereaved, remembering Edward Newell and his family, and for everyone who is
a caregiver.
COME BRING YOUR BURDENS TO GOD

We pray for those on low incomes
experiencing the stress
of managing a budget
where there just isn’t enough
to make ends meet,
especially for any known to us…
COME BRING YOUR BURDENS TO GOD

We pray for those who are homeless
weighed down by memories of the past
and dragged before the world’s criticism.
We pray for those who have lost families and countries
especially the many refugees who face an uncertain future…
COME BRING YOUR BURDENS TO GOD

We pray for the millions across the world
who will go to bed hungry tonight
and who have no choices at all,
but know that getting through today
stacks up worries for tomorrow.
COME BRING YOUR BURDENS TO GOD

God of love and mercy,
We pray for ourselves that
we may have courage
to refuse to turn against those in need
and instead to stand with those You love and care for.
We pray in the name of Jesus who is gentle and humble
And whose burden is light.
Amen.

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, 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

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ has taught us that what we do for the least of your children we do also for him. Give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, who gave up his life and died for us, but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
AMEN

A Reading from the Book of Genesis

Eliezer said, "I am Abraham's servant. The Lord has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. And Sarah my master's wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and he has given him all that he has. My master made me swear, saying, 'You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; but you shall go to my father's house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.' I came today to the spring, and said, 'O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going! I am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, "Please give me a little water from your jar to drink," and who will say to me, "Drink, and I will draw for your camels also" let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master's son.' Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her water jar on her shoulder; and she went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, 'Please let me drink.' She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder, and said, 'Drink, and I will also water your camels.' So I drank, and she also watered the camels. Then I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' She said, 'The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bore to him.' So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her arms. Then I bowed my head and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master's kinsman for his son. Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left." And they called Rebekah, and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" She said, "I will." So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain possession of the gates of their foes." Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man; thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, and said to the servant, "Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

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

Psalm

REFRAIN I will sing to the Lord, for he has dealt with me richly.

REFRAIN: Nations shall praise you for ever.

"Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; forget your people and your father's house. The king will have pleasure in your beauty; he is your master; therefore do him honour. The people of Tyre are here with a gift; the rich among the people seek your favour." R

All glorious is the princess as she enters; her gown is cloth-of-gold. In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; after her the bridesmaids follow in procession. With joy and gladness they are brought, and enter into the palace of the king. R

"In place of fathers, O king, you shall have sons; you shall make them princes over all the earth. I will make your name to be remembered from one generation to another; therefore nations will praise you for ever and ever." R

Psalm 45:11-18

A Reading from Paul to the Romans

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:15-25A

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

Jesus said, "To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

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

Prayer over the Gifts

God of heaven and earth, receive our sacrifice of praise,
and strengthen us for the perfect freedom of your service,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

O God, may we who have shared in holy things
never fail to serve you in your world, and so come
to the fullness of joy, in the name of Jesus Christ
our Lord. AMEN

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Source: African American Heritage Hymnal, (2001)

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All thy works with joy surround thee,
Earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around thee,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
thou our Father, and our mother,
all who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou biddest me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come,
I come. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need, in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
Just as I am- thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down-
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Father of Heaven Whose Love Profound
Source: Hymns to the Living God #39

Father of heaven, whose love profound
a ransom for our souls hath found,
before Thy throne we sinners bend;
to us Thy pardoning love extend.

Eternal Spirit, by whose breath
the soul is raised from sin and death,
before Thy throne we sinners bend;
to us Thy quickening power extend.

Thrice holy! Father, Spirit, Son,
mysterious Godhead, Three in One,
before Thy throne we sinners bend;
grace, pardon, life, to us extend.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #272

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's Light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your days be bright."
I looked to Jesus and I found
in him my Star, my Sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk,
'til traveling days are done.