E-News for Jan 16, 2009

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.