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

• ascensionnl.ca/covid19/
• 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/

• Public Worship at the Ascension: Church of the Ascension has commenced public worship. Service will be at 11 a.m. each Sunday. You will need to complete a Covid-19 Screening Questionnaire as part of the registration. You can also forward the completed form via email (office email: [email protected]) or you may come in to the office to fill one out Monday to Wednesday each week, between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Preregistration will be required in order to attend services
  • The questionnaires must be returned to the office no later than Wednesday each week.
  • Masks are required upon entering the building.
  • Everyone must enter and exit through the main doors of the church to attend services.
  • Please have your own hand sanitizer in the event you feel the need to sanitize your hands after you have been seated.
  • If you would like to use a cushion in your seat, please bring along your own as we are not able to supply one at this time.
  • Due to Covid 19 guidelines, doors and windows may be open during service so you are reminded to wear warm clothes.

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.

• Guidelines For Singing In Church:
  • Singing is not permitted during the full service with an exception for the final hymn;
  • Congregation members may hum during the hymns;
  • Hymns may be sung by one single singer or a small group of singers physically distanced from the congregation;
  • Singers must wear well-fitting masks while singing indoors and face forward;
  • Physical distancing is maintained;
  • Papers are to be removed by each individual participant;
  • If you feel faint or overcome, please refrain from singing.

• Morning Prayer:  We will be praying Morning Prayer from the Chapel at 9:00 a.m. daily, incorporating daily prayer for members of our parish.
• Access to On-Line Church Service:  If you are interested in viewing Sunday service, you can do so by logging in to the new church website ascensionnl.ca, and go to the Social Media tab. Once there, click on the Facebook tab (please note you do not have to have a Facebook account to view the service). This will link you directly with the service once it has begun on Sunday.
• Pre-Authorized Givings:  If you would like to set up pre-authorized givings, please take a pamphlet from either entrance of the church or from church office. Simply fill one out, drop it into the office and we will you set up your automated givings. Thank you!
• Clergy Contact During the COVID-19 Pandemic: For the past six months the clergy have aimed to make contact with parishioners by way of e-mail or a phone call. If you would like to receive a physically distanced visit from Reverend David or Reverend Lynn, please call the office or contact the clergy via email.
• Christmas Puddings: The Church of the Good Shepherd will be selling Christmas puddings once again this year. Cost is $15 each. If you are interested in purchasing one, please call 747-1022 to order. Thank you.
• CLB News:
  • Friday Dinner Take-out/Pick Up: Each Friday, the CLB will be offering dinner take-out (curbside pickup), or delivery on five or more dinners ordered. Curbside pickup from CLB Armoury, 82 Harvey Road, available on Friday from 12:00-1:30. To pre-order, you can call 722-1737. Order cutoff is 4 p.m. on Wednesday. A gluten-free option is available. Please advise of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

• Services During the Week:
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am, Morning Prayer in the Chapel
  • Monday, Nov. 2 (All Souls): 7:00pm, Holy Eucharist/BAS
  • Sunday, Nov. 8: 11:00am, Holy Eucharist/Holy Baptism/BAS
• Registering for Church Services: Just a friendly reminder to call or email the office by no later than Wednesday each week if you are interested in attending service on Sunday. All seats are on a first come/first served basis. We have a limited number of seats available so please register early
• Help Needed:  Are you technically savvy? If so, we request your assistance with the operation of the audio visual equipment during Sunday service. If you are able to help, please contact the office at 368-5693.
• Home Communions in the Parish: Reverend Burrows and Reverend Courage will be expanding their home communicant list should anyone wish to receive the sacrament at their home. This is according to Provincial and Diocesan guidelines. If you would like to receive communion in your home, please contact the office and speak with Peggy to make arrangements.
• Daily Devotionals Books/Prayer Books: Daily Devotional books and prayer books are available. Should you wish to stop by to pick these up, please contact the office.
• Ride for Refuge Update:  A sincere thank you to all who have donated. We have raised a total of $5,050.
• Toonie Toss: On Saturday, November 7, Mt. Pearl Blades Minor Hockey teams have organized a fundraiser to support our local food banks. Due to Covid guidelines, only monetary donations can be accepted at this time. Donations can be made via electronic funds to [email protected] (no password required) or drop by any of the following locations between 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. to donate:
  • Glacier
  • Parish of the Ascension
  • Church of the Good Sheppard
  • Park Avenue Pentecostal Church
  
  All funds collected will be distributed to our three Mt. Pearl Food Banks.

