Each day of Lent from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday (Sundays excluded), the parishioners and clergy of the Church of the Ascension reflect on the day’s scripture readings in the Lenten Devotional. We invite you to join us as we make a pilgrimage through its pages in the journey toward the Resurrection.
Join us for our Holy Week observances on Palm Sunday; the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; the Easter Vigil; and Easter Sunday. Follow along on Jesus’ journey — from acclaimed prophet to enemy of the state and, ultimately, Risen Lord — through the ancient rhythms of Christian liturgy and sacred music.
The rector writes: “This Saturday, March 25, at noon at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Bishop Dietsche has invited all members of the Diocese of New York to a solemn Service of Apology for slavery and its aftermaths in our diocese and communities. I hope that all of you who are able will participate, either in person or online. This is part of an ongoing process that our church has embarked on: to grapple with the horror and impact of 400 hundred years of racist dehumanization, exploitation and violence from before the founding of our country until the present day. It is vital for our souls, and for our life together.”
This week, the rector reflects on grace and shares a poem by Denise Levertov to expand our imagination about what grace might be. Also: the parish’s Lenten book study continues (Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginners Guide to Holy Week, by Amy-Jill Levine) and there is one slot remaining for the March 28 house eucharist, plus much more going on as we approach Holy Week!
This week, the rector gives an update on the Fifth Avenue bell tower restoration: “This coming Monday, March 13, scaffolding will begin to go up in our front garden, and if permit filing and other preparations go as planned, actual construction work will begin about two weeks later.” Also: the clergy will offer prayers for healing, laying on of hands and anointing to all who desire them as part of Sunday’s 11 am Eucharist.
Listen to the sermon preached by guest preacher the Rev. Megan Sanders, chaplain to Canterbury Downtown, the community of downtown Manhattan’s college students, on the Second Sunday in Lent. The readings for this day: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17.
The rector writes: “I am deeply grateful that we are able to journey through Lent together in person this year. Although much of our Lenten observance often focuses on individual practices (and fruitfully so), we are also invited to communal disciplines and learning — to be renewed as a body. It is a gift to share our Lenten journey in all these ways, and we grow as a parish as we walk with one another in this season of repentance, reflection and renewal.”
Things certainly don’t slow down around here for Lent — in fact, they tend to pick up: the Lenten devotional; house Eucharists; a special book study; a “Lent Quiet Morning” at the church with the Rev. Micah Bucey of Judson Memorial; a special day of service for Haiti at Bon Samaritan in the Bronx…. Check out our newsletter and see what speaks to you for your journey toward the Easter Resurrection.
Join us in person for the Ash Wednesday liturgy at 8 am, noon, or, with full choir, at 7 pm. Ashes will also be imposed at the front gate throughout the day from 9 am to 6 pm. To watch the 7 pm service online, go to ascensionnyc.org/webcasts.
This week, in anticipation of Ash Wednesday, the rector writes: “This week’s e-news offers a robust list of Lenten possibilities at our parish: study, worship, community, prayer and service. Please peruse them and see what calls to you this year. It’s a joy to be able to return to some of the Lenten practices that have meant a lot to us as a community in the past, while also exploring new ones.” Nevertheless, on this last Sunday of Epiphany, the music will be transporting (Grand Dialogue in C, Marchand; O for a closer walk, Stanford; Exsultate Justi, Viadana; Horn Pipe from Water Music, Handel), befitting our Gospel lesson: Matthew’s recounting of the Transfiguration.