• 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.

Worship is now live-streamed from the Parish. (See note in Chimes with instructions to access the service.)

• Updates Regarding Live Streamed Services:  Please note that Sunday  services are now being live-streamed. We are asking for your patience while watching as we are using new equipment and are working through any sound/technical issues.  It is a work in progress and we are hoping to improve the quality with each 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.
• 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.
• Wednesday Prayers: If you would like to join us each Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for prayers, you may do so through our YouTube channel at youtu.be/4cW04301jDA. The next Wednesday Prayers will be on Wednesday, November 18.
• 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.
• 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!
• Home Again Furniture Bank: Infinitely More virtual Concert: Infinitely More, an award winning Christian music duo, will perform their grand finale concert on Saturday, November 21st (5:30 p.m.) in aid of Home Again Furniture Bank. This free-to-view concert has a PayPal tip jar and your tip will support the free furnishing of homes in the region. The concert airs live on: facebook.com/InfinitelyMoreBand and youtube.com/InfinitelyMoreBand
• 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. 22 (Reign of Christ): 7:00pm, Welsh Eucharist

This week in the Scriptures we hear Jesus’ parable of the talents, that is offered through the words of the Gospel of Matthew. It is a part of a series of parables and statements that is offered identifying the challenge that people have when the future is uncertain.

In these parables, Jesus is reminding the listeners that there is a need for preparation, attentiveness, faithfulness and action as we live and move in our lives of faith. The disciples were living at a time when there was great uncertainty – both during Jesus ministry, and after his resurrection.

We live in a time of uncertainty and unknowing right now. As we continue to navigate the challenges of living within Covid19 pandemic isolation, there are changes and adjustments that have turned our lives upside down. I hear and read reports concerning the increase of Mental Health crises, and of the increased demand of first responders and health care professionals. In all this, I recognize the need and demand for stability and wholeness in a time of uncertainty.

Jesus reminds us that we need to prepare, be watchful, be faithful and to respond to the presence of the Holy One. This means for me, a focus on a life of prayer and service that replies to the love of the Holy One, and to the needs of the whole human family. In the parable of the talents, in particular, Jesus emphasizes a need for the use of the talents and gifts with which we’ve been entrusted. The slaves that use the talents to trade and receive more wealth were honoured. The slave that hid his talent in fear is the one that is chastised. In this pandemic, we may feel afraid to respond to God, and to the needs of others around us, but our gifts are nurtured to be shared and enable healing and wholeness for all.

We are reminded that we have been entrusted with so many gifts. We are children of God, deeply loved by the Holy One, and we are called to use our gifts for the praise of the Holy One, and to the benefit of humanity, and of all creation.

Think of the gifts that you hold as a child of God, as a person within creation. Are you fearful of sharing your gifts? Do you wonder what challenges are in the days ahead as we navigate this pandemic? As I think about these questions, I recognize that some of the gifts I hold are to listen and care, to enable healing, and respond in love and faithfulness to those that are vulnerable. Consider your gifts this day. Consider your relationship with the Holy One. Create ways to faithfully prepare to use and act upon these gifts in response to God, for the good of all.

Peace,

In confidence that our prayers will be heard and answered, let us address God with boldness and in trust, praying that God’s will may be done here and throughout the world, saying:  On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the baptized everywhere, and for those preparing for holy baptism, that they may be strong, resolute and faithful as they await the coming of the resurrected Christ. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the church throughout the world, that it may fulfill its holy task, drawing all people into the family of the redeemed and showing the world the way to peace and justice. We pray for Sam our Diocesan Administrator, the Episcopal candidates, for the parishes of St. Mary’s and Upper Island Cove, and for our church family in Ceylon. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of all the nations of the world, that they may renounce war, giving priority to peace and to that which makes for peace. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the hungry, the homeless, those who are denied dignity, and those who have no hope, that human compassion will improve their condition and that national compassion will remove the causes of their suffering. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick especially those on our Ascension Cycle of Prayer, for the hospitalized, for those in childbirth, and for all who suffer in mind or body, that they may be granted wholeness and health. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We pray for the dying, and those who have died, especially Joan Budgell, that love and loving care may surround them as they prepare for their final journey home. On your mercy, O God, hear our prayer.

We place these petitions before you, merciful God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who assures us that if we ask we shall receive, and in response to our baptism, desiring to be used by you as you give answer to our prayers, through Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Ascension Prayer Cycle: Ann, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Brandon, Carl, Cathy, 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, Hilda, 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.

Morning Has Broken Like The First Morning 3 vs. 1, 2, 3
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending  601 vs. 1 & 3
I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say  508 Vs. 1, 2, 3
Jesus Call Us Here to Meet Him 59 vs. 1, 2, ,3 4

God Of Mercy, God Of Grace 341 vs. 1, 2, 3
God of mercy, God of grace,
Show the brightness of your face;
Shine upon us, Saviour, shine,
Fill your Church with light divine,
And your saving health extend,
Unto earth's remotest end.

Let the people praise you, Lord;
Be by all that live adored;
Let the nations shout and sing
Glory to their Saviour King,
At your feet their tribute pay,
And your holy will obey.

Let the people praise Thee, Lord;
Earth shall then its fruits afford,
God to us all blessings give,
We to God devoted live;
All below and all above
One in joy and light and love.