January 30, 2011 - Sermon for Faith Shared Interfaith Sunday

“Faith Shared”, A Homily preached by the Rev. Canon Dr. C. Denise Yarbrough on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Church of the Ascension, Rochester, New York

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy…Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God. (Matt. 5:7,9)

And do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour from among your own people, and the neighbor who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom you rightfully possess. God does not love any of those who, full of self-conceit, act in a boastful manner. (Qur’an 4:36)

On this fourth Sunday of Epiphany we are privileged to worship God here at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension with our Christian liturgy enriched by the presence of guests from our Abrahamic faith cousins, Judaism and Islam. Our liturgy of the Word is expanded today to include the word of God as that word is proclaimed not only in the Christian Testament and the Hebrew Scriptures from which we read every week, but also with the wisdom of the Holy Qur’an, read beautifully for us in Arabic by Dr. Rauf Bawany. We began our service with the Call to Prayer from the Muslim tradition, having already done the Christian version of the same when we rang the church bells. We are making real in our worship this morning the truth that we Christians live out our Christian faith in a city and country where we share the religious landscape with people of many different religious traditions. Contrary to what the media often would have the world believe, people of religious faith in this city and country are capable of much more than mere tolerance for one another’s religious faith. We are capable of and we embody a commitment to genuine respect for the wisdom that each of our traditions contains about God, and we are able to develop relationships of mutual trust and respect across our religious traditions. We are able to learn from one another, to find those places where our traditions agree and work together for the common good as global citizens.

The Interfaith Alliance, a national interfaith organization headquartered in Washington DC that works on various political and social policy issues, and Human Rights First, a not for profit human rights organization, established this Faith Shared event, which will take place in cities across the nation, to act as a visible witness to the reality that people of different religious traditions are living together in this country peacefully and working with one another for justice and peace both here and abroad. Contrary to the inflammatory images that the media so often chooses to lift up, such as the threatened Qur’an burning this past September, and the controversy over the Muslim Cultural Center and Mosque that is to be built near Ground Zero, many Christians, Muslims and Jews are living together in cities and villages across this nation, respecting one another’s faith traditions and bridging differences while working for the common good. Today’s observance is a way to showcase these ongoing interfaith dialogues and relationships in the context of religious worship in the hopes of dispelling misconceptions about the attitudes of Christians in America towards our Muslim brothers and sisters. Our hope is that news of this event will be disseminated in the media in this country and also in predominantly Muslim countries as evidence that there are many Christians and Jews of faith in America who do not treat their Muslim brothers and sisters with contempt or disrespect.

It is fitting for us Christians to engage in this observance on this Sunday when we hear once again the beatitudes from the gospel of Matthew. In those famous wisdom sayings that are the core of Jesus Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us of the attitudes and behaviors that are the hallmarks of those who follow God’s commands, whether through faithfulness to the Torah, or through Christian discipleship or observance of the Five Pillars of Islam. You will notice that all three readings this morning call God’s people to be about justice, to be compassionate to strangers, to wayfarers, to neighbors near and far. We are called by the prophet Micah to walk humbly with our God while Jesus reminds us that those who are “blessed” (which can also be translated as “happy”) are those who are meek, who seek after righteousness, who are peacemakers. Mahatma Gandhi, who studied Christian scriptures very closely says, “The message of Jesus as I see it is contained in the Sermon on the Mount, unadulterated and taken as a whole… I came to see that the Sermon on the Mount was the whole of Christianity for him who wanted to live a Christian life. It is that sermon that has endeared Jesus to me."

I am honored to be able to share our Christian worship with our Jewish and Muslim guests this morning. As a Christian I am all too aware of the extent to which my religious tradition has fallen short of the teachings of Jesus in our long history of conflict with Jews and Muslims at different times in history. I am passionate about interfaith dialogue and interfaith relationships because I believe that interfaith encounter and dialogue strengthens my Christian formation and brings me to a greater depth of maturity as a Christian. I learn from my Jewish and Muslim friends and gain insight about God in ways not available through my own tradition alone. I am a better Christian for my time spent in the company of my Jewish and Muslim dialogue partners and when I study the critique of my tradition by great thinkers like Gandhi, who was able to look in from the outside and compare what our tradition teaches and how we Christians actually behave in the world. And I believe that in our multi-religious society and the global village in which we now live, people of faith from all traditions must be beacons of hope and agents of peace and reconciliation in a violent world. I am delighted to welcome Rauf and Neil to our worship this morning, and hope that they will leave this church with some sense of the joy that we know in our tradition and the meaning we find in our celebration of the sacred mystery of the Eucharist enriched as it is this week by the insights and wisdom of our Abrahamic siblings.

At this time I would invite Neil and Rauf to comment briefly on the readings that they each offered from their tradition, and to speak to why it is they are committed to the work of interfaith dialogue and engagement. So Neil and Rauf – please share with us something about how your faith tradition interprets the readings you shared this morning and your reasons for being active participants in interfaith dialogue. Why did you find it important to be part of this Faith Shared event?

Sermon, Sunday, January 23, 2010 - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

“On Civility and Unity”, A Sermon preached by the Rev. Canon Dr. C. Denise Yarbrough on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Church of the Ascension, Rochester, NY

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. ¹¹For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. (1 Cor. 1:10-11)

This coming Tuesday evening President Obama will give his annual State of the Union Address. This is usually a case study in political theater, with member of each political party seated together, and as far from their political opponents as possible, and with each party engaging in loud applause and standing ovations at opposite points in the address, accentuating their differences. This year, two Senators have taken a bold step to address the increasingly ugly and vicious rhetoric that has become the staple of politics in this country. Sen. Charles Schumer, one of our New York senators and a Democrat, and Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican, have agreed to sit next to each other at the State of the Union address and have invited others in Congress to follow their lead. They want to make a statement about the importance of civility in the midst of difference. They want to emphasize the reality that people of widely divergent and differing opinions can live together peacefully and even work together for the common good, in spite of their differences.

The inability of human beings to find ways to honor the differences among them, whether those differences be political or religious has been evident since the dawn of time. One would hope that people of faith would be a little better at treating one another with dignity, understanding that politics is by definition a rather dirty business, but alas, most religious institutions throughout history have fallen prey to the same angry rhetoric and vilification of those who differ from them as any secular institution. This week, as churches throughout the world observe The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we are reminded of the sad reality that our Christian churches are split and divided on doctrinal, liturgical and social issues, thus tearing the Body of the Risen Christ to pieces, particularly when we make those differences the basis for speech and actions that do not respect the dignity of every human being. Apparently, in the history of Christianity, it was ever thus.