It is the beginning of November. This time in the life of Christian communities the theme of light is offered. We light lights to remember the saints of old that have shone the light of Christ into communities of faith. These flames remind us of the souls of friends and family long past that have touched our lives, whom we miss so deeply.

In this time of remembrance of saints and souls, candles are lit, helping us to consider how Jesus shines in the acts and witness of those we have known and loved, and through those that have shown by their example the way of Jesus in the wider world.

Presently in this world, amid the challenges and uncertainty of isolation, I feel we need the presence of light – of saints and souls in our lives, to help us to navigate the uncertain paths and the dangers that may lie ahead.

It is interesting for me that in this November-time of remembering saints and souls, often the challenge we face is the darkening days and foggy, wet, cool conditions. The earth is in the midst of changing; autumn is preparing for a long winter. So the darkness sometimes brings with it concern, despair, hopelessness and gloom. This, combined with our new reality of pandemic response, means that so many of us are re-evaluating how we live and move. For those who may have challenges of loneliness and depression, this is a hard time.

Into this, we have the light of the good news of the Holy One as present in Jesus. Into all this, we must be reminded that there are faithful individuals in our families and in the church family, that continue to shine and glow with the presence and heart of Jesus in our midst. For me, these are the persons that offer me hope and direction, love and perseverance in the times where things get challenging and chaotic.

So, I light a candle today. I see the flame and feel its warmth, reminding me of persons I have known and do know, that show me how to live like Jesus.

I light a candle today. In the light of the candle I see the places where the love of Jesus needs to spread in a world that is in great need.

I light a candle today. In the warmth and energy of this flame I experience the memories of those living and those passed, that join their prayer with mine to bring dignity, justice, and love to all humanity, and all creation.

Who do you light a candle for this month? What feelings and memories do you hold? How does this light offer you direction and hope, purpose and perseverance?

May we be blessed in the lives of the saints and the souls that cross our paths.

Blessings,

• 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.

Cleansed in the blood of the Lamb, and one in communion with all the saints of every time and place, let us offer our prayers to the God who loves us, saying:
Lord , hear our prayer.

For the holy church of God throughout the world, that the Lord may confirm it in faith, sustain it in hope, and deepen its communion in charity. We pray for our diocesan staff, the parish of  St. Michael and All Angels St. John’s, St. Peter’s CBS and for our brothers and sisters in West Africa. Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who wield earthly power; May the leaders of governments see the needs of the oppressed and respond in justice. We pray for Justin, Prime Minister and all Members of Parliament. We remember the leaders of the nations, infuse your Spirit within them, that all may recognize in the disciples of Jesus children of God anxious to serve in building up the earthly city, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those beset by persecution for righteousness’ sake and those weighed down by trial and distress, that the examples of the saints may give them courage and the help of believers give them hope, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those we remember in prayer, affected by sickness, anxiety, and pain, especially those on our Parish Prayer Cycle.  Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the newly baptized; May all children be loved, educated, fed and housed. Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who departed this life in faith and in the fear of God; especially we remember our loved ones who have died this past year, for benefactors of this parish, for all the saints of the church, may they join the innumerable throng of holy ones gathered before the throne and the Lamb, let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.

