Ascension News (December 4, 2020)

AdminChurch eNews

Here we are in the month of December and approaching the Second Sunday in Advent, December 6.  This is an interesting statement that Mother Theresa wrote regarding the Advent Season: 'The season of Advent is like springtime in nature, where everything is renewed and refreshed. Advent is also meant to do that to us - to refresh us and to make us healthy, to be able to receive Christ in whatever form He may come to us.'

A few important notices and reminders for you:

  • As most of you know, public services have resumed at church.  Every Sunday at 11 a.m. there is worship for which you must register by Wednesday of each week.  For newcomers, a questionnaire has to be completed prior to attending your return to church for the first time since the reopening.  Christmas services have been planned and you must also register for the service you plan to attend.  There will be services on December 23 at 7 p.m., December 24 at 2 p.m. (Family Eucharist), and December 24 at 7 p.m.  The seats will be filled on a first come, first served basis so it is important for you to register as soon as possible.
  • With respect to these Christmas services, you may register on line at [email protected] or by calling the office at 368-5693.  Once again, if this is your first time attending since the church reopened, you must complete the COVID screening questionnaire which can be filled out on-line at ascensionnl.ca or by dropping by the church.  Make sure you indicate the service for which you are registering.
  • Just a reminder that you can view Sunday services in your home as they are being live-streamed for you.  To view, go to the church website ascensionnl.ca, find the Social Media tab, and click on the Facebook tab which will link you directly with the service once it begins on Sunday. (You don't have to have a facebook account to view the service.)
  • Wednesday's prayers continue. If you would like to join them at 10 a.m. Wednesday mornings, you may do so through the YouTube channel at youtu.be/99u9nqDJ0hY.
  • If you still don't feel like returning to public worship yet, but you would like to receive the sacrament, you may do so at your home. Just contact the office and Peggy will make arrangements for Rev'd David or Rev'd Lynn to come to your home (following Provincial and Diocesan guidelines of course.)
  • Three Key Messages from Vestry: As November draws to a close, so many of us are preparing for Advent and Christmas that will be different this year of pandemic isolation. The changes and adjustments that are being made for society, work, and school during this period of Alert Level Two of the Covid-19 pandemic are ongoing, even with an increase in cases this past two weeks. 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:
    1. Pandemic Appeal: This appeal is ongoing, and we are pleased to see that over $4200 has been received in the first four weeks of this effort. 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.
    2. The Christmas Hamper Fund: The team is working hard to adjust to the new reality of Covid-19. No longer will we be preparing hampers in the traditional way. Instead, we will be receiving donations of gift cards for Coleman’s, Sobeys, Dominion, and Walmart. Please consider supporting this program, and drop off gift cards to the parish office. Please share this information through social media, Facebook especially, so that others, our friends and neighbours, will be able to donate, and together the parish will be able to respond in loving service to families in need.
    3. Christmas Services: Beginning this Sunday, folks will be able to register for our three Christmas Services. These will be on December 23 and 24 this year, as outlined in the Advent packages that are available for parishioners. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY for the services so the planning can be completed.
      • 2020 Revenue (to the End of October): 268,472
        • Expenses: (304,916)
        • Gain(Loss): (36,444)
      • 2019 Revenue (to the End of October): 272,678
        • Expenses: (306,294)
        • Gain(Loss): (33,616)

May God continue to bless you on your Advent Journey,
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)