The rector writes: “I am deeply grateful that we are able to journey through Lent together in person this year. Although much of our Lenten observance often focuses on individual practices (and fruitfully so), we are also invited to communal disciplines and learning — to be renewed as a body. It is a gift to share our Lenten journey in all these ways, and we grow as a parish as we walk with one another in this season of repentance, reflection and renewal.”

Things certainly don’t slow down around here for Lent — in fact, they tend to pick up: the Lenten devotional; house Eucharists; a special book study; a “Lent Quiet Morning” at the church with the Rev. Micah Bucey of Judson Memorial; a special day of service for Haiti at Bon Samaritan in the Bronx…. Check out our newsletter and see what speaks to you for your journey toward the Easter Resurrection.

Join us in person for the Ash Wednesday liturgy at 8 am, noon, or, with full choir, at 7 pm. Ashes will also be imposed at the front gate throughout the day from 9 am to 6 pm. To watch the 7 pm service online, go to ascensionnyc.org/webcasts.

This week, in anticipation of Ash Wednesday, the rector writes: “This week’s e-news offers a robust list of Lenten possibilities at our parish: study, worship, community, prayer and service. Please peruse them and see what calls to you this year. It’s a joy to be able to return to some of the Lenten practices that have meant a lot to us as a community in the past, while also exploring new ones.” Nevertheless, on this last Sunday of Epiphany, the music will be transporting (Grand Dialogue in C, Marchand; O for a closer walk, Stanford; Exsultate Justi, Viadana; Horn Pipe from Water Music, Handel), befitting our Gospel lesson: Matthew’s recounting of the Transfiguration.

This week: The rector describes the spirit and energy of last weekend’s vestry retreat, and says: “May we all dare to offer our gifts, no matter how small they seem, for the nourishment of our community and the life of the world.” Also this week: News about upcoming events in our parish and the diocese, as well as parishioner Barbara Matovu’s contribution to this year’s Queens Short Play Festival in a few weeks!