• 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.
• Registration for December 27 and January 3 Services:  Because the office will be closed during the Christmas break, the deadline for registration for December 27 service will be Wednesday, December 23. If you are interested in registering for the January 3 service, please forward your request by email ([email protected]) or leave a message at 368-5693 on or before December 29. NOTE:  Services may change as Provincial Covid 19 guidelines evolve. Please regularly refer to the church website for updates.
• 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!
• Pandemic Appeal:  To date we have raised $5,790. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Services During the Week:
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am, Morning Prayer in the Chapel
  • Wednesday Prayer: 10:00am, Online (YouTube)
  • Sunday, Dec. 27 (Christmas I): 11:00am, Holy Eucharist/Holy Baptism/BAS
• Staying Connected: As we continue to practice safe social distancing in Church, we are expanding our weekly on-line Worship experience. Keep connected to your Parish Family by emailing us some pictures of activities you are doing with your family. They could include preparing for Christmas, baking with the grandchildren or taking a stroll with your family pet. These pictures will be shown on Sundays just before the start of the service, so be sure to tune in early. Pictures and a short caption can be emailed to the audio/visual team at [email protected].
• Donations/Offerings: In order to have donations/offerings included on your income tax receipt for 2020, they must be received at the Church office by Thursday, December 31, at 12 noon. Donations received after this time will be added to your 2021 tax receipts. Thank you.
• Advent Packages: Your Advent packages including your Advent letter, Lenten folders, and church envelopes for 2021 are available for pick up at the church. They are located in the side foyer. Please feel free to deliver any packages you may be able to deliver belonging to neighbours or friends. Thank you.
• Parish Office Hours during Christmas: Please note the church office will be closed from December 25 to December 30 inclusive. The office will be open on Thursday, December 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and will close again on Friday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. Church office will resume regular office hours on Monday, January 4, 2021.
• 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.
• 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
• Contributions Through Canada Helps: If you would like contribute to either Advent Folder or the Pandemic Appeal funds, you can now do so through CanadaHelps. Please go to our website, www.ascensionnl.ca, and select the donate button to go to CanadaHelps.org. Once there you can select the option for either of the two new categories. If you choose to, you may still donate using your envelopes or folder. Thank you!

It is in this time we hear the words of prophets and angels.

It is in this time we see stars and dream dreams.

It is at this time we light lights and witness sheep and camels, barnyard animals, shepherds, innkeepers, and magi surrounding an infant and new parents.

It is at this time that families and communities come together. Carols are sung, prayers are offered; we re-examine our lives and offer thankfulness for God coming among us.

It is at this time we show gratitude and thanksgiving to our family and friends, as also to strangers and those struggling, and those alone.

It is into this time that we are invited to be agents of change. We worship a homeless infant born to insignificant parents surrounded by undesirable witnesses, who offers change in humanity such that individuals and communities receive the gift of redemption, reconciliation, and deep abiding love.

It is into this time, that we make our response in the world in which we live. We are invited to hold the gifts of redemption, reconciliation, and deep abiding love, and to offer them in turn to all whom we encounter. We bring not only wrapped gifts and welcome meals for others, but we also bring gifts of peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and love.

Into this year that has been like none other in recorded history, let us love. Let us forgive. Let us reconcile and complete the work to bring wholeness and healing within us and within this world which the Holy One so deeply loves.

This is the time.

Happy Christmas.

In joyful expectation of his coming to our aid we pray to Jesus. Come to your Church as Lord  and judge. We pray for the parishes of White Bay, Windsor/Bishop’s Falls, Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador Synod Office Staff, and for Mission Agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican Communion. Help us to live in the light of your coming and give us a longing for your kingdom.
Let us pray to the Lord, Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to your world as sovereign of the nations.
We pray for Bishop Sam, for all faith leaders and for all leaders in towns, municipalities, and cities,  Before you rulers will stand in silence.
Let us pray to the Lord, Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to the suffering as Saviour and comforter. We pray for all on the Ascension Prayer Cycle and those known and unknown to us.
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, Come, Lord Jesus.

Come to us as shepherd and guardian of our souls.
We remember those who are dying and those who have died.
Give us with all the faithful departed a share in your victory over evil and death.
Let us pray to the Lord, Come, Lord Jesus.

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, Come, Lord  Jesus.

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 Ascension Prayer Cycle:  Aden, Ann, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bill, Bob, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Brandon, Carl, Cathy, Christina, Cindy, Clarence, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Don, Donna, Doreen, Dot, Doug, Dulcie, Edgar, Elaine, Erin, Finnley, Frederick, Fred, Frank, Flo, Garrett, George, Gerry,  Gilbert, Glenda, Gordon, Harry, Hilda, Ike, Ina, Ingrid, Ira, 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.

When The King Shall Come Again 109 vs. 1, 2
My Soul Proclaims Your Glory, Lord 363 vs. 1, 2, 5|
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 89 vs. 1, 6, 7|
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 141 vs. 1,2,3,4,5

Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come 154 Vs. 1, 2, 4

Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! The Saviour reigns:
Let us glad songs employ,
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

As this year draws to a close, so many of us are hoping and praying that 2021 will be different, will be a time of growth and joy. The changes and adjustments that are being made for society, work and school during this past year with the Covid19 pandemic are ongoing. We pray that the Christmas and New Year are safe for all and do not lead to an increase in cases. 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:

Four items for the Chimes:

• Pandemic Appeal: This appeal is ongoing, and we are pleased to see that over $5790 has been received thus far. 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.
• Parish Website: Over the past 6 months the visits to our new website have doubled. We continue to strive to be responsive in delivering useful content and provide a way for everyone to have easy access to our online services. Please visit ascensionnl.ca and feel free to share this with others who may be interested in our messages.
• Christmas Hamper Team: The team has worked hard to adjust to the new reality of Covid-19. This year we have helped 36 families. Our Christmas Hamper Fund received $5800 in gift cards and $3300 in cash donations. We helped all the families that requested assistance, and we have excess funds to assist families in the winter as need arises. As well, we are planning to provide hampers to families at Eastertime. Thank you for your overwhelming response!
• Audio Visual Equipment: Equipment has been fully installed, thanks to the Bequest given by the family of Roland and Ruby Clarke. On January 10, 2021, the equipment will be dedicated in thanksgiving for their ministry and witness. Please be sure to offer prayers of thanksgiving as we celebrate on January 10, and join us in person, or online.

Revenue/Expenses:

• 2020
  • Revenue (to end of November) 303,230
  • Expenses (339,576)
  • Gain(Loss) (36,346)
• 2019
  • Revenue (to end of  November) 312,239
  • Expenses (334,719)
  • Gain(Loss) (22,480)

On Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. we will be having a short open air prayer service on the steps of the church as we sing carols, and light the Christmas Trees. The Following guidelines must be observed, according to the Covid19 Provincial Regulations:

• Everyone must stay within their vehicle.
• Vehicles must be at least 2 metres apart.
• Donations that are to be offered will be received by designated sidespersons that will be suitably masked and observe all Covid19 protocols
• Persons may sing the carols and pray the prayers from their vehicles.

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