As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Mother Liz shares Lydia Wylie-Kellermann’s prayer poem that reimagines patriotic devotion. Rather than pledging allegiance to flag or nation, the poem redirects our commitment toward creation itself, toward the vulnerable and imprisoned, toward communities whole and loved. It asks: where is liberty and justice for those suffering? A forum discussion following Sunday’s 10 am service will invite deeper reflection.

This week, our prayer gives thanks for LGBTQ+ children “deeply beloved and beautiful” and celebrates ancestors whose courage opened ways for authentic lives. It acknowledges current threats to hard-won rights and prays especially for transgender youth facing attacks on gender-affirming care. The prayer honors Ascension’s LGBTQ+ members and commits us to sharing cups of water with lemon and love with all who march and serve.

In this week’s newsletter, the rector tells us about the diocese’s “Season of Freedom” from Juneteenth through July 5, marking the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. She describes celebrations of Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride Sunday with guest preacher Br. Brandon Barnes, OSF, and the feast of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray—civil rights activist, women’s rights pioneer, and first Black woman ordained in the Episcopal Church—inviting us to reflect on freedom, democracy, and our calling to justice.

This week, Mother Liz reflects on Sarah’s laughter when promised a child past child-bearing age and God’s question “Is anything too wonderful for God?” She invites us to keep our hearts open to wonder during challenging times, sharing her delight in the Knicks’ unlikely comeback victory as an example of life’s mysterious wonders. Such experiences remind us to be surprised by the unimaginable and keep working toward justice and joy.

In this week’s newsletter, the rector responds to the detention crisis at Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, where detainees are on hunger and work strike protesting inhumane conditions. She shares letters from detained immigrants—our siblings and beloved children of God—and invites us to pray, witness, fast in solidarity, support families of detainees, do justice, and act with mercy.