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SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Parable of the Leaven is found in Matthew 13:3 and Luke 13:20-21. The kingdom of Heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened. Many years ago, a little girl about five-years old discovered what many people miss today about this parable. When commenting on her expressive art, she said, "the lady is Moses, and the bread is not Matzo." The bread for the Jewish Passover, has no leaven in it.
No Sunday School/Nursery care December 1:
Due to Thanksgiving weekend, there will be no Sunday School or Nursery care on Sunday, December 1. Parents can watch the service from the nursery in Room 3 while their children play. Coloring pages and activities sheets will be available in the back of the church.
COMPLINE SERVICE
During the early days of the covid-19 pandemic, many of us felt anxious and disconnected, especially those living alone. In response, we started a daily Compline service to maintain our connection. After a year and a half, as we transitioned to what we now call “the new normal,” we reduced the service to twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. As we begin a new activities year and in response to requests for a Bible Study in English, we are now holding the Compline service only on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. NO COMPLINE THIS WEEK
BIBLE STUDY
You are welcome to join us for our upcoming Bible study this Monday at 7:00 p.m.. This week, we will be diving into Romans Chapter 2, exploring its powerful themes of God’s righteousness, judgment, and the call to live a life of genuine faith. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together in God’s Word. Come as you are and if you can bring a friend—everyone is welcome! See 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.
HELP PUT TOGETHER THE GIVING TREE
Please join us in the undercroft from 11:30am to 1:00 pm TODAY, on Sunday, November 24, to create the cards and ornaments for the Giving Tree.
Thank you.
WEDNESDAY MORNING BOOK CLUB
November 27, we will not meet.
December 4, chapter 12, concluding the book.
December 11, a selected reading, TBD.
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.
FREE PILATES CLASS
There will be no Pilates class on Monday, November 25. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2, at 6:00 PM.
Bible Study in Spanish, Wednesdays at 7:00 PM on Zoom
You are invited on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 PM to our Bible study on Zoom. (We will not have Bible study on Wednesday, November 27.) We will be studying Hebrews Chapter 8, reflecting on the new covenant and the incredible role of Christ as our High Priest. This is a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into God’s Word, learn together, and strengthen our faith. No matter where you are, you can join us from the comfort of your home. Invite a friend or neighbor and don’t miss it!
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) by December 1, 2024.
ADVENT REFLECTIONS
Please join us for our Advent Reflections using the Living Compass book - Living Well Through Advent 2024, on Wednesday evenings starting December 4th. The reflections will be on Zoom from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., followed by Compline at 9:00. All are welcome!!
EPIPHANY PAGEANT
Coming January 5 at 5:00 p.m. Please email megandidavi02@gmail.com (as soon as possible) if your child would like to participate.
COLUMBARIUM COMMITTEE UPDATE, NOVEMBER 2024
During December 2024, you will notice a large hardscape project taking place outside the Columbarium and behind the Chapel. The sidewalks at the end of the Church back door stairs and behind the Chapel will be removed and replaced with a four-foot paver walkway which will lead into the Columbarium grounds. The large and overgrown azaleas at the back door will be removed, and a series of small retaining walls will lead to a gathering area at the entrance to the Columbarium. Another walkway will run between the existing planting area next to the Church wall and the Columbarium central in-ground interment area.
Landscaping in this area will be done in the Spring of 2025.
This project continues the renovation / restoration of the Columbarium begun in November 2024.
Any questions may be addressed to the Columbarium Committee at Columbarium@ascensionmd.org
OUR NEXT STEP TO OUR SACRED GROUNDS
This past June Church of the Ascension began an exciting journey to put OUR/YOUR FAITH values in action on our grounds here and at home. We are grateful that you participated in Sacred Grounds by pledging and planting native plants at your home. In doing so we can care for God’s creation, Earth, nature, and wildlife. By planting native plants, we help people and wildlife including protecting nearby streams that flow into Chesapeake Bay.
The discussion will focus on steps such as replacing a small part of your lawn with native plants to protect water quality and to support pollinators. We will be talking about ways to make it easy for all of us to help people and wildlife at home. In the spring there will be an opportunity for parishioners to receive a selection of free native plants.
Please join us TODAY, Sunday, November 24th after the 10:00 a.m. service to take part in our discussion group. The discussion group will be facilitated by an expert - Mirele B. Goldsmith from Sacred Grounds. Please meet us in the library at 11:15 a.m..
Your views will help our team of volunteers to shape this program so that it works for you and The Episcopal Church of the Ascension.
Thank you!
Mirele B. Goldsmith, PhD (Sacred Grounds), Naomi Edelson (National Wildlife Federation), and Kay Kolle (Church of the Ascension Green Team Chair) ascensionmdgreen@gmail.com.
THE COMFORT CASES BIN IS READY FOR YOUR DONATIONS
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)
The season of giving is upon us, and once again Comfort Cases in Rockville needs our help for children entering foster care. 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 XLarge (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 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.
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:
- Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 1:15 p.m.
- 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 this joyful gathering.
All are welcome to these joyful gatherings.
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve
- 5:00 p.m. Family Service – Perfect for children of all ages, with readings and communion.
- 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Spanish Service
- 8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – Christmas Day
- 9:00 a.m. One Ascension Service (Bilingual Holy Eucharist)
Sunday, December 29, 2024 – First Sunday after Christmas
- 10:00 a.m. One Ascension Service (Bilingual Holy Eucharist) and New Year Celebration.
Sunday, January 5, 2025 – Second Sunday after Christmas
- 5:00 p.m. Epiphany Pageant
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Join us as we celebrate the joy of Christmas and the birth of our Savior!
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