Today, February 14, is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season.

“Remember, you are but dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) These words, of course, allude to when God admonished Adam and Even as they left paradise.  When these words are repeated today, when our foreheads are smeared with ashes, we are called upon to face our own mortality and failings, to repent, and to aim through Lent’s focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to begin to live a new life in Christ. May God strengthen us on our Lenten Journey. 

A few important reminders/messages for you:

• I was just notified by Archdeacon Nancy that the Ash Wednesday Service for this evening at 7 has been cancelled.
• Each Wednesday in Lent (starting February 21) there will be a Bible Study at 10:30 a.m. and a BCP Service of Compline at 7 p.m.
• Bishop Sam’s Lenten letter is available to be read at https://anglicanenl.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bishops-Lenten-Letter-2024.pdf
• You have heard of the ‘Set Sail’ plan in various ways over the past months.  There is a write-up once again in your Chimes which you would have received last Sunday, and it is also on the Parish website and the Parish’s facebook page.  Read carefully, as you may feel called to work with Archdeacon Nancy to help our parish engage in this Diocesan Strategic Plan.
• Tomorrow, February 15, there will be the annual Ocean Ranger Memorial Prayer Service held at 1 p.m. at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy 42 years ago.
• Next Sunday, February 18, there will be an 8:30 a.m. BCP/HC service followed by the Ascension Café.
• Don’t forget the potluck supper on Thursday, February 22, with entertainment provided by Jacobs Passage. If you are interested in this kind of fellowship, please take a tag from the board at the entrance of the church to prepare a dish to bring to the supper.
• This is a reminder to mark your calendars for the World Day of Prayer Service being held on Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Families Church on Ashford Drive.
• Another important date to note is March 10 as the Annual General Meeting will be held on that date immediately following the 11 a.m. service.  Should the weather not be in our favour, the alternate date is Sunday, March 17.
• The ACW of St. John the Evangelist, Topsail, are having a Quiet Time on Saturday, February 17, at 10:30 a.m. in their church and are inviting other parishes to join them.  Lunch will be served as well.  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Elizabeth Barnes at 709-364-3050 or by email to [email protected] no later than this Friday, February 16.
• Confirmation candidates, please take note – the next class for Confirmation Preparation will be this Sunday coming, February 18, at 2 p.m. All candidates are expected to attend.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

That’s it folks for another week,

May God be with you on your Lenten Journey!
Jean (On behalf of the Ascension)