The readings for the first Sunday of Advent always feature scary images of the end times. They are apocalyptic — both in the popular sense of catastrophic ending and the more literal meaning, which is uncovering or revelation. This Sunday’s forum following the 11 am service will explore these Advent themes, asking how we find hope in apocalyptic times, and what is being revealed by the crises of our day. Learn more in this week’s newsletter.
Listen to the sermon preached by deacon candidate Cindy McCloskey on the Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King, November 26, 2023. The readings for this day: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46.
From the rector: “In these days of heart-breaking news and busy, stressful lives, it really is an essential spiritual practice to notice beauty and stay open to delight. I hope that this Thanksgiving holiday brings you nourishment for body and soul; community and rest; and a heart tender to small (or large) moments of goodness, hope and grace.”
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Ed Chinery on the Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost, November 19, 2023. The readings for this day: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30.
The rector writes about this Sunday’s Epistle reading: “Paul is emphasizing surprise and suddenness, calling the Thessalonians to prepare for a day that is surely coming but whose timing is unknowable. But I wonder how these images speak to us, as we too live in such uncertain times. They speak of stealthy presence and unexpected loss, of laboring for new beginnings and the inevitability of change.” Also this Sunday: the in-gathering of our community’s pledges to support Ascension in 2024. Haven’t pledged yet? Go here! Already pledged? Thank you!
This week, as we enter a season of giving and thanksgiving, the rector shares a poem, “The Miracle of Giving,” by D. A. Powell. Also this Sunday: we welcome the Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer (pictured above) as guest preacher and forum leader. Dr. Breyer is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York and a priest of our diocese. She has been a leader in work on immigrant rights, interfaith dialogue and activism, and Christian peacemaking, so her visit is incredibly timely! Please join us!
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Liz Maxwell on the Celebration of All Saints, November 5, 2023. The readings for this day: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12.
The rector writes: “In this season when we celebrate the communion of saints in a variety of different ways, I am glad to be home with the saints of our own community. I am grateful for a rich and renewing sabbatical, and also look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday and in the days to come.” This Sunday, Ascension celebrates the Feast of All Saints, and on Thursday: our annual Harvest Dinner! Sign up information is included in this week’s newsletter.
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Posey Krakowsky on the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, October 29, 2023. The readings for this day: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46.
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Ed Chinery on the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, October 22, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22.