• Registration for Christmas Services: We are now accepting registration for Christmas services. Christmas services will be on December 23 at 7 p.m. (HE/BCP); December 24 at 2 p.m. (Family Eucharist) and at 7 p.m. (BAS/HE). The seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis so it is important to register as soon as possible. You may register by emailing [email protected] or by calling the office at 368-5693. If this is your first time attending church since we reopened, you will need to complete the Covid screening questionnaire. You can do this on-line at ascensionnl.ca or by dropping by the church. It is important that you indicate for which service you are registering. NOTE:  Services may change as Provincial Covid 19 guidelines evolve. Please regularly refer to the church website for updates.
• Pandemic Appeal:  To date we have raised $4,260. We encourage parishioners to continue to support our Parish in this effort by donating to the Pandemic Appeal. Thank you to all who have donated thus far.
• Thank You: A sincere thank you to all those who have helped assist the work and ministry of the parish during the on-going pandemic. Many people have devoted their time and energy to ensure the workings of the parish continue. Thanks to our Vestry, Wardens, Covid teams, audio visual and sound technicians, treasurer, counters, singers, carpenters, volunteers, etc., to name just a few. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
• Live Streamed Services:  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.
• 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.)

• 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 set up your automated givings. Thank you!
• Wednesday Prayers: If you would like to join us Wednesday, December 2, at 10 a.m. for prayer, you may do so through our YouTube channel at youtu.be/99u9nqDJ0hY.
• Clergy Contact During the COVID-19 Pandemic: 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.
• CLB Friday Dinner Take-out/Pick Up: Each Friday, the CLB will be offering dinner take-out (curbside pickup). Order cutoff is 11 a.m. on Thursday. Gluten- free option is available. Please advise of any allergies or dietary restrictions! To preorder, please call 722-1737.
• 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.
• Giving Thanks Fund Donations:
  • A donation was made to the Giving Thanks Fund in memory of Jacob Rogers from Mabel Rogers.

• 3 Key Messages from the Vestry: As November 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, even with an increase in cases this past two weeks. 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:
  • Pandemic Appeal: This appeal is ongoing, and we are pleased to see that over $4200 has been received in the first four weeks of this effort. Also, the Ad-Hoc team is looking to get a few more people in January to help plan additional Appeal opportunities for 2021.This will help the brainstorming and provide ways for parishioners to respond to the needs of the parish through this PANDEMIC APPEAL.
  • The Christmas Hamper Fund: The team is working hard to adjust to the new reality of Covid-19. No longer will we be preparing hampers in the traditional way. Instead, we will be receiving donations of gift cards for Coleman’s, Sobeys, Dominion, and Walmart. Please consider supporting this program, and drop off gift cards to the parish office. Please share this information through social media, Facebook especially, so that others, our friends and neighbours, will be able to donate, and together the parish will be able to respond in loving service to families in need.
  • Christmas Services: Beginning this Sunday, folks will be able to register for our three Christmas Services. These will be on December 23 and 24 this year, as outlined in the Advent packages that are available for parishioners. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY for the services so the planning can be completed.
    • 2020 Revenue (to the end of October): $268,472
      • Expenses: ($304,916)
      • Gain (Loss): ($36,444)
    • 2019 Revenue (to the end of October): $272,678
      • Expenses: ($306,294)
      • Gain (Loss): ($33,616)
• Services During the Week:
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am, Morning Prayer in the Chapel
  • Wednesday Prayer: 10:00am, Online (YouTube)
  • Sunday, Dec. 6 (Advent II): 11:00am, Holy Eucharist/BCP

Strengthen feeble hands and knees; fainting hearts be cheerful!
God, who comes for such as these, seeks and saves the fearful.
Deaf ears, hear the silent tongues sing away their weeping;
Blind eyes, see the lifeless ones walking, running, leaping!

(Text: Christopher Idle, Music Piae Cantiones, 1582) ©1982 Hope Publishing Co.

Please read these words once again. They are from a hymn that some Christians sing during the Advent Season. It is to the tune of ‘Good King Wenceslas,’ which may provide you with a memory and music in your head for today, for this entire season.

For me, this is a song of hope and persistence, one that is much needed at this time. During the weeks and months of this year, there have been so many unexpected challenges. We have been trying to tread our footsteps forward into a world where there are so many unknowns.

I hear this music, I read these words, and I feel strengthened that the Holy One has promised to be with me and journey through wind and stormy weather, as well as in the good and pleasant times.

This time that we are experiencing seems at glance to be all chaos and unknowing. The struggles that we find with physical distancing, isolation, mask wearing, and bubble breaking sometimes may be too much to bear.

Yet this is a time of waiting and revealing. It is Advent. We await the coming of the Holy One, and the announcement of a new way of being.  We are called to continue to walk in the light of the Holy One, and adjust our lives, and respond to the presence of the Holy One in the persons we encounter in the here and now.

The themes of the next four Sundays are Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. We will be listening to the reflections of four members of our community as they reflect upon these themes. Listen carefully, and see the presence of the Holy One in their words, and in all our hearts.

It is so easy for us to be consumed by fear and anxiety as we step forward into the coming weeks.

Remember that we are called to turn to Hope and Love, expressing joy and sharing peace with all whom we encounter.

