“The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
— Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Poem:
The Hill We Climb
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;
we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
out from the gloomy past,
till now we stand at last
where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
℣: From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared,
℟: Good Lord, deliver us.
On the Third Day of Christmas, we shall worship online with a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The organ preludes begin at 10:55 a.m. To join the service via Zoom, go to ascensionnyc.org/sunday. To join by phone, dial 929-205-6099; when prompted, enter the meeting ID: 322 793 633.
For Christmas Day 2020, our worship service will be held online via Zoom. Preludial music of three organ works for Christmas by Johann Sebastian Bach begins at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time. The worship service follows immediately at 11 a.m. Use the link ascensionnyc.org/christmasday to open the Zoom app or join us by dialing in: 929-205-6099; and entering the meeting ID: 998 8684 6806.
For the Fourth Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we are trying to find courage like Mary’s to say “yes” to bring God to a hurting world. We’re exploring the story of the Annunciation through poetry. And Thursday evening and Friday morning, we’re celebrating the human birth of the One through whom all things were made. Join us!
For the Third Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we are praying and preparing in the wild vastness of this expectant season. We’re exploring the story of the Annunciation through art and scripture. And we’re reopening the church for private prayer and meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays, noon to 3 p.m.
For the Second Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we make the house ready for the Lord. On Jordan’s bank, a voice in the wilderness cries, announcing that the Lord is nigh. And after worshiping, we will contemplate the witness of John the Baptist through art. Join us!
This week: the church year begins in “sweet darkness,” the rector writes. Also: the order of service for the first Sunday of Advent, and the schedule of discussion forums, online worship, and other events for the season of Advent and Christmastide.
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!