Showing posts with label jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jesus. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Celebration of the Ascension

On this coming Sunday, June 5 we as a congregation will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension, which is our name day. Therefore, the readings will be different.
2 Kings 2:1-15
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:49-53 [for Thursday Bible Study]

Also, Rev. Pat suggests the congregation all wear white in honor of our feast day. So, if you have a white outfit or white shirt or jacket or ???, this would be good timing!

Here is an update of the health of Don Taylor's friend, Joe Interlicchia, who is the significant other of his daughter, Georgia. Joe is still seriously ill in Strong Memorial Hosp, but underwent a successful surgery today dealing with one of his health issues. I would ask you to add Joe to your daily prayers, please, for strength, healing and recovery to health.

Last reminder - This coming Saturday- June 4th at 11AM - Barbara Robson Memorial Service
Please accept this invitation to honor Barb in a celebration of her life and ministries. She and her sister Sally were parishoners whom we greatly miss. Barb died in Florida in late 2010. It will be a time to lift up her many accomplishments among us, as a friend and dedicated leader for so many years. The Rev. Miriam Owens will co-celebrate with The Rev. Pat Cashman. Reception in Library following.
Blessings and all good wishes, hoping to see many at the Lobster Dinner on Friday, 

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Ascension Update

Dear Friends, May 30, 2011

Yesterday, Rev. Pat preached on themes of Memorial Day, a Holy Day for America. She declared that that God takes us from fear and sorrow to thanksgiving and joy. We know that God is with each of us as a person, and also as a nation - and that He will always guide us. Please say a prayer for Pat this week as she drives her rental truck north from PA to complete the move to Rochester and Ascension!

We are off to a fine start with Rev. Pat.
But you are needed to help write our next chapter!

Please make your personal commitment to be present in person on Sunday mornings to greet Pat, to give her your personal Welcome and to share in the promise and fulfillment of her new ministry and ours.


Rev. Pat wants to be accessible to us - Her phone number is 732-428-2000 ;
e-mail is patcashman2010@gmail.com ;
mailing address is The Rev. Patricia Cashman 185 Bennington Hills Court, West Henrietta, NY 14586

Kindly 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 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. 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.

DON'T FORGET - Our 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. The drawing and award will be to a lucky coupon holder in mid June.

SPECIAL REQUEST: Please remember those in need of our help. Due to the heavy winter and food price inflation, the MEEK food cupboard needs your extra 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 if you can assist as a volunteer. Checks, made out to MEEK, may be handed to Jan Wills or sent to the Church Office.

LAST CALL! This Friday.....

the
Annual LOBSTER DINNER, June 3rd, 5:30-7:00 PM,$18.00.
PLEASE DON'T MISS!!! Call 458-5423 Tues or Wed at latest for reservations.

Call Mike if you can help with clean up. 645-3601

LAST CALL - The annual Women's Club steak roast is this Thursday,

June 2nd at noon at the home of Jan Wills, 509 Britton Road. All women in the Church

are invited to attend; and spouses and guests are welcomed. If you plan to attend, please

call Jan ASAP at 621-3900. Steaks and beverages will be provided.

$5.00 will be collected to offset the cost of the steaks. Please plan to bring a dish to pass.

This coming Saturday- June 4th at 11AM - Barbara Robson Memorial Service
Please accept this invitation to honor Barb in a celebration of her life and ministries. She and her sister Sally

were parishioners whom we greatly miss. Barb died in Florida late in 2010. It will be a time to lift up her

many accomplishments among us, as friend and dedicated leader for so many years. The Rev. Miriam Owens

will co-celebrate with The Rev. Pat Cashman. Reception in Library following.

There will be two events on Sunday, June 12 featuring the new Eucharistic setting by Karen Noble

Hanson, Canon and CIO of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.

*The Eucharist at Christ Church Rochester, at 141 East Avenue at Gibbs will start at 10:45

a.m. All are welcome. The Jazz Group includes Trombonist Greg Lecewicz and his Metro Connection Jazz

Group from Sarasota, Florida (by way of Poland), Rochesterians Geoff Smith (Bass), Mike

Van Allen, (keyboard), Jennifer Tierre (vocalist) and Sarasota residents, Chuck

Par, (percussion), Jim Earp (Trumpet) and Tom Ellison (sax, reeds), formerly

from Rochester. Presented in Sarasota, Florida in February, the setting includes

the "Creed", Sanctus, Agnus Dei, Lord's Prayer, Gloria and several other pieces.

