This coming Sunday, November 28, is the first Sunday in Advent, the Season that equates with Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. Each Sunday is symbolized in the lighting of a specific candle - the first Sunday in Advent being the candle of HOPE.

It is the Season of prayer and reformation of our hearts, a Season that is ushered in by the words of Jesus: “Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You know not when the appointed time will come.” (Mark 13:33)

A few reminders for you:

I presume you are all familiar with the up-dated directive from the diocese regarding church services. Briefly, for all attendees aged 12 years and over who are fully vaccinated and have provided proof of such, physical distancing is no longer required in your pews. You can go back to your old familiar pew if you so wish (: No registration required either!! Of course, physical distancing should be maintained while in common areas; and masks are still mandatory upon entering the church and during the duration of the service.
The On-Line Fall Fair Auction began as of last Sunday, November 21, and will continue until Friday, November 26. If you haven’t visited the site yet, just search for Online Fall Fair Auction – Parish of the Ascension and browse through all the items up for bids. All rules regarding pickup by the successful bidders and payment methods are outlined in last Sunday’s Chimes which can be found on the Parish’s website and on the Parish’s Facebook page. Thanks so much to all those who donated items! Let’s make this fundraising event a great success!
As in previous years, your Advent Package is available at the back of the church. It would be really appreciated if you are able to deliver to family and friends as well. (All the Advent activities are outlined in your package as well as the times of the Christmas services.)
Our Christmas Hamper Project will again help families who are in need this Christmas. The hampers will include Christmas Day dinner groceries, and gifts for the children in the family. There are a few ways you can help with this project. If you would like to provide one of these hampers, please contact Nickie Butler at [email protected] or call the church office and you will be given all necessary information. Or you can take tags from the Christmas Hamper tree which will be set up on Sunday, November 28, and deliver the item/items names to the church no later than Sunday, December 12. Or you can give a monetary donation for the Project via the church website or e-transfer. If you would like to receive a hamper, please leave your name at the church office.
A few more people are needed to complete the counting teams. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please contact the church office at [email protected] or call 368-5693. Thank you!
St. Margaret’s Boat (our Advent Project) is gradually receiving books that will eventually be presented to the Director of Daybreak Child and Parent Center on December 12 at the 11 a.m. service. Remember they must be new books, books suitable for ages 2 to 4, and especially the interactive type and visually stimulating ones.
This week’s free hot take-out meal is today, November 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The mobile truck will be parked at Motor Vehicle Registration parking lot. Covid protocols will be observed.
If you are 55+ and would like to share your wisdom and provide guidance and support from your years of experience to help improve the lives of young people, then maybe you would like to be part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters group as they need volunteers for the Between Generation Program. Your ‘Chimes’ gave you more information regarding this and you can also call the Program Coordinator Jacqueline Nixon 368-5437 or [email protected] for more information.
Finally, if you plan to have one of CLB’s take-out lunches, you must call 722-1737 to pre-order by tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 a.m. Free delivery if you order five or more! Thanks for your support.

That’s it, folks,
May God be with you on your Advent Journey!
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)