Church of the Ascension in Cranston

E-News for Feb 6, 2009

2009-02-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
February 6, 2009

A Visitor’s Story (a must read)…
that’s what our gospel story is on Sunday…a visitor’s story. Jesus enters the house of Simon and Andrew, seeking and searching comfort. What he finds is that Simon’s mother-in-law was seeking something as well. In Jesus’ second miracle from the gospel according to Mark, Jesus reaches out and touches both physically and spiritually the unnamed woman. She immediately responds to Jesus’ hospitality by responding in kind, caring for those who came knocking on her door.
We have all experienced the kindness and generosity of others and have done the same. The act of hospitality should not be limited to those whom we like or know. In a world today that values individuality and selfishness, Christians are called to mirror the acts of Jesus and the un-named woman by greeting the stranger with a smile, extending a helping hand with a random act of kindness.
At Ascension almost every Sunday we are blessed with visitors and newcomers. May Ascension be a community that not only greets the visitor in worship, but also seeks to get to know the newcomer during coffee hour and beyond. As St. Benedict says, greet and get to know the visitor as if they are Christ himself…because they are!

Jazz Mass
Sunday, February 22nd @ 10AM, we will have a Jazz Mass. Frank Castellone and his band will be assisting in this musical celebration.

Shrove Tuesday and Talent Show
Come join the fun and support the Parish in this fund raiser and community spirit event on February 24th , Beginning @ 6PM. Fred Whitside, Wes Wright and Rick Gebhart are looking for performers for the annual talent show. Paul Shulver is looking for help in the kitchen. Please see them to volunteer.

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays February 4th @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided.

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Join us for Living with Money! This important and timely series for the next three weeks will explore the subject of money in the context of our Christian life. This series “shines light on the taboo subject of money, helping participants develop a balanced, wholesome and rewarding money life.”

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Godly Play and Youth Group will meet this week. If you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

Valentine Craft
This Sunday, after the 10AM liturgy, all children are invited to participate in the making of Valentine crafts downstairs in Geisser Hall. Please see Venus for more info.

Infant Room
Sue Paugh and others open the infant room from 9AM till 10AM, during the education hour. The infant room is for infants to toddlers, and is now found upstairs in the education wing.

The Ascension Café
Coffee, tea, and breakfast foods are available in the Ascension Café—education wing @ 9AM.
Nametags!
On Sunday pick up your new nametag at entrance you have indicated. If you do not have a nametag, please let the office know. Please return the nametags to the basket underneath the nametag holder.

Coffee Hour
We have open slots for 11AM coffee hour on Sundays. Please see the board in Geisser Hall to sign-up. This is an important hospitality ministry.

Snow Day Parking
Snow parking reminder: The Library requests that we please not park in their lot on days when the snow has not been plowed. Please park in the Post Office Lot and walk through the back of the church.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Prayer Shawl Ministry meets this Saturday, February 7th @ 10AM at the church to knit shawls for those in need. Please contact Jean Hagan at 401-826-3484 for more information. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

• Join Greg and Anne at St. Elizabeth’s Court this Sunday, February 15th @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of that community. 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Food Pantry Collection. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. You are also invited to sign-up downstairs on the bulletin board to volunteer one day a month at the food bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). This will go to help those who are in need.

E-News for Jan 30, 2009

2009-02-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
January 30, 2009

Vestry Elections
Please join me in congratulating those who were elected to the vestry at the Annual Meeting, which was held on January 25th @ 11AM.
*Senior Warden: Art Martone
*Junior Warden: Wesley Wright
*Treasurer: Cynthia Sparkes
*Clerk: Carol Newberry-Maron
*Vestry Members: Andre Araujo, Ben Sibielski, Tom Struminsky, and Jeanine Walker

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays February 4th @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided.

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Join us for Living with Money! This important and timely series for the next four weeks will explore the subject of money in the context of our Christian life. This series “shines light on the taboo subject of money, helping participants develop a balanced, wholesome and rewarding money life.”

