Chimes (July 12, 2020)

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Pentecost VI


Lections: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Hymns: God Whose Almighty Word v.1,3&4; Breathe on Me Breathe of God v.1,3&4; King of Glory, King of Peace; King of Love, O Christ We Crown you v.1,3&4


Table of Contents

COVID-19 Updates

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

General Updates

  • On-Line Church Service: This Sunday, July 12, 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: Resurrection reminders will continue after Labor Day.
    1. 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:
    2. 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.
    3. Memorial Service 2020: Our Memorial Services which were scheduled for July at Kenmount Road and Forest Road cemeteries have been cancelled. 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. To donate now to the important work of the Cemetery Committee go to canadahelps.org/en/charities/thediocesan-synod-of-eastern-newfoundland-and-labrador/
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.

    Weekly Word

    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

    • 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.

    Prayers of the People

    In peace we pray to you Lord God.
    For all people in their daily life and work;
    for our families, friends, and neighbours, and for all those who are alone.

    For this community, our country, and the world;
    for all people who work for justice, freedom and peace.

    For the just and proper use of your creation; for the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

    For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; for those who minister to the sick, especially our friends and family on the Ascension Prayer Cycle, the friendless, and the needy.

    For the peace and unity of the church of God; for all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth.

    For Geoffrey our Bishop, and for all bishops and other ministers; for all who serve God in his church.

    For our own needs and those of others. Hear us, Lord; for your mercy is great.

    We thank you Lord for the blessings of this life. We will exalt you, O God our king; and praise your name for ever and ever.

    We pray for all who have died in the peace of Christ, and for those whose faith is known to you alone, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them; who put their trust in you.

    Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion, forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone, and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honour and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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,
    you have made us for yourself,
    and our hearts are restless
    until they find their rest in you.
    May we find peace in your service,
    and in the world to come, see you face to face;
    through Jesus Christ our Lord,
    who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
    one God, now and for ever. AMEN

    A Reading from the Book of Genesis

    These are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddanaram, sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. The children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger." When her time to give birth was at hand, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy mantle; so they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came out, with his hand gripping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!" (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." Esau said, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?" Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:19-34

    Psalm

    REFRAIN Your word is a light upon my path.

    Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.
    I have sworn and am determined to keep your righteous judgements. R

    I am deeply troubled; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing
    tribute of my lips, and teach me your judgements. R

    My life is always in my hand, yet I do not forget your law.
    The wicked have set a trap for me, but I have not strayed from your commandments. R

    Your decrees are my inheritance for ever; truly, they are the joy of my heart. I have applied my heart to
    fulfil your statutes for ever and to the end. R

    Psalm 119:105-112

    A Reading from Paul to the Romans

    There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. Romans 8:1-11

    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

    That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen! Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

    Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

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

    Prayer over the Gifts

    Father,
    Your word creates in us a yearning for your kingdom.
    Receive all we offer you this day, and keep us in your peace;
    For the sake of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

    Prayer after Communion

    Living god,
    In this sacrament we have shared in your eternal kingdom.
    May we who taste this mystery
    Forever serve you in faith, hope, and love.
    We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

    Hymns

    God Whose Almighty Word

    God, whose almighty Word
    Chaos and darkness heard,
    And took their flight;
    Hear us, we humbly pray,
    And where the gospel day
    Sheds not its glorious ray,
    Let there be light!

    Spirit of truth and love,
    Life giving, holy dove,
    Speed on your flight!
    Move on the water's face
    Bearing the lamp of grace,
    And in earth's darkest place
    Let there be light!

    Gracious and holy Three,
    Glorious Trinity,
    Wisdom, love, might;
    Boundless as ocean's tide,
    Rolling in fullest pride,
    Through the world far and wide,
    Let there be light!

    Breathe on Me, Breath of God

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,
    fill me with life anew,
    that I may love what thou dost love,
    and do what thou wouldst do.

    Breathe in me, breath of God,
    Till I am wholly thine,
    Until this earthly part of me
    Glows with thy fire divine.

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,
    so shall I never die,

    but live with thee the perfect life
    for all eternity.

    King of Glory, King of Peace

    King of glory, King of peace,
    I will love Thee;
    and that love may never cease,
    I will move Thee.
    Thou hast granted my request,
    Thou hast heard me;
    Thou didst note my working breast,
    Thou hast spared me.

    Wherefore with my utmost art
    I will sing Thee,
    and the cream of all my heart
    I will bring Thee.
    Though my sins against me cried,
    Thou didst clear me;
    and alone, when they replied,
    Thou didst hear me.

    Seven whole days, not one in seven,
    I will praise Thee;
    in my heart, though not in heaven,
    I can raise Thee.
    Small it is, in this poor sort
    to enroll Thee:
    even eternity's too short
    to extol Thee.

    King of Love, O Christ We Crown You

    King of love, O Christ, we crown you
    Lord of thought and Lord of will,
    Each demand of your high challenge
    Dedicated to fulfill;
    We with you by grace co-workers,
    Till, where human foot has trod,
    Peoples, kings, dominions, races,
    Own the empire of our God.

    King of mercy, you have saved us
    From the haunting sense of loss,
    Sin’s indictment to the cross.
    Those who love, by your sore anguish,
    From the past you cleanse and free,
    Breathing words of absolution
    Thorned and reigning from the tree.

    King triumphant, King victorious,
    Take your throne our hearts within,
    Lest the might of fierce temptation
    Snare us into deadly sin.
    By the Spirit’s rich anointing,
    Grant us strength life’s race to run,
    till the power of sin be vanquished,
    till the prize of God be won.

    Anglian Church of Canada One Licence #733242-A Book of Alternative Services The Taizé Community Book of Common Praise GIA Publications Wee Worship Book The Iona Community CCLI License # 1733318Resources for Chimes from the above sources