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, September 13, we will have a midday prayer at 2:00 p.m. The service will be streamed live on Facebook. Please use the following link to view the service: facebook.com/ParishoftheAscension/live/
• Morning Prayer: Beginning Monday, we will be praying Morning Prayer from the Chapel, incorporating daily prayer for members of our parish. The Ascension Task Force for Public Worship will be conducting training and a commissioning this Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the initiation of public worship on September 20, 2020.
• Public Worship at the Ascension: Public Worship will commence Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Preregistration will be required. You will need to complete a COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire as part of the registration (the questionnaire is also available at the parish office). The questionnaires must be returned to the office no later than Wednesday each week so that you may attend service on Sunday. We can also forward the form via email (office email: [email protected])or you can pick one up Monday to Wednesday each week, between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Masks are required upon entering the building. As we progress further into autumn we will be enabling worship to be live-streamed from the parish. Please check the website weekly for updates. If you have any questions, please contact Peggy at [email protected] or 368-5693.
• Transfiguration: Since February of this year we have been engaged in partnership, enabling joint worship between our four parishes, collaboration and ministry innovation. Since the Covid19 pandemic isolation we adjusted our approach to provide online worship, outreach, and Bible Study. Now that parishes and individuals are getting more adjusted to life with Covid19 among us, we are adjusting our pattern of Mission and Ministry as well. Beginning September 23, 2020, we will be observing morning prayer together through zoom. This will be an opportunity for our online community to join us in a midweek act of prayer. This may lead to opportunities for other ways for us to worship, care, and serve in the weeks and seasons ahead. In particular, the Transfiguration Mission Team will be examining ways that we may be able to share in some of the ways of ministry and service together, including: Bible Study, Baptismal and Confirmation Training/Preparation, Outreach Opportunities, and Dialogue/Discussion, Children’s and Youth Ministry Opportunities. As we explore how we may be working together online in these new ways, please stay tuned through our website, thetransmission.ca or contact your parish clergy.
• Thursdays in Black: This week we will be returning to noonday prayers incorporating Thursdays in Black, and our guest will be Su McLeod, Youth Coordinator for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund in Toronto.
• Ride for Refuge: On October 3, I will be joining thousands of other riders, walkers and volunteers across Canada to help raise $2,500,000 for some of the most marginalized people in our world. The RIDE supports hundreds of local charities. I have been cycling the Ride for Refuge every year since 2014, and together, the Anglican East NL team has raised over $25,000 in that time, which has been matched by the federal government. This year, a number of friends and I will be cycling, running, or walking from Cape Spear to the Anglican Cathedral in support of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (pwrdf.org). The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is the Anglican Church of Canada's agency for sustainable development, relief, refugees, and global justice. This year PWRDF is supporting the St. Jude Family Project that works with smallholder farmers in rural Uganda.  St. Jude's has an agricultural school that integrates environmental protection, gender empowerment and income generating projects connected to farming. The project will aim to train local families in environmentally friendly fertilizing techniques such as worm composting and manure teas, and do their part to fight climate change by planting 80,000 multi-purpose trees that will benefit the local population.  Click on the link below to visit our Team Page - register and help us fundraise. Or, email me back and we can chat more about the RIDE. Our team page: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=925018&langPref=en-CA My personal page: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=4778336&langPref=en-CA Thanks for your support! It will be worth it! David
• Daily Devotionals Books/Prayer Books: The following publications are available for pick up at the side entrance of the church:  Our Daily Bread; Forward Day by Day; and weekly edition of the Chimes (Chimes available each Friday afternoon). Should you wish to stop by to pick these up, please use the buzzer at the side entrance.  Publications will be left on the bench for your convenience. Also, the following books are available to be signed out:  Book of Alternative Services (BAS); Book of Common Prayer; and Common Praise. If you are interested in signing any of these out, please contact the office by email at [email protected] or call 368-5693 from Monday to Friday between 9 and 12.
• 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
• 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: As you are well aware, the church building has been closed for several months due to COVID-19. During this time, the clergy has aimed to make contact with all parishioners by way of e-mail or a phone call. However, due to the need of parish list updating you may not have been contacted. If you are one of those, would you please send your updated contact information to [email protected] or call the church office at 368-5693. Likewise, if you know of church friends/neighbors who have not been contacted and do not have access to e-mail, could you please ask them to call the church office to give their contact information as well.

It seems as if society has jumped a little into overdrive in this first two weeks of September. Amid the new Covid19 pandemic reality, social media, marketplaces, and even the roads are a hive of activity. I see posts of back to school photos, reminders of restrictions, safety, and physical distancing measures, as well as an increase in public activity as schools and businesses are moving more fully into our new way of being. We are more active as a society than we have been for the last six months. Families and communities, workplaces and faith communities are all trying to adjust. This at times produces challenge and chaos, uncertainty and confusion.

Into all this, I hear the words of Paul’s letter to the Romans as he helps the new community of faith resolve differences over practice and custom. In Romans, the people seem to be of diverse opinion concerning the eating of meat and vegetables, and the judgement of others based on individual choice.

In our context, there are many new practices and customs to which we are being exposed; in the faith context, as well as physical distancing and proper hygiene, we are coming to terms with registering for worship, continued online worship, and living as people of faith in a Covid19 affected world. I am reminded that in this new reality I need to move with care, with grace, and with patience.

There will be differing opinions, there will be struggle, as we all come to terms with this new reality. Some may feel a little like the first fledgling Christian communities, as there are strong opinions and perhaps even some clashing of ideals or practice. I wish to assure you that what is comfortable for one individual will not be the expected for all. Some may be comfortable with registering and attending public worship once again, others may wish to continue with online worship only.

