Category: Newsletter

This week: the rector reflects on the recent feast of Brigid of Kildare (c. 451 – 525), abbess, foundress of several monasteries (possibly even made a bishop?), and one of the patron saints of Ireland, as well as the patron of midwives, babies, holy wells, blacksmiths, chickens, milkmaids, poets and domestic animals. Join us for the Sunday service at 11am via Zoom, after which friend of the parish Dr. Clay Williams will walk us through COVID-19 vaccines: how they work, the variety that will be in use, and the ethical issues related to distribution and vaccination of the public.

It’s been…quite a year.
 
On Sunday, December 31, following the 11 a.m. online service (ascensionnyc.org/sunday), we’ll hold our Annual Parish Meeting, where we’ll will hear about the state of the parish, both financial and otherwise. We’ll have a chance to remember the year we’ve had, and to reflect on what we learned and what we want to take into the future. Whether or not you are a voting member of the parish, your participation and voice are both welcome and needed.

“The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
— Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Poem:
The Hill We Climb

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;
we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
out from the gloomy past,
till now we stand at last
where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

℣: From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared,
℟: Good Lord, deliver us.

On the Third Day of Christmas, we shall worship online with a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The organ preludes begin at 10:55 a.m. To join the service via Zoom, go to ascensionnyc.org/sunday. To join by phone, dial 929-205-6099; when prompted, enter the meeting ID: 322 793 633.

For Christmas Day 2020, our worship service will be held online via Zoom. Preludial music of three organ works for Christmas by Johann Sebastian Bach begins at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time. The worship service follows immediately at 11 a.m. Use the link ascensionnyc.org/christmasday to open the Zoom app or join us by dialing in: 929-205-6099; and entering the meeting ID: 998 8684 6806.

For the Fourth Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we are trying to find courage like Mary’s to say “yes” to bring God to a hurting world. We’re exploring the story of the Annunciation through poetry. And Thursday evening and Friday morning, we’re celebrating the human birth of the One through whom all things were made. Join us!

For the Third Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we are praying and preparing in the wild vastness of this expectant season. We’re exploring the story of the Annunciation through art and scripture. And we’re reopening the church for private prayer and meditation on Tuesdays and Fridays, noon to 3 p.m.

For the Second Sunday of Advent and in the week that follows, we make the house ready for the Lord. On Jordan’s bank, a voice in the wilderness cries, announcing that the Lord is nigh. And after worshiping, we will contemplate the witness of John the Baptist through art. Join us!