During this time of social distancing, self-isolation, financial difficulties, and often disturbing news, many are faced with moments of loneliness, sadness, and even fear. It is a time when we need each other. We should never underestimate the difference we can make in the lives of others just by a phone call, a 'thinking of you' email, or a smiley face text. Let's make a point of reaching out to help someone that might need a little 'lift' today.

Just a reminder that while you are checking on your friends, family, and neighbours, if you notice that someone is struggling at this time, please let Rev'd David or Rev'd Lynn know. You can also let them know if there is anyone who has not heard from the clergy via phone call or email since the closure of the church building (our mailing list may not be entirely up to date), as they are aiming to make contact with all parishioners.
We are all naturally concerned that everyone has access to healthy food at this time. It is also the focus of Food First NL. If you would like to help in some way, please visit the Food First website to hear about its Community Food Programs foodfirstnl.ca/covid19
If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Mount Pearl Foodbanks, you can do so by logging into gofundme.com. Search for the Parish of the Ascension and follow the prompts to make a donation. As most of you know, the Church of the Ascension is accepting donations on behalf of all the congregations in Mount Pearl for distribution to the three Mount Pearl Foodbanks. The City of Mount is matching funds up to the first $5000. Thanks to all who have donated to date.
Here is a special Christian greetings to all members of our parish family by Mr. Ed Somerton on behalf of the Men's Service Club: 'We are sure everyone feels the void in our spiritual and fellowship lives caused by COVID-19. All but a few of the members of the club, as well as many other parishioners, are in the age group susceptible to complications and/or death from this virus, so please take care of yourself and we pray that God's presence is ever with you. Remember that "community spread' occurs when those who are sure they do not have the virus infects those who are sure they can not get it. Finally, we want to let you know that our vegetable hamper project is placed on hold until we get back to some semblance of normalcy. Take care and God bless."
Are you looking forward to the on-line church service again this Sunday? At 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, the Parishes of St. Michael and All Angels, St. Mary the Virgin, the Good Shepherd, and the Ascension are hosting Morning Prayer from the Book of Alternative Services. Join us at easter2020.ca. You do not need to be on Facebook to view this live service.
Don't forget, Rev'd Burrows is looking forward to a short write-up telling how you are living out your faith at this time. Please feel free to accompany your write-up with a photo or video and send to [email protected]. One or two stories will be shared in the electronic chimes each week. (By the way, each week the Chimes can be found on the parish Facebook, and usually the latest events and news are also in your enews.)
With respect to the Chimes, there have been some technical problems with the website for a couple of weeks. However, the issue has been resolved and the Chimes for the past number of weeks have been added. In fact, we now have a new website for the Church of the Ascension which will be launched on May 3. Some parts will still be under construction due to limited resources during the pandemic. The address for the site is ascensionnl.ca.
Have you heard about the Pentecost Growing Project? The project involves planting any seed and watching it grow. Find any seed around your home - apple seeds, beans, tomato seeds, etc. Plant it in a container inside your home. Prior to Pentecost, which is May 31, you are invited to submit a picture of your growing plant, and it will be included in our online worship on Pentecost Sunday. Please submit your photo to [email protected].
Because the recent Chimes have not been added to our website, the deadline for Easter Memorials has been extended to Wednesday, May 6, and the Easter Memoriam booklet will be published online on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10. You can have a copy for your records by contacting the office at 368-5693. Please place your donation in an envelope. Include on the envelope or inside the envelope your name and church envelope number, as well as the name/names of the loved ones in whose memory you are making the donation. Drop your envelope in the mail-slot at the front entrance (at the top of the steps to the right).
As you know by now, the planning team of the four parishes has designated the third Sunday of each month as family/youth Sunday. The worship for that Sunday will include the celebration of birthdays for that given month. Please send a picture of yourself to include during the Birthday Sunday celebration portion of the liturgy. On Sunday, May 17, we will celebrate those with birthdays in the month of May. You can send your photos to [email protected] The deadline for submitting photos is the Thursday before the Sunday service at 5 p.m. - that means that the deadline for May month is Thursday, May 14, at 5 p.m.
Coffee Matters in Mount Pearl is offering daily supper specials, along with reheat and heat meals. These daily specials are posted the day before on their Facebook page. All food is made from scratch. Sunday's special is turkey cold plates for just $10 with $1 from every sale going to the three community food banks. Call 221-7700 to get information on daily specials and to place your order for curbside pickup. Delivery is available in the Mount Pearl area.

Lots of notices and lots of things happening, so you may need to mark your calendars!!

May God bless you all,
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)