The readings this week raise the themes of shame and humility — two concepts which, to me as an Individualist lapsed Christian child of the 80s, have always been very uncomfortable concepts. I am well-acquainted with shame; as a young adult, guilt and shame threatened to take me down, going so far as to drive me to a suicide attempt. I loathed the ideas
The Book of Daniel, from which one of today’s readings is taken, has fascinated me since childhood Sunday School days, because it is filled with vivid imagery. Of course there are the stories of the lion’s den, the writing on the wall, the fiery furnace, the interpretation of the king’s dreams and beasts galore. Today’s passage is certainly appropriate for Lent, as it presents
In addition to the weekday Eucharist services at 6pm and Sunday services at 9am, 11am and 7pm, there are several special programs and activities at Ascension this Lenten Season including Forums after the Sunday 11 o’clock service. Here is a link to the sermon for the last Sunday in Lent by our Rector, The Rev. Elizabeth Maxwell. The schedule for Holy Week Services is
“Sin.” A tough word. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves.” What is sin? The Oxford English Dictionary, calling it “a transgression of the divine law and an offense against God,” does not help much. When someone said to me, “I don’t sin,” I wondered what she meant. Offenses that are on the law books? Some form of moral turpitude? Sin
Lent is my most favorite time of year. It is the one time in our liturgical calendar where we are encouraged to rid ourselves of worldly distractions and return to the most important relationship of all – our relationship with God. It is a time of penitent renewal, through repentance and reconciliation. A time where we uncomplicate the complicated,and are reborn in the simplicity
Storytelling is a wonderful means of cultural transmission. At a time when a majority of the population could not read or write it was a way of passing on information — lessons in behavior; lessons in survival; important life lessons. The Greek myths are full of life lessons and problem solving messages. So, too, are fairy tales. So much of Jesus’ teaching was done
Friday, March 2, through Sunday, March 4, join us for a retreat that explores the role and benefit of times of quiet and silence in our tradition and in our spiritual lives. Our time together will help us listen to the still, small voice of God, struggle with the frustrations and longing that come with silence, and find a place of a quiet restfulness.
The following is schedule for the Lenten Forums which take place in the Parish Hall after the 11 o’clock Sunday service. Sunday, February 17 – Healing Prayer, led by Mother Liz – An examination of healing prayer in scripture, and a conversation about the healing prayer ministry at Ascension. Sunday, February 25 – Living a Life in Recovery: a Practical Approach to the Twelve
On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, join us for a festive Mardi Gras reception and pancake supper at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. Be sure to bring your palms from last year and join us after the festivities as we burn them to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. The next day, February 14th, Ash Wednesday services take place at 8am, noon and 7pm with the
Ascension Outreach and Resistance Cinema present The Great White Hoax in the Parish House of The Church of the Ascension, 12 West 11th Street, at 7pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. The film features acclaimed anti-racist educator and author Tim Wise who explores how American political leaders of both parties have been tapping into white anxiety, stoking white grievance, and scapegoating people of color