Ascension News (October 9, 2020)

AdminChurch eNews

Happy Thanksgiving! Although Thanksgiving Day comes but once a year, every day should be a day of thanks. Amid the challenges we have faced and continue to face during the pandemic, let us not forget our blessings of family, friends, a bountiful harvest, the beauty of the Season, God's continual love.... and always be thankful. 

A few important notices for you:

  • Just a quick reminder that there is public worship at our church every Sunday at 11 a.m.  You now know the requirements necessary to attend and they continue to remain the same.  Some parishioners do not have access to email, so please past the word around and note that preregistration is required in order to attend. The office has to know of your plan to attend on a Sunday by Wednesday of each week.
  • The plan is also to have live-streamed services from our parish later in autumn.  You will be informed via the website, as well as through this e-news, when that plan comes to fruition.
  • Some people do not feel safe to return to church for public worship yet. However, Rev'd David and Rev'd Lynn will be expanding their home communicant list should anyone wish to receive the sacrament at their home.  Of course, this will be according to Provincial and Diocesan guidelines to assure parishioners of safety and care.  If you would like to have home communion, please contact the office and Peggy will make the arrangements for you.
  • Each Wednesday morning there are prayers via our YouTube channel.  Check your Chimes for the link or call the office for a Zoom link.
  • 'Thursdays in Black' continues each week at noon hosted by Rev'd David and a guest, with emphasis on advocacy and learning in relation to gender-based violence.  However, it is postponed this week due to other commitments.
  • You receive the Chimes each week either by email, by viewing them on our Parish Facebook page, or by picking them up at the church.  Note in particular the three key messages from vestry that were stated in the Chimes for Sunday, October 4.  These messages give a detailed outline of the work ongoing via the Parish Reopening Working Group, information regarding the Home Bible Study and how to participate, as well as a very important parish financial update.
  • Next Sunday, October 11, is Thanksgiving Sunday. As always, our church will be decorated on Saturday, October 10, to reflect our thankfulness for our many blessings. We would appreciate donations of vegetables, preserves, berries, cut flowers, and any other item you deem suitable to display our thankfulness to God. You can deliver your donations to the church by noon on Friday, October 9. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • Of course, you know by now that Rev'd David was successful in cycling from Cape Spear to the Anglican Cathedral on Saturday, braving the wind and rain, as he participated in the 'Ride for Refuge.' Well done, Rev'd David!! He is grateful for all the donations made which will go to PWRDF in helping the St. Jude's Family Project in Uganda. (To date, $4645. has been raised.  Further donations can be made until October 31, 2020.)
  • Just a reminder that you can pick up the daily devotional books (Forward Day by Day, Our Daily Bread), and the weekly edition of the Chimes (Chimes available each Friday afternoon) by going to the church's side entrance, and ringing the buzzer. You will get a response if it is anytime from 9 to noon, Monday to Friday.
  • If you are thinking ahead to Christmas or birthdays and gift-giving, you may like to go to the PWRDF's gift guide online at pwrdf.org/worldofgifts and make your purchase there. These gifts can truly change lives and you can 'shop' in the comfort of your home.
  • Don't forget to decide if you want to support the CLB via the Friday Dinner Take-out/Pick up; or you can purchase the Dutch Halloween Chips and Cheesies as they have sold in previous years. All details regarding these means of support are in your Chimes, and in last week's e-news.
  • There are still many people in our community who rely on the food bank to get them through. Please remember them when you do your weekly grocery shopping. Drop off places are the Parish Hall on Ashford Drive and Mary Queen of the World on Topsail Road. Your kindness will be greatly appreciated.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
God Bless,
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)