Category: News

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!

This week, Mother Liz reflects on the story of Elijah’s wilderness experience—his exhaustion, despair, and eventual renewal through something as simple as food, rest, and water—before encountering God in the hush. Drawing a parallel to our own overwhelming times—marked by political tension, injustice, and global unrest—she emphasizes the power of practical self-care: sleep, nourishment, hydration, exercise, prayer, and community. We’re reminded that we don’t have to bear the burdens alone; together, we can support one another in doing God’s work with love and endurance.

This week’s newsletter spotlights Trinity Sunday, beginning with the recent pastoral letter from Bishop Heyd, who so recently celebrated Ascension Day with us. His message highlights renewal, connection, and shared grace across the diocese — an important moment of communal reflection. Mother Liz reflects on the Spirit’s dynamic work and invites us into the unfolding story of the church “for the healing of the world.” Look for news about this Sunday’s forum on the Trinity following the 11 am service; updates about our summer schedule (hint: worship on Sunday mornings moves to 10 am next Sunday); a memorial concert for former Executive Director of Voices of Ascension, Liz Norman; volunteer opportunities, and more. Join us in worship, conversation, and service!

This week’s newsletter celebrates Pentecost with a heartfelt invocation to the Holy Spirit, inviting us to embrace divine presence amid uncertainty and longing. It offers reflections on the Spirit’s movement within creation and our own lives, encouraging us to embody justice, mercy, and love. The newsletter also provides information on worship services, opportunities for prayer, and ways to stay connected with the community during this sacred season. Join us as we welcome the Spirit’s renewing fire and deepen our communal life in Christ.

This week, Mother Liz shares an inspiring encounter with Benchmarks, a vibrant public art exhibit in Washington Square Park created by NYC public school students. Their painted benches — on themes like justice, peace, and care for creation — spark reflections on public witness, creative hope, and the Spirit’s work in our world. As we celebrate Ascensiontide, she invites us to consider how the risen Christ, now present in all things, continues to inspire acts of beauty, courage, and love in surprising places. Come be encouraged in this season of transformation and creativity!

This week’s newsletter opens with a joyful message from the Rev. Deacon Brother Andrew, our parish administrator, who was recently ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church. He shares his gratitude for the community’s support and reflects on the deacon’s call to lift up the needs and hopes of the world. Looking ahead, he’ll begin his diaconal ministry at St. Mark’s in the Bowery this fall — while continuing as our beloved administrator — and will serve as deacon and preacher at Ascension on Pentecost. Join us in celebrating this new chapter in his ministry!

This week, Mother Liz invites us to join in the Farmworker Solidarity Sabbath, a call from Rural and Migrant Ministry to honor and pray for the immigrant workers who labor to feed us, often under unjust and precarious conditions. With a powerful prayer by Cesar Chavez, we are reminded of our shared humanity, the presence of God in every person, and our call to love, serve, and strive for justice. May we open our hearts with compassion and courage as we walk in solidarity with our farmworker siblings.

This week, the rector reflects on the Feast of Julian of Norwich, whose vision of God’s unwavering, mothering love continues to speak powerfully into troubled times. As we approach Mother’s Day, we are invited to contemplate the nurturing, wise, and fierce love of God our Mother — a love that transcends human limitation and remains constant through joy and sorrow. With tenderness and strength, Julian reminds us: “All shall be well.” May we be sustained by that divine love and share it freely in all our relationships.

This week, Mother Liz reflects on the theme of abundance in the gospel story of the risen Jesus meeting his disciples on the beach. In a moment filled with surprising grace — an overwhelming catch of fish, a simple meal, and the quiet restoration of Peter — Jesus offers sustenance, forgiveness, and purpose. As we journey through Eastertide, we are invited to receive God’s overflowing love even when we feel uncertain or unworthy, and to respond by caring for others with that same love.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! This week, Mother Liz offers thanks to all who helped make our Holy Week and Easter observances and celebrations beautiful and full of meaning: from the lay preachers in the first part of the week to the many acolytes, flower arrangers, food bringers, singers, etc., etc. And thank you to all who joined us — in person, online or in spirit — to make this Holy Week and Easter particularly special. The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!