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Godly Play and Youth Group will meet this week. If you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

Infant Room
Sue Paugh and others open the infant room from 9AM till 10AM, during the education hour. The infant room is for infants to toddlers, and is now found upstairs in the education wing.

The Ascension Café
Coffee, tea, and breakfast foods are available in the Ascension Café—education wing @ 9AM.

Nametags!
On Sunday pick up your new nametag at entrance you have indicated. If you do not have a nametag, please let the office know. Please return the nametags to the basket underneath the nametag holder.

Coffee Hour
We have open slots for 11AM coffee hour on Sundays. Please see the board in Geisser Hall to sign-up. This is an important hospitality ministry.

Thank you
A Big Thank You to all who helped prepare the Brunch for the Annual Meeting last week.

Shrove Tuesday and Talent Show
Come join the fun and support the Parish in this fund raiser and community spirit event on February 24th. Fred Whitside, Wes Wright and Rick Gebhart are looking for performers for the annual talent show. Paul Shulver is looking for help in the kitchen. Please see them to volunteer.

Snow Day Parking
Snow parking reminder: The Library requests that we please not park in their lot on days when the snow has not been plowed. Please park in the Post Office Lot and walk through the back of the church.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Prayer Shawl Ministry meets Saturday, February 7th @ 10AM at the church to knit shawls for those in need. Please contact Jean Hagan at 401-826-3484 for more information. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

• Join Greg and Anne at St. Elizabeth’s Court this Sunday, February 15th @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of that community. 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Food Pantry Collection. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. You are also invited to sign-up downstairs on the bulletin board to volunteer one day a month at the food bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). This will go to help those who are in need.

Please remember in prayer the sick and those who are shut-in
Jane, Richard, Frank, Cynthia, David, Brad, Phyllis, Julie, Pat, Ted, Lucille, Michael, Carl, Debbie, Marion, Jean, Ernest, Lucille, Robert, and Noel. (If you would like to add or delete someone from the prayer list, please notify the church office by e-mail or phone)

E-News for Jan 16, 2009

2009-01-21T06:04:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
January 16, 2009

Concert Canceled
The dinner and concert that was originally scheduled for tomorrow here at the church has been canceled. If you are interested in attending the concert at another church, please let Greg Lisby know. Thanks.

Reflection "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
This week we as a country will celebrate the peaceful transition of power from one presidential administration to another. We will also remember on Monday the mission and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It truly will be a historic week.
The quote above is from Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. The tone should strike a particular cord for Episcopalians who often recite the promises made in our baptismal covenant. “Will YOU strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”
We remember the saints of the past for how they show us to live in the present…Dr. King does just that. He helps us to see and experience that gospel call to be bearers of the light and life of Christ, especially to those most marginalized in our world. How can we experience justice when our fellow brothers and sisters know of no justice?
If we are to truly live in and out of the covenant we have made with God at baptism then we must all do our part, in whatever way that is for us, to alleviate the injustice others experience. Whether it’s working to make the Millennium Development Goals a reality (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/), volunteering at the Cranston Food Bank, or driving an elderly parishioner to a doctor’s visit, we are all called to pause this week and reflect on how we might make justice a reality everywhere.
I’m thrilled that we have seven members of our parish going to Washington D.C. this weekend for the Inauguration. Please keep the following in your prayers; Wes and Sue Wright, Sophia Wright, Andre and Dawn Araujo, Emma Araujo, and Jeanine Walker. We look forward to hearing of their experiences.
Peace,
Greg

Epiphany Pageant
Snow or shine (I’m praying it’s shines), we will have our Epiphany Pageant this Sunday, January 18th at the 10AM liturgy, our children and adults will participate in a “pick-up” pageant. This is not to be missed. All children are encouraged to meet in the church at 9AM. Thanks, Greg

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays January 21st @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided. Our readings for that Wednesday are:

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Join us for Living with Money! This important and timely series for the next six weeks will explore the subject of money in the context of our Christian life. This series “shines light on the taboo subject of money, helping participants develop a balanced, wholesome and rewarding money life.”

