Category: News

The rector writes: “Perhaps one result of this week’s toxic smoke is that it helps us understand in our own bodies what it means to live in a heating climate — and what is happening already to other bodies who cannot avoid the effects of burning, be it wildfires or fossil fuels. The air knows no borders, and once again we are reminded of our interdependence, both with our neighbors across the planet and with our planet herself. Our actions can make a real difference to the quality of life for all of us, and those who come after us.”

For Trinity Sunday, the rector shares a prayer from the Iona Community in Scotland:

The rector writes: “This Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, both upon Jesus’ first disciples and among us today. Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church, and we have certainly had a lot of opportunity recently to think about what it means to be Church, gathered as Christ’s body and sent forth to share the gospel.” Read this week’s newsletter to learn more about what’s going on Sunday, this week, and in the weeks ahead in our parish, the diocese, and the wider body of Christ.

It’s a busy week! On Saturday, May 20, our new Bishop Coadjutor, Matthew Heyd, will be consecrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. On Sunday, following our own 11 am service, the Sunday Forum will discuss the consecration service and what’s ahead for our diocese. Our 20s/30s group will share a meal in the rectory on Thursday, and next Sunday: it’s Pentecost! Plus much more to read about in this week’s newsletter.

The rector writes: “This Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Easter, is traditionally celebrated as Rogation, from the Latin rogare, to ask. It is a time particularly dedicated to blessing the spring planting, and praying for a fruitful harvest — a reminder of our dependence on God and on the bounty of the earth. Here at Ascension, we will mark this day by blessing our church garden after the 11 amservice.” Also this week: On Ascension Day — Thursday, May 18, at 7 pm — 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. The service will be followed by a joyful reception!

The rector writes: “This Sunday, as part of our liturgy, we will thank and celebrate all the volunteers who participate in Ascension’s groups, programs and ministries. Many of those who give their time and energy are parishioners; others are not but enjoy the opportunity for service and camaraderie Ascension offers them. All are part of our community.” Also this Sunday, the Inquirer’s Class for those wanting to learn more about joining our parish and the Episcopal Church will meet following the 11 am service, as part of their preparation to confirmation or reception by the bishop on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 18.

The rector writes: “This Sunday, we will celebrate Earth Day at Ascension, with special prayers in our liturgy and a forum following the 11 am service. For me, the antidote to hopelessness and overwhelm is often taking small (and sometimes not so small) actions to address a problem, continuing consistently over time and doing it with others.” Also this week: the first inquirer’s class for those interested in being confirmed by Bishop Glasspool on Ascension Day; a blood drive held by our friends at Grace Church; a lunchtime gathering on Wednesday; and a Spring Gardening and Gathering party next Saturday!

A poem this week for Earth Month…and a forum next Sunday to discuss how we can better care for “this fragile earth, our island home.” This Sunday’s music at 11 am includes “But thanks be to God” from Handel’s Messiah and Gabriel Fauré’s Tantum Ergo.

From the organist & choirmaster: “Since our choir is off this Sunday for a well-deserved rest, we have scheduled a special solo, the famous bass aria from Handel’s Messiah, ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound.’ Our fabulous Jason Eck will sing it, and will do the entire recitative and full version of this iconic aria. This will be a treat for all. Organ music will include colorful pieces of François Couperin and ‘The Rejoicing’ from Handel’s Water Music.”

This week, the rector shares Mary Oliver’s “The Poet Thinks About the Donkey,” reflecting on one of the least considered characters in the Palm Sunday story. On Sunday morning at the 11 am service, we will have the Liturgy of the Palms (including a procession with hymn through the neighboring streets Greenwich Village) and the dramatic reading of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Passion. And Sunday begins our parish’s collective observance of Holy Week: the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Great Vigil at the tomb, all in hope of the Resurrection. Join us!