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SUNDAY SCHOOL
This is the third week of Advent. The Godly Play Advent lessons help us prepare for the Mystery of Christmas. We move toward Bethlehem, guided by the pointing prophets, with the Holy Family, the shepherds and the Magi. We arrive at the birth of Jesus and the lighting of the Christ Candle in the church. This week's presentation focuses on the shepherds.
ADVENT REFLECTIONS – WEDNESDAYS 8:00 P.M.
Please join us for our Advent Reflections using the Living Compass book - Living Well Through Advent 2024, on Wednesday evenings. The reflections will be on Zoom from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., followed by Compline at 9:00. All are welcome!!
COMPLINE SERVICE – WEDNESDAYS 9:00 P.M.
Our Compline service is held on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. Come and join us by zoom for our weekly Wednesday evening service.
BIBLE STUDY IN ENGLISH – MONDAYS 7:00 P.M.
We will meet on Monday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the library. During this session, we’ll explore Romans chapter 3, a passage that highlights humanity’s universal need for God’s grace, the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and the incredible gift of redemption offered to all. It’s a message of hope, equality, and God’s boundless mercy. Join us to deepen your understanding of this transformative chapter and participate in a meaningful discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!
CHURCH MEMBERS CONTACT INFORMATION
Have you moved or changed your mailing address or contact information? If so, please reach out to our church office Administrator Julie Lively at 301.948.0122 to update your information. You may also log in to your Onrealm.org account to update your profile or fill out a New Member Card at church. We want to make sure you're getting all our church communications.
SPECIAL 1-A SERVICE & COFFEE HOUR JAN. 29
Join us on Sunday, December 29, for a 1-A service, followed by a festive coffee hour. Let’s come together to share some holiday cheer! Please bring something to share and join us downstairs after the service. We look forward to celebrating with you. For questions or more details, please contact Janet - bkmechanical@aol.com.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE VESTRY?
The Vestry serves three-year terms and meets monthly, primarily via Zoom, with four in-person meetings each year. Members are also expected to attend the Annual Meeting and quarterly Parish Council meetings. It's a rewarding opportunity! For questions or nominations, contact Kristen Keating (kkeating125@comcast.net), Ruth Anna Skowronski (ruth.skowronski@gmail.com), or Shirley Allen (shirleyeallen@msn.com) quickly since we have already passed the cut-off date
SPANISH BIBLE STUDY - 7:00 P.M. ON ZOOM
Join us this Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. for our weekly Bible study! Last week, we dove into Hebrews chapter 10, a passage that highlights the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the rituals of the Old Covenant. This week, we will continue to explore how the earthly tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus' redemptive work and how His perfect sacrifice grants us direct access to God and a cleansed conscience. It will be a time of reflection, learning, and fellowship. Don't miss it!
BOOK CLUB - WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
December 18 at 11:00, our potluck Christmas brunch and a $15 gift exchange. December 25 is Christmas!
January 8 we will start our new book: The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World by Rabbi Sharon Brous. We meet in the church library at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays.
JOIN US FOR OUR BILINGUAL POSADAS
The Church of the Ascension invites you to celebrate the tradition of Las Posadas, which commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place where Mary could give birth to Jesus.
📅 Dates and Times:
- TODAY, Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:15 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 1:15 p.m.
🛐 Location:
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Inside: Church of the Ascension
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Outside: Via Zoom
Celebrate with a beautiful blend of faith and tradition! Participants on Zoom will represent the pilgrims seeking lodging, while those in the church will be the hosts welcoming them. Don’t miss this opportunity to share music, prayer, and community. On the last Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 1:15 p.m., we will conclude with a special celebration featuring food to share, traditional carols, piñatas, and warm drinks. Bring a dish to share and join in these special celebrations. All are welcome at these joyful gatherings.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE – SAT. DECEMBER 21
Join us for a Blue Christmas Service on Saturday, December 21, at 6:00 p.m. This special gathering offers a quiet and contemplative space for those who may be experiencing grief, loss, or difficulty during the holiday season. Through reflective readings, gentle music, and moments of prayer, we come together to find comfort and hope in the midst of life’s challenges. All are welcome to share in this meaningful time of support and healing.
BAPTISM DAY – SUNDAY JANUARY 12
We invite you to take the next step in your faith journey! Baptism Day will take place on Sunday, January 12. If you or a loved one would like to be baptized, please contact Padre Javier for more information and preparation details.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate this special sacrament!
THE COMFORT CASES BIN IS READY FOR YOUR DONATIONS
The season of giving is upon us, and once again Comfort Cases in Rockville needs our help for children entering foster care. Over 700 children enter the foster care system every single day. Most are given a trash bag to carry their belongings. These children have been neglected and often feel like they don’t matter. Many do not own a toothbrush or have a pair of pajamas. At Comfort Cases, we believe that every child deserves to feel a sense of dignity. Every child deserves to pack their belongings in a special bag that they can call their very own. —Comfort Cases, Rockville, Maryland (comfortcases.org)
Please place your donated items in the bin in the hallway near the office. Here are the needed items:
* Blankets (handmade ones are welcome!) no larger than 30” X 40”. They should be thin enough to fit easily in a backpack with other items.
* Pajamas, or T-shirts and pajama bottoms—sizes infant through Adult XL (many teens need large sizes).
* Stuffed animals no larger than 11” tall.
NOTE: All items should be NEW, and tags should still be attached (when possible). Please, no holiday or religious themes. No toiletries are needed at this time. You may also check the Comfort Cases Amazon Wish List and send needed items directly to Comfort Cases: (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/37PJILVL93O13)
The Comfort Cases staff members are extremely grateful for all our donations. They have thanked us heartily for the many bins of donated items we have brought them throughout the year. Questions? Email the Ascension Equity & Justice Committee at ascensionaejc@gmail.com
INTRODUCING "THURSDAYS AT 3"
Ascension's Equity & Justice Committee (AEJC) has started a weekly bible study / community meeting every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Ascension library.
While we plan to slowly continue our study of Luke, Acts and parts of Thich Nhat Hanh's Living Buddha Living Christ, the meetings are primarily meant to be a space where we put our faith into action.
We live in an area that purports to offer many resources for those who are in need or facing adversity; but in reality, there are many barriers to the poor accessing things like county emergency rental assistance or a legal aid lawyer. As Christians we feel called to help our neighbors confront and navigate these barriers, so our Thursdays at 3 meetings will also serve as a safe, non-judgmental space open to our friends and neighbors looking for help.
Any members of the congregation who would like more information, feel free to stop by any Thursday at 3:00 p.m. (we will not be meeting Dec 26th nor Jan 2nd) or contact AEJC Chair, David Mullins - (817) 676-1458 | ascensionaejc@gmail.com
EPIPHANY PAGEANT – SUNDAY JANUARY 5
Coming January 5 at 5:00 p.m. Please email megandidavi02@gmail.com (as soon as possible) if your child would like to participate
PILATES CLASS HIATUS
The free Monday Pilates will resume in January. Take this time to practice and stretch independently. The starting date will be announced in advance so you can make the class part of your New Year routine. Enjoy your holidays!
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