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Godly Play and Youth Group will resume January 25th…join us for the Pageant this week. If you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

Infant Room
Sue Paugh and others open the infant room from 9AM till 10AM, during the education hour. The infant room is for infants to toddlers, and is now found upstairs in the education wing.

The Ascension Café
Coffee, tea, and breakfast foods are available in the Ascension Café—education wing @ 9AM.

Nametags!
On Sunday pick up your new nametag at entrance you have indicated. If you do not have a nametag, please write your name on the list that will be at the nametag holder. Please return the nametags to the basket underneath the nametag holder.

Coffee Hour
We have open slots for 11AM coffee hour on Sundays. Please see the board in Geisser Hall to sign-up. This is an important hospitality ministry.

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the parish will be held on Sunday, January 25 @ 11AM. Members in good standing are invited to vote. All are strongly encouraged to attend.

Vestry Nominations
The following members have agreed to stand for election at this year's Annual Meeting, which is to be held on January 25th @ 11AM.
*Junior Warden: Wesley Wright
*Treasurer: Cynthia Sparkes
*Clerk: Carol Newberry-Maron
*Vestry Members: Andre Araujo, Ben Sibielski, Tom Struminsky, and Jeanine Walker
Nominations from the floor will be entertained at the Annual Meeting.
Please join in thanking those who have agreed to stand for election
to your vestry.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Join Greg and Anne at St. Elizabeth’s Court this Sunday, January 18th @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of that community. 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Prayer Shawl Ministry meets monthly on the first Saturday of the month @ 10AM at the church to knit shawls for those in need. Please contact Jean Hagan at 401-826-3484 for more information. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

• Food Pantry Collection. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. You are also invited to sign-up downstairs on the bulletin board to volunteer one day a month at the food bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). This will go to help those who are in need.

E-News for Jan 9, 2009

2009-01-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
January 9, 2009

Epiphany Pageant
Next Sunday, January 18th at the 10AM liturgy, our children and adults will participate in a “pick-up” pageant. This is not to be missed. All children are strongly encouraged to meet in the church at 9AM. Thanks, Greg

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the parish will be held on Sunday, January 25 @ 11AM. Members in good standing are invited to vote. All are strongly encouraged to attend.

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Adult ed. will this week will feature a video on the Holy Land. Please join us!

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Godly Play and Youth Group will meet in the church to practice the Epiphany Pageant…all are encouraged to participate. If you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

The Ascension Café
Coffee, tea, and breakfast foods are available in the Ascension Café—education wing @ 9AM.

Nametags!
On Sunday pick up your new nametag at entrance you have indicated. If you do not have a nametag, please write your name on the list that will be at the nametag holder. Please return the nametags to the basket underneath the nametag holder.

Coffee Hour
We have many open slots for 11AM coffee hour on Sundays. Please see the board in Geisser Hall to sign-up. This is an important hospitality ministry.

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays January 14th @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first Saturday of every month at 10AM to pray for those in need as we knit prayer shawls. Please contact Jean Hagan at (401) 826-3484 for further information. All are encouraged to attend. If you know of someone who may like to receive a prayer shawl, please speak with Greg, Anne, or Jean Hagan.

• Join Greg at St. Elizabeth’s Court Sunday, January 18th @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of this assisted living community at 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Food Pantry collection. Consider volunteering at the Cranston food pantry. Sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board in Geisser Hall. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). These will go to help those who are in need.

Readings for this Sunday:
(click here for online version)
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

E-News for Dec. 23, 2008

2008-12-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
December 23, 2008

*Christmas Eve Worship*
Wednesday, December 24th
@ 4PM (child-friendly) and
9:45 carols and music
10PM (solemn mass).
(Please note the time changes.)
Do invite your family, friends, and neighbors.

