Weekly Update - February 7, 2011

Dear Friends, February 7, 2011

During the 10 AM service yesterday, Rev. Denise preached on the integration of the sacred and secular world. She pointed out the difficulties that have been encountered throughout history in pursuing a Christian life in this secular world. We were reminded that we are called to meet the challenge through the Gospel lesson: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Rev. Denise's full sermon will be available early in the week at: http://ascensionroch.blogspot.com/ Please visit this weekly feature to reflect on her words.

During the 10 AM service yesterday, Rev. Denise also had the honor or commissioning Marcial Santiago as he prepares to leave on Saturday, Feb. 12th for a mission trip to Uganda. He will be travelling with Levi, Mike, Emma and Suzi, all students from Charles Finney School. They will be spending two and a half weeks in Uganda, assisting in repair and construction of a water transport system to provide much needed resources to the people of Uganda. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they fulfill this ministry in a very troubled part of our world. I am hoping to have an itinerary to post in the happenings next week so that we might follow the group with our prayers on a daily basis.

Please keep in your daily prayers all those in need of healing, and those who serve in our military forces. 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.

WOMEN'S GROUP: Women's Group had a delightful luncheon on Thursday as our presenter, Michael, from Kittleberger's Florist, did his "Door to door in 59 minutes" presentation. He created 8 beautiful arrangements that were presented to individuals present to take home and enjoy. We were blessed with several guests for this program. Our next meeting will take place on Thursday, March 3rd in the library. At that time Nancy Lennox will present the "State of the Church". This will include an update on the plans for Church repair and renovation, the new outreach programs and the status of the clergy search. Please bring a sandwich and dessert and beverages will be provided.

CABIN FEVER: Stu and Gene Dennison once again hosted a delightful social event for the congregation. This annual event provides members of the congregation to spend some social time together while enjoying the culinary skill of Stuart. This is a wonderful ministry and we all thank Stu and Gene for their hospitality.

BLANKET DRIVE: Sunday was the kick off Sunday for the annual Church World Services Blanket Drive. Church of the Ascension has been exceedingly generous in their support of this annual drive which provides such needed services to areas of the world in need of food, shelter and training to become self-supporting. To quote from the information sheet: "$200. can provide a struggling farm family with a draft animal to significantly increase their food production and carry their produce to market. $250. can provide a sewing machine to a young mother who needs to support her family." Please consider making a personal commitment to this drive. Checks can be made out to Ellie Swarts, chairman of the drive.

SPAGHETTI DINNER: We are only three weeks away from our first dinner for the year, the Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 5th. As always, Patty Frasca is in need of individuals to assist in food preparation, serving and clean-up. If you are able to help out in any capacity, please contact Patty. Also don't forget to make your reservations for this wonderful dinner and bring your friends.

CHURCH OFFICE: Mary will be on vacation the weeks of Feb. 14th and Feb. 21st. There will be coverage in the office each day. However, if you have information for the weekly bulletin or Messenger, please submit these in a timely fashion as there will not be clerical staff in the office each day. If you are unable to reach someone in the Church office and are in need of pastoral care, please contact Don Taylor at 746-2455.

DIOCESAN SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES: A reminder: If you have not completed the individual and family information updates for the diocese, please go on the Diocese web site and update your information or get a form from Mary in the office to complete.

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 next Sunday is "Blessed Jesus, at Thy word". You might like to relax and listen to a beautiful rendition of this familiar hymn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjZhROtBscM

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

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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Matthew 5:21-37
5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.'

5:22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire.

5:23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,

5:24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

5:25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.

5:26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'

5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

5:31 "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'

5:32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

5:33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.'

5:34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,

5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

5:36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

5:37 Let your word be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

RECIPE: I hope you all enjoyed your Super Bowl Sunday. I have been asked to post my recipe for Hawaiian Wedding Cake. I have made this often for various events at Church. It is easy and can be used as a dessert or a brunch coffecake.

HAWAIIAN WEDDING CAKE

2 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 cups flour

1 can crushed pineapple

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla

small bag shredded coconut

small bag chopped walnuts

marachino cherries (opt.)

Slightly beat eggs and add sugar and mix well. Add flour, crushed pineapple (do not drain), baking soda, vanilla and mix well. Add coconut, walnuts and cherries. Blend in all ingredients. Pour into a 9X13 greased cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, until cake is firm and top is slightly browned. Remove from oven and partially cool. Frost with vanilla frosting while still slightly warm. Cover with saran and refrigerate over night.

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HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK!