This week, Mother Liz shares an inspiring encounter with Benchmarks, a vibrant public art exhibit in Washington Square Park created by NYC public school students. Their painted benches — on themes like justice, peace, and care for creation — spark reflections on public witness, creative hope, and the Spirit’s work in our world. As we celebrate Ascensiontide, she invites us to consider how the risen Christ, now present in all things, continues to inspire acts of beauty, courage, and love in surprising places. Come be encouraged in this season of transformation and creativity!

This week’s newsletter opens with a joyful message from the Rev. Deacon Brother Andrew, our parish administrator, who was recently ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church. He shares his gratitude for the community’s support and reflects on the deacon’s call to lift up the needs and hopes of the world. Looking ahead, he’ll begin his diaconal ministry at St. Mark’s in the Bowery this fall — while continuing as our beloved administrator — and will serve as deacon and preacher at Ascension on Pentecost. Join us in celebrating this new chapter in his ministry!

This week, Mother Liz invites us to join in the Farmworker Solidarity Sabbath, a call from Rural and Migrant Ministry to honor and pray for the immigrant workers who labor to feed us, often under unjust and precarious conditions. With a powerful prayer by Cesar Chavez, we are reminded of our shared humanity, the presence of God in every person, and our call to love, serve, and strive for justice. May we open our hearts with compassion and courage as we walk in solidarity with our farmworker siblings.

This week, the rector reflects on the Feast of Julian of Norwich, whose vision of God’s unwavering, mothering love continues to speak powerfully into troubled times. As we approach Mother’s Day, we are invited to contemplate the nurturing, wise, and fierce love of God our Mother — a love that transcends human limitation and remains constant through joy and sorrow. With tenderness and strength, Julian reminds us: “All shall be well.” May we be sustained by that divine love and share it freely in all our relationships.