Staff Changes
Dear People of Ascension,
Venus Tavares, after three devoted years as our Parish Administrator, will be transitioning to our cleaning (sexton) position. She has been serving our parish through thick and thin, with a spirit of commitment to ministry at Ascension. Thank you, Venus!!!!
Jean Field, who joined Ascension back in April, has been called and hired as our Parish Administrator. Jean joins us from St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s in Providence, having recently retired as an administrator with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in downtown Providence. She holds a BA in sociology from SUNY and an MSW from RIC. Welcome, Jean!!!
I am thrilled that Venus will continue to work with us, and Jean who joins us on January 6th. The addition of Jean to my staff of Nancy, our director of music, and Venus makes for a wonderfully qualified and devoted group to help move Ascension into new ministries.
In hope of the One who is to come,
The Rev. Greg Lisby
Rector

Lessons and Carols
This Sunday, December 28th, we will have Lessons and Carols, with Communion, at the 10AM worship service. This is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Epiphany Pageant
On January 11th at the 10AM liturgy, our children and adults will participate in a “pick-up” pageant. This is not to be missed. All children are strongly encouraged to meet in the church at 9AM. Thanks, Greg

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays January 7th @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided. Our readings for that Wednesday are:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the parish will be held on Sunday, January 25 @ 11AM. Members in good standing are invited to vote. All are strongly encouraged to attend.

Going Green
Help us help Mother Earth!
Every week we use many bulletins to look on during service and guide us through our worship. Do the right thing and please recycle. In our efforts to conserve we have placed Green Recycling Boxes in the hall by the side entrance to the Church and in Geisser Hall. Help us in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Because the smaller the impact we have on our environment the better.
Thank you! Sophia Wright

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Adult ed. will resume January 4th. Please join us!

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Godly Play and Youth Group will resume January 4th. If you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Join Greg at St. Elizabeth’s Court Sunday, January 18th @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of that community. 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Food Pantry collection. Consider volunteering at the Cranston food pantry. Sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board in Geisser Hall. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). This will go to help those who are in need.

Readings for this Sunday:
(click here for online version)
8AM:
Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
John 1:1-18
10AM:
Genesis 3:1-23
Isaiah 40:1-11
Hebrews 1:1-12
John 1:1-18

Christmas Letter to the Parish

2008-12-19T08:45:00.001-08:00

In this season of Advent we prepare a house for God’s dwelling. This house is found within us; our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. You are the house where God has come to dwell and it is for this that we give thanks on Christmas.

Christ came among us in the most ordinary of ways, a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in nothing more fancy than a manger. It was in this simplicity that God comes to dwell among us.

Our world today is in turmoil over the loss of jobs, a worsening economic climate, and yet it is in this moment that we find ourselves seeking and searching for hope. When all hope seems lost, there appears in the night sky a small flickering light. That light serves as a reminder that we are not alone, God is amongst us, even when God seems so far away.

I invite you this Advent and Christmas season to ponder the indwelling, or incarnation, of Christ within our lives. Let us make room for Jesus to be housed within the very fabric of our being.

This Christmas Eve, December 24th, we will celebrate Christ’s birth at 4PM (child-friendly) and 10PM (solemn mass). We encourage you to invite family, friends and neighbors to experience the birth of Jesus. At both worship services we will have special music with our newly formed children’s choir singing at 4PM and guest soloist at 10PM.

Please find enclosed a Christmas flower envelope. Consider making a donation to the flower fund, plants are often $5 a piece, and help us to decorate the church for the holiday. You can return the envelope on Sunday in the collection plate or by mailing it to the church.

On behalf of my family, the church staff, wardens and vestry, I wish you a blessed Advent and a wonderful Christmas season.
In the name of the one who came and dwells within us, Jesus Christ,

I am faithfully yours,

The Rev’d Gregory Lisby
Rector

E-News for Dec. 19, 2008

2008-12-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Ascension E-News
December 19, 2008

*Christmas Eve Worship*
Wednesday, December 24th
@ 4PM (child-friendly) and
9:45 carols and music
10PM (solemn mass).
(Please note the time changes.)
Do invite your family, friends, and neighbors.