This morning we got our second of what will be seven installments of Epistle readings from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. When reading Paul it is important to remember that we are eaves-dropping on a conversation, opening someone else’s mail as we encounter texts that often make little sense, referring as they do to incidents and circumstances about which the original recipients of the letter were privy, but that we know little or nothing about. One thing is clear in the Corinthian correspondence, and that is that the church in Corinth, that Paul had founded, was undergoing considerable strife and division. Considering that this letter was written around the year 57 CE, we are talking very early in Christian history, a mere 25 years or so after Jesus’ death and resurrection and ascension. It didn’t take long for the emerging early church to find itself embroiled in arguments and disagreements over issues of authority. And sadly, the arguments over issues of authority never really went away in Christian history, as the 11^th century split between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Catholicism and the fracturing that happened during the 16^th century Protestant Reformation bear witness.

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Christians throughout the world are called to pray for one another and to reflect upon how we can serve the world in Christ’s name even with the differences that persist between and amongst us. The World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity establish a theme and prepare worship materials every year for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year’s theme is grounded in the statement from Acts 2 – “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) While the many denominations within Christianity live out those four basic elements of Christian life differently, all Christians throughout the world share a commitment to the Apostle’s teaching, as found in our Scripture, to fellowship, i.e. coming together in community to worship, pray, and serve the world in Christ’s name, to some form of Eucharist, whether it be called Mass or Holy Communion, or Holy Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer, whether formal and proscribed like our Book of Common Prayer, or extemporaneous and boisterous, as in a Pentecostal church, or the silent circle of a Quaker meeting.

The Christian Churches in Jerusalem prepared the materials for this year’s observation of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. They call us to look back to the earliest church in Jerusalem as a model for how we live together today as Christians who are diverse in worship style, doctrinal emphases, and sense of mission. They remind us that on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles people of many races, nationalities and languages were there and were able to hear the gospel in their own tongue. Diversity has always been a hallmark of the Christian community. Unity, for which we ardently pray, does not mean uniformity. It is quite possible for us to continue to have different worship styles, different emphases in doctrine, different priorities in the way we live out our Christian life, so long as we treat one another with respect and allow ourselves to see the face of Christ in all our Christian brothers and sisters who do things differently than we do.

In former times, the divisions in the church tended to be doctrinal, giving birth to the multitude of denominations that currently make up the Christian world. Today, the real differences seem to be along the lines that divide so called “liberals” from “conservatives”, “evangelicals” from “mainline.” Whatever the dividing line, it is critical that we learn to respect one another and to understand those Christians who differ from us to be people from whom we might learn something about the God in Christ whom we all love and worship. I teach in a seminary that is ecumenical and I often encounter students who are much more conservative than I am and who stand in completely different places within the Christian tradition with respect to many issues that matter to me. I have learned in teaching in that setting that I can grow in my Christian life more profoundly as I encounter those differences, finding beneath the surface distinctions a fundamental similarity in commitment to God in Christ and faithfulness to the gospel message to love God and love neighbor. My conservative students have taught me just as much as I have taught them and we have all benefited from getting away from labels and stereotypes and learning to build relationships across our differences.

If Christian churches throughout the world are ever to be a beacon of the gospel to a world torn by violence, and meanness and just plain ugly incivility, we will have to learn to bridge the differences in our own house. This week I was reading a book on Hindu Dharma, by Mahatma Gandhi and was humbled to read his statement to the effect that having read the Bible and studied Christian teachings, he believed the Christian religion to be a wonderful religion. He only wished the adherents of the religion would actually live out its teachings and precepts. He said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” When I was in Australia last year at the Council for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, I met an aborigine named Bob Randall who had been one of the lost generation of Australian aboriginal children who were taken from their families and tribes and shipped off to Christian missionary schools during the early decades of the 20^th century. He reported that as he was learning English from the Christian missionaries, who used the New Testament as their lesson book, he couldn’t understand why they weren’t living out the basic teachings of Jesus as contained in the gospels even as they were shoving their religion down his throat all the while decimating his people and their culture.

The church has long struggled to be a bearer of the gospel to a world that does not always embody the values of the gospel. The church at its best speaks truth to power in cultures where secular values and civil behaviors do not bespeak the love of God and of neighbor that is fundamental to Christian life. The problem for the institutional church is that it has too often absorbed the very un-Christian values of the secular culture of which it is a part, whether those be the values of empire during the era of Constantine, or the feudal culture of the medieval period, or the industrial and corporate culture of the modern era. Today, we live in a world where incivility and disrespect breeds a contempt for life that normalizes the kind of violence that erupted in Tucson two weeks ago, not to mention rampant bullying in our schools and in cyberspace, hate crimes and all manner of mean and dangerous behavior. But at our best, we do better than that, and therein lies the hope. Our Christian values call us to respect the dignity of every human being, to love God and love our neighbor and to do so actively as we live our daily lives. Mark Shields, a reporter on the PBS newshour, commenting on the Tucson tragedy, said,

This is America, where a white Catholic male Republican judge was murdered on his way to greet a Democratic Jewish woman member of Congress, who was his friend. Her life was saved initially by a 20-year old Mexican-American gay college student, and eventually by a Korean-American combat surgeon, all eulogized by our African American President.

This is the diverse and pluralistic world in which we live and in which we must find “unity” in the midst of the diversity. As we observe the week of prayer for Christian unity, let us live out the spirit of Christian unity in the midst of diversity, and embody civility and respect in church, neighborhood, workplace and yes, even politics. Let us all take the pledge that the Progressive Christian Evangelical group Sojourners has called for Christians to affirm as a witness to our larger culture. That pledge is as follows:

"We pledge to God and to each other that we will lead by example in a country where civil discourse and peacemaking are rare. We will work to model a better way in how we treat each other in our many communities, across religious and political lines."

St. Paul called the Christians in Corinth to stop quarreling and to be united in the same mind and the same purpose. That call echoes across the centuries to we Christians in Rochester, New York, and to our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, in Africa, Latin America, Asia and around the globe. Love God, love your neighbor and grow into the full stature of Christ. Amen.

