Cornerstone: from Luke 20:9-19

JJesus began to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, 'This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When they heard this, they said, "Heaven forbid!" But he looked at them and said, "What then does this text mean:

'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls." When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.

This week at Ascension:

Make plans to join us for Palm Sunday, March 28, Holy Week Services on Maundy Thursday, April 1, followed by All Night Watch in the Chapel, Good Friday Service at 12 noon and Easter Sunday of the Ressurrection.

If you'd like to contribute for a Memorial Easter Lily, contact L. Phillips either by email or phone. She wants to get the order in soon.

Special prayers for this week:

Lord, you have taught us to be generous like Lazarus’ sister, 
and to keep our priorities straight, like Paul. Help us to 
remember your teachings day by day, when little worries can 
overwhelm big hopes. For our prisoners, help them keep working 
on making themselves ready to face a new life outside the jail 
walls. For our volunteers, help us remember that we are part of 
that larger community of the Body of Christ, touching the World’s 
ills at many different points. Lord, help us keep faith that You 
will provide the means to continue this ministry: volunteers, 
dollars and endurance. 
We pray especially for Sister Roberta and Maryanne, who visit the 
women at the County Jail.

Blessings and Peace, See you on Sunday !
As usual, if you have ideas, special prayer requests  or interest
in contributing to upcoming Ascension Happenings,
please let us know, and we'll work them in.

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside  St.
Rochester, NY  14613 

The Prodigal Son

Welcome Friends,
Thanks to all who worked on and attended the Spaghetti Dinner. It was great !! This week at Ascension: E. Swarts reported on a record number of Blanket for the Church World Service Drive. Ascension again rises to the occasion and over 275 blankets were donated/sponsored. Also the Peace-maker quilting group provided a quilt for Rev. Page and Rev. Harter both of whom were supply priests in the recent past and are recouperating. Also this week was the first Planning meeting for CROP walk, Lenten discussion group, Bible Study, think Spring ! Upcoming is a spring Fix-up Day. The wardens and vestry have been working on the long-range plan to submit to the Diocese. It will contain the elements of mission and partnership with the neighborhood, building use and church programs to help Ascension grow. Palm Sunday and Easter are soon upon us. In these remaining weeks of Lent, consider who you'd like to invite to church this spring. Easter service promises to have a great music from the organ and choir.
This week at the Lenten discussion, we discussed the many ways we are stewards of God's creation on Earth. Recently that has taken the popular form of being a 'green consumer'. What do you think about how we as a church could contribute to the preservation of the environment? Are there things around here that we can tend to? A special prayer for this week

Dear Lord, as we look at each other in the pews, in the neighborhoods and in
our families, in our day-to-day lives, we fall into old habits. We look on each
other from a human point of view. We judge, we envy, we fear, we despair.
Make us new through our faith, so that we can accept each other, rejoice in
others’ joys and face our fears to overcome them. Help us to Hope, Lord.
We pray this week for the volunteers who go into the jails and prisons from
Rochester Interfaith Jail Ministry, Cephas, AA, NA, Adult Children of Addiction,
and the many religious Bible Study groups.  

Here is this week's Gospel:

Luke 15:11-32

Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out a robe--the best one--and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.

"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, 'Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' Then the father said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.'"

Blessings and Peace, See you on Sunday !

As usual, if you have ideas, special prayer requests or interest in contributing to upcoming Ascension Happenings, please let us know, and we'll work them in.

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

Ascension Happenings

This week's Gospel from Luke 13:1-9

TTThere were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"

This week at Ascension:

Tuesday: Rev. Lumbard leads the noontime book discussion series looking at J. Chittester's writings and work, Library 11:30 AM

Thursday: Bible Study, Library 9AM Womens Group, Library 12noon

Saturday: Holy Eucharist/(informal)Gab Service 5PM

Spaghetti Dinner, 5PM

Sunday: Holy Eucharist Rite I, 8AM

Holy Eucharist Rite II, 10AM

Also Sunday March 7 is the Deadline for the Church World Service Blanket Collection. E. Swarts is again leading the charge on this mission for Ascension. L. Phillips is beginning to get Memorial Easter Lilies ordered. If you are interested in purchasing an Easter Lily, contact her either by phone or email. This Sunday is MEEK Food Collection as well.

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported on a major renovation at Maplewood YMCA. Read about it here. Also in today's news, C. Conklin is recognized by the 2010 St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee as Community Leader of the Year. Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade is March 13.

In like a Lion ... most definitely. As usual, if you have ideas or interest in contributing to upcoming Ascension Happenings, please let us know, and we'll work them in.

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

Have a great week!

Welcome Friends, This week at Ascension, we begin Lenten Study Groups and continue our observances of the season of Holy Lent. Rev. Lumbard gave perspectives of Lent in the church calendar as a time to repent or turn around and come closer to God. It is often a time of fasting or 'giving up something', mostly so that a clearer path to God can be opened. Think about how busy we all are and how our busy-ness can limit the opportunities to understand the needs of God's people and to hear God through prayer. Also Lent can offer a time of reflection, if we take the time for it. Remember too, it's all God's Time, we've just been given the choice on using it !!

As we slog through the end of Rochester's winter, please continue to pray for those who are ill or in special need and those serving in the military. To keep the list current, contact the church office if you would like to add or drop someone's name from the 'Prayers of the People' on Sundays. Also please keep the work of our wardens and other parish leaders in your prayers as the search for a new Rector of Ascension progresses. E. Swarts is again leading our Church World Service Blanket & Tools of Hope Drive and would love to hear that you are able to contribute to this effort. Upcoming, in March Spaghetti Dinner on March 6, (featuring the super sauce that Stuart and his gang will make and also looking at an optional offering of a Vegan sauce,) and a Fix-up Day later in March. We had a go-around on working through the web communication the other day and we're happy to have L. Phillips offer her help in getting us going on Facebook. Don't fret, you don't have to go or learn social media or but that has become one of the ways today's young (and not-so-young) people connect with each other and connect with causes and organizations. We'll look into it and keep you posted.

Next Sunday's Gospel, another from Luke (second Sunday in Lent)
Luke 13:31-35

SSome Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Blessings and Peace, See you on Sunday !

As usual, 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

Jesus is Tempted

This evening, Tuesday, February 16 is our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner, 5:30PM.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, services at 9AM and 7PM.
Ascension Communications on the Web, Meeting Monday, February 22, 7PM in the Library.

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. The colors during lent are purple.

This week's Gospel lesson. Jesus is tempted and yet stands strong.

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Blessings, (but hold the alleluiahs)

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY
585-458-5423
www.ascensionroch.org

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