Reflection
My dear brothers and sisters who wait for the Christ,
This time of year, with all of it’s craziness and hectic pace, we end our worship this coming Sunday with the final three verses of “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” as a way to slow ourselves down and watch for the coming of Christ. I wonder how often we miss the Christ standing right before us because we are too busy, too consumed with the task at-hand. I know I do, probably everyday.
As we quickly approach the coming of the Christ-child December 24th let us pause and reflect on the One who came, comes, and will come again. We might miss Him if we don’t look up and see.
Even if it snows, we will gather to wait and watch for Jesus who is breaking forth every day of our lives.
In peace and stillness, Greg

Staff Changes
Dear People of Ascension,
Venus Tavares, after three devoted years as our Parish Administrator, will be transitioning to our cleaning (sexton) position. She has been serving our parish through thick and thin, with a spirit of commitment to ministry at Ascension. Thank you, Venus!!!!
Jean Field, who joined Ascension back in April, has been called and hired as our Parish Administrator. Jean joins us from St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s in Providence, having recently retired as an administrator with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in downtown Providence. She holds a BA in sociology from SUNY and an MSW from RIC. Welcome, Jean!!!
I am thrilled that Venus will continue to work with us, and Jean who joins us on January 6th. The addition of Jean to my staff of Nancy, our director of music, and Venus makes for a wonderfully qualified and devoted group to help move Ascension into new ministries.
In hope,
The Rev. Greg Lisby
Rector

Lessons and Carols
Next Sunday, December 28th, we will have Lessons and Carols, with Communion, at the 10AM worship service. This is a great way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Epiphany Pageant
On January 11th at the 10AM liturgy, our children and adults will participate in a “pick-up” pageant. This is not to be missed. All children are strongly encouraged to meet in the church at 9AM. Thanks, Greg

Giving Back to our Troops for the Holidays
I have contacted the Cranston Military office to see what we could do for the troops serving our country this year. They told us that the troops are doing okay, but their families are the ones that are having difficulties.
They have asked if we could supply Gift Cards so the families can buy what is really needed. They suggested gift cards from places like Wal-Mart or Target - places where mostly anything can be bought. Gift cards in any amount would be greatly appreciated.
We will start collecting gift cards December14th through December 23rd. Please see Venus Tavares, Carol Newberry or Catherine Shepherd with any questions.
Help brighten the holidays for those families whose loved ones are away serving our country.

All I Want for Christmas is a couple of Goats and a Goose!
Please see Mark Deland after the 10AM worship service if you would like to help purchase a pair of goats and now a goose from Gifts for Life. They are being purchased for families and villages in Africa.

Christmas Craft and Snack
This Sunday, December 21st snow or sun, we will gather immediately following the 10AM for our a Christmas craft and refreshment for those children not participating in the children’s choir. We will meet in Geisser Hall.

Children Invited to Sing at the 4PM Christmas Service
Nancy Nicholson, Director of Music, invites children of elementary school age and older to sing during the afternoon Christmas service on Dec. 24.
• Rehearsals: on the next three Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, beginning this Sunday after the 10 a.m. service.
• Who should come: Interested children should attend along with a parent.
• When? We will start promptly at 11:15.
• Where? Gather near the piano at the back of the sanctuary.
If you would like your child to participate, they must be in attendance on Sunday for rehearsal. Thanks, Greg

Bible Study
Join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays January 7th @ 10:30AM in the Education Wing. Coffee and tea are provided. Our readings for that Wednesday are:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

Going Green
Help us help Mother Earth!
Every week we use many bulletins to look on during service and guide us through our worship. Do the right thing and please recycle. In our efforts to conserve we have placed Green Recycling Boxes in the hall by the side entrance to the Church and in Geisser Hall. Help us in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Because the smaller the impact we have on our environment the better.
Thank you! Sophia Wright

Adult Education @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
This Sunday, we will continue discuss the incarnation through the eyes of Mary and Gabriel. We will be using images from art to spark our conversation. Please join us!

