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
Dear Friends, February 28, 2011
We were pleased to have The Rev. Deborah Brown presenting the sermon for the services yesterday. Rev. Brown is the Presiding Youth Missioner for the Diocese. Her sermon addressed the charge given us in the Gospel reading that we should not worry about our next meal, or what we will wear. However, she pointed out that there are many individuals today, specifically in our own community, who must worry about where their next meal is coming from, or the desperate situations that they find themselves facing. Her charge to us was that "We are the body of Christ." As such we should indeed not worry about our own needs, but attempt to reach out to those who must worry about the future they are facing.
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: 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.
BLANKET DRIVE: Sunday was the last official Sunday for the blanket drive. However, if you have not as yet made a contribution, please do so as soon as possible. Prior to yesterday's services, we had received enought funds for 214 blankets which was 58 blankets short of our last years' total of 282. A reminder that checks can be made out to Ellie Swarts.
SPAGHETTI DINNER: The Spaghetti Dinner is this coming 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 at 615-6790. Also don't forget to make your reservations for this wonderful dinner and bring your friends. Reservations can be made on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex, or by calling the Church office at 458-5423. The dinner is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
PANCAKE SUPPER: In preparation for Lent, there will be a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper held on Tuesday, March 8th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the great hall. This event is hosted by the Ascension Men's Club. There is no charge for this supper but donations will be welcomed. Reservations can be made on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or by calling the Church office at 458-5423.
CONCERTO CONCERT: Our organist and choir director, John Allegar, will be performing in a concerto concert of Eastman students at Sacred Heart Cathedral the evening of Tuesday, March 1st at 8 PM. Mark that date on your calendars to hear some wonderful performances.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES: Services for Ash Wednesday, on March 9th will be held at 9 AM and 7:30 PM. The Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes will be offered at both services.
LENTEN BOOK STUDY: The Lenten Book Study will be using "The Last Week" by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. This book is a day-by-day account of Jesus' final week in
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.
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
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. We will soon be asked to sign up for Easter Lilies to be placed on the altar in memory of our loved ones. When the fliers are put in the bulletin, please turn them in as soon as possible so Laurie can order the proper amount and can submit the list of memorials to be indicated. As you fill out the sheets, please print so Laurie can use proper spellings in the bulletin at Easter. 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
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"..
The anthem this coming Sunday will be "O How Amiable are Thy Dwellings". To hear a performance of this familiar anthem go to the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W11knO4jbqs
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 17:1-9
17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
17:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
17:3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
17:4 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
17:5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"
17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.
17:7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."
17:8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
17:9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
RECIPE: I decided it was time for a good vegetable recipe. This is one that can be used any time and works very well if you have to take a dish to a dinner. I use it alot in the summer when I have a large quantity of zucchini in the garden.
Zucchini Casserole
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pint sour cream
1 bag bread stuffing mix
1 jar chopped pimento or 1 cup shredded carrot (for additional color)
1 stick butter
Fill a large kettle with water, add zucchini and onion slices, bring to a boil. Boil until vegetables are fork tender. Drain well.
Mix soup, sour cream and pimento or carrot.
In a 9x13 baking pan pour half of the bag of stuffing mix and spread evenly on the bottom. Melt the butter and pour half over the stuffing mix.
Spread the drained zucchini and onions over the stuffing.
Spread the soup and sour cream mixture over the vegetables.
Add the remaining stuffing mix spread evenly over the top.
Drizzle the remaining butter on top.
Bake at 350 degrees about 45 to 50 minutes, until top is brown and casserole is bubbling.
Next week, I will give you another good fish recipe for the Lenten season.
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK!