Annual Meeting - Epiphany 2

WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS AND SEEKERS OF GOD

**************
ALL BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS ARE INVITED TO RECEIVE THE HOLY COMMUNION.

LORD, LET US PRAY AND WORK TO HEAR YOUR WORD, CHANGE OUR HEARTS
AND GO FORTH TO DO YOUR WILL, EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Dear Friends, ary 17, 2011

Yesterday, Rev. Denise preached on the talents that the Lord has blessed us with. Her focus was on whether we use these talents to the glory of the Lord or only to glorify ourselves. Her full sermons are in the blog archives http://ascensionroch.blogspot.com/
Please visit this weekly feature to reflect on her words.

This week we will look at the beginnings of Jesus' ministry as he calls his first disciples. As our newly elected vestry members begin their ministry at Ascension we all could examine where our talents can be put to use for the glory of our Lord. During this time of transition at Ascension there are many areas of ministry that we can be called to fill.

The annual meeting of Church of the Ascension took place yesterday during and after the 10 AM service. At that time the following members of the congregation were elected: Nancy Lennox was elected Junior Warden. Henry (Hank) Eisemann, Patty Frasca and Diane Santiago were elected to serve three year vestry terms. Alice Eddy, Janice Nash and Linda VanAllen were elected to serve as Delegates to the Convention. Congratulations to all and thank you for your willingness to serve.

Please keep in your daily prayers all those in need of healing, and those who serve in our military forces. Kindly also pray for the candidates that have agreed to run for seats on the Vestry. We are blessed to have individuals willing to commit to the future growth of the Church of Ascension. To assist in our spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the back of the Church [Tower Room].

If we want to grow and share God's prosperity of faith, we must love God, love our friends and then speak openly to them. A congregation grows starting with each faithful person. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....God will help us live into our Baptismal Covenant of sharing His word and our lives and resources [which is the true Meaning of Life]. We never know how ready a friend may be to hear a word of encouragement in faith. We never know when God will bring someone to speak to us, and enrich our own life.

Thank you to those who gave of their time on Saturday morning to put the Christmas decorations in storage. With many helping hands, the job was done quickly and with good fellowship.

MAPLEWOOD CLERGY ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP EVENT: The second in a series of leadership workshops sponsored by the Maplewood Clergy Association has been scheduled. Jan Wills attended the first workshop and found it very helpful. It would be nice if we could have a few others in attendance for this one. If you can attend, please let Jan Wills know 621-3900.

"Outreach Through Relationships: This workshop will help congregations initiate new ministries which touch the lives of persons in the community and touch the hearts of those involved. Such ministries are possible with a shoestring budget."

Ecumenical Leadership Training Event on Saturday, January 22nd, from 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Snow Date: Saturday, February 5th, 9:30-12:30) Wesley United Methodist Church,2009 Dewey Avenue (north of Ridge Road). Leader: Rev. Alan Newton, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of the Rochester Genesee Region. Rev. Newton is a gifted trainer with a deep commitment to the ministry of lay persons and developing missional churches. The opportunity to join with other leaders from sister Maplewood Edgerton Churches will make this even better!

The Ascension Women's Group will meet again on Thursday, February 3rd. Michael from Kittleberger's Florist will be demonstrating several different live and artificial floral arrangements to brighten our homes in anticipation of Spring. Lunch will be provided. The arrangements will be given away by drawing at the conclusion of the program. Please feel free to invite a friend.

CABIN FEVER: Stu and Gene Dennison announced their 4th annual Cabin Fever Party will take place on Saturday, February 5th at 4 PM. This is always a wonderful event and great fun. If you are planning to attend, please let Stu and Gene know or put your name on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Next year will be the 125th Anniversary of the founding and of the ministry of Ascension. In preparation, let us draw closer to God - and partake of the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit to counsel, energize and sustain us all.. We honor our long history, but it is our future that must command our attention and energy.

DON'T FORGET - The Ascension Piecemakers Quilt Group is offering a stunning queen-size quilt. This quilt would be a handsome addition to any decor! Coupons are $2 or 3 for $5. All proceeds will go to the Bell Tower Restoration Project. You can see the quilt and get more details each Sunday at Coffee Hour.

TIME TO MARK CALENDARS! There are memorable dinners upcoming.

Saturday. March 5th, 2011 SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday. April 30th, 2011 CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER
Friday. June 3rd, 2011 LOBSTER DINNER

PLEASE MAKE NOTE!!!

Coffee Hour after the 10 AM Sunday service is a wonderful opportunity to greet friends, old and new, and catch up on news. There are opportunities to host Coffee Hour in the weeks ahead. Won't you help this ministry? If not sure how to host, you may call Nancy Lennox at 663-5805 or Stu or Gene Denison at 663-0988. To sign up - see list in the back of the church or call 458-5423. Thanks!

Please phone or visit a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to contact. There are many who would love a call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit. We can invite friends to accompany us to church - and take them out for brunch afterward!

To beautify our worship, in upcoming weeks there are opportunities for altar flowers. Will you take up this ministry to the glory of God and to our spirits? To donate, please contact Laurie Phillips, 865-2802 or email LBP@rochester.rr.com

If we wish to learn the true Meaning of Life, grow as Christians and share our love of God, we need to know the stories of the Bible. Thursday Bible Study is in the Library at 9 AM. Please 'Come and See'. The season of Epiphany presents us with an exploration of the life of Christ and h

study is of the Gospel Lesson for next Sunday, found below. No Bible Thumping, just good conversation!!

The Rochester Interfaith Jail Ministry asks your ongoing help - by donating through United Way or directly by check to R I J M, 2 Riverside St., Rochester, NY 14613. This will bring books of healing and group sessions to those needing to start lives anew. Remember the Good Samaritan... Please answer this call. To volunteer, call 254-6790. The invitation to help is ongoing, so you are not late to the party! Someone recently made and ongoing United Way designation for R I J M. Many Thanks!

There is God's work for each of us when we see new people on Sunday or at an event. Let's introduce ourselves and make them welcome. An invitation to chat at Coffee Hour is a great ice-breaker. So is sitting with a new person and guiding her/him in the materials, if this is their first time with us.

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are on the table in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share. We have pocket crosses in the table drawer to hand to those who answer the call to "Come and See"..

I am not including a musical reference this week as John had to cancel the choir rehearsal on Wed. due to the bad weather. I am therefore unsure of the musical offerings for next week. I am sure the music chosen will be well worth your attendance in the congregation next Sunday.

If you have a new or better email address for yourself, or know someone who might like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send in that information.