Children’s Education Sunday @ 9AM (held in the education wing)
Join us at 9:00am as we hear the story on Advent IV. I you have any questions please see lead teachers Catherine Shepherd or Carol Newberry.

Infant Room has moved
Great news! Sue Paugh opens the infant room from 9AM till 10AM, during the education hour. The infant room is for infants to toddlers, and is now found upstairs in the education wing. Thank you Sue for taking on this important ministry!

The Ascension Café
Coffee, tea, and breakfast foods are available in the Ascension Café—education wing @ 9AM.

Nametags!
On Sunday pick up your new nametag at entrance you have indicated. If you do not have a nametag, please write your name on the list that will be at the nametag holder. Please return the nametags to the basket underneath the nametag holder.

Coffee Hour
The Sibielski family is hosting coffee hour this week. Thank you, Sibielski’s. We have many open slots for 11AM coffee hour on Sundays. Please see the board in Geisser Hall to sign-up. This is an important hospitality ministry.

Outreach Opportunities (meeting Jesus in our neighbor)

• Join Greg at St. Elizabeth’s Court this Sunday, December 21 @ 1:45PM for a wonderful outreach Mass to the people of that community. 109 Melrose St. Providence, RI 02907 (401) 490-4646

• Food Pantry collection. Consider volunteering at the Cranston food pantry. Sign-up sheet is located on the bulletin board in Geisser Hall. Please remember that the food basket is located in the hallway outside the church for donated food to go to the Cranston Food Bank. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Sibielski.

• Arnold House Shelter Toiletry Items: Please bring in travel size toiletry items and place them in the bin in the back of the church (Narthex). This will go to help those who are in need.

Readings for this Sunday:
(click here for online version)
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Canticle 15
Romans 16: 25-27
Luke 1: 26-38

Sermon Notes 4-20-08

2008-04-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Be who you are are!

--Michelangelo said that the beautiful sculptures he created were already there, inside the stones. He simply removed the excess to reveal the precious essence. “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”

--Stephen sees Jesus, but the crowds see stones.
The crowd was blind to the reality that was staring them in the face.
--1 Peter reminds us; “What you can become is what you already are”
Through our baptism 1Peter reminds us that we have a new identity and that it is up to us to make that visible for all to see.
--John: Identity of Jesus: who Jesus says he is

--Sarah Dylan writes; “The God who created the universe is at work in Christ, the Christ in whom we abide. God's kingdom, God's dream, is no fantasy; it's the most fundamental of realities.”
If we believe Jesus, then we can stop saying "no way!" and live into the reality of Jesus the Way, until everyone God made and loves can tell the story of God's people as their own:
Once you were not a people,
but now you are God's people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
--The question for us; “Who do you say we are?”

--God has already created us to be who we are…now we are being given the opportunity to reveal the “precious essence” for all to see.

--We have acknowledge that the sculpting will be difficult, at times painful, take a lot of dedication and work, yet we haven’t talked about the joy that comes with discovery.

--The King James’ Version and Tyndale’s Version of the Bible use the word, “mansions,” whereas the Revised Standard uses dwelling places or “living spaces.” It is a “living space,” not a dying space, where life is experienced at its fullest.

--Jesus said; “in my father’s house, there are many dwelling places.” As we begin to unveil who God has created us to be, it is important to remember that here in this house of God there is room for all. Those who agree and those who disagree, those who are excited and those who are disappointed, those who hold onto the familiar and those who are excited about a new adventure. Here in this house, all have a place at the table, and we must learn to be okay with differences. “For in my father’s house, there are many dwelling places.”

--How often I would prefer in my own life to make all happy and like one another. Yet, Jesus says we must love one another, and that doesn’t always mean we will be of the same mind. But, we must be of the same heart.

--Yes, being in different places can be strenuous but by the very act of living into that tension, we are revealing the kingdom of God for all to see.

