MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD




AND MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR [LUKE1:45-46]



And may we all give great thanks to God for the many blessings we receive.

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, December 14, 2009

Yesterday, we welcomed Fr Phil Schaefer to celebrate and preach. Next week and for the balance of the month, the Rev. John Andrews returns to lead our services and to preach. Please welcome him next Sunday. Please remember that the Christmas Eve Service will be at 9:00 PM, preceded by an traditional Christmas Music Concert at 8:30, under the direction of John Allegar. There will be a Christmas Day service at 9:00 AM.

Thanks to all who attended and brought food for and worked on yesterday's Deck-the-Halls Christmas Party. The food was wonderful, thanks to all of you, and the fellowship was warming. We especially recognized Mary Ann Pino who is retiring on Dec 23 as Parish Secretary. We also wrapped ~80 gifts for MEEK families.

Please listen to the voice that calls you to God's family - and pray daily, take part in weekly services, Sundays at 8 and 10 AM, and seek opportunities to be God's heart and hands. Invite a friend or neighbor...

Remember our servicemen and women in your prayers. Their names are in the bulletin each week. Pray for all those who need God's healing hand and for those who are not able to be out and about. Give thanks for blessings received. Ask for guidance for Ascension, as we seek clergy.

REMEMBER - CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Call Laurie Phillips 865-2802 by this Thursday, to offer the beauty of poinsettias for Christmas.

THIS IS LAST CALL...The Maplewood-Edgerton Emergency Kupboard will help families at the Holidays with food - and 75 turkeys for Christmas. Kindly call Jan Wills 621-3900 or Sally Green 865-1125 to donate. Families are depending on these. Please bring in stuffing mixes, canned fruit and veggies, cranberry sauce, salad dressings and boxed jello. Place in Tower Room. Your donation will make a huge difference.

Please visit or call a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to call. There are many who would love a call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit.

This week, there will be Tuesday and Thursday 9 AM Bible Study. For your study, the gospel for next Sunday is set out below. All are welcome at the Tuesday and the Thursday sessions at 9 AM, for conversation and fellowship. By studying the stories, we learn our work and deepen our faith in Christ. If you have never tried this, you will be surprised at the fun and insights.

Last call; Area children are waiting hopefully for mittens and scarves. Your offerings to warm a child are asked through Dec 20. Hand-knitted items especially welcome. The Mitten Tree will be in the Church Dec 6 - 20.

Call a friend and invite her or him to church next Sunday and also to an upcoming parish event. For many people, all it takes to answer God's call is the voice of a friend. Won't you be that voice?

A congregation first grows individually in the heart of each faithful person, and only then it can spread. If we want to grow, we must love God, love our friends and then speak to them. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are available in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share. We have pocket crosses to hand to those who answer the call to "Come and See".. [They are little olive wood crosses made in Bethlehem. Would you like to have a pocket cross? Just write back and ask.]

Blessings, all best, and great peace,..... See you on Sunday!

Dyson

P.S.: If you know anyone who would like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send in their email address.
P.P.S. - Here is a link to a Hymn we will sing on Sunday - Come, thou long expected Jesus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gWFF0pGTDg&feature=related
**********************************
Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
1:39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country,

1:40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit

1:42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

1:43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

1:44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

1:46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,

1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

1:50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!


May we and all our loved ones be blessed this week.
And may we all give great thanks to God for the many blessings we receive.


WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS AND SEEKERS OF GOD TO OUR SERVICES AND EVENTS
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 23, 2009

Yesterday, we again welcomed The Rev. Carolyn Lumbard. In her sermon, she noted that it was both St. Cecilia's Day and Christ The King Sunday. Christ was the King of Love, who challenged the leadership in his day and who challenges us today to be his heart and hands in a needful world.

Please listen to the voice that calls you to God's family - and pray daily, take part in weekly services, Sundays at 8 and 10 AM, and seek opportunities to be God's heart and hands. Invite a friend or neighbor...This coming Sunday, we begin the season of Advent, to prepare for Christ's coming to us in Bethlehem, and in our hearts.

Ascension Happenings Nov 9, 2009

Dear Friends, November 9, 2009

Yesterday, we again welcomed The Rev. Carolyn Lumbard. She spoke on the Gospel theme of the Widow's Mite - and how that relates to us. Do we give willingly - do we see the giving of our resources as a gift of God's people to the community and to the world? We can look in the mirror and ask that question.

Please listen to the voice that calls you to God's family - and pray daily, take part in weekly services, Sundays at 8 and 10 AM, and seek opportunities to be God's hands and arms. Invite a friend or neighbor...

Saturday's Roast Beef Dinner was a delicious success and made for many happy faces. We welcomed friends who had attended the Blessing of the Animals. Special thanks to all who worked and served and to all who attended!

