We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis — the saint who preached to the birds and called a wolf his brother — with the blessing of the animals following the 11 am service this Sunday, October 1. The blessing will be around 12:30 pm, giving those who live nearby a chance to go and get their animals; however, you are also welcome to bring well-behaved pets to church that day. Tell your friends!
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Posey Krakowsky on the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 24, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16.
This Sunday: Welcome Back! Welcome back to Church of the Ascension after a long (and hot!) summer! We are so glad to have you back as we begin the new season. The Ascension Choir returns with all their joyous music … and don’t forget to join us for a special coffee hour after the 11 am service. We’ll also have a chance to learn more about what’s planned for the fall. Whether you’ve been away this summer or not, it will be a great day to welcome each other and the new fall season!
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Ed Chinery on the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 17, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 103:8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35.
This week, the associate rector writes: “Do you ever wonder how best to support efforts toward reversing what has been a paradoxical betrayal not only of our originating religion, but also of this nation’s founding principle that all human beings are created equal? I have to admit that, while I can be seen as having just stirred the ‘outrage pot,’ it’s becoming more and more compelling – more and more characteristic of a New Reformation – that there may also be new ways to support the development of beautiful new stories – new cultures of justice throughout the world. And, best of all, this Sunday’s gospel lesson offers helpful clues to such an end, even as Jesus himself stirs the outrage pot in the parable of the unforgiving slave.”
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Posey Krakowsky on the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 10, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20.
This week, as we bid farewell to a summer season marked by the tangible impacts of climate change, Mother Posey emphasizes the importance of caring for our planet and how scripture has for too long been used as license for destroying God’s creation. In her message, she asks us to reflect on our relationship with nature and encourages parishioners to join with the many more people who will march together on September 17th (to coincide with the start of the UN General Assembly) as part of the growing, global call to end the use of fossil fuels. Learn more in this week’s newsletter.
Listen to the sermon preached by Shana Kaplanov on the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 3, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28.
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Ed Chinery on the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 27, 2023. The readings for this day: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20.
In 1989, leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church proclaimed September 1 to be a day of prayer for the entirety of creation. In fact, the Orthodox church year starts on that day with a commemoration of how God created the world. Subsequently, the World Council of Churches was instrumental in making the special time a season, extending the celebration from 1 September until 4 October. Christians worldwide have embraced the season as part of their annual calendar. And in recent years, statements from religious leaders around the world have also encouraged the faithful to take time to care for creation during the month-long celebration.