The Creed has been sung throughout the Unitred States, including Trinity Wall Street in the Easter

season of 2010.

*Later that day, the music of the setting will be the basis of a Jazz Concert at St. Paul's Church, 25 Westminster Road at East Avenue at 3:45 PM. This concert will also include traditional Jazz.


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!

As we happily share the good news of Rev. Pat, please phone or visit a friend 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'. This is a time for careful 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! We recently began doing visits to the young men ages 16-19 in the Downtown Jail. Many Thanks! Please include this ministry in your daily devotions:

Jesus, our Brother and Savior, you explained that the Father did works through

You. Give us the grace to be instruments of Your peace, bringing solace and

wisdom to those we visit in jail and prison. We pray this week for the ministry

of Step by Step of Rochester, bringing Your love to women in jail in Monroe

County and the Southern Tier.



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 service, if this is a first or second 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".

This is all part of "The Growing Season at Ascension"

The Season of Easter offers beautiful music to lift our hearts. Here is a video of

a favorite piece, offered in honor of Barb Robson - Cantique de Jean Racine, by Gabriel Faure',

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKwHiGg21KA

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.

Here, below, is a recipe for a treat for yourself, friends and loved ones,

[We can also make extra for someone in need of our kindness.]

Blessings and all good wishes,

Dyson
D. Dyson Gay
5
85-671-0364
dysongy@aol.com

***************

Bowmiller Rd BBQ Ribs

Ingredients
2-3 racks of baby ribs with ~12 ribs/rack [BJ's are good - look for lean - and usually 3-to-a-pak]
Around 4-6 oz cider vinegar
Pork Rub [or use = a shake of garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper and paprika]
Fistful brown sugar for each rib rack
18 oz jar BBQ sauce - your choice; smoky works well. Some of this will be for the ribs when served.
Plenty of heavy duty aluminum foil

Directions
Remove silver skin membrane from back of ribs, if present [work loose with a spoon, put fingers under and lift/peel off]
Line 12" x 18" baking pan/cookie baking tray with long/wide HD foil so you can wrap ribs
Put ribs meat meat side up into baking pan
Sprinkle liberally with vinegar, but no need to drown...
Sprinkle both sides with pork rub and pat into meat
Add fistful brown sugar on top each rack
Cover/wrap tightly, meat side up, with foil
Bake at 300F for 4-5 hours. 4 hours usually enough.
Open foil wrap carefully to avoid steam
Drain and discard liquid/juice from pan
Smear ribs with BBQ sauce of your choice, including back of ribs, and reclose foil loosely
Bake for additional 15 minutes @ 300F
Open foil and bake for 15 minutes more, but don't let ribs dry out
Remove from oven
Cut into 3-4 rib segments to serve.
Serve with additional BBQ sauce and ENJOY!

Option - you may place ribs onto hot charcoal/gas grill for 4-6 min/side after smearing BBQ sauce onto
ribs, but they may break and stick to grill.


******************************

GOSPEL FOR NEXT SUNDAY

John 17:1-11

Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

"I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. "

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Advent I

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, November 29, 2010

Yesterday, Rev. Denise preached on Punching Holes in the Darkness, which can found on this link: http://ascensionroch.blogspot.com/ Please visit this weekly feature to reflect on her words. But it is so much more fulfilling to hear them in person! Please make it a point to be in church regularly; or if you are weighing whether to make God's community important in your life, try coming for several Sundays in a row...You will find a warm greeting and become closer to God.

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 Search Committee and their work in this time of search. To assist in your spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the back of the Church [Tower Room].

CHRISTIAN ED - LAST CALL - this Tuesday Noon Rev. Denise will lead the final session of the education series, Introduction to Islam, in the Library. Call the Office 458-5423 to reserve an outline - and please bring a bag lunch, to be fed in mind, spirit and body.

*****************************************************************************************************************
A MOST CORDIAL INVITATION.
.http://clipart.christiansunite.com/1291030861/Music_Clipart/Music013.gif.
Next Sunday, December 5, the Choir, under the direction of John Allegar, Organist-Choir Director, will offer Advent Lessons and Carols at the 10 AM service. Please let this annual treat, full of of expectation and prophecy, fill your soul next Sunday morning, as we all await the coming of the Christ Child.
**************************************************************************************************************
The Ascension Women's Group annual Christmas Luncheon will be December 9 at Rick's Prime Rib House. Details available from Jan Wills - 621-3900. Spouses and guests welcome. Reservations are needed by Dec 2.