Remember our servicemen and women in your prayers. Their names are in the bulletin each week. Pray for the ill and those who are shut in.

Please help! There are still chances to host Coffee Hour: Nov 15, Dec 6, 20 or 27. Please call the office 458-5423 to offer. Coffee Hour is great fellowship, as we meet friends old and new.

Meals on Wheels needs help in deliveries of noon meals - daily, weekly or seasonally. If you can assist, please call 787-8326. Lives depend on these meals, which take about an hour to deliver.

A Meal and More asks us to save coupons for toothpaste. Leave them in the back of the Church, please. Gifts of toothpaste go in the Tower Room. Aaron Manor again seeks your spare new calendars. Please leave them in the Office.

MEEK will help hungry families at the Holidays with food - and 75 turkeys for Christmas. Kindly call Jan Wills 621-3900 or Sally Green 865-1125 to donate a turkey. They are coming on sale now. Families are depending on these. Please bring in stuffing mixes, canned fruit and veggies, cranberry sauce, salad dressings and boxed jello. Place in Tower Room.

Please visit or call a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to call. There are many who would love a phone call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit.

Paul Schwartz has begun a Tuesday 9 AM Bible Study....There are now two Bible Studies each week. All are welcome at the Tuesday and the Thursday sessions at 9 AM, for Bible Study and fellowship. There is no homework, but lots of conversation, and a warm atmosphere. We look for the meaning of the gospel lessons in our lives and for the parish. This week we will read the passage shown below. By studying the stories, we learn our work and deepen our faith in Christ.

The Church is very beautiful in the upcoming season of Advent, when we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Volunteers are requested to set up on Sat, Nov 28 @ 9AM. Contact Jerry Welcher: jswelcher@aol.com or 392-8702 or cell 451-4052. Good fun! Don't be bashful!

Advance Calendar Notes: The Ascension Women's Group Christmas Luncheon will be Thurs, Dec 10 at Rick's Prime Rib, Buffalo Rd. Please call Jan Wills for details 621-3900. And....
The annual All-Welcome Ascension Deck-the-Halls Christmas Party will be on Sunday, Dec 13 after the 10 AM service. Mark you calendar, please, even though it seems early!! Details to follow.

Call a friend and invite her or him to church next Sunday and also to an upcoming parish event. For many people, all it takes to answer God's call is the voice of a friend. Won't you be that voice?

A congregation first grows individually in the heart of each faithful person, and only then it can spread. If we want to grow, we must love God, love our friends and then speak to them. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are available in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share. We have pocket crosses on order to hand to those who answer the call to "Come and See"..

Blessings, all best, and great peace,.....See you on Sunday!

Dyson

P.S.: If you know anyone who would like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send in their email address.
P.P.S.: On Sunday, we will sing Hymn 437, Tell out, my soul. Here is a video to watch of this hymn, sung to its other tune [H 438 in our Hymnal]:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxN4t8CY3u4&feature=related

*********************
Mark 13:1-8
13:1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!"

13:2 Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."

13:3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,

13:4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"

13:5 Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.

13:6 Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.

13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.

13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.

LET US SHOW GOD'S LIGHT TO OTHERS THIS WEEK AND ALWAYS.

Here are some photos from the Blessing of the Animals Service, taken by Paul Schwartz.

http://churchoftheascension.shutterfly.com/

Reply with your pictures from Sunday if you would like!

Ascension Happenings Oct 5, 2009

Dear Friends,                                                                                   October 5, 2009

Yesterday, The Rev. John Karl celebrated and assisted in the blessing of the animals, while The Rev. Sharon Karl took the lead role in preaching and the Blessing of the Animals.  There were many happy faces and barks and squeals of delight from the assembled pets and the crowd in attendance!  Under the direction of John Allegar, the Choir sang the John Rutter anthem All Creatures Great and Small, depicting the breadth of creation.  We had the opportunity to welcome some new friends and their pets, which was a joy and honor.

Fix-Up Day is Saturday, October 10.  Come one, come all.  There will be fun and fellowship as we prepare our "campus" for the autumn.  Lunch will be provided!  If you know of a specific job you would care to tackle, please bring the supplies needed or the tools required.

Look at your calendar and sign up for the Magnetic Church seminar @ Trinity, Greece, Fri Oct 26 6:30-10PM and Sat Oct 27 8:30-4PM.  If we want to grow our parish and see it thrive, we need to know how...  Cost is only $35 per person in groups; Sat lunch is included.  Call church office for details 458-5423.  This is a bargain we need!  Please make the time! Please respond ASAP, as space is limited!

Remember our servicemen and women in your prayers. Their names are in the bulletin each week.  Are you participating in an outreach ministry? Speaking of which...

