Father Ed explores the viral trend of people (especially men) frequently thinking about the Roman Empire, then reveals his own: God. The Roman Empire references in Luke’s gospel first connected him to God’s presence in human history. With Sunday’s scriptures focusing on reconciliation (Joseph, the Canaanite woman), he invites us to consider how reconciliation happens at ground level, guided by the Spirit, and asks: What’s your Roman Empire?
Father Ed shares his deepened meditation practice from July, describing how simply abiding—being present without judgment—becomes a place of refuge and peace. While this personal solace is valuable, he emphasizes the greater intention of cultivating universal compassion and equalizing self with others. He invites us to reflect on our own refuge and how faith deepens our practice of loving-kindness.
Mother Liz shares Joseph Fasano’s poem on soul nourishment as she heads on vacation. The poem teaches that our souls need exposure to nature, beauty, holiness, and connection—that they require tending through rest, reading, and attention to what has been forgotten. It reminds us to, from time to time, let our soul kneel “in a place that is holy like the simple cathedral of the willows.”
This week, the rector reflects on Paul’s affirmation that nothing—death, hardship, corruption, violence, or our own failings—can separate us from God’s love in Christ. She explores how the Spirit sustains us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. She invites us to consider how we might live differently if we truly believed this conviction shapes not only our ultimate fate but our daily struggles.
A parishioner’s reflection on Psalm 39 sparked a lively conversation about favorite psalms at Evening Prayer recently. Mother Liz shares her own favorite, Psalm 139, which moves her with its affirmation of God’s intimate knowledge and presence everywhere—comfort and challenge during suffering. She reflects on how these ancient prayers/poems can be lifelong companions across millennia, joining us with others who have prayed them. She invites us to find our own favorites.
From this week’s newsletter: Ascension’s ancient parish hall air conditioners overheated during June’s hot weather, prompting replacement with newer, more efficient units. The installation process required removing portraits of past rectors, sparking a task force to consider additional renovations as the parish prepares for its 200th anniversary and the next century of ministry.
The Church of the Ascension is excited to welcome Dr. Alexander Little as our next Director of Music!
As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Mother Liz shares Lydia Wylie-Kellermann’s prayer poem that reimagines patriotic devotion. Rather than pledging allegiance to flag or nation, the poem redirects our commitment toward creation itself, toward the vulnerable and imprisoned, toward communities whole and loved. It asks: where is liberty and justice for those suffering? A forum discussion following Sunday’s 10 am service will invite deeper reflection.
This week, our prayer gives thanks for LGBTQ+ children “deeply beloved and beautiful” and celebrates ancestors whose courage opened ways for authentic lives. It acknowledges current threats to hard-won rights and prays especially for transgender youth facing attacks on gender-affirming care. The prayer honors Ascension’s LGBTQ+ members and commits us to sharing cups of water with lemon and love with all who march and serve.
In this week’s newsletter, the rector tells us about the diocese’s “Season of Freedom” from Juneteenth through July 5, marking the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. She describes celebrations of Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride Sunday with guest preacher Br. Brandon Barnes, OSF, and the feast of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray—civil rights activist, women’s rights pioneer, and first Black woman ordained in the Episcopal Church—inviting us to reflect on freedom, democracy, and our calling to justice.