Category: Newsletter

In this week’s newsletter, an update from the vestry on various initiatives underway in our parish and opportunities for people to get involved in making Ascension an inviting place for all, in seeking justice in our community and the wider world, and in maximizing the use of our spaces to better support the church and its mission. Also this week: the Rev. Larisa Shaterian — recently serving as a seminarian in our parish and even more recently ordained a priest — will be the celebrant for Eucharist at both this Sunday’s 11 am and 6 pm services. And on Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 pm the first summer parish barbecue in the gardens! Join us!

This week, the rector reflects on the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when federal troops finally reached Galveston, Texas, the last place in the country to hear the news that slavery was ended in the United States. Also this week, on Sunday at the coffee hour following the 11 am service, the parish will have a special send-off for Mother Posey Krakowsky, who ends a mutually enjoyed seven-year association with our parish as she and her family enter a new season of life. Join us!

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz shares a poem inspired by Sunday’s Gospel lesson (Mark 3:20-35) which, as we begin this month of Pride celebrations, reminds her of “how many different ways people make family.” Also in this week’s newsletter: information about the upcoming day of appreciation for Mother Posey as we bid her farewell and God’s protection in the next phase of her and her family’s life.

This week, Mother Liz shares a collect from the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil (the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil) Book of Common Prayer as both a theme for this season of Pentecost and in invitation for us, in addition to the ancient creeds we say together, to each consider our own affirmations of faith: “What would you include? What difference might it make?”

In this week’s newsletter, the rector offers thanks for the past almost 7 years we have had Mother Posey Krakowsky with us. As she and her husband prepare for a season of transitions and moves, we will enjoy our remaining time with her until we have a proper celebration on June 16, following the 11 am service. Mark your calendars!

In this week’s newsletter, a special prayer for the Day of Pentecost, giving thanks for the church — and especially for this church, its people and the many ways they do the work of God, lift each other and their neighbors up, and strive to walk in love as Christ loves us. This Sunday is also the last until the fall with our full choir, so come worship and be transported by beautiful voices, for which we will also give thanks at a special Coffee Hour reception following the service!

This week: Happy Mother’s Day! And a special prayer for all sorts and conditions of motherhood.

This week, the rector asks: “When have you experienced love, and when have you practiced it? When has it been easy, and when very difficult? What have you learned about the work of love? What helps you to persist in loving?” Also, this Thursday: We are delighted to welcome The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Assisting Bishop of New York, to preach, celebrate, and confirm and receive new members on our special feast day, Ascension Thursday, May 9, at 7 pm! The service will be followed by a joyful reception in honor of the bishop, the confirmands and receptees, and all the people of Ascension. Join us!

This week: An update from the rector and wardens with some good news and some not-so-good news (but still, overall, good news!) about repairs to the Fifth Avenue Bell Tower brownstone. As is often the case with old national landmarks in a landmarked district, further repair needs were discovered and that work will require more time and more money. But we’re getting there! And the repairs can be feasible and finished with your help! Also in this newsletter: Mark your calendars for our Ascension Day celebration with Bishop Mary Glasspool, Thursday, May 9th at 7pm!

This week, the rector invites you to attend the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service: “This Sunday, April 21, our forum will focus on how we care for ‘this fragile earth, our island home.’ How can we remember earth, our fellow creatures and those who work for environmental justice in our liturgy? What prayer practices deepen your sense of connection with creation, perhaps especially with a particular place you love and care for?”