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."
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.
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/
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,
*******************************
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.
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
*******************************
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.
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