Dear Friends of Ascension,

How's everyone doing? Glad the Super Bowl is over? Happy with the Outcome? I was thinking about the Great Catches made during the game and couldn't help thinking of Peter and his team out there at the Sea of Galilee hauling in their catchwhen they were tired after a long night work. Rev. Lumbard's sermon last Sunday emphasized the aspects of discipleship that Luke portrays in the Fisher's of People story. We're not asked to drop everything and go somewhere and be disciples, but simply to go about our living our lives as disciples mindful of God and serving God's people as Christ taught us.

Calendar Events

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 16 at 5:30 to 7:00PM

Ash Wednesday Services, February 17 at 9AM and at 7PM

Upcoming During Lent

Rev. Lumbard will lead a (brown bag) Lenten Reflection Series 11:30 - 1:00 on Tuesdays based on the work of Joan Chitester. The morning Bible Study groups continue to meet. Feel free to join either the Tuesday 9AM or the Thursday 9AM group. You are especially invited to attend during Lent.

We've has a request to outline the 2010 Church Dinner Schedule

Spaghetti Dinner, March 6 [helpers needed, give P. Frasca a call]

Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, May 1

Lobster Dinner, June 4

This week's Gospel according to Luke

Transfiguration of Christ, by Bellini (1480)

Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]

About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.[On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.]

Have a great week !!

If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming Ascension Happenings, let us know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension

2 Riverside St.

Rochester, NY 14613

585-458-5423

Friends,
This week at Ascension: Bible Study Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM. Also on Saturday, February 6 at 5:00 PM is a 'Quiet Eucharist'. Consider attending, especially if you're not going to make it to church on Super Bowl Sunday. Rev. Lumbard announced too that there will be a Lenten Series of Reflections on Tuesdays at noontime. Also, this Sunday is a MEEK, (Maplewood-Edgerton Emergency Food Kupboard) collection of canned or dry food. Ascension has supported this local outreach effort for decades. If you'd like to learn more about it and help with the day-to-day work, contact the church office and we'll get you connected with the people who'll find a place for you in this important work. Also, we will get a working-group together in early February to discuss the content and format of some of the web-communications so that we make better connection with more people. Contact Rob Phillips or Paul Schwartz if you're interested to help with that work. Here is the this week's Gospel Lesson

Trust Jesus
Luke 5:1-11

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming
Ascension Happenings, let us know, and we'll work them in.
In fact, there is a free ticket to the upcoming Spaghetti Dinner for the first idea on the topic of 'How can we at Ascension 'catch people' better or at least open our doors to people in the community' posted to this blog.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423

Bishop Singh visited Ascension last Sunday. He met with the Vestry and celebrated the Eucharist at 10:00. His discussion with the Vestry was about connecting with those outside of the Church. How can we enlarge the circle? Can we open our both our hearts and our doors to others? How will they know to come to God? Each of us can rediscover our spirituality by prayer and truly listening for God's voice. Finally, considerations of Creative Mission to serve the needs of God's people can help us as our parish changes to meet the needs of the new decade; it is 2010 already ! We discussed too some of the general issues of connecting with people of various age groups and generational communications styles. This work will continue in Vestry this spring as we develop plans and directions for Ascension.

Bishop Singh's sermon echoed the need for the church to provide connections and a place where people can hear God's call and transform to meet the needs of all of God's people. We can individually change but more lasting and powerful effects can happen working together. We too were reminded of God's abundant Love as a true source for our work together.

This Sunday is one of those rare fifth-Sundays of the month. For years, a few extremely dedicated members of Ascension have served at Meal & More, Christ Church (downtown), putting together a meal for those in need. If you'd be interested in joining the group this Sunday, call the office and we'll get you connected with this outreach. Also, we will get a working-group together in early February to discuss the content and format of some of the web-communications so that we make better connection with more people. Contact Rob Phillips or Paul Schwartz if you're interested to help with that work.

This week at Ascension, Bible Study Tuesday and Thursday at 9AM will center on this lesson from the Gospel of Luke. We usually look at the Gospel for the next Sunday and discuss how it relates to our situations here in Rochester in today's world. Rev. Lumbard introduced Luke's Gospels in her sermon at 8:00 by recognizing Jesus, Son of God, as a forgiving & compassionate healer, something still needed by many today.

Luke 4:21-30

In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read from the book of the prophet Isaiah, and began to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming
Ascension Happenings, let us know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423

Bishop Singh to Visit Ascension Sunday 1/24

Next Sunday, Rt. Rev. Dr. Price G. Singh, Bishop Rochester will be at our services and visit with us. This visit is one week following Church of the Ascension's Annual Meeting. D. Taylor was re-elected as warden. Elected to the vestry were L. Phillips, J. Crosby, J. Nash and D. Gay.

Don and Nancy led the meeting and we heard from Rev. C. Lumbard, who explained her role at Ascension for the next six months as a "coventanted supply priest" and also to provide emergency pastoral care. Don and Nancy, (as wardens) are the main go-to people for parish needs. Joyce spoke to the financial state of the parish and, all thing considered, our finances are in good shape. Don spoke about our partnership with the Diocese regarding identifying full-time candidates to be Ascension's next Rector, and how to pay them. That work will continue during the first half of 2010.

Somewhere in the midst of the warden's report, there was a voice from the back of the room that made a motion to THANK, both Don and Nancy and the Vestry and parish leaders for the GREAT JOB that they have been doing through the all the changes. This motion was quickly seconded and rousingly applauded. We have much to be thankful for.

