WELCOME TO
Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423; fax 585-458-7226

visit our website weekly for updates
www.ascensionroch.org

Shall we be wise or foolish in our preparation?
Please see Matthew Gospel lesson below

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, October 31, 2011

Yesterday, Bob Crystal preached and offered insights into our human tendency to be judgmental, as we listen to our inner voice of criticizing others. Bob related his firm conviction that we all have a place in the hereafter; and no one but God in Christ can direct us there, nor can anyone keep us out. So our little voices of criticism need to be redirected to helping others, because God has said "You are IN" - and "What are you going to do about it?"

Come and gather 'round, as scripture comes to life..
You will be lifted up and rewarded.


We are off to busy and energetic times with Rev. Pat.
You are personally important to help write our next chapters!
Please make your personal commitment to be present in person on Sunday mornings -
to share in the promise and fulfillment
of the ministries, old and new, that are to be ours.

please note - Rev. Pat wants to hear from us - phone number 732-428-2000 ;
e-mail: patcashman2010@gmail.com ;
mailing address: The Rev. Patricia Cashman, 185 Bennington Hills Court, West Henrietta, NY 14586

This season of Stewardship is when we decide what we will become. If you have not already done so, and plan to support our ministries, please send in your faith card now. The prosperity of God awaits us, for the asking. If you need a card, please ask Nancy Lennox or Dyson.

Kindly keep in your daily prayers all those in need of healing, those who serve in our military forces and those who travel. Also, parishioner Grace, who is undergoing an eye procedure to restore her sight while this is being written.
Please also keep in your daily prayers the ministries coming to life and all those who lead them, particularly Rev. Pat.
To assist in our spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the Tower Room.


Are you important?...YES, YOU ARE!!! .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.
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, to enrich our own life and the life of that person.
Be on the lookout, and ready to share your faith story.

ONGOING REQUEST: to feed our brothers and sisters, the MEEK food cupboard needs our financial contributions [envelopes in church] and food donations [place items in back of church/Tower Room], and also seeks volunteers to assist in this ministry. Please call Jan Wills 621-3900 or Sally Green 865-1125 if you can assist as a volunteer. Checks, made out to Maplewood Edgerton Emergency Kupboard, may be sent to the Church Office.

CAN YOU ASSIST?? Every Wednesday afternoon, in the Great Hall, volunteers are needed to help with the youth-oriented joint venture with Mary's Place and Nazareth College. Also, drivers needed for children - from and back to Mary's Place on Lexington Ave. Call Rev. Pat to explore this new ministry. This is growing.. Would you like to take a turn preparing a meal for the group? CAN YOU HELP??

YOUTH NEWS AND INFO-please note these dates/opportunities and stay tuned every week:

* CHECK OUT the Youth Group Team. DON'T HESITATE TO JOIN IN! Call Rev. Pat. The Church Community
Youth Partnership (CCYP) can use your help.
* Worship & Children, 10 AM Sundays - If you took Safe Church Training, please call Diane Santiago 254-8782 or email Diane57350@aol.com.
* STAY TUNED!!!

ALL ABOARD!! - CARE CLOSET Our new ministry to the neighborhood is off to a strong start..
Would you like to help? Call Nancy Lennox 663-5805 or email nlennox1@me.com
NEEDED : Bar soap [bath size is good], toothpaste, shaving cream.
To help, please contact Nancy Lennox or Rev. Pat. Give this a try - You won't be sorry! And youth in our neighborhood will thank you!! This is mission with a real purpose, helping real people.

PLEASE MARK THESE DATES:

November 3 - Women's Group, Noon in the Library. Social time and preparation of Christmas cards for nursing homes.

November 5 - Roast Beef Dinner - please call Office TODAY for reservations 458-5423. A great gathering!! $9.00 per person.

November 7 - All are invited for 7 PM for 'Future of Ascension' discussion with Rev. Julie Cicora of Diocese. Plan
to be present for this, so your ears can hear the discussion and your voice can be heard. If not present, then how can you be heard?