AND ANOTHER INVITATION - The following Sunday, Dec 12, after the 10 AM service, please bring yourself and family and friends to the Annual Deck-the-Halls-Bring-a-Dish Christmas Party! Sign up in the back of the church next Sunday, or call 317-4039. We will celebrate with food and fun and fellowship.
As we share our blessings and break bread together at this party, we remember those in less developed countries who are in need. Will you join hands with the Vestry in giving funds for a farm animal or other needed investment in the future of a community? The program is GIFTS FOR LIFE, through Episcopal Relief and Development. Your offering will be matched a matching Vestry gift from parish Mission Funds of up to $500. Working together, we can make a difference. Here is a link to more information:
http://www.er-d.org/giftsforlife/

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.

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.

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 and other parties upcoming.

Sunday. December 12th, 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY after the 10 AM service - see above, too
Saturday. March 5th, 2011 SPAGHETTI DINNER
Saturday. April 30th, 2011 CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER
Friday. June 3rd, 2011 LOBSTER DINNER

PLEASE MAKE NOTE!!!

FAMILIES IN OUR AREA OF THE CITY ARE DEPENDING ON US --- as we plan our own holidays, let us remember and support all those served by the MEEK food cupboard, by shopping ahead for our MEEK friends at Christmas - frozen turkeys, stuffing mixes, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, canned vegetables, jello, one-pound canned hams, cake mixes, coffee....Many of these items are on sale now and soon. Please stock up and share! MEEK distributes at least 75 food baskets at Christmas. If you can buy or store a frozen turkey, please call to advise - and receive details. Can you volunteer to help? Jan Wills - 621-3900 or Sally Green - 865-1125.

Coffee Hour 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 the Coffee Hour, 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.

Please visit or call 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!

Decorative Poinsettias for Christmas are a visible ministry of beauty and love. 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 After Advent and Christmas, there are openings for flowers on Sundays upcoming.

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/

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

Blessings,

Dyson
D. Dyson Gay
585-317-4039

P.S. Here is a video of the hymn Lo, He Comes, With Clouds Descending. We will sing these words next Sunday to a different tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08cGl44SWGM

P.P.S. Please see below for this week's recipe - an easy Crockpot Chicken Supreme. Why not make two and share one with a neighbor?
If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it in!
*******************************
The Gospel regularly appointed for next Sunday is:
Matthew 3:1-12
3:1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,

3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

3:3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"

3:4 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

3:5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan,

3:6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

3:7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

3:8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance.

3:9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

3:10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

3:12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."


.
*********************************
And, now,
CROCKPOT CHICKEN SUPREME

Ingredients

4-6
chicken breast halves, boneless, skinless, washed and dried
2tablespoons butter or margarine, melted [or olive oil]
10 3/4ounces soup, cream of chicken condensed [OK, old-fashioned, but tasty!]
1/2cup sherry dry or medium
1teaspoon tarragon or rosemary
1teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4teaspoon garlic powder
4ounces mushrooms, canned can, sliced, drained

Directions

Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry; place in crockpot. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken breasts. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours.

Makes 4 to 6 servings. Serve over rice - brown, wild, white or combination.


*********************************
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

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, November 22, 2010

May each of us, our families and loved ones, have a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving Holiday!
If you are traveling - please be safe!

Yesterday,
Rev. Denise preached on The Election of God, which
can be found by clicking on this link: http://ascensionroch.blogspot.com/ Please visit this weekly feature to reflect on her words. But it is so much more fulfilling to hear them in person! Please make it a point to be in church regularly; or if you are weighing whether to make God's community important in your life, try coming for several Sundays in a row...You will find a warm greeting and become closer to God.

Please keep in your prayers all those in need of healing, and those who serve in our military forces. Kindly also pray for the Search Committee and their work in this time of search. To assist in your spiritual life, Forward Day by Day booklets are $.85 each in the back of the Church [Tower Room].
REMINDER - If you are a parishioner who has not yet responded to the 2011 Stewardship Appeal, now is the time to do so. God asks us to grow in his love, service and support. A bright future awaits us when we reach up and out! We are nearing our goal of $100,000 plus, but have a ways to go.

A major tip of the hat to Sr. Warden, Don Taylor for leading the interior wall painting and plaster restoration work in the church. It looks wonderful and should last for many years, as the exterior pointing was completed last year.