Be blessed always,

In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid, we pray to Jesus. Come to your Church as Lord and judge. We pray for our Bishop elect, for the parishes of Trinity/Port Rexton, Twillingate and for the Lusitanian church. Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom.
Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Come to your world as Sovereign of the nations. We pray for all mayors of all cities and municipalities, for our LT. Governor, Judy Foote, for Andrew Furey, our Premier, for Justin, our Prime Minister and for all who govern. Before you rulers will stand in silence.
Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Come to the suffering as Saviour and Comforter. We pray for those on our Ascension Prayer Cycle, for the residents of Deer Lake and Grand Bank, for all provinces and territories who are seeing a rise in COVID 19 cases, and for all task forces and professionals who aid in trying to bring the pandemic under control. 
Break into our lives, where we struggle with sickness and distress, and set us free to serve you forever.
Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls. We remember those who have died due to COVID 19 and for others known and unknown to us. Give us, with all the faithful departed, a share in your victory over evil and death.
Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Come from heaven, Lord Jesus, with power and great glory.
Lift us up to meet you, that with all your saints and angels
we may live and reign with you in your new creation.
Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your kingdom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Ascension Prayer Cycle:  Ann, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Bob, 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, Glenda, 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, Shirley, Stephen, Susan, Tina, Todd, Tom, Valerie, Vera and Wayne.

Light looked down and beheld Darkness.
“Thither will I go,” said Light.
Peace looked down and beheld War.
“Thither will I go,” said Peace.
Love looked down and beheld Hatred.
“Thither will I go,” said Love.
So came Light and shone.
So came Peace and gave rest.
So came Love and brought life.
And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

- Laurence Housman

Sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus,

These are the words I recited last year, as we prepared to enter into the holy seasons of Advent and Incarnation. Little did we know that with the new year would bring so much change to ourselves, our communities, and the entire world. Yet even in this pandemic, with fear and anxiety, with chaos and unpredictability, we are called to sit and be with the Holy One, who loves us and offers us hope. We are called to find new ways to prepare for the birth of the infant Jesus, even when the circumstances of our homes, families, school, work, and society, may have shifted greatly. It is still a time of increasing light and hopefulness amid the darkness of creation, even in a time of darkness and uncertainty in our world and our lives.

Here at the Parish of the Ascension, Advent has its own culture and pattern of being. I invite you to explore a pattern of being, a rule of life, for the four weeks preceding Christmas Day.

This year I invite you all to ponder the meaning of God as Light, as light for all people. How is it that God could come among us? How does God appear in the actions of our family and society? How is God revealed in this pandemic? What would or should we do in preparation each day for God’s light to dwell with us and within us? For me this is a sobering thought, inviting me to further discernment of the pattern and rule of my life, within the community of faith, and within the world.

Together, as we reflect upon the meaning of God’s light within us and within this world, and prepare for the feast of the Incarnation, the pattern of life in the parish will adjust. I encourage you to explore the following:

• Be involved with the Annual Christmas Hamper programme for families in Mount Pearl. This year it means providing gift cards for grocery stores, as so many more are in need due to economic changes with Covid-19 Pandemic Isolation. They can be dropped off at the parish up to December 11.
• Each of the Sundays of Advent, a parishioner will share their thoughts on the themes of Advent – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Hear these in church, or watch them online, and reflect on what these words mean to you.
• Advent IV, December 20 we will have our Community Celebration of Carols followed by Christmas Tree Lighting on the steps of the Parish church. Even in the midst of a pandemic, the music of the season can offer us hope and love. Come and celebrate with us!
• Be sure to celebrate with us the Feast of the Incarnation at one of our times for worship on December 23, or on Christmas Eve. Please register early, as seating is limited, and worship patterns may change due to Provincial restrictions. Call the office to register!

I pray you consider these ways to be involved in developing your relationship with God, and exploring how God’s Light is with us and within us, each and every day.  As you read and reflect, please take your parish package. This includes your third quarter giving statement, your 2021 envelopes, your family Advent Folder, and a special invitation to our Celebrations of Advent and Incarnation.

May God Bless you keep you safe as you enter this Holy Season

Once again our parish will continue to help families in need this Christmas by providing Christmas Hampers.  Due to the current COVID 19, our hampers this year will consist solely of gift cards. This will enable our recipients to purchase groceries for their own Christmas celebrations.   If you are able to support this project, we are asking for donations of gift cards for Dominion, Sobeys, Colemans or Walmart.  Monetary donations for this project can be dropped at the church or may be made at the church website at canadahelps.org/en/charities/parish-of-the-ascension-mount-pearl/.

If you would like to sponsor a family by providing a gift card to cover the full cost of the hamper please contact the church office at 368–5693 and leave your name and number.  We would be delighted to have your support and will contact you with further details.  If you are able to provide a gift card to help with this project, please drop them off at the church office during the week of December 7-11 anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  We thank you for your support!

Christmas Hamper Team –Karen Anthony, Nickie Butler, Kathy MacPherson

• November 29: 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Advent I
• December 6: 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist/BCP, Advent II
• December 13: 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Advent III
• December 20:
  • 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Advent IV
  • 6:30 p.m. Tree Lighting/Carol Sing Along (see pledge sheet here)
• December 23: 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist/BCP
• December 24:
  • 2:00 p.m. Family Eucharist Christmas Eve
  • 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
• December 27: 11:00 a.m. BAS/HE/HB

3 Easy Ways to Make a Difference:

1. Cash in an envelope with your envelope number, please write Pandemic Appeal on it.
2. Online at ascensionnl.ca Please add comment “Pandemic Appeal”
3. Please call the church office at 368-5693 to adjust your pre-authorized givings.

Click here to see poster.

Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring, 97 vs. 1 & 4
You Servants of the Lord, 93 vs. 1, 3, 5
Just As I Am, 615 vs. 1, 2, 5
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, 88 vs. 1, 2, 3, 4
Prepare the Way, O Zion, 102 vs. 1, 2, 3