Latest News – Page 47 – The Church of the Ascension in the City of New York

This week: The rector reflects on last week’s reading about the Unjust Judge and the Importunate Widow, and how we might regard her persistence as inspiration and model for our own troubled times. (This Sunday’s readings includes the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, represented in the 17th century painting above.) Also this week: a call for volunteers for this year’s “Haunted Church” event for neighborhood children on Hallowe’en, and upcoming memorials and commemorations for the Feast of All Saints and the day of All Souls.

This week: A reflection from the rector on birds: in our natural world, in our city, and in scripture and religious imagery. Also: the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service will host a discussion about General Convention actions this past summer on creation care, ecumenical and interfaith relations, liturgy and racism. And plan to attend the “Gardening & Gathering” work party Saturday, October 29, to help prepare our gardens for the winter.

This week: a poem by Joy Harjo, member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and former poet laureate of the United States to bring us back to ourselves on the eve of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. And following the 11 am service, the Sunday Forum will feature a conversation with charlee huffman — poet, speaker, theologian, and member of the Kaw Nation, as well as an activist at the intersection of dis/ability and Indigeneity.

This week: 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, October 2. The blessing will be around 12:30 pm, giving those who live nearby a chance to go and get their animals. All animals and people are welcome!

This week: Mother Liz reflects on the change of seasons and autumn’s resonance with many religious traditions. Also: we welcome the (freshly ordained) Rev. Stacey Carpenter this Sunday as she celebrates her first Eucharist as a priest with us! And next week, in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis: the Blessing of the Animals following the 11 am service.