CHRISTIAN ED - HEADS UP - Rev. Denise is offering each Tuesday Noon of November an education series, Introduction to Islam, in the Library. Call the Office 458-5423 to reserve an outline - and please bring a bag lunch, to be fed in mind, spirit and body.

On Sunday, December 5, the Choir, under the direction of John Allegar, Organist-Choir Director, will offer Advent Lessons and Carols at the 10 AM service. This is a way in words and music to open our hearts and souls to the coming of the Christ Child. Please join in this very special seasonal offering.

If we want to grow, 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.

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.

The Ascension Piecemakers Quilt Group is offering a gorgeous 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 YOUR CALENDAR! There are memorable dinners and other parties upcoming.

Sunday, December 12, 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY, after 10AM Service

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

PLEASE MAKE NOTE!!!
Gourmets everywhere are dreaming of these events!!


FAMILIES ARE DEPENDING ON US --- as we plan our own holidays, let us remember and support all those served by the MEEK food cupboard, by shopping ahead for our MEEK friends at Christmas - frozen turkeys, stuffing mixes, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, canned vegetables, jello, one-pound canned hams, cake mixes, coffee....Many of these items are on sale now and soon. Please stock up! MEEK distributes at least 75 food baskets at Christmas. If you can buy or store a frozen turkey, please call to advise - and receive details. Can you volunteer to help? Jan Wills - 621-3900 or Sally Green - 865-1125.

The Ascension Women's Group annual Christmas Luncheon will be December 9 at Rick's Prime Rib House. Details available from Jan Wills - 621-3900. Spouses and guests welcome. Reservations are needed by Dec 2.

Coffee Hour 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 the Coffee Hour, 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.

Please visit or call 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!

Altar flowers are a captivating ministry of beauty and love. Will you take up this ministry to the glory of God and to our spirits? To donate altar flowers, please contact Laurie Phillips, 865-2802 or email LBP@rochester.rr.com There are openings on several Sundays upcoming. Soon it will be time to order Christmas poinsettias

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. Except for this Thanksgiving Week, when there is no Bible Study, Thursday Bible Study is in the Library at 9 AM. Please 'Come and See'. In this season, the lessons confirm what we are to do as disciples. 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!

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 even inviting them to brunch after church. This is a part of God's work for each and every one of 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"..

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

Blessings,

Dyson
D. Dyson Gay
585-317-4039

P.S. In honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday, here is an organ piece based on the Hymn, Now Thank We All Our God http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeUihwTb6J0&feature=related

P.P.S. Please see below for this week's recipe - a couple kinds of light Pumpkin Cheesecake. Why not make two and share one with a neighbor?
If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it in!
*******************************
The Gospel for next Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent and of the new church year is:

Matthew 24:36-44
24:36 "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

24:37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

24:38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark,

24:39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.

24:40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.

24:41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left.

24:42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

24:43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.


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And, now,
Light Individual Cheesecakes
LIGHT PUMPKIN CHEESECAKES

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,186,145170-228206,00.html
Content Copyright © 2010 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.
18 gingersnaps
2 c. light ricotta cheese
1 c. canned pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/8 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Sliced almonds (optional garnish)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 18 (2 1/2 inch) muffin pan cups with foil liners. Press a gingersnap into the bottom of each.
In a food processor fitted with a steel blade or in a blender, process or blend ricotta until smooth and creamy. Add remaining ingredients except almond garnish and process until combined. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly set. Cool on wire rack to room temperature. Remove cheesecakes from pan and chill.
If desired, decorate tops with sliced almonds. Makes 18 cheesecakes, about 90 calories each. Recipe can be doubled.
For a one-piece cheesecake - but still light - A low-fat, low-carb pumpkin dessert or snack that is a good source of protein and vitamin A. Serve with a tablespoon of whipped topping, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.

Ingredients
16 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/16 cup sugar (use 1/2 cup Splenda)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup egg beaters
1/2 cup pumpkin
1/3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup graham crumbs
1/2 cup light Cool Whip
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees

  2. Whip cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until blended

  3. Blend in eggs but don't beat

  4. Remove 1 cup of batter and stir in canned pumpkin and spice

  5. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray and sprinkle in graham crumbs evenly to make a crust

  6. Pour remaining batter into pan, then top with pumpkin batter

  7. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes, or until center is set

  8. Refrigerate for three hours or overnight
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HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED WEEK!