Blessings,

Jan Wills

585-621-3900

Matthew 4:12-23
4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.

4:13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,

4:14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

4:15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles

4:16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."

4:17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

4:18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen.

4:19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people."

4:20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

4:21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them.

4:22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

RECIPE: If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please forward it to me and I will see that it is included in a future issue. This recipe makes a great Sunday dinner. Leftovers can be used to make hot pork sandwiches with gravy.

BARBECUED PORK ROAST

1 - 3 lb. lion of pork

1 envelope onion soup mix

1/2 c. Casino or Catalina Salad Dressing

1 Tbsp. prepared mustard (I prefer Webbers Horseradish Mustard)

1 cup hot water.

Place the pork roast in a Dutch Oven or deep roasting pan. Mix last 4 ingredients and pour over the roast. Roast at 325 degrees for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until internal temperature of roast is 160 to 170 degrees. Check during roasting and add additional water if needed to keep at least an inch of drippings in the pan. Remove roast from pan. Add 2 cups of water to drippings. Mix 2 heaping tablespoons of flour with water. Bring drippings to a boil and add the flour mixture and wisk until smooth and thickened. Serve with boiled potatoes or noodles. This gravy is especially flavorful. An excellent side dish is cinnamon applesauce (homemade if available).

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK!

Epiphany 2, Sunday, January 16, 2010

“Hidden Arrow in the Quiver of God”, A Sermon preached by The Rev. Canon Dr. C. Denise Yarbrough, on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Church of the Ascension, Rochester, New York

The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 2He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. (Isaiah 49:1-2)

Two contemporary films are garnering a lot of attention at the moment. One, Black Swan, described by Christian Century as a psychological thriller, nominated for four Golden Globe awards, and the other, The King’s Speech, nominated for seven Golden Globe awards, dramatizing the struggle of King George the VI of England to overcome a serious speech impediment when he ascended to the throne of England just before the start of World War 2. In Black Swan we watch as the main character disintegrates emotionally, psychologically and spiritually as she prepares to perform the lead role of the Swan Queen in the ballet Swan Lake in the New York City Ballet Company. The climax of the film is an eerie and disturbing portrayal of her debut performance in that acclaimed role, during which she completely unravels internally even as we are led to believe that she executes a stunning performance. In The King’s Speech, the climax of the film comes as we watch King George the VI give a national radio broadcast over the BBC to his subjects announcing that Britain is at war with Germany as World War 2 gets under way. The audience is on the edge of its seats as the King carefully and fluidly articulates his speech without a sign of the stammer that so humiliated him at the start of his reign as king.

Both of these films offer us some fodder for reflection about the gifts that God instills in human beings and the reason God creates us with those gifts. Our reading from the prophet Isaiah brings a Biblical perspective to this reflection. As we continue into the season of Epiphany, leaving behind the season of Christmas which was marked by a frenzy of gift giving and receiving, we are invited to reflect now upon how we use the gifts we have been given by God as we respond to the call to live out our baptismal covenant. The season of Epiphany is the time in the liturgical year when we hear a lot of the call stories in the Bible, like the call of Andrew and Peter in today’s reading from the gospel of John. Being called by God ordinarily involves using gifts God has given us to serve the world in God’s name. And much as we’d like to think that offering our gifts to the world will bring us happiness, or satisfaction, or a sense of accomplishment, Isaiah reminds us that often, responding to God’s call and offering our gifts to the world yields pain, loneliness, frustration and sometimes even results in conflict or rejection. And moreover, offering our gifts is hard work requiring tenacity and faithfulness, often in the face of opposition and hurdles.

The reading from Isaiah is one of three Suffering Servant Songs contained in the book of Isaiah, which scholars believe is actually a compilation of three different prophetic voices, dating from three different periods in Israel’s history. The Second Servant Song that we heard today, dates from just after the Babylonian exile, as the Israelites have returned to Jerusalem and are faced with the enormous task of rebuilding their lives and their culture in their ancient homeland, with the Temple that King Solomon built in ruins and their community scattered and greatly diminished in size. The prophet has been called by God to speak to the remnant of Israel and to call them back to their covenant life with Yahweh, to renew their commitment to their vocation to be a chosen people living according to the principles of justice and righteousness laid down in the Torah and the covenant from Sinai. They are also called to rebuild the Temple and the religious life that went with it. The prophet complains bitterly to God about the difficulties he has had getting his people to listen to him. Apparently, much that he has tried to say to them to get them back on the right path has fallen on deaf ears. “Listen to me” he cries, like a child in a schoolyard. Interestingly his plea “Listen to me” is addressed to the whole world, as if he is despairing of ever getting Israel to listen to him so he’s moving out to a larger potential audience. And sure enough God directs him to move his ministry of proclamation out to the whole world and not to direct it simply to the Israelite community. God calls Israel to become a light to the nations, to be a beacon to the entire world, and calls the prophet to focus his energy on that larger world rather than the small remnant of his own people. God declares that salvation is offered to everyone not just the remnant of the Israelite community.

We can tell from what the prophet writes that he’s had a very hard time living out his prophetic call. He has been ignored, despised, been the slave of rulers. “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity” he says to God. He’s exhausted, discouraged, fed up and yet he also affirms that he has felt God’s presence with him throughout his unsuccessful ministry and in the midst of his despair God has been his strength. He veers back and forth between praising and thanking God and professing his own faithfulness to the call he has from God, and venting his immense frustration and discouragement with how things have not gone well. And yet God assures him that he is called to be a light to the nations and to move out and do even more with the gifts God has given him, rather than focus in on his own little community.

Responding to God’s call is never easy, whether it’s the call each of us apprehends in our own individual journeys or the call that we understand ourselves to have as a religious community or parish church. Today as Ascension conducts its Annual Meeting you will be looking at how you have lived out your call in the past year and look ahead to how and where God is calling you to use your gifts in the upcoming year. I’m sure there are a number of you who can relate to the prophet’s frustration and discouragement, as you face the reality of tight financial resources and dwindling membership. The Search Committee will be spending a lot of time in the next weeks and months thinking about what a call from God means and trying to evaluate which of the candidates who are offering themselves as potential leaders of this congregation has the gifts and experience to meet the challenges that lie ahead for Ascension. Both the candidates and the Committee are discerning call and evaluating gifts and how they are to be used to further the mission of God in this part of the world.

