For a quarter century, Ascension parishioners have used Lent as a time to reflect — as a community — on scripture and its meaning in our lives. This year’s Lenten Devotional, as in every year, includes 40 reflections for the 40 days of Lent, written by Ascension parishioners and clergy. Printed copies are available at the church (a $5 donation is requested); online copies are available for download free, here, and are also featured on Ascension’s Facebook page.
This week: the rector shares a poem on the blessings of spring. Also: news about the upcoming Lenten Quiet Day, Even Silence is Praise, with our special guest, Rick Hamlin, the author of a book by that title; information about submitting names for Easter flower memorials; updates on the diocese’s search for a new bishop; and much more as we make our way to Palm Sunday (April 10) and Holy Week.
If you’re joining online, our Sunday activities:
This week: the rector reflects on our historic congregational ministry as the Church of the Open Door: “This Lent, why not reflect intentionally on how you can welcome visitors and newcomers to Ascension, and try to deepen your own practice of hospitality?”
If you’re joining online, our Sunday activities:
In this week’s newsletter, the rector announces some changes to our in-person worship practices in light of the recent decline in COVID-19 cases for our area.
Also: Mother Posey’s sermon at 9 a.m. (in-person*) and 11 a.m. (in-person* and online) will make reference to a photograph, which you can view online here.
The rector writes: “I learned that this late winter/early spring flower is called a Lenten Rose. It is hardy and easy to grow, and blooms precisely at this time of year — a harbinger of hope as we begin a season of self-examination, penitence, healing and renewal.”
Begin that season with us in worship on Sunday, in person* at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., or online at 11 a.m. via our webcasts channel or as part of our Zoom community. Also this week: the Women’s Spirituality Group meets via Zoom on Thursday, and the diaconal ordination of our own Stacey Carpenter will take place on Saturday at the cathedral.
We invite you, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and
meditating on God’s holy Word.
Join us Ash Wednesday in person at 8 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m. (Anyone entering the church must wear a mask and maintain appropriate physical distance.) Or watch the 7 p.m. service online: join fellow worshipers via Zoom or on our webcast channel, using this worship bulletin.
This week: The rector discusses the crisis in Ukraine here on the brink of Lent and offers a prayer she heard in a recent vigil service that puts God’s peace and justice at the center of our torments and tumult. Also in this newsletter: Information about our Shrove Tuesday (March 1) events and Ash Wednesday (March 2) services, this year’s Lenten Devotional, and the links to join us online for our primary services, both Sunday at 9 a.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
This week: The rector reflects on the life and witness of the Rev. Peter Williams, Jr., the first Black priest in the Diocese of New York. Also in this newsletter: Information about upcoming Shrove Tuesday (March 1) events and Ash Wednesday (March 2) services, a new class to learn American Sign Language, and of course the links and information you’ll want to join us for worship on Sunday at 11 a.m. in-person or online. (Or join us in-person at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. Sunday.)
This week: The rector shares a poem, “testify,” by Eve L. Ewing. Our 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday Eucharists will be held in person at Fifth Avenue at Tenth Street; the 11 a.m. will also be available to attend online. Also in this newsletter: News about the Sunday afternoon service (at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and online) to honor and remember the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu; an update about the next meeting of our parish’s Racial Justice Group; and other parish, diocesan and community events.
The rector writes: “I am delighted to confirm that this Sunday we will return to in person worship at all three services: 9am, 11am and 6 pm. The 11 am service will continue to be offered in a hybrid format via livestream. We hope you will join us as you are able! I especially look forward to seeing, praying and singing with many of you in our beloved church building.”