In recognition of the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Friday, February 2), Mother Liz shares a poem: “Candlemas” by Denise Levertov, which reflects on Simeon’s faith as he welcomes the “infant light” in his “ancient arms,” expressing the fulfillment of his heart’s desire, ready to depart in peace. On Sunday, we’ll hear from Cindy McCloskey, our candidate for the diaconate, as she preaches this week’s sermon. And after the service, the Sunday Forum participants will discuss her sermon and provide constructive feedback, all of which is a part of her training for ordination. Join us!

This week, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the first woman to be ordained a priest in the Anglican Communion, the rector shares the inspiring story of the life of the Rev. Dr. Florence Li Tim Oi. Also this week: Ascension’s annual parish meeting is this Sunday following the 11 am service. Come be a part of the conversation about the mission and ministry of our parish!

This week, as prelude to our reading from the book of Jonah on Sunday, the rector reflects on what it means to see through the eyes of others — “whales and Ninevites, enemies and foreign species” — and shares a portion of a poem, Humpbacks, by Mary Oliver. Also this week, the Sunday Forum will discuss: “What do our personal financial priorities say about our faith, and where does Ascension fit into your financial life?”

For this Sunday before the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, Mother Liz shares a prayer written by Dr. King for public worship at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. At the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service, we continue our reflections on the New Year with the question: How will you, and how will we, seek justice this year? The needs around us are many and the promise to strive for justice and peace is clear in our baptismal covenant. What are the particular issues, situations, relationships visions that call you to do justice in the coming days and months?

Since we’ll celebrate the Baptism of Jesus this Sunday (and have a baptism among our own congregation), the rector’s message this week talks about the feast that fell this year on the Saturday before it: Epiphany. Also this Sunday, we’ll hear the anthem “Honor, Honor,” a traditional African-American spiritual, arranged by composer Hall Johnson. You can read more about him — and about other activities taking place on Sunday and in the days and weeks ahead — in this week’s newsletter.