E-News for Dec. 23, 2008

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