For us who have gathered this day to offer prayers and petitions for those who have perished as a result of conflict and the strife of war. We pray for those who have given of themselves willingly, those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We pray for those who have been victimized, innocent casualties of hatred and terror. We pray for those who continue to place themselves in harm’s way in order that peace and harmony might be achieved. Hear us, O Lord, as we make our appeal in their memory; Bless, O Lord our God, those who have fought and valiantly died that we might enjoy liberty and freedom. May their sacrifice not be in vain. Let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer

Pray together

Holy God,  mighty God, immortal God, adored by angels and praised by the saints, receive the prayers of your holy church, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Andrea, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Brandon, Carl, Christina, Cindy, Clarence, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Doreen, Dot, Dulcie, Edgar, Elaine, Erin, Finnley, Frederick, Fred, Frank, Flo, Garrett, George, Gerry,  Gilbert, Gordon, Harry, Herb, Ike, Ina, Ingrid, Jack, Jason, Jenny, Jim, John, Josephine, Judy, Junior, Kent, Kevin, Kim, Laura, Leo, Leonie,  Lindsay, Lori, Madeline, Marie, Marsha, Mark, Marina,  Marion,  Maurice, Maxine, Maxwell, Melissa, Melvin, Michelle, Nancy, Pam, Phyllis, Randell, Rodney, Roland, Ruby, Ruth, Rita, Scott, Sean, Stephen, Susan, Tina, Todd, Tom, Valerie, Vera and Wayne.

• As October draws to a close, so many of us are preparing for Advent and Christmas that will be different this year of pandemic isolation. The changes and adjustments that are being made for society, work and school during this period of Alert Level Two of the Covid19 pandemic are ongoing. The vestry has faithfully met and prayerfully listened and discussed the challenges and decisions that are ongoing with the administration of the parish.
• At this time, the vestry shares the following updates:

1. 1. The Ad-Hoc team from Vestry has begun to brainstorm and provide ways for parishioners to respond to the needs of the parish through the PANDEMIC APPEAL. You will have received a Thanksgiving letter and poster outlining the details of the approach. The Ad-hoc group continues to meet, and will have further information on November 22, when the next parish mail out will be available.
   2. The live streaming equipment for public worship has been purchased, and the team is in the process of installing the equipment and gathering volunteers to train them in its use. A special thank you to all involved with researching, acquiring, building, and installing all the various parts. Our online worship has been active for this past month, and now, with this new equipment, the staff, wardens, and vestry will be planning and preparing our various activities and worship for the Advent and Christmas seasons. As with all pieces of this year, the pandemic isolation brought on by Covid19 will make the pattern of activities and worship different at this time. We understand the frustration and the anxiety, and we pray for a time when life will be patterned by freedom, health and care, rather than isolation, anxiety and the unknown.
   3. At the beginning of our meeting, we all watched the Primate’s video message of hope: anglican.ca/primate/a-message-of-hope-from-the-primate/ This gave us the opportunity to reflect upon the journey that the world has undertaken, and how we have all changed and adapted during this time. It offered us hope in the message of God in Christ Jesus, and how our faith can be an anchor even amid the storms of life. We encourage you to take time to view this message and reflect upon it.

• 2020:
  • Revenue (to the end of September):   241,427
  • Expenses:                                                (278,316)
  • Gain (Loss):                                            ( 36,889)
• 2019:
  • Revenue (to the end of September):   244,505
  • Expenses:                                                (278,172)
  • Gain (Loss):                                            ( 33,667)

Who are These Like Stars Appearing (281 vs 1 &4)
Blessed Feasts of Blessed Martyrs (284 vs 1&3)
For All the Saints (276 vs 1,3 & 8)

By All Your Saints Still Striving (283 1,2v & 3)

1.By all your saints still striving
For all your saints at rest,
Your holy name, O Jesus,
Forevermore be blest!
You rose, our King victorious,
That they might wear the crown
And ever shine in splendor
Reflected from your throne.

2v.Apostles, prophets, martyrs,
And all the noble throng
Who wear the spotless raiment
And raise the ceaseless song:
For them and those whose witness
is only known to you,
By walking in their footsteps
We give you praise anew.

3.Then let us praise the Father
And worship God the Son
And sing to God the Spirit
Eternal Three in One,
Till all the ransomed number
Who stand before the throne,
Ascribe all power and glory
And praise to God alone.