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.
This week, Mother Liz reflects on Sarah’s laughter when promised a child past child-bearing age and God’s question “Is anything too wonderful for God?” She invites us to keep our hearts open to wonder during challenging times, sharing her delight in the Knicks’ unlikely comeback victory as an example of life’s mysterious wonders. Such experiences remind us to be surprised by the unimaginable and keep working toward justice and joy.
In this week’s newsletter, the rector responds to the detention crisis at Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, where detainees are on hunger and work strike protesting inhumane conditions. She shares letters from detained immigrants—our siblings and beloved children of God—and invites us to pray, witness, fast in solidarity, support families of detainees, do justice, and act with mercy.
In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz celebrates Trinity Sunday, exploring the mystery of God three in one and the connection between Trinity theology and the wonders of creation. She invites us to consider how we think and speak of God, kindling love, adventure, and play.