We'd love to have a big congregation on Sunday services and to meet with the Bishop. If you think of someone who's not been to church in a while, give them a call. We can try to arrange for rides to church if there is a need. Contact Paul at 747-9119 for rides. This week's Bible Study groups will look at Luke's Gospel reading slated for this coming Sunday. Feel free to join either the Tuesday or Thursday Groups when you can. No homework, no exams, no pressure, just a chance to share your thoughts on the lessons with others. If you like to plan ahead, think about Bible Study as a way to draw closer to God during Lent.

Please pray for the people in need in Haiti and all of those who are providing help and assistance. I've seen that Wegmans has set up a way to donate at checkout and of course the Red Cross and Episcopal Relief and Development can get help sent.

Luke 4:14-21

Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Blessings and Peace, See you on Sunday !

If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming
Ascension Happenings, please let me know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423

Happenings at Ascension

Rev. Canon Carolyn Lombard led services last Sunday. Her sermon gave emphasis to prayer; not only saying prayers and singing praise, but actually listening as a part of prayer. By listening we may hear God's call and it can give us cause to act in godly ways.

Please continue to pray for those parishoners and family who are ill or in need of our prayers. Listen too, to see if there is something that your hear. It maybe God's response to you prayer.

We thank Angel for the wonderful Christmas Dinner and Party last Sunday. He opened up his place for us to see the fantastic collection of Santas and decorations and prepared a mighty feast after church. I've posted a few photos. Quite amazing don't you think?

Jerry Welcher announced that this coming Saturday, Jan. 16 at 9AM we'll be taking down the Creche and Wreaths and other decorations from the Advent/Christmas season. Many hands make light work. Come if you can.

Next Sunday Jan. 17 is the Annual Meeting and elections for Vestry and Warden. Also, we have a need for a clerk to the vestry. The clerk functions as notetaker and recording secretary. The clerk does not need to be elected and does not need to a voting member of the vestry. Vestry normally meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 pm. If you are interested in serving as clerk of the Vestry or have questions about it, call the church office and Nancy Lennox will be happy to talk with you. After the service Sunday, there will be an open meeting after church with light lunch served. If anyone would like to attend but doesn't want to drive, call Paul Schwartz 747-9119 and we'll see if we can arrange for a ride to church.

Also, it was announced that Bishop Singh will visit Ascension the following Sunday, Jan. 24. and guess what ...... there will be again be food at an informal reception for the Bishop. Same offer on rides to church.

This week the Bible Study Groups will read and reflect on the Gospel lesson:

John 2:1-11

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

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".. [They are little olive wood crosses made in Bethlehem. Would you like to have a pocket cross? Just write back and ask.

Blessings, See you on Sunday!


If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming
Ascension Happenings, please let me know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423

Ascension Weekly Update 1/4/10 (Happy New Year!)

Dear Friends,

As we welcome a new decade of our Lord 2010, let's continue to keep God and God's work for us foremost in our hearts and minds.

Call a friend and invite her or him to church next Sunday or even to one of the Bible Study times each week. 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,
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.....

Events at Ascension, this week: (beyond daily snowshovelling)
Tuesday 9:00am Bible Study
Wednesday 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
Thursday 9:00am Bible Study
Noon Ascension Women's Group
Sunday Services at 8:00am and 10:00
followed by Angel's Special Open House and Luncheon

This is Sunday's gospel lesson for first Sunday in Epiphany:
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

The Word of the Lord

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".. [They are little olive wood crosses made in Bethlehem. Would you like to have a pocket cross? Just write back and ask.

Blessings, See you on Sunday!

If you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming
Ascension Happenings, please let me know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423
ascensionroch@rochester.rr.com
www.AscensionRoch.org

Ascension Happenings Dec 28, 2009

JOSEPH, THE CHILD AND MOTHER

                                   

                                           
                             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 28, 2009 

Yesterday, we again welcomed  Rev. John Andrews to lead our services and to preach. He reminded us that "God with us" in the person of Jesus leaves us different than we were.  Fr John has made a most favorable impression on many and we are grateful for his time with us.  Next Sunday, The Rev Carolyn Carolyn Lumbard begins her six months with us.  Please come to church and greet her warmly.

Kindly 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...

The Parish Office will be closed through Jan 4.  In an emergency, you may call Sr Warden, Don Taylor, 746-2455. 

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, as we seek a new Rector.

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 a Tuesday but no Thursday 9 AM Bible Study.  For your study, the gospels with alternates for next Sunday are 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.  

Call a friend and invite her or him to church 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? 

Save Jan 10 after the 10 AM service for Angel Perez' annual Open House!  Bring your appetite!

The deadline for reports for the Annual Meeting booklet is Jan 4.  Please have your report in on time.  The Annual Meeting is Sunday Jan 17, beginning in the 10 AM service and continuing in the Library after the service.  There will be refreshments and it is a good time to ask questions.  Please be part of this.

There are many opportunities to serve this year.  One is to host a Coffee Hour after the 10 AM service.  The sign up sheet is in the back of the Church.  Won't you share your hospitality?

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"..

This week I will be gong to Florida for three months and Paul Schwartz has kindly agreed to assume  this e-letter for that time.  Seeing so many of you and working with you is a great joy.

Blessings, great cheer and Happy New Year,.....See you Easter Sunday!

-Dyson 

P.S.: If you know anyone who would like to receive this weekly e-letter, please send their email address to Paul Schwartz @ paulschw@hotmail.com.
P.P.S. - Here is a link to a Hymn we will sing next Sunday - Go, tell it on the mountain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8org5yVIdc&feature=related
P.P.P.S. - Here is a link to a little Holiday Card that is fun
http://www.oldjoeblack.0nyx.com/winter.htm
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Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."

or

Luke 2:41-52

Now the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

or

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

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