• Sunday Worship at the Ascension (Reminders):
  • 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.
  • Cancellation of Service/Storm Notice and Office Closures:  Please refer to the church website, ascensionnl.ca, or check the church answering machine (368-5693) for up-to-date information on the status of services as well as the church office.
• Pre-Authorized Givings: If you would like to set up pre-authorized givings, please contact the church office at 368-5693 for direction. Thank you!
• Birthday/Anniversary Sundays: We are once again designating one Sunday of each month as family Sunday. The worship for that Sunday will include the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries for that given month. Please send us a picture of yourself to include during the Birthday Sunday celebration portion of the liturgy. You can send your photos to [email protected]. We request that you submit your photos by the end of the first week each month to ensure they are included.
• Pandemic Appeal: To date we have raised $6,565. 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.
• Photos of Holy Week Services:  If you have any photos of past years Holy Week Services, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Day, please send them to [email protected]. We are hoping to prepare slide shows for use during the up-coming Holy Week services. Thank you.
• Ministerial of Mount Pearl:  Clergy from the Ministerial of Mount Pearl along with the Mayor of Mount Pearl, the Principal of Mount Pearl Senior High, and the Coordinator of the Mount Pearl Senior’s Independence Group came together this past month to offer a Vigil for those affected by the most recent lockdown due to the COVID-19 variant. Please take time to watch this Youtube video at https://youtu.be/xBGRV-OxFTU, and share it with your friends and family. Together we can be people of hope and care at this time.
• Technical Support: If you are having any difficulty accessing our on-line services, please feel free to reach out to the Parish Audio-Visual Team for support. Please leave a message at the office with your name & telephone number or email [email protected]  and a member of the team will contact you.
• YouTube: The weekly on-line services are now available on YouTube. At this time, the services are not live on YouTube but they are available for viewing once the service is over. To find the Parish YouTube channel, type Parish of the Ascension NL into the search bar in YouTube. Some parishioners have experienced difficulty finding recorded videos on Facebook so this is another option for viewing.
• Front Line Workers Fund:  The City of Mount Pearl is coordinating a Care and Support Fund for front line workers who are operating Covid test sites in our area. If you wish to make a donation in thanksgiving for their work, please do so by logging in to the parish website at canadahelps.org/en/charities/parish-of-the-ascension-mount-pearl/. Use the drop down menu to select the Covid Front Line Workers Care Fund and follow the prompts to complete your donation. Thanks for your support.
• Lent in a Bubble:  The Lenten resource Lent In A Bubble is available online at lent.thetransmission.ca. This resource will enable families in their own bubbles to use resources and means at hand to explore their lives in Christ Jesus. Each week we will share a video outlining one of the Lenten Activities, and give suggestions as to personal reflection, learning, and prayer. In addition, we will livestream a service of Compline each Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m., at fb.com/anglicantransmission/live.
• Lenten Folders:  The church office is closed to the public due to the recent Covid 19 outbreak. As a result, your Lenten folders are not available for pick up. If you wish to contribute, you may do so by placing your donation in an envelope and dropping it in the church mailbox located at the front steps of the church. You may also donate electronically on line at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/parish-of-the-ascension-mount-pearl/. Thank you.
• Clergy Contact During the COVID-19 Pandemic: All pastoral visits/interactions will be via telephone, email or zoom appointment with either Reverend Burrows or Reverend Courage. To set up an appointment, please contact them via their email or cell phone. Reverend Burrows may be reached at 746-2095 or by email at [email protected] and Reverend Courage may be reached at 682-8500 or by email at [email protected]
• Services During the Week:
  • Wednesday morning, Mar. 17: 10:00am, Lent in a Bubble lent.thetransmission.ca
  • Wednesday evening, Mar. 17: 8:00pm, Compline fb.com/anglicantransmission/live
  • Sunday, Mar. 21 (Lent V - Passion Sunday): 11:00am, Family Service/BAS ascensionnl.ca

How many of us have had the opportunity to witness the sunrise or the sunset this week? Perhaps like me, you may have been enthralled by the beauty of creation this week in either sunrise or sunset, in the midst of the lengthening days as we journey closer to Spring.

In witnessing the beauty of the mornings and the evenings, the words of the Psalmist come to mind for me:

‘For as the heavens are high above the earth, so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.’ Psalm 103: 11 – 12

Since childhood I have been captivated by the wonder of creation as seen in the sky. Sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, eclipses, aurora borealis, storm and thundercloud, sunsets, all mark for me the intricacy and brilliance of creation and Creator, as well as to the insignificance and minuteness of humanity. The images I have seen over the years continue to unfold to me the reality of how humanity is but one part of a larger, dynamic narrative involving creation, the Holy One as Creator, and all life throughout all existence.

This reflection unfolded for me this week as I witnessed a beautiful sunset. As I looked into the beauty of the changing colours in sky and cloud, I breathed in and out, and in meditation realized some truths that I hold:

All creation is larger than human experience

Anxiety and chaos of COVID-19 is focused inwardly on the human experience

The movement of creation (sunrises, sunsets, changing seasons) helps humanity to look in hope to the future and not hold in grief to the present or the past.

Humanity is being called to honour, affirm and protect the beauty of creation.

Into these truths I step: halfway through Lent, an unknown portion of time through the pandemic. May I be continually reminded of that which is beyond me, beyond humanity. May I give thanks and move in recognition of the privilege of being present in creation at this time, in this place.

Where are you stepping into this week?

For what and for whom do you give thanks?

How will you live and move in recognition of these realities?