Urban Ministry Fair on October 25th at Ascension. Come and see what you can do to help in our community! Find outreach and ministry opportunities within local organizationsneeding your assistance.

Remember to sign up for the Roast Beef Dinner on Sat, Nov 7.  It will be delicious!  Bring a friend or two, as well!  Cost is $9 for adults. Call 458-5423.

Please visit or call a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to call. There are many who would love a phone call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as towhen you might pay a visit. 

Paul Schwartz announced that he was interested in beginning a Tuesday 9 AM Bible Study....So, please join in and pay a visit to either the the Tuesday or the Thursday session at 9 AM, for Bible Study and fellowship. There is no homework, but lots of conversation, and the group is friendly. We look for the meaning of the gospel lessons in our lives and for the parish. This week we will read the passage shown below.

Please call a friend and invite her or him to church next Sunday and also to an upcoming parish event. For many people, all it takes to answer God's call is the voice of a friend. Won't you be that voice? A congregation first grows individually in the heart of each faithful person, and only then can it spread. If we want to grow, we must love God, love our friends and then speak to them. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are available in the back of the church.  Please take a few, and be ready to share.

Blessings, all best, and great peace,.....See you on Sunday!

Dyson

P.S.: If you know of anyone who would like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send me their email address. Thank you.
*********************
Mark 10:17-31
10:17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

10:18 Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.

10:19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'"

10:20 He said to him, "Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth."

10:21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

10:22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

10:23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"

10:24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."

10:26 They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?"

10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

10:28 Peter began to say to him, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."

10:29 Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news,

10:30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life.

10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."

This Sunday Oct. 4th is the Blessing of the animals!

This Sunday Oct. 4th is the Blessing of the animals!

Ascension Happenings Sept 28, 2009

AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Dear Friends, September 28, 2009

Yesterday, Fr John Andrews was with us to preach and celebrate. His sermon, punctuated with anecdotes, reminded us to refrain from quick judgments and to welcome those who are not against us, and against Christ, because "if they are not against us, they are for us".

Sr. Warden, Don Taylor, announced that a meeting is scheduled with the Diocese for this Tuesday to advance our clergy discussions. At its meeting last Thursday, the Vestry resolved to ask the Diocese to assist us in the hiring of a full time rector to lift up and grow the parish. Please keep this process and the parish in your prayers, that we may receive excellent leadership.

Next Sunday will include the Blessing of the Animals, in honor of St. Francis Day. Bring yourself, your pet, your friend with a pet, a picture of your pet, or even a stuffed animal to be blessed at the 10 AM service! It is always a lot of fun. Elephants and tigers should stay outside, though....

Fix-Up Day is Saturday, October 10. Come one, come all. There will be fun and fellowship as we prepare our "campus" for the autumn. Lunch will be provided!

Look at your calendar and sign up for the Magnetic Church seminar @ Trinity, Greece, Fri Oct 26 6:30-10PM and Sat Oct 27 8:30-4PM. If we want to grow our parish and see it thrive, we need to know how... Cost is only $35 per person in groups; Sat lunch is included. Call church office for details 458-5423. This is a bargain we need! Please make the time!

Remember our servicemen and women in your prayers. Their names are in the bulletin each week. Are you participating in an outreach ministry? Speaking of which...

Urban Ministry Fair on October 25th at Ascension. Come and see what you can do to help in our community! Find outreach and ministry opportunities within local organizations needing your assistance.

Please visit or call a friend who is not able to get out or whom you've been meaning to call. There are many who would love a phone call and an invitation to church or an inquiry as to when you might pay a visit.

Join us on Thursday at 9 AM for Bible Study and fellowship. There is no homework, but lots of conversation, and the group is friendly. We look for the meaning of the gospel lessons in our lives and for the parish. This week we will read the passage shown below.

Please call a friend and invite her or him to church next Sunday and also to an upcoming parish event. For many people, all it takes to answer God's call is the voice of a friend. Won't you be that voice? A congregation first grows individually in the heart of each faithful person, and only then can it spread. If we want to grow, we must love God, love our friends and then speak to them. God will help us share the Bread of Life.....

Do you have a pocket card to hand to a friend who asks about Ascension? Cards are available in the back of the church. Please take a few, and be ready to share.

Blessings, all best, and great peace,.....See you on Sunday!

Dyson

P.S.: We will sing "I am the Bread of Life" at communion on Sunday. Here is a video - please turn on your sound -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=totpqAGpCSA
P.P.S.: If you know of anyone who would like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send me their email address. Thank you.
*********************

Mark 10:2-16

10:2 Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
10:3 He answered them, "What did Moses command you?"
10:4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her."
10:5 But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you.
10:6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.'
10:7 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
10:8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
10:9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
10:10 Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
10:11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her;
10:12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."
10:13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.
10:14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
10:15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
10:16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.