Church of the Ascension-Northern Highlands Benefice

Lydia’s Table is a different way of doing and being Church. Some would call it dinner church. A small group of our members come together together for a special time of food, fellowship and faith. Our goal is to experience the Holy in a way that is strong enough to lean on, deep enough to question, and challenging enough to transform us. Our worship takes place around around a big, delicious meal that we cook together. Communion is made as we share food and ourselves by reading scripture, talking about our lives, and praying together. Just as Jesus told a lot of stories, so will we spend time telling our stories. We tell the story of Christ’s dying and rising, and through it uncover the daily dyings and risings that comprise our lives. Intrigued? Come and join us! Our next Lydia’s Table will be this coming Tuesday, February 6th beginning at 5:30pm. Future dates for Lydia’s Table will be: May 1, July 31, and November 6. A sign up sheet may be found in the narthex of the church, but it would be most helpful if you reply to this email to let me know if you plan to join us.

PRAYERS AND SQUARES: A prayer quilt is unique not in the pattern, or color, or workmanship, but in the fact that a silent prayer for someone in need is "tied" into each one. A heavy thread is used to stitch through the quilt layers, with the ends free to be tied in a square knot. As each knot is tied, a silent prayer is offered for the recipient of the quilt. The quilt is then given to that person, to comfort and to be wrapped in prayers. There are many ways to be a part of this ministry, and sewing is just a piece of it. Requests are taken for someone who would appreciate a prayer quilt.

FOOD SHELF DONATIONS: On the first Sunday of each month, food that is collected throughout the month is blessed and taken to the Community Food Shelf. Collections, however, happen every day that the church is open! Donations may be placed in the baskets at the top of the stairs in the foyer. In these days in which many in our community are struggling financially, this is an excellent and effective way to reach out. We also pass second baskets around on the first Sunday of each month. Money that is collected in these baskets is given directly to local food shelves. Please consider giving generously.

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS: Meals on Wheels is an important ministry to elderly and homebound people. We work with the Hayward Senior Resource Center to bring hot lunches to these mostly lower income people who have difficulty procuring or preparing their own meals. We have had the same crew of faithful folks who deliver the meals each Friday.