Peace,

Embraced by God’s word, let us intercede for all those in need, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

As we observe Mothering Sunday, we pray for Eve our first mother – we thank you for having the courage to be curious, and become the first to understand the complexities of life. For Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth – we thank you for sharing your stories of patience and endurance.  For Hagar – we thank you for your resolve and perseverance in exile. For Rachel – you carried the burden of grief and wept for your children.  Hold the hands of all those mothers who weep for their children – for children who have gone missing, who have died or are lost to them in other ways.  We ask for your blessing for the needs of all mothers. For Mary whose ‘yes’ to God changed our world forever. May we know the true cost of relationship by holding our faith in Christ deep within our hearts as you once held him deep within your womb.  Mary, you remind us that whoever believes in your Son, will never be thirsty.

Let us not forget those for whom Mothering Sunday is a difficult day, rather than a celebration.  We pray for those who may long for, or have longed for children, who are denied this experience.  May they find fulfilment through knowing your love.  We pray too for those who have never known their mother or whose mothers have died.  We remember all mothers who share in Mary’s suffering of witnessing their child’s death, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For the church, that all those to be baptized at Easter may see through the dazzling attractions of sin, and rejoice only in God’s marvellous gift. We pray for Samuel our Bishop, for the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Evangelist, Corner Brook; Hospital Chaplains; St. Luke’s Ecumenical Congregation, St. John’s and for our brothers and sisters worshipping in Chile, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For the community of nations, that the worth of every life may compel us on the way to solidarity and peace, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For exiles and refugees, that all who are homeless because of war or hunger, because of the greed or hatred of others, because of disabilities, may find places of rest and kindness, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For those who struggle with addictions, that they may find strength and love for the simple gifts of God, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For all candidates running in the provincial elections, for those sorting and counting ballots, for the electoral office staff and the community as they vote and wait for the results of those who will lead our province, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For ourselves in this assembly, that we may strain forward toward Easter, especially all who are impacted by the Pandemic, those undergoing testing, those who received positive results, those in isolation, for respiratory therapists, laboratory workers, and all utility and janitorial staff, believing in our every deed the good news, that after a year of turmoil and strife we are closer to having a vaccine and freeing the world of this virus, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

For those who have died, especially Nancy Clarke, Rhodie Mercer  and all those who have died in the past year due to Covid 19, may they find eternal peace and rest with those gone before, we pray, Have mercy, O Lord.

God, full of goodness and open to weakness, remember all whom we remember, and remind us of all whom we would forget. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ascension Prayer Cycle:  Aden, Amelia, Ann, Aubrey, Audrey, Barbara, Baxter, Bob, Brenda, Brian, Brittany, Brandon, Callum, Carl, Cathy, Christina, Cindy, Claire, Clarence, David, Debra, Delilah, Dennis, Derrick, Don, Donna, Doreen, Dot, Doug, Dulcie, Ed, Edgar, Elaine, Erin, Evelyn, Finnley, Frederick, Fred, Frank, Flo, Garrett, George, Gerry, Glenda, Gordon, Harry, Hilda, Ike, Ina, Ingrid, Ira, Jack, Jason, Jennifer, Jenny, Jim, John, Josephine, Joan, Judy, Junior, Kent, Kevin, Kim, Laura, Leo, Leonie,  Lindsay, Lori, Louise, Madeline, Marie, Marsha, Mark, Marion,  Maurice, Maxine, Maxwell, Melissa, Melvin, Michelle, Mike, Moana, Nancy, Pam, Phyllis, Rachel, Randell, Rodney, Roland, Ruby, Ruth, Rita, Sean, Shirley, Stephen, Susan, Tina, Todd, Tom, Valerie, Vera, Victoria and Wayne

Prayer During the Pandemic

Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.
Amen.

Collect

Gracious Father,
whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came from heaven
to be the true bread which gives life to the world,
evermore give us this bread,
that he may live in us, and we in him,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever  AMEN

A Reading from Collossians

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

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

Psalm

Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways. 

Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O Lord, know it altogether.

You press upon me behind and before and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain to it.

Where can I go then from your Spirit? where can I flee from your presence?

If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night.”

Darkness is not dark to you;the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.

For you yourself created my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I will thank you because I am marvellously made; your works are wonderful, and I know it well.

My body was not hidden from you, while I was being made in secret and woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;all of them were written in your book; they were fashioned day by day, when as yet there was none of them.

How deep I find your thoughts, O God! how great is the sum of them!

If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.

Oh, that you would slay the wicked, O God!  You that thirst for blood, depart from me.

They speak despitefully against you; your enemies take your name in vain.

Do I not hate those, O Lord, who hate you? and do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

I hate them with a perfect hatred; they have become my own enemies.

Search me out, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts.

Look well whether there be any wickedness in me and lead me in the way that is everlasting.

God of mystery and power, even our minds and hearts are the veils and signs of your presence. We come in silent wonder to learn the way of simplicity, the eternal road that leads to love for you and for your whole creation. We come as your Son Jesus Christ taught us, and in his name. PSALM 139

Reader: The Lord be with you
People: and also with you

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to Mark

People: Glory to, you Lord Jesus Christ

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.’ Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’  MARK 9:33-37

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

Prayer over the Gifts

God of mercy and compassion,
your Word calls us home to faith and love.
Accept all we offer you this day,
in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

Prayer after Communion

Giver of life,
you enlighten all who come into the world.
Fill our hearts with the splendour of your grace,
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily praise your holy name,
through Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

• Morning Liturgy
• Food Drive Request for Donation Letter