And there’s the rub. The mission that all our God given gifts support is the mission of God. Each of us is given different gifts, as St. Paul reminds us, but all the gifts pooled in a community are there to further the mission of God in the world. And the mission of God, we are to understand from Scripture, is a mission of justice, righteousness, and making the kingdom or reign of God a reality in our world. Loving God and loving neighbor are the basic fundamentals of that mission, but how each of us individually and each congregation communally is called to contribute to the larger mission of God is the work of discernment and prayer.

The prophet affirms that God instilled certain gifts in him in his mother’s womb, before he was born, so that when he arrived on the scene he would be equipped to carry out some portion of God’s mission in the world. He uses the vivid image of being a polished arrow hidden in the quiver of the Almighty. Imagine the divine archer pulling that hidden arrow from the quiver and shooting it out across the landscape where it lands with precision in the divine bull’s eye at just the moment that God wants it to be present and visible in some part of the world. Ascension was called into being 125 years ago, an arrow in the quiver of God in the Maplewood section of Rochester. What did the divine target look like then and what might it look like now? When you’re shot from the divine bow this time, where will you land?

In the Black Swan story the ballerina possesses a divine gift to dance. What destroys her is that she develops and uses that gift for her own narcissistic purposes, to achieve some idea of perfection to satisfy her own need for approval, love, admiration and fame. She does not dance to delight others with the beauty of her art. She dances to prove something to the world about her and her alone. And in the process of focusing in on herself and her own fame and success, she destroys herself. In The King’s Speech, the character Lionel Logue is a gifted speech therapist. He does not seek fame, or fortune or recognition; he exercises his gift of teaching to help the king overcome a disability thereby serving his country as he heals the king. Logue helps the king find his voice so he can lead his people. Gifts given to us by God are not given so that we might become famous, rich, powerful, respected, or successful. They are given so that we might serve the larger community by offering our gifts for the good of those God shoots us into the world to serve.

We are each of us polished arrows hidden in the quiver of God. Sometimes, when God reaches into the quiver and sends us soaring out into the air, we don’t land where we thought we might, or where we’d prefer to be. Sometimes we fall into brambles, or a bog, or get stuck in a sticky tree trunk. Wherever we land we’re challenged to use the gifts with which we are imbued in such a way as to serve the world in God’s name. And God is clear with the prophet Isaiah that the call is to be a light to the nations, to offer gifts to everyone in the world, not just his own small group. When we’re pulled from the divine quiver and shot from the divine bow, we must be ready to face challenges we didn’t expect and criticism we might not deserve. As our nation observes Martin Luther King Jr. day tomorrow we are reminded that serving God in prophetic witness can be very dangerous business. Some people, some forces in the world are out to break the polished arrows in God’s quiver so they can’t soar to their destination particularly if the success of that divine shot would mean change in the world, or a shift in the balance of earthly power. As King himself said, quoting Theodore Parker, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The arc of the hidden arrows in God’s quiver bend toward justice as they are sent forth from the divine bow. As you evaluate your ministries and your call in the months and years ahead, consider how your gifts may be offered to this city and neighborhood to further the divine mission of justice and righteousness. When your ministry is challenging and you can’t see clearly how it is all working out, remember the words of the prophet Isiash, “my God has become my strength” and “the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel…has chosen you.” Amen.

Ladies Lunch at Olive Garden

Epiphany

Dear Friends, January 10, 2011

Yesterday, Rev. Denise preached on contrasts in how people can react to change. Her models were the Magi and King Herod and the vastly different way that they reacted to the birth of Jesus. While the Magi welcomed the changes that this birth would bring, Herod reacted with fear. This was a particularly important message for us as we approach a year of change in leadership in our own parish. Her full sermon will be available in this blog. Please visit this weekly feature to reflect on her words.

This week celebrate the baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. It is a good time for us all to reflect on our own baptismal covenant, which we had the opportunity to renew at services yesterday. Can the Lord say of us "this is my child with whom I am well pleased"?

Angel's annual Christmas party was held yesterday. As usual, Angel honored us with his culinary talents and his beautifully decorated apartment.

Please keep in your daily prayers all those in need of healing, and those who serve in our military forces. Kindly also pray for the candidates that have agreed to run for seats on the Vestry. We are blessed to have individuals willing to commit to the future growth of the Church of Ascension. To assist in our spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the back of the Church [Tower Room].

If we want to grow and share God's prosperity of faith, we must love God, love our friends and then speak openly to them. A congregation grows starting with each faithful person. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....God will help us live into our Baptismal Covenant of sharing His word and our lives and resources [which is the true Meaning of Life]. We never know how ready a friend may be to hear a word of encouragement in faith. We never know when God will bring someone to speak to us, and enrich our own life.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: With the holidays coming to an end, we need to restore our sanctuary to its "undecorated" state. This is a major undertaking involving putting the traditional Christmas decorations back in storage for another year. If you are able to help out, the job can be completed in a relatively short period of time. Those willing to lend a hand should gather at Ascension at 9 AM on Saturday, January 15th. The more helpers that show up will make the job finish quickly and with ease.

The Annual Meeting of the parish will be held on Sunday, January 16 during and after the 10 AM service. Kindly mark your calendar to be present. A strong Vestry will guide us into the important times ahead.

MAPLEWOOD CLERGY ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP EVENT: The second in a series of leadership workshops sponsored by the Maplewood Clergy Association has been scheduled. Jan Wills attended the first workshop and found it very helpful. It would be nice if we could have a few others in attendance for this one. If you can attend, please let Jan Wills know 621-3900.

"Outreach Through Relationships: This workshop will help congregations initiate new ministries which touch the lives of persons in the community and touch the hearts of those involved. Such ministries are possible with a shoestring budget."

Ecumenical Leadership Training Event on Saturday, January 22nd, from 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Snow Date: Saturday, February 5th, 9:30-12:30) Wesley United Methodist Church,2009 Dewey Avenue (north of Ridge Road). Leader: Rev. Alan Newton, Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches of the Rochester Genesee Region. Rev. Newton is a gifted trainer with a deep commitment to the ministry of lay persons and developing missional churches. The opportunity to join with other leaders from sister Maplewood Edgerton Churches will make this even better!

The Ascension Women's Group will meet again on Thursday, February 3rd. Michael from Kittleberger's Florist will be demonstrating several different live and artificial floral arrangements to brighten our homes in anticipation of Spring. Lunch will be provided. The arrangements will be given away by drawing at the conclusion of the program. Please feel free to invite a friend.

