Hearing today’s gospel – this old familiar story – is like hearing from a long-time friend. We are eager to resume conversation with a familiar voice.
And on my end of the conversation, I find myself of late, looking at parables through a series of lenses, all of which are formed by Jesus’ own words: “The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to…”
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 7 pm in the parish hall. We begin an exploration of racial justice and what we as a parish and individuals can do about it with a discussion of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ award-winning book, Between the World and Me. All are welcome to what promises to be a challenging and lively conversation. Please read the book in advance; it’s widely
Lament and the Book of Lamentations, this Sunday, March 13, 2016. Following the 11am service, we continue the Lenten study of Lamentations, led by Shana Kaplanov, GTS Seminarian. Laments give voice to experiences of loss, pain, and tragedy. The Book of Lamentations is a collection of five poems of lament about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 587 BCE. The following link
Indeed, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last. This is the verse that directly precedes today’s gospel passage. It comes at the end of a series of parables all having to do with repentance. This may help us to understand what Jesus is getting at in his reply to the Pharisees who, supposedly with compassion, want him to know that Herod wants him dead. But as we consider what’s contained in today’s gospel lesson, let’s step back and recall…
The Ascension Organ Series presents Diptyque and Les Corps Glorieux by Olivier Messiaen performed by Organist Jon Gillock on the Manton Memorial Organ, Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 8:00pm. We are proud to continue this distinguished series of concerts featuring The Complete Organ Works of Olivier Messiaen, played by the internationally acclaimed interpreter, Jon Gillock, Messiaen’s friend and disciple. Especially interesting for Messiaen aficionados
Ascension Forum: A Contemporary Exodus – On February 28, after the 11:00 a.m. service, Eliza Griswold will lead a forum on the plight of Christians and other religious minorities fleeing ISIS, and other existential threats in the larger Middle East. Ms. Griswold is an award-winning journalist and poet, a courageous reporter and keen observer of both faith and human stories. The Tenth Parallel, her
Women Rectors: Leadership for the 21st Century- a panel and roundtable discussion featuring five women rectors of the Diocese of New York, including our own Mother Liz- Tuesday, March 1 at 6 pm at the Church of the Ascension. The Church Club of New York is sponsoring this event, which begins with the Eucharist and a tour of the church, and includes a reception
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.