Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21 is the next New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. The church will be open from 1pm – 5pm each day to welcome guests and point out our history and art/architectural highlights. For more information see NY Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House. Our new spatial sound installation Calling Up by Stephan Moore will be heard during
On Sunday, April 23, the Rev. Dr. James Reho will be with us at Ascension to preach and lead a forum on his new book, Tantric Jesus, following the 11 a.m. service. His book explores resonances between early/Eastern Christian spirituality and Indian and Tibetan Tantra. From the book’s Forward, by noted Creation Spirituality theologian the Rev. Matthew Fox: One looks for signs that rigid
At the Church of the Ascension, we celebrate the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ year-round, at every service. But we celebrate the event of the resurrection, particularly, during Eastertide, and especially at the first four Eucharists held at the conclusion of Holy Week. Here’s some of what you can expect.
It is difficult if not impossible for me to imagine the depth of the desolation of Jesus’ disciples, friends and followers on this day, particularly perhaps after night had fallen. They lost a beloved leader, under circumstances which seemed to negate entirely his message. He had died a cruel and degrading death at the hands of the Romans with the connivance of the established powers of their own nation.
In one sense, Good Friday is probably considered the darkest day of the Christian year. After all, we commemorate the crucifixion, and the Church traditionally observes the day with a solemn three-hour service, and with fasting. However, it is also part of the “Triduum” or three great days extending from Maundy Thursday to Easter Eve…
Feet are strong — each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Feet are also sensitive — from a harmless tickle to a fractured toe or heel spur. All this said, feet tend to get a bad rap. Because of this stigma we tend to hide our feet and are protective of them, which brings me to the reading from John.
Of course, you get what you need exactly when you need it! And I need Psalm 70!
After six and half decades on Planet Earth, I am approaching 70. And for the first time in my life, I am experiencing Evil — bad people & bad situations. I quote Psalm 23 a lot. I feel I walk through a valley of the shadow of death.
“‘While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.”
That certainly sums up the head fakes of Holy Week, doesn’t it? Just when I think I have the light, believe in the light, am ready to become a child of the light, Jesus goes and hides.
These verses in Isaiah just don’t sit right with me. We associate these verses with the Christ, and as such I am faced with my call to act as Christ. Quite frankly I have a hard time with this. I get hurt; I get angry; I want to fight and retaliate. But that’s not how I am called to act.
Natural Systems Theory tells us that all institutions are at risk, by their very nature, of eventually subsuming the original mission. Self-preservation becomes the priority – no matter how earnest and selfless the mission of the institution may have initially been. Could Jesus be aware of this? Would he have us resist such systematic change?