Next year will be the 125th Anniversary of the founding and of the ministry of Ascension. In preparation, let us draw closer to God - and partake of the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit to counsel, energize and sustain us all.. We honor our long history, but it is our future that must command our attention and energy.

DON'T FORGET - The Ascension Piecemakers Quilt Group is offering a stunning queen-size quilt. This quilt would be a handsome addition to any decor! Coupons are $2 or 3 for $5. All proceeds will go to the Bell Tower Restoration Project. You can see the quilt and get more details each Sunday at Coffee Hour.

TIME TO MARK CALENDARS! There are memorable dinners upcoming.

Saturday. March 5th, 2011 SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday. April 30th, 2011 CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER
Friday. June 3rd, 2011 LOBSTER DINNER

PLEASE MAKE NOTE!!!

Coffee Hour after the 10 AM Sunday service is a wonderful opportunity to greet friends, old and new, and catch up on news. There are opportunities to host Coffee Hour in the weeks ahead. Won't you help this ministry? If not sure how to host, you may call Nancy Lennox at 663-5805 or Stu or Gene Denison at 663-0988. To sign up - see list in the back of the church or call 458-5423. Thanks!

Please phone or visit a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to contact. There are many who would love a call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit. We can invite friends to accompany us to church - and take them out for brunch afterward!

To beautify our worship, in upcoming weeks there are opportunities for altar flowers. Will you take up this ministry to the glory of God and to our spirits? To donate, please contact Laurie Phillips, 865-2802 or email LBP@rochester.rr.com

If we wish to learn the true Meaning of Life, grow as Christians and share our love of God, we need to know the stories of the Bible. Thursday Bible Study is in the Library at 9 AM. Please 'Come and See'. The season of Epiphany presents us with an exploration of the life of Christ and his teachings. There is food for thought and often refreshments to share. The study is of the Gospel Lesson for next Sunday, found below. No Bible Thumping, just good conversation!!

The Rochester Interfaith Jail Ministry asks your ongoing help - by donating through United Way or directly by check to R I J M, 2 Riverside St., Rochester, NY 14613. This will bring books of healing and group sessions to those needing to start lives anew. Remember the Good Samaritan... Please answer this call. To volunteer, call 254-6790. The invitation to help is ongoing, so you are not late to the party! Someone recently made and ongoing United Way designation for R I J M. Many Thanks!

There is God's work for each of us when we see new people on Sunday or at an event. Let's introduce ourselves and make them welcome. An invitation to chat at Coffee Hour is a great ice-breaker. So is sitting with a new person and guiding her/him in the materials, if this is their first time with us.

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are on the table in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share. We have pocket crosses in the table drawer to hand to those who answer the call to "Come and See"..

One of the hymns for this coming Sunday is "What wondrous love is this". To hear a setting of this lovely hymn, click on the following site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgwGY6xpvLI

If you have a new or better email address for yourself, or know someone who might like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send in that information.

Blessings,
Jan Wills
585-621-3900

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The Gospel selected for next Sunday is: Matthew 3:13-17
3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.

3:14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

3:15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented.

3:16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."


RECIPE: If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please forward it to me and I will see that it is included in a future issue. In keeping with a theme of warm, cozy foods for the winter season, I am offering another soup recipe. This was Peter's mother's recipe and a favorite of Peter's.

Liver Dumpling Soup
1 stewing chicken
1 lb. beef liver or calves liver
1 medium onion
1 egg
2 Tablespoons flour
1 pkg. noodles
2 Tablespoons parsley
1 Tablespoon basil
1/2 lemon

Remove any giblets from the chicken and cook the whole chicken in a large kettle of water for about 45 minutes, until chicken is well cooked and falling off the bones. Drain and reserve the chicken broth. Let chicken cool and remove all meat from the bones. Return chicken pieces to the broth. (If you have left over cooked chicken, you can use canned chicken broth for the soup base. Add left over chicken to the canned broth).

Place liver and onion in a food processor and process in a couple of short spurts. Put processed liver into a bowl and add egg and flour. Mix well. Drop the dumpling mixture by tablespoon full into boiling water. Simmer in boiling water about 10 minutes, until cooked through. Drain off the water and add dumplings to the chicken soup. Add package of noodles and cook until noodles are tender (about 9 minutes). Add parsley and basil and juice of half of a lemon.

This is a hearty soup that is especially good on a cold, snowy winter evening.


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HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK

The Feast of the Epiphany, Observed Sunday January 9, 2010 - Sermon

“Divine Change Agent”, A Sermon preached by The Rev. Canon Dr. C. Denise Yarbrough on Sunday, January 9, 2010 at Church of the Ascension, Rochester, New York

Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹²And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Matt. 2:11-12)

With much pomp and circumstance, the new members of Congress were sworn in on Wednesday, with a full reading of the U.S. Constitution as part of the order of the day on Thursday. As the House changed hands from Democratic majority to Republican we listened to news pundits galore opining on how this shift in power will “change things” in the upcoming year. Politicians love to talk about “change” although it seems that in Washington, no matter who is in power not much really changes. Which is not surprising, since we humans really don’t like change, much as we sometimes claim we are eager to see it. And when someone really tries to make a significant change particularly in the political and religious establishments, they often find themselves at the receiving end of considerable retribution. When the dust settles, yesterday’s tragic shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 17 others at a street corner political event will likely be the result of the shooter’s dissatisfaction with Ms. Giffords’ political positions and her work as a politician that brings change to some people’s lives that others do not like.

As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany today we hear the old old story of the three wise men who traveled from the East to visit the baby Jesus in his home in Bethlehem. This story is so well worn and familiar from countless Christmas cards, crèche scenes and Sunday School Christmas pageants that it’s relevance to contemporary life is easily lost in the fuzzy, Hallmark renditions of it to which we’ve become altogether too accustomed. If ever there was a story that is all about “change” it is the Epiphany story. And if ever there was a story that underscores the connection between politics and religion in human life, this one ranks high on the list. The story of three wise Middle Eastern sages who travel from what is now Iraq and Iran to Bethlehem, in our modern day West Bank, to pay homage to a Jewish baby whose birth scares the living daylights out of the sadistic, cruel, oppressive ruler Herod is shot through with the messy confluence of human politics and divine intentions.

