This week, Mother Liz invites us to reflect on prayer and courage as we prepare for Sunday’s forum discussion of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s How We Learn to Be Brave. She shares a powerful excerpt from Bishop Budde’s writing on prayer — not just as a plea for help, but as a declaration of presence and purpose. In a time of challenge and uncertainty, we are reminded that we are called to show up, stay grounded in God’s love, and offer what we have for the good of others. Join us for this timely and hopeful conversation.

This week, the rector shares a deeply personal reflection inspired by the late poet Andrea Gibson, whose life and words celebrated presence, vulnerability, and love in all its fullness. In a month marked by personal loss and public tragedy, she invites us into a space of tender reflection — honoring the fragility and wonder of life, and choosing to keep loving the world even amid sorrow. In gratitude, grief, and hope, she reminds us to keep stretching our hearts.

This week, Mother Liz reflects on an evening walk in Washington Square Park, where the surprise appearance of fireflies stirred memories of childhood wonder and offered a flicker of hope amid difficult times. As she invites us to notice and cherish these fleeting gifts of the natural world, she names them as “beauty medicine” — small signs of resilience and joy that can nourish our hearts. In a world marked by sorrow and injustice, she asks: how are you finding wonder, beauty, and healing this summer?

This week’s newsletter delves into thoughtful patriotism, featuring Mother Liz’s reflection on July 4th. Rejecting exclusionary nationalism, she presents a vision of caring for our country as stewardship — bending the arc toward liberty and justice for all through voting, advocacy, environmental care, and welcome of newcomers. She highlights the new #OneSingleAct campaign by the Diocese of New York, inviting each of us to commit a simple act of kindness, courage, or connection — and share it online to inspire others. Join us in building a more compassionate nation, one small action at a time.

We are thrilled to welcome the Rev. Cynthia Black to Ascension this Pride Sunday. She has advocated for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church in numerous capacities, including as a founding member of Claiming the Blessing (which worked for Marriage Equality) and as part of the Integrity legislative team for many General Conventions. Recently retired after 39 years of ordained ministry, Cynthia served churches in Minnesota, Michigan and New Jersey. She is married to her college sweetheart, Dr. Rebecca Walker — and in fact our rector preached at their wedding in 1988!