PLAN AHEAD!! Moe delicious dinners await us from Pat Frasca and her dedicated chefs and staff!
Future dinner dates are:

MARCH 3 2012 SPAGHETTI

APRIL 28 2012 CHICKEN AND BISCUIT
..
NEW LOOK! Our Messenger monthly newsletter format is being freshened. Your input of spiritual experiences is needed [pictures are encouraged]!! Check the new feature on page one of a recent edition and please participate. This is part of the New Season of Ascension.

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!! 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!

THE CHOIR WANTS TO WELCOME YOU!!! Do you know how to sing? Can you be available Wednesdays 7:30 - 9 PM and on Sundays 9:15 - 11:30? Please contact John Allegar to discuss. 816-560-2726 or email at John.Allegar@gmail.com

NEW - PASTORAL CARE TEAM to begin. Rev. Pat's is putting together a team to visit those who can no longer come to church. You will be trained to bring communion to those at home. Please pray on this and, if called to answer, phone Rev. Pat to volunteer. In this way, many will be reached.

In addition, there are many who would love a call and an invitation to church. We can invite friends to accompany us to church - and take them out for brunch afterward!

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

If we wish to grow as Christians and share our love of God, we need to know and be able to share the stories of the Bible. Thursday Bible Study is in the Library at 9 AM. Please 'Come and See'. This is a time for reflection on Jesus’ teachings and how we model our faith to family, friends and all whom we meet. God’s Word guides such a process. Much food for thought and often refreshments to share. The study is of the Gospel Lesson for next Sunday, found below.

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! Many Thanks! Please include this ministry in your daily devotions.

Jesus, we all struggle with wanting respect. Many of those we visit have gotten in trouble because they felt “dissed.” You told us not to strive for recognition from others. Help us to model that for those in jail and prison. Help us to show others how to be truly humble and to be servants, out of love for you; not to obey the law but fulfill it in your name.


WISH LIST Can you help? Do you know someone who might help? Call Rev. Pat., please.

* Small grand piano or high quality upright or studio piano for the church, to assist in worship.

* Household items/furnishings in good condition to assist in our ministry.



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 Coffee Hour is a
great icebreaker. So is sitting with a new person and guiding her/him in the service, if this is a first or second time with us. We never know when we may entertain angels unaware.


Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks where you go to church? These cards are on the table in the back of the church. Please take a few and be ready to share. We have some pocket crosses, also, in the drawer for anyone who answers the call to "Come and See".

This is all part of the Growing Season of God.






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. If you would like other kinds of information, or have any suggestions
for this e-letter, please give me a shout. Thanks!

With autumn providing a bounty of produce, here is a recipe for a sumptuous,

Cauliflower Soup, brimming with flavor and memorability!

[We can also make extra for someone.]


Blessings and all good wishes,
Dyson
D. Dyson Gay
585-671-0364
dysongy@aol.com
Cauliflower Soup
from the internet, but personally tested
Ingredients
• 1 stick Butter, Divided
• ½ whole Onion, Finely Diced
• 1 whole Carrot Finely Diced
• 1 stalk Celery, Finely Diced
• 1 whole (to 2 Whole) Cauliflower Heads (roughly Chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Or Dried Parsley (chopped)
• 2 quarts Low-sodium Chicken Broth Or Stock
• 6 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk [or use 2% Milk]
• 1 cup Half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons To 4 Teaspoons Salt, or to taste, as broth is salty
• 1 cup (heaping) Sour Cream [optional and not needed] @ Room Temperature
Preparation Instructions
In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, or until it starts to turn brown.
Add the carrots and celery and cook an additional couple of minutes. Add cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine.
Cover and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour in chicken stock or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer.
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Mix the flour with the milk and whisk to combine. Add flour-milk mixture slowly to the butter, whisking constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup half-and-half. Add mixture to the simmering soup. Allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if necessary.
Just before serving, place the sour cream in a serving bowl or soup tureen. Add two to three ladles of hot soup into the tureen and stir to combine with the sour cream. Pour in remaining soup and stir.
Serve immediately.
Prep Time 30 Minutes
Cook Time 30 Minutes Servings 6 Difficulty Easy
.
Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus said, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, `Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."