--“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
God is at work chiseling away at you and me, and right here in our parish; it’s not always comfortable, yet what is slowly being revealed is more precious and beautiful than we can ask or imagine. Let us be open and willing to see what lies underneath! Amen.

The Bread of Life

2008-04-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Please take a look at this important post from Bishop Marc Andrus of California on what an "average" family in various parts of the world eats/consumes in one week.
Click Here

Sermon Notes 3-30-08

2008-03-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

- "Doubt, writes Frederick Beuchner, is the ants in the pants of faith. Doubt keeps faith awake and moving."

Thomas and his doubt
• What great things God does through ordinary people:
o Peter,
• Peter who struggled but still God accomplished great things through him.
• It is the seeking of God that makes the difference…
• Just like Francis.
o Great things God did through Thomas and Francis

Thomas is at a crossroads.
• The question is "what will he become?"---faithful or unfaithful, trusting or untrusting? His question is commendable---his desire to be sure---is an aspect of his faith in God and in Jesus.

"Questions are good--- we are on a path, with very few answers" (Burger).
• The moment we stop asking questions is the moment we cease to be on a journey of faith.
• Only God knows and is the Truth, we are seekers… but we do not seek alone.
• Thomas, with questions, stays with his community even though his questions could've led him elsewhere.

Eucharist/Communion---
• Being together, receiving Christ,
• Sends us as Jesus was sent, but more importantly as the body of Christ which we are, and are becoming more and more as we receive…

Augustine said: “receive what you are, the body of Christ broken and poured out for the world.” Questions, doubts, and all…

A little humor

2007-05-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

PB Speaks

2007-03-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Our Presiding Bishops speaks on the latest House of Bishops gathering.
Click Here

Sacrament and Politics

2007-03-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Fr. Gunn offers some worth-reading reflections on those who seek to use the sacrament of Holy Communion as a weapon, a tool for there own political grandstanding. Click Here

The Church can respond...

2007-02-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

The PB reflects on how the church can respond to those who are hurting.
Click Here (video on right hand side)

Reflections of the PB

2007-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

A must listen to: Click
The PB speaks to the Church Center staff about the latest happenings in the Anglican Communion. I find her reflections thoughtful and with great theological depth.

Ordination Pictures

2007-02-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

A few pictures from my ordination. Thanks.

Happenings in the Anglican Communion

2007-02-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Click on the below link for a blog by Fr. Scott Gunn, Assistant at Church of the Epiphany in East Providence, RI. Fr. Gunn is on location in Tanzania to bear witness to the inclusion of all within the Church.
Click Here!!!

A Call to the Church!

2007-02-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

Trinity Wallstreet Confrence...Watch!!!

2007-01-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/education/?institute-2007&p=schedule&s=telecast

Click on the above link to watch four incredible speakers who talk about the "end times."

What it means to be the church: Fr. Matthew (Seminary classmate)

2007-01-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

Baptism!

2006-12-30T07:15:00.001-08:00

Martin Luther said that baptism is something

that's done in church one day but takes the

rest of our lives to complete.

"Theotokos"

2006-12-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Fourth Sunday of Advent we hear the beautiful story of Mary and Elizabeth. The original Greek of Mary's title is "Theotokos" which means "God Bearer" Something we should all be. John P Wood

An Incredible Ordination!

2006-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Mother Susan and our bishop, Bishop Wolf,
of the Diocese of Rhode Island.

Chanting the gospel at Mother Susan Wrathall's ordination
to the priesthood on Dec. 16, 2006.
Photos taken by Dee. Thanks!

Sermon: 3rd Sunday in Advent

2006-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

True confession…

I have always rather liked John the Baptist; his rather earthy flare, unkempt hair, lack of proper bathing habits and locust gourmet leanings. This is a man who loved to rough it and connect in the most uninhibited way with his creator. John the Baptist’s way of self-care and communing with God is every thing I am not. Just look at my perfectly parted hair, enjoyment of all things French cuisine, Brooks Brothers; John the Baptizer and I don’t have a lot outwardly in common. Yet still, I have always been drawn to his story, his prophesy, his desire for a deeper relationship with God.

