Category: News

The rector writes: “I spent part of this morning at a press conference called by the New York Immigration Coalition at our neighbor parish, St. Mark’s in the Bowery. It was specifically to protest the executive order that ends the ‘sensitive site’ designation that protects houses of worship, schools and hospitals from targeting and raids by ICE. I went because I feel strongly that our church and food pantry must be open to all God’s beloved people, regardless of immigration status. Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger, care for those who come to us in need, do justice and love mercy. It does not stop at national borders.” In this week’s newsletter, learn more about what Mother Liz learned and about the fear that’s been tearing through the immigrant community and the teachers, medical professionals and others trying to serve them and their families.

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz shares a poem by Denise Levertov and has a series of questions for each of us to consider as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, colloquially known as “Candlemas.”

This week, the rector reflects on the sermon preached Tuesday by the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde at Washington National Cathedral — and the reaction to it. In light of many markers and milestones for our parish and the nation, Mother Liz asks: “What and whom do we love? What strengthens our love for God and God’s people? May our life together and our care for each other help us grow deeper into that holy love.” Among those markers: the annual meeting of the parish takes place this Sunday following the 11 am service.

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects back on her ten years so far as rector at the Church of the Ascension. Also this week: parishioners who have pledged to support the church will receive email invitations to vote online in this year’s vestry and warden elections in anticipation of our 2025 annual meeting, which is always held the last Sunday of January: in other words, next week!

This week, Mother Liz lets us know about the risk of deportation for a friend of the parish, Ravi Ragbir, founder and director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, and what those of us who are moved to help can do.

This year, we’ll celebrate the second Sunday after Christmas as the Eve of the Epiphany (“We three kings of Orient are…”). In that context, Mother Liz says: “We have much work to do as we bear the light of Christ in the suffering, questioning, challenging places of our world. May we do it gladly and grateful for each other’s company — never forgetting to make music in our hearts.”

On this, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the rector asks: “How do you name the God whose coming we await?”

This week, the rector writes about Our Lady of Guadalupe, beloved across Latin America and increasingly celebrated in the Episcopal Church, and the story of the appearance of the Virgin to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an indigenous man in what is today Mexico City. And at the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service, we will consider Mary’s joyful and subversive song, “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” through scripture study, music and art. Join us!

In this week’s newsletter, the rector asks: “How will you make the way ready for Christ who comes in mystery, in humility, in neighbors and strangers? What preparations are needed in our hearts, our closest relationships, our parish community to welcome the Beloved with joy?” One way we will do that is this Sunday, when we will have a “welcome brunch” party following the 11 am service for all parishioners and visitors, with the special intention of getting to know the most recent arrivals to our parish community! Join us!

This week, a prose poem by Truman Capote to lead us from Thanksgiving into Advent. Plus, several other upcoming activities and items to note for this not-yet-Christmas season.