In this week’s newsletter: Updates on our return to in-person 11 a.m. Eucharists (with continued access for online worshipers). Also: an introduction to Ascension’s new sexton, a preview of the next Racial Justice Discussion Group (September 23, via Zoom), and more news and updates about our parish life.

This Sunday, the 11 a.m. Eucharist will be celebrated in the church — for the first time in a year and a half! Learn more about it (including our health and safety precautions) and how you can still participate online if you are unable to join in person.

From the rector: “This Sunday, September 5, marks the last of our 11 am services to be fully online. As we transition away from Zoom church as our primary liturgical expression, I give thanks for the amazing gift of presence that I discovered there: the intimacy, simplicity and directness we have shared. I have come to know some of you much better because our faithful community has sojourned through the many phases of the pandemic together.”

This Sunday at 11 a.m., via Zoom: a homily from one of our favorite guest preachers, our own Shana Kaplanov! Followed by the beautiful anthem “O Sing Joyfully” by Adrian Batten, sung by the Ascension Choir. The choir will also lead us in singing “O Worship the King, All Glorious Above” and that great Protestant hymn (with Scottish words to a Welsh tune) “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.”

 
And remember: after a long pandemic hiatus of 18 months, in-person Sunday Eucharists at 11 a.m. in the church resume in two weeks, on September 12! (You’re also welcome to join us for In-person Eucharists already taking place at 9 a.m. Sundays in the Parish Hall, 12 W. 11th St., and on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the church, Fifth Avenue at Tenth Street.)