There are no roses and lollipops, teddy bears and pleasantries with John; he is all business and he doesn’t play around. John the Baptist is the first century precursor to Dr. Phil. John has brought us a wake-up call unlike any other we hear in the gospel stories and my guess is they didn’t like what he had to say then or how he said it and we probably don’t really care for his use of descriptives today. But isn’t that what Advent is really all about? A wakeup call that rings loader than the old fashioned wind-up clocks!

John Dewy reminds us that the graphic language of Advent from a little apocalypse to John the Baptist is really for those of us wrapped up in consumerism, work responsibilities, and dislike for our fellow citizen of God, that we need God shouting at us to get back to the who we have been created to be.

John the Baptist isn’t trying to scare those who are listening, but instead he is trying to get us to think about the seriousness of that preparation for the coming of Christ on the last day.

The challenge for us baptized Christians is that the act of baptism often precedes the life of preparation. It almost seems illogical for us; you wouldn’t invest in the stock market without doing your homework, you hopefully don’t enter into a committed long-term relationship such as marriage without first going through a process of falling in love with each other. The preparatory work in our life as Christians often starts after baptism. And, it’s a preparation that continues until death. What are we preparing for?

Through Christ, we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God. We state; “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,” this is our preparatory work. The work to be done as inheritors of the Kingdom of God is to be an active participant in this reality, the reality of the incarnation.

If we are going to become who we all ready have created to be 6than we have to throw off that which keeps us from becoming more fully who God intends for us to be. God is more interested in the wheat than in the chaff. And so, we are given another invitation in the life cycle of the church to give our attention to the wheat.

The prophet Zephaniah calls on Israel to turn from idol worship, repent of those that keep them from fully embracing God’s story, and be made new. I am thankful we get some TLC from Zephaniah, for the early chapters and verses sound more like John the Baptist. These final verses from the prophecy tell of the hope and outcome of that process of returning to God. They need to free themselves of that which they carry around like an anvil around their necks in order to rediscover who God calls them into being. This will usher in the Kingdom where God will gather the outcasts and exile and our shame turned into to praise.

Paul the Apostle exhorts his beloved church in Philippi to live more intentionally into that peace and love which passes all understanding. By doing so, we will be able to more authentically represent not only to the world but also to each other an affective example of healing and reconciling nature of God. Taking time to practice those things that have been learned and received, heard and seen, will give us a greater awareness of who God intends for us to be, an affective example of Christ to all in need.

Yet, we return to the Dr. Phil Show. In order for us to grasp what Zephaniah and Paul are saying we have to first attend to those things in our lives that keep us from becoming who Christ calls us to be. You and I must invest the time, energy, and resources…STEWARDSHIP…into who we already are, inheritors of the Kingdom of God. That is what John the Baptist is crying out for us to do in this season of preparation and anticipation. It is a new way of being human.

Advent and all the array of images and scripture that comes with it is really just calling us to check-in with God and ourselves and discover again a new way of being human. Where do we need to repent; change our story? Being human is not about you! We do not live in a vacuum, but within a community, a family!

The only way in which we will ever come to know the gift we have been given through Jesus Christ is by making it a point to look at that which we are loaded down with, those things which we put on ourselves and keep us from embracing the greatest love story ever known.

May you enjoy this season of joy, anticipation, and preparation, and may you discover that voice crying out deep within the wilderness…prepare the way of the Lord!

St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Providence, RI

2006-12-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome!

2006-12-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope this finds you well. The reason behind this blog is three fold; to be a place of conversation, get us a little more happening in today's world, and allow me to share with you some reflections on our Christian journey together.

The hope is that I will be disciplined enough to update this blog on a regular basis. And, that you and I might journey together in another way in our commitment our shared faith.

Peace,

Greg