The epiphany story that Matthew tells is quite simple, really, but legend and myth over the centuries have embellished it greatly. Matthew tells a story of three wise men from the East who saw a star in the heavens that caught their attention and sent them on a long journey. The Greek word magoi has been interpreted in many ways – magi, king, astrologer, wise person. There are many theories about who these wise men might have been – perhaps Zoroastrian priests, perhaps magicians, perhaps astrologers. It is likely that they were not kings, however, despite the legend to the contrary. The king image got superimposed on Matthew’s story through references from the Hebrew Scriptures, like the line in Psalm 72 which we read today where references to kings paying homage to God’s anointed one are interpreted in light of the Epiphany event. Most likely they were astrologers, seers whose job it was to read the heavens for divine guidance.

What is important to the author of Matthew’s gospel is that they were foreigners. They were not Jews, and yet the birth of a Jewish baby in Bethlehem got their attention and they journeyed long and far to see this child. They seemed to recognize that this birth was important for all peoples and nations including themselves. They went first to Jerusalem, which was the political and economic center of Jewish life at the time and discovered the child wasn’t there. In so doing, they alerted Herod to the birth of this important child which then started a chain of events that they probably never intended, not the least of which was the slaughter of the innocents. Herod ordered all male children under the age of two killed because he was so afraid of the potential challenge to his authority by this special child. In this story, human lust for power clashes violently with God’s intervention in human history due in no small measure to the human actor’s fear of the change God’s intervention may bring to pass. God’s penchant for being a change agent in the course of human history is revealed in this event and Herod reacts violently to any attempt to disrupt his status quo.

Like the old saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same. At least where human affairs are concerned. But when God intervenes, change just might really mean change. The birth of this baby was no ordinary event. Matthew’s birth story focuses on the profound disruption that the nativity of this child was to have on human history. Matthew’s gospel contrasts the human expectations of what makes for a “king”, namely someone like Herod, born into a wealthy family of power and status, with a completely different kind of kingship. A peasant family’s baby, born in an obscure, small town nine miles south of the center of power, a child whose family lineage included some women of ill repute, namely Rahab and Tamar, and the foreigner Ruth. And this infant king receives foreign visitors who travel a great distance to bring him lavish gifts because these foreigners understand that something monumental has happened here and they want to acknowledge it properly.

The story of the visit of the wise sages to the infant Jesus marks the beginning of the liturgical season we call “Epiphany.” The word epiphany means a manifestation of God and often refers to those times when the divine breaks into our human world in surprising and unexpected ways. Epiphanies have a way of changing things whether we are ready for the change or not. The changes that epiphanies bring often scare us to death. Fear and change are close cousins for most of us human beings. As one monastic writer observed about epiphanies: Life never seems to prepare us sufficiently for epiphanies. By definition they come upon us suddenly, dazzling us by their raw power. They are not magical intrusions from another world, but reality, naked and without shame. Their very ordinariness shimmers with unexpected depth, which is why they take us by such surprise. (Monks of New Skete, p. 21) Epiphanies are “Aha!” moments that change things forever. Those wise men were in the business of reading the stars in the heavens. And one day they saw a star to which they were drawn inexorably. One day, in the midst of doing their regular daily work, they suddenly saw a sign from God that propelled them onto a life-changing journey.

Fear and change go hand in hand in human life. Herod was fearful, scared to death actually about the threat this baby posed to him and his place in the world. He succumbed to his fear by resorting to what he knew best – violence and oppression, trying to stomp out the one who was going to change the world as he knew it. The magi welcome the change that God is bringing into the world as they embark on their journey to the infant king and they find joy at the end of their journey. Herod allows fear to rule him and brings terror and death and destruction in his wake. There is no joy in the world that Herod controls. A world fueled by fear is a world devoid of joy. The infant that the wise men journeyed to see was one who came to bring joy into a fear filled world. But he also came to change it, and all who encountered him were changed.

In first century Palestine the infant Jesus was a miniature change agent, whose very birth began the process of change that his later life and ministry would bring to fruition. The magi were wise because they welcomed the change, and they worshipped the agent of that change. They were also generous and hospitable as they brought gifts to the one who would bring about change in their world. They were wise because they would not acquiesce to the desires of the despot who wanted to maintain the oppressive and violent status quo, choosing to go home by another road so as not to have to confront him again. They were spiritually wise and street smart as they made their way back home. In this story wisdom goes hand in hand with flexibility and receptivity to change combined with a good dose of old fashioned common sense, something that all of us need to remember as we confront changes in our lives and in our culture.

This story has particular resonance for all of you at Ascension as you enter a New Year during which time you will call a new leader. There is no doubt that new leadership will generate change in this congregation. Some new people will come, some old timers may leave, liturgical and administrative changes will no doubt follow the arrival of a new priest, and the balance of power in the congregation’s leadership may also shift. As you reflect on the Epiphany story in light of these congregational realities, I invite you to think about where Herod resides in this congregational system and how you can ensure that the arrival of a new spiritual leader will be handled as the magi responded to the infant Jesus rather than in the manner that Herod reacted and responded. God’s intervention in the life of this congregation will be manifest in the choice of your new leader. Will Ascension follow the model of the three wise magi or will Herod’s fear and lack of trust be the tone of your journey’s next phase?

In this season of Epiphany we’ll hear stories of God’s inbreaking into our human world. God still gives moments of epiphany to those who are open to them, urging us to move out of our comfort zones and into our world with courage and an attitude of joy and thanksgiving for all that God is doing. During epiphany we are invited to approach the changes that mark our journey with God with an attitude of expectant hopefulness and joy, not with fear and suspicion. We are invited to be like the three wise men, alert and attentive in the course of our daily work and daily life to an unexpected intrusion by the divine into our humdrum routine, with the flexibility and courage to follow where God leads even if that did not seem to be the plan we thought we were following.

As we move into the season of Epiphany, may we gratefully and faithfully embrace the changes that God offers us. May we live the Epiphany season with joy and courage, remembering the words of Howard Thurman:

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among brothers and sisters,

To make music in the heart. (Howard Thurman)

Happy New Year

Dear Friends, January 3, 2011

It is always a pleasure to have Father Phil Schaefer join us as celebrant. His message this week followed the Gospel reading in Matthew on the flight to Egypt by Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. His focus however was on Herod and the Slaughter of the Innocents. His reflection was to compare the evil and violent method of maintaining leadership, that Herod displayed, to the overwhelming display of love and peace that made Jesus a true King. The overwhelming message was "We love God because He first loved us."