As the parish shifts to reopening public worship on September 20 at 11:00 am, above all I ask for your prayer, your understanding, and your patience. The entire world has been learning and adapting so much over this last year, and in faith communities it will be no different.

This new reality for the faith community reminds me of the adjustments of the early church. When Jesus’ friends gathered in the upstairs room in the weeks after the crucifixion and resurrection, there was much fear, anxiety and unknowing. The pattern of life for the followers of Jesus followed with prayer, fellowship, learning, and service to others from home. There were no official ‘church’ public buildings. In this time, apart from our public worship, we are being called to be like the early church, and live out our baptismal covenant from our home, from our own ‘bubbles.’

This will mean we will begin to explore how we can learn, serve, care, and love as Christians, through digital media, through enhancing our expression of faith within our own bubbles in this new time. Look for upcoming announcements through thetransmission.ca and ascensionnl.ca.

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.

Jesus invites us to follow him. As he laid down his life in intersessions for the world, let us pray on behalf of people everywhere, saying: Lord, strengthen us.

For all people of faith who struggle to believe in the promise of life amid the clamour of death, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

For the churches who must bear witness to the possibility of taking up the cross and following Jesus. We pray for Geoffrey our Bishop, for our parish ministry team, for the parishes St. Anthony, St. Mary the Virgin, Corner Brook, and for the Anglican Church in South America, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

For those laying down their lives in faithful dedication to God’s call; we pray for all who assist in the fires and floods in the world.  We pray for those who are displaced, those in shelters, and those trying to rebuild, for those who are on strike in our Province, for those worried and anxious about their jobs, for those fighting for a fair and just living wage, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

For all students and teachers who returned to school, for those learning at home, for universities and colleges, for support staff, janitorial staff, bus drivers, parents and guardians, that their safety be the key to an environment of learning:  Lord, strengthen us.

For all parishes that are planning on re-opening and for those who will remain closed. We pray for those who are worried or anxious, those who are undecided, those who have decided not to return. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and direct us in all decisions: Lord, strengthen us.

For those who are sick, especially those on the Ascension Prayer Cycle and for those who care for them: let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

For those who have died, remembering Bruce Smith, that they might be brought beyond their trouble into the Spirit’s peace: let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

For all here present who will one day be judged by God’s standards and meet Christ coming in glory, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, strengthen us.

Most high God, your ways are not our ways, yet your ways bear life. Hear the petitions of your assembled people. Pour out on your world the faith to hear your call and the courage to answer it. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who is one with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Andrea, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Brandon, Carl, Christina, Cindy, Clarence, Claude, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Doreen, Dot, Dulcie, Edgar, Edith, Elaine, Erin, Ethel, Finnley, Frederick, Flo, George, 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, Stephen, Tina, Todd, Tom, Valerie, Verna and Wayne.

School Prayer: Gracious and loving God, fill us with courage and hope for this school year. It will look different and feel different, yet we trust that you are with us ALWAYS. ………..We give you thanks for the chance to learn, grow and live into the loving and remarkable people you have created us to be. …..Hold us in your hand as we find our way in this new time. Amen.

Words from Archbishop of Canterbury: As we prepare to gather together again, we do so knowing that many will be returning bearing new burdens of grief and anxiety. Others will be filled with hope and excitement. But we do not gather just by ourselves. We are gathered in the embrace of God who holds our griefs, fears and hopes, and who walks with us into this new and uncertain future, lighting our path along the way. So please pray, not just for our return to our beloved buildings - with all the safety precautions that we must get right - but also for our return to each other. As we meet again, pray that we do so in the knowledge that God is calling us anew to be communities that truly care for one another, support those in need, work for justice and the common good, and boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus.

Collect

Almighty God,
you call your Church to witness
that in Christ we are reconciled to you.
Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may turn to you;
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 Exodus

The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers." So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the Lord tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses. Exodus 14:19-31

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

Psalm

REFRAIN Alleluia!

Hallelujah! When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech, Judah became God's sanctuary and Israel his dominion. R

The sea beheld it and fled; Jordan turned and went back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like young sheep. R

What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? O Jordan, that you turned back?

You mountains, that you skipped like rams? you little hills like young sheep? R

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water and flint-stone into a flowing spring. R

Psalm 114

A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans

Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarrelling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgement on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honour of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honour of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honour of the Lord and give thanks to God. We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Why do you pass judgement on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgement seat of God. For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." So then, each of us will be accountable to God.  Romans 14:1-12

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

Then Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."  Matthew 18:21-35

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

Prayer over the Gifts

Holy God,
accept all we offer you this day.
May we who are reconciled at this table
bring wholeness to our broken world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

God of peace,
in this Eucharist we have been reconciled
to you and to our neighbours.
May we who have been nourished by holy things
always have the courage to forgive.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

GOD THE CREATOR

 God the Creator, you in love made me
Who once was nothing but now have grown.
I bring the best of all my life offers;
For you I share whatever I own.

O Christ the Saviour, you in love called me
Who once was no one, lost and alone.
I pledge to go wherever you summon,
Making your will and purpose my own.

O God the Spirit, you in love move me
Who once was nowhere and felt unknown.
I know my need of you for companion:
All things can change when not on my own.

And with the people summoned together
To be the church in which faith is sown,
I make my promise to live for Jesus
And let the world know all are his own.

GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou are mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more,

Open now the crystal fountain
whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side:
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.

 WHERE CHARITY AND LOVE PREVAIL,

Where charity and love prevail,
there God is ever found;
Brought here together by Christ’s love,
by love are we thus bound.

Let us recall that in our midst
dwells God’s begotten Son;
As members of His body joined,
we are in Him made one.

Love can exclude no race or creed
if honored be God’s name;
Our common life embraces all
whose Father is the same.

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION, YE SAINTS OF THE LORD

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you who to Jesus for refuge have fled?

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!