Ascension News (May 15, 2020)

AdminChurch eNews

Happy Victoria Day! This is the weekend that many have always been anxious to celebrate. This year due to COVID-19 we have to find ways to enjoy the weekend within our bubble, or double bubble. Enjoy the weekend, but stay safe - we are doing well, so let's not let our guard down.

  • This Sunday, May 17, is family/youth Sunday, and also Birthday Sunday.  I presume those who have birthdays in May have sent pictures of themselves to [email protected].  Let's be on the lookout for those birthday pictures so we can wish them a happy day during our online service.
  • With respect to an online service, this Sunday at 11 a.m. the Parishes of St. Michael's and All Angels, St. Mary the Virgin, the Good Shepherd, and the Ascension will be hosting Family Service from the Wee Worship Book.  Come and join us at easter2020.ca.  You do not need to be on Facebook to view the live service.
  • We have another Resurrection Reminder to share with you by parishioner Kim Pike:

No matter how you try to change it, there will always be good and bad things in life.  How you move forward is how you balance them both.  Since COVID-19 changed our lives, there have been impacts coming from all sides,  Some have been good and some have been bad.  I have had times where I struggled to have more good than bad.  It has been in those times when I have taken stock of how God continues to be there.  I enjoy the quiet times I now get to have as I walk or run every day.  I have more time to take in the Word through Coffee Table Bible Study and sipping my coffee during Sunday services.  Despite not being able to 'get out and meet people,' I am meeting new people through Bible Study and seeing who is at church on Sunday.  I see long lost friends pop up on the screen and then I send them 'hello, how are you.'  I always believe in just moving forward, no matter how fast or slow, just keep going.  That's just what I have been doing.  Since my world has been forced to relax, I take pause for giving thanks for everything and everyone I have in my life.

  • The  Parish Network Visitors sends greetings to everyone this week.  The entire greeting is found in your Chimes.  It will tell you how we continue "visiting" our regular shut-ins during this time, as well as some extra "visiting" we do as part of the Ascension Telephone Visitor group. Even though physical distancing has kept us apart, we have kept in touch with many via the telephone.  The PNV group continues to carry out this ministry regularly with love and care.
  • How is your Pentecost Growing Project going?  Hopefully green leaves have poked through the soil by now!  Keep it moist and warm!  Pentecost Sunday is just two weeks away, so give it lots of TLC.  Take a picture of your plant by 5 p.m. on May 28, so it will be included in our online worship on Pentecost Sunday which is May 31.  Please send photos to [email protected].
  • By now you all have read about and maybe have been part of Thursdays in Black. This is an initiative of the World Council of Churches and is supported by the Anglican Church of Canada.  It's an initiative which advocates for the ending of rape and gender based violence.  In reference to this, every Thursday, the Parish of the Ascension will host a zoom hour with Rev'd David.  The link to the zoom meeting and other pertinent information can be found in the Chimes which will be on the Parish website as well as on the Parish Facebook.
  •  Just a reminder that the Home Again Furniture Bank's first annual 'Heads without Beds' campaign is only a week away and Rev'd David is participating.  He is hoping for your support for this very worthy cause.  All information regarding the campaign - reasons for it, as well as how you can donate - is given in your Chimes.  Thanks in advance for your contribution.
  • As you know, the Church of the Ascension has a new website which was launched May 3.  Parts are still under construction due to the difficulty in obtaining resources during the pandemic.  However, you can visit it at ascensionnl.ca.
  • Did you know?  Coffee Matters in Mount Pearl is offering daily supper specials, along with 'reheat and eat' meals.  Daily specials are posted the day before on their Facebook page.  All food is made from scratch.  Call 221-7700 to get information on daily specials and to place your order for curbside pickup. (Delivery available in Mount Pearl area.)
  • Our church motto is Reaching out to Others, and this is especially important during this time.  Please continue to check on your family, friends, and neighbours.  We all need a little uplifting from time to time.  If you or someone you know is in need of pastoral contact, please let Rev'd David or Rev'd Lynn know.  There is also a list of organizations which you can contact for various kinds of help.  All these organizations as well as the means of reaching them are listed in your Chimes - please check the Parish website or the Parish Facebook for the list.
  • Many donations are being made to the Mount Pearl Foodbanks by way of gofundme.com. The Parish of the Ascension is receiving the money on behalf of all the congregations in Mount Pearl for distribution to the three Mount Pearl Foodbanks.  If you would like to help, please log in to the site given, search for Parish of the Ascension, and follow the prompts to make a donation.  Thanks in advance for your kindness in helping.
  • The clergy continues to reach all parishioners during the pandemic.  If, for whatever reason, you have not been contacted, please email your updated contact information to [email protected] or call the parish office at 368-5693 and leave a message.
  • If you are interested in continuing to donate to the parish ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can choose to use your church envelopes and drop them in the mail-slot at the main entrance to the church, give by means of the pre-authorized givings by contacting the church office, or you can make donations to Canada Helps which can be done through the parish website.  Thanks for your continued support.

May you have a safe holiday weekend! Stay within the guidelines to protect yourself and others; and may God continue to be with you during this time.

Blessings,
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)