We were very pleased to have Carol Manuel join us at the organ this week. It was also nice to have Carol's husband adding his rich tenor voice to the hymn singing. John will be back with us this coming Sunday after spending his holidays with family and friends.

This week on January 6th, we celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the presentation of Christ to the Magi. As we reflect on the journey of the Magi and the gifts they presented to the baby, we might reflect on our individual journeys in life and the many gifts and talents that the Lord has given each of us. Might we all have gifts or talents that we also could present to the baby in the New Year. Is there a committee you could serve on at Church? Have you been thinking of joining the choir or MEEK as a volunteer? Is there a charitable contribution you have been meaning to make? Is there someone you know in need of help? Might the world be better if we all presented ourselves as a gift to the Lord this week? So if you have not made a New Year's resolution, think about making an Epiphany resolution. Start your further journey by joining us each Sunday in services.

IT IS PARTY TIME!!! Each year our wonderful sexton, Angel hosts his annual Christmas Party following the 10 AM service. This party will take place this coming Sunday, January 9th. All are invited to attend. Be sure to take time to see Angel's remarkable Santa collection.

Please keep in your daily prayers all those in need of healing, and those who serve in our military forces. Kindly also pray for the candidates that have agreed to run for seats on the Vestry. We are blessed to have individuals willing to commit to the future growth of the Church of Ascension. To assist in our spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the back of the Church [Tower Room].

If we want to grow and share God's prosperity of faith, we must love God, love our friends and then speak openly to them. A congregation grows starting with each faithful person. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....God will help us live into our Baptismal Covenant of sharing His word and our lives and resources [which is the true Meaning of Life]. We never know how ready a friend may be to hear a word of encouragement in faith. We never know when God will bring someone to speak to us, and enrich our own life.

The Ascension Women's Group will convene for its annual luncheon at the Olive Garden Restaurant on Thursday, Jan 6, 2011. Please call Jan Wills by Jan 4 with your reservations.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED: With the holidays coming to an end, we need to restore our sanctuary to its "undecorated" state. This is a major undertaking involving putting the traditional Christmas decorations back in storage for another year. If you are able to help out, the job can be completed in a relatively short period of time. Those willing to lend a hand should gather at Ascension at 9 AM on Saturday, January 15th. The more helpers that show up will make the job finish quickly and with ease.

The Annual Meeting of the parish will be held on Sunday, January 16 during and after the 10 AM service. Kindly mark your calendar to be present. A strong Vestry will guide us into the important times ahead.

Next year will be the 125th Anniversary of the founding and of the ministry of Ascension. In preparation, let us draw closer to God - and partake of the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit to counsel, energize and sustain us all.. We honor our long history, but it is our future that must command our attention and energy.

DON'T FORGET - The Ascension Piecemakers Quilt Group is offering a stunning queen-size quilt. This quilt would be a handsome addition to any decor! Coupons are $2 or 3 for $5. All proceeds will go to the Bell Tower Restoration Project. You can see the quilt and get more details each Sunday at Coffee Hour.

TIME TO MARK CALENDARS! There are memorable dinners upcoming.

Saturday. March 5th, 2011 SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday. April 30th, 2011 CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER
Friday. June 3rd, 2011 LOBSTER DINNER

PLEASE MAKE NOTE!!!

Coffee Hour after the 10 AM Sunday service is a wonderful opportunity to greet friends, old and new, and catch up on news. There are opportunities to host Coffee Hour in the weeks ahead. Won't you help this ministry? If not sure how to host, you may call Nancy Lennox at 663-5805 or Stu or Gene Denison at 663-0988. To sign up - see list in the back of the church or call 458-5423. Thanks!

Please phone or visit a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to contact. There are many who would love a call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit. We can invite friends to accompany us to church - and take them out for brunch afterward!

To beautify our worship, in upcoming weeks there are opportunities for altar flowers. Will you take up this ministry to the glory of God and to our spirits? To donate, please contact Laurie Phillips, 865-2802 or email LBP@rochester.rr.com

If we wish to learn the true Meaning of Life, grow as Christians and share our love of God, we need to know the stories of the Bible. Thursday Bible Study is in the Library at 9 AM. Please 'Come and See'. In this season, the lessons prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child. There is food for thought and often refreshments to share. The study is of the Gospel Lesson for next Sunday, found below. No Bible Thumping, just good conversation!!

The Rochester Interfaith Jail Ministry asks your ongoing help - by donating through United Way or directly by check to R I J M, 2 Riverside St., Rochester, NY 14613. This will bring books of healing and group sessions to those needing to start lives anew. Remember the Good Samaritan... Please answer this call. To volunteer, call 254-6790. The invitation to help is ongoing, so you are not late to the party! Someone recently made and ongoing United Way designation for R I J M. Many Thanks!

There is God's work for each of us when we see new people on Sunday or at an event. Let's introduce ourselves and make them welcome. An invitation to chat at Coffee Hour is a great ice-breaker. So is sitting with a new person and guiding her/him in the materials, if this is their first time with us.

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are on the table in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share. We have pocket crosses in the table drawer to hand to those who answer the call to "Come and See"..

In the next day or two, Paul Schwartz will post this e-letter on our blogspot. http://ascensionroch.blogspot.com/

One of the hymns for this coming Sunday is "Shall We Gather at the River". To hear a setting of this lovely hymn, click on the following site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8EIjGXtCLk

I am happy to report that Dyson had a successful trip to Florida. I will be filling in for him by keeping this newsletter going. Please pray for me that I can maintain the good work that he has started through this communication.

If you have a new or better email address for yourself, or know someone who might like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send in that information.

Blessings and good wishes for the New Year,

Jan Wills

585-621-3900

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The Gospel selected for next Sunday is: Matthew 2:1-12
2:1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

2:2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;

2:4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

2:5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

2:6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

2:7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.

2:8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."

2:9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.

2:10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.

2:11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

RECIPE: I will continue to try to include a recipe each week. If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please forward it to me and I will see that it is included in a future issue.

In keeping with Dyson's theme of warm, cozy foods for the winter season, I am offering a simple

TACO SOUP

1 LB. ground beef

1 medium chopped onion

1 can chili beans

1 large can tomato sauce

2 cans (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes (drained)

1 can diced green chilis

1 packet taco seasoning (mild, medium or hot)

Shredded cheddar or Mexican mixture cheese

Brown ground beef and chopped onion together. Add taco seasoning, beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilis. Simmer about 10 minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Serve with taco chips.