Author: websexton

The rector writes: “This Sunday, we will celebrate Earth Day at Ascension, with special prayers in our liturgy and a forum following the 11 am service. For me, the antidote to hopelessness and overwhelm is often taking small (and sometimes not so small) actions to address a problem, continuing consistently over time and doing it with others.” Also this week: the first inquirer’s class for those interested in being confirmed by Bishop Glasspool on Ascension Day; a blood drive held by our friends at Grace Church; a lunchtime gathering on Wednesday; and a Spring Gardening and Gathering party next Saturday!

A poem this week for Earth Month…and a forum next Sunday to discuss how we can better care for “this fragile earth, our island home.” This Sunday’s music at 11 am includes “But thanks be to God” from Handel’s Messiah and Gabriel Fauré’s Tantum Ergo.

From the organist & choirmaster: “Since our choir is off this Sunday for a well-deserved rest, we have scheduled a special solo, the famous bass aria from Handel’s Messiah, ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound.’ Our fabulous Jason Eck will sing it, and will do the entire recitative and full version of this iconic aria. This will be a treat for all. Organ music will include colorful pieces of François Couperin and ‘The Rejoicing’ from Handel’s Water Music.”

This week, the rector shares Mary Oliver’s “The Poet Thinks About the Donkey,” reflecting on one of the least considered characters in the Palm Sunday story. On Sunday morning at the 11 am service, we will have the Liturgy of the Palms (including a procession with hymn through the neighboring streets Greenwich Village) and the dramatic reading of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Passion. And Sunday begins our parish’s collective observance of Holy Week: the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Great Vigil at the tomb, all in hope of the Resurrection. Join us!