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About Us
We are Sierra Madre's village church, where all are welcome - from "town" and beyond. We are a place to meet God and your neighbors, serving Christ today for those who will know and serve Christ tomorrow. |
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We offer praise and thanksgiving to God through a variety of ministries, including worship, fellowship, formation, pastoral care, outreach, and by being present in the larger church and our community. |
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Making an offering of your resources - time, talent, and treasure - is an integral part of what it means to be a Christian. There are many ways you can support our church. |
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Upcoming Events and Services December 10, 2023 Second Sunday of Advent Services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. “I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him." (Psalm 85:8) December 17, 2023 Third Sunday of Advent 10:15 a.m. - One Service - Lessons and Carols (no Eucharist) December 24, 2023 Fourth Sunday in Advent 9:30 a.m. - One Morning Service 4:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Hymns and Carols 5:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Service December 25, 2023 Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. - One Morning Service December 31, 2023 New Year's Eve 9:00 a.m. - One Morning Service Click HERE to view on Facebook LIVE (A Facebook account is not required to view the link.) See QUICK LINKS at right for the service bulletins and lessons. Based upon updated guidelines from the Los Angeles County Health Department, and State authorities, we encourage those with heightened vulnerabilities to continue wearing masks. Ascension has returned to offering Communion at the rail, either kneeling or standing facing east. We continue to provide the small glasses that will be filled from the common cruet. Please note that the practice of intinction (where a parishioner dips the bread in the wine) is not permitted under the diocesan guidelines. A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer (page 815)
Episcopal Relief and Development is mobilizing with Anglican agencies and other partners in order to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. Working through the Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT Alliance), Episcopal Relief & Development will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed assistance. “Ecumenical and orthodox faith networks are on the ground in the border areas of Poland and Hungary,” said Abagail Nelson, executive vice president, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We will continue to coordinate with these networks, in order to meet the needs of people who have been displaced. ”Please pray for all those affected. Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s International Disaster Response Fund will provide humanitarian assistance for the crisis in Ukraine. Responding to Turkey and Syria: Many people have inquired about how to respond to the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We all know that the recovery will take years, if not decades. One option is to contribute through Episcopal Relief and Development. They are working in concert with the Anglican Alliance and other European partners. Here is the link to their website: https://www.episcopalrelief.org Also, Vestry member Matt Gorman offers this consideration: “Acts 11:26 mentions Barnabas and Saul teaching in Antioch (aka, Antakya) which is where followers were first called “Christians” … according to Galatians 2:11, it was in Antioch where Paul confronted Peter “to his face”. It is sad to now see the tragedy in this birthplace of Christianity where the people have kept the faith alive for centuries, often in the face of persecution." The link for donations to the Antiochian diocese is HERE. A couple of other recent articles are below:
A Prayer for Ukraine: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen (Archbishops Justin Welby & Stephen Cottrell) |
QUICK LINKS
THIS SUNDAY: Father Michael will be celebrating and preaching at both services. At the 10:15 a.m. service, we look forward to Robert Williamson and the choir offering the anthem "Prepare, Prepare the way of the Lord."
BETWEEN THE MASSES: The adult discussion group meets between the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:15 a.m. services in Hawks Hall. STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: Our pledge goal for 2024 is $220,000. So far, we have 44 households pledging and a pledge total of $171,470. Don’t forget you can always pledge online via the church website under GIVE, or pick up a pledge card at the back of the church or on the reception table in Hawks Hall. MONTHLY "SPIRE" NEWSLETTER: Printed copies of the December Spire can be found at the back of the church and on the reception table in Hawks Hall, or read the newsletter HERE. The TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER GROUP will meet on Tuesday, December 12 at 6pm at The Only Place in Town, 110 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre (626) 355-3502. Please RSVP to Ray Smith at ray@madre.net or 626-233-1035. All are welcome. THURSDAY MORNING MASS will be held on December 14 at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel. RECTOR'S FORUM will be held on Thursday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m. in the rector's office. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17: LESSONS AND CAROLS will be celebrated during the 10:15am service. Following the service, we will host a brunch for all to enjoy. Please sign up on the sheet in Hawks Hall (include your name and the number of people in your party) so we will know how many to provide for. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE will be hosted at Church of the Ascension on Wednesday, December 20 from noon until 6:00pm in Hawks Hall. Please visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code ECTA to schedule an appointment. HOLIDAYS AT HILLSIDES 2023 - Let's show our generous support by providing gifts to those in need this holiday season. Gift cards for $25 from Vons, Food for Less, Ralphs, Target, Walmart, and Amazon will make the holidays brighter. Please leave your donations in the collection plate on Sundays or drop them off in the parish office by Sunday, December 17. Deacon Ed will deliver them to Hillsides. FRIENDS IN DEED is lower than ever on food. Please join in Ascension’s Monthly Collection of specific “Gold Items". DECEMBER items are canned tuna/chicken, hearty soups, chilis and stews. ST. ANNE'S ALTAR GUILD IS COLLECTING FOR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND GREENS: Envelopes are available at the back of the church and in the parish hall. Please make checks payable to Church of the Ascension. Please turn in donations by December 19 for notation in the Christmas bulletin. SIMILARLY, OUR MUSIC MINISTRY IS ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT: Envelopes are available at the back of the church and in the parish hall. Please make checks payable to Church of the Ascension (with the notation "Music Fund"). Please turn in donations by December 19 for notation in the Christmas bulletin. ALTAR FLOWERS, SANCTUARY CANDLES, AND COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEETS are on the bulletin board outside Hawks Hall. You can also sign up for flowers and sanctuary candle online by using these links: Altar Flowers Sanctuary Candle WEEKLY PRAYER: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. |
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The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
25 East Laurel Ave Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Phone: 626-355-1133 Email: parish@ascension-sierramadre.com Sunday Schedule 8:00 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 10:15 a.m. - The Holy Eucharist (Rite II, with music) Childcare is available at both services |
