Category: Newsletter

"Shepherds at Night," by Laura James (2000)
Newsletter

Parish News: December 24

An invitation from the rector: “Christmas comes to those who are not ready. May the wonder of that love find you this Christmas. If you are able, join us for the services here at Ascension. You will be glad you did.” Merry Christmas! (And Happy New Year!)

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Parish News: December 17
Newsletter

Parish News: December 17

For this Third Sunday of Advent, the rector writes: “I thought about this image when I read the text for this Sunday. … Like candles continuing to burn, our prayers bear witness to our hope, our faith, our commitments. They point us towards the Coming for which we wait. They help us prepare the way of God — in ourselves, in our relationships and in our world. ” Also in this week’s newsletter: our schedule of services for Christmas Eve, Day, and Lessons & Carols on December 31. Join us!

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Parish News: December 10
Newsletter

Parish News: December 10

This week, Mother Liz shares a photo of the Judean wilderness she took recently and says: “Of all the places I visited in the Holy Land, the wilderness was perhaps the most evocative for me. It was easy for me to imagine Jesus confronting the meaning of his vocation there, or John the Baptist listening for the word that would shape his prophetic message.” And at the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service, art historian Dennis Raverty will explore images of St. Joseph in art, legend and history. Join us!

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Parish News: December 3
Newsletter

Parish News: December 3

The readings for the first Sunday of Advent always feature scary images of the end times. They are apocalyptic — both in the popular sense of catastrophic ending and the more literal meaning, which is uncovering or revelation. This Sunday’s forum following the 11 am service will explore these Advent themes, asking how we find hope in apocalyptic times, and what is being revealed by the crises of our day. Learn more in this week’s newsletter.

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Parish News: November 26
Newsletter

Parish News: November 26

From the rector: “In these days of heart-breaking news and busy, stressful lives, it really is an essential spiritual practice to notice beauty and stay open to delight. I hope that this Thanksgiving holiday brings you nourishment for body and soul; community and rest; and a heart tender to small (or large) moments of goodness, hope and grace.”

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Newsletter

Parish News: November 19

The rector writes about this Sunday’s Epistle reading: “Paul is emphasizing surprise and suddenness, calling the Thessalonians to prepare for a day that is surely coming but whose timing is unknowable. But I wonder how these images speak to us, as we too live in such uncertain times. They speak of stealthy presence and unexpected loss, of laboring for new beginnings and the inevitability of change.” Also this Sunday: the in-gathering of our community’s pledges to support Ascension in 2024. Haven’t pledged yet? Go here! Already pledged? Thank you!

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Newsletter

Parish News: November 12

This week, as we enter a season of giving and thanksgiving, the rector shares a poem, “The Miracle of Giving,” by D. A. Powell. Also this Sunday: we welcome the Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer (pictured above) as guest preacher and forum leader. Dr. Breyer is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York and a priest of our diocese. She has been a leader in work on immigrant rights, interfaith dialogue and activism, and Christian peacemaking, so her visit is incredibly timely! Please join us!

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Sojourner Truth, Bartolomeo de las Casas, Miriam, Origen, Malcom X, Queen Elizabeth I, Iqbal Masih, Teresa of Avila
Newsletter

Parish News: November 5

The rector writes: “In this season when we celebrate the communion of saints in a variety of different ways, I am glad to be home with the saints of our own community. I am grateful for a rich and renewing sabbatical, and also look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday and in the days to come.” This Sunday, Ascension celebrates the Feast of All Saints, and on Thursday: our annual Harvest Dinner! Sign up information is included in this week’s newsletter.

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Newsletter

Parish News: October 29

Mother Posey writes: “This transitional season of remembering and celebrating the ancestors definitely got me thinking about the many ways of being present to and for others. We have been focusing a lot lately on the Spirit-filled fruitfulness of person-to-person connection, but here are some seasonal questions for us to ponder.” And speaking of personal connections: this Sunday, following the 11 am service, meet our new seminarian, Larisa Shaterian!

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Newsletter

Parish News: October 22

This week, Mother Posey describes an informal gathering of the Interfaith Center of New York held at St. John the Divine this past Monday: “Having our Cathedral host an event attended by lay people, rabbis, imams, pastors, and priests was a testament to the willingness of people of all faiths to work for enduring peace not only in Israel and Palestine, but here at home as well.” Ways to help serve people and peace in the Middle East are also included in this week’s newsletter.

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