Category: News

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!

For the liminal space of Holy Saturday, Mother Liz offers a prayer by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley (pictured above). Then it’s on to Saturday night and the Great Vigil of Easter (8 pm) followed by Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection, with Holy Eucharist at 9 am, Festal Eucharist with the full choir at 11 am, and the service of Meditation & Sacrament at 6 pm. And following the 11 am celebration, a festive brunch in the Parish Hall! Join us!

As Holy Week begins, Mother Liz invites us to walk with Jesus through the powerful events that lie at the heart of our faith—from joyful hosannas to heartbreak, from betrayal to hope. The liturgies of this week mirror both the beauty and pain of our world today, calling us to reflect, pray, and open our hearts to God’s presence. By fully entering into the Holy Week journey, we may discover new insights, deeper compassion, and the enduring truth that love is stronger than death. Let this sacred week surprise and transform you.

As Holy Week approaches, our rector reflects on the tender, powerful moment when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume — a gesture of love, sorrow, and deep knowing. In a world full of suffering and injustice, we are invited to follow Mary’s example: to recognize the presence of Christ in the needs around us, to respond with compassion, and to offer what we can in love.

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on the life and witness of Saint Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, whose courage grew as he spoke out against injustice and stood in solidarity with the poor. Romero’s prophetic call to challenge systems of oppression resonates deeply today, as vulnerable immigrants face threats both at our borders and abroad. Inspired by his example, we are called to cultivate compassion, listen to the suffering around us, and respond with courage and love — even in these unsettling times. May love make us brave.