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.”
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
In light of this past week’s horrific news and images of war and violence in Israel and Gaza, Father Ed offers text from a reminder in his office that demonstrates “there really isn’t anything too small in the ways of helping strengthen forces for good”:
Did I offer peace today?
Did I bring a smile to someone’s face?
Did I say words of healing?
Did I let go of my anger and resentment?
Did I forgive?
Did I love?
These are the real questions.
This weekend, in advance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Mother Posey writes: “The artwork that accompanies this letter is by Indigenous artist Patrick Dean Hubbell of the Diné people. It is titled ‘Within The Darkness, The Stars In The Night Sky Came To Reclaim Their Stories and Their Songs.’ Hubbell collects cheap, mass produced, counterfeit copies of Indigenous crafts and repurposes them into his work in order to reclaim their original heritage. As he states: he ‘intentionally transfigure(s) these colonial reproductions and furthers the conversation of Indigenous inclusion.’”
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 this Sunday, October 1. The blessing will be around 12:30 pm, giving those who live nearby a chance to go and get their animals; however, you are also welcome to bring well-behaved pets to church that day. Tell your friends!
This Sunday: Welcome Back! Welcome back to Church of the Ascension after a long (and hot!) summer! We are so glad to have you back as we begin the new season. The Ascension Choir returns with all their joyous music … and don’t forget to join us for a special coffee hour after the 11 am service. We’ll also have a chance to learn more about what’s planned for the fall. Whether you’ve been away this summer or not, it will be a great day to welcome each other and the new fall season!