This week: Is Rockefeller the Owl a small lesson that new possibilities can emerge against all odds, out of disorientation and loss? Also: the order of service for our Christ the King worship service via Zoom, important news about changes due to local COVID-19 infection rates. Plus, preparing for a season of preparation: Advent!
We are taking the words of the great Irish hymn “Be Thou My Vision” as inspiration for our annual stewardship campaign. Its verses lead the rector to ask: What does it mean to be faithful stewards in so many dimensions of our lives? How do we keep God in our vision? What is your vision of God, and God’s purpose for you, for us? Plus: the order of service for Sunday, November 15.
After such a tumultuous week: How are we feeling? What is next for each and all of us? What are we longing for?Join us this Sunday, November 8, via Zoom for worship — instructions inside — then stay after as we discuss these questions
This week: We remember those who have gone before us, even as we cast votes in hope of a future that awaits us. This newsletter includes a message from the rector about how we might think of those two activities, plus the order of service for the All Saints Sunday service via Zoom. And then, on Wednesday: the first Eucharist service at the Church of the Ascension since March!
This week: As early voting begins in New York, a letter from the rector on how our faith can inform the way we vote. Also: the order of service for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost on October 25 at 11 am via Zoom; the announcement of new in-person Wednesday Eucharist services at the Church of the Ascension, with a link to reserve a pew; and other ways to engage with the parish, diocese, and community.
NEW THIS WEEK! It’s still a Zoom service, but now with preludial organ music, hymns and anthems recorded specifically this week in the church! Read about how it was done. Plus: the order of service for Sunday’s service, a chance to meet our new seminarian, and further opportunities for fellowship, engagement, and service.
This week: news about the opening of the church (Tuesday and Friday, noon-3pm) for socially distanced meditation and prayer. Plus: the order of service for Sunday’s service, and further opportunities to engage with the parish, the community, and the wider church.
This week: observing the feast of St. Francis…followed by an online blessing of our favorite parts of God’s creation, our animal friends and companions. Plus: ways to connect and engage with God’s church and people, and the big news: the church will be open for prayer and meditation Tuesdays and Fridays, noon to 3pm!
Beloved God, all our times are in your hands. And frankly, this is a time that seems too much for us to hold. There is so much loss, so much chaos and confusion, so much distraction, anger and fear. And so we ask you to encircle us in your everlasting arms. Center us in your love, and guide us by your justice. Help us to know what is ours to do, and how to let go into your mercy. Grant us both the deep rest of your peace and the renewing energy of your Spirit. Use us, we pray, for the healing of your suffering, struggling, precious world, that our time here may be a blessing. Amen.
In this week’s newsletter: One of our own is getting ordained to the priesthood Saturday, September 19! Also: the order of service for Sunday’s Zoom service; the schedule for the New York Diocesan Convention (spread out over the course of 7 weeks); and other opportunities for fellowship and service.