This week: The rector expresses gratitude for the parish’s Holy Week observances, with thanks for all the many participants. Also: Read the latest contribution of parishioner Stanley Weinberg in The Episcopal New Yorker; an invitation to join our parish and the Episcopal Church by participating in “Inquirers’ Classes,” preparatory to being received or confirmed by the bishop; and other news about the life of our parish and diocese.
Maundy Thursday – April 14
7pm Holy Eucharist with Full Choir†*
Good Friday – April 15
12 Noon The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, with Choir, Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserve Sacrament†*
Holy Saturday – April 16
10am Liturgy of the Word†
8pm The Great Vigil of Easter with Full Choir, Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter†*
Easter Sunday, April 17
Day of Resurrection
9am Holy Eucharist†
11am Festal Eucharist with Full Choir†*
6pm Meditation & Sacrament†
This week: The first Palm Sunday in three years for which we are able to gather in person*! We begin with a joyous procession with palms around the block to Sixth Avenue and back (weather permitting), celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Yet soon thereafter, we hear the dramatic reading of Christ’s Passion (his last hours before his death) and find ourselves shouting: “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Thus once again, we enter into the devotion and drama of Holy Week. Please join us — in person or online — as we observe the triumph, communion, betrayal, death and ultimate resurrection of Jesus in this most holy week of the church year.
This week: information for the Fifth Sunday in Lent and news about upcoming changes to our administration of Communion to take place on Palm Sunday. Plus: the schedule of worship services for Holy Week and Easter, and a number of other ways to participate in the life of our parish, diocese, city and the world.
For a quarter century, Ascension parishioners have used Lent as a time to reflect — as a community — on scripture and its meaning in our lives. This year’s Lenten Devotional, as in every year, includes 40 reflections for the 40 days of Lent, written by Ascension parishioners and clergy. Printed copies are available at the church (a $5 donation is requested); online copies are available for download free, here, and are also featured on Ascension’s Facebook page.
This week: the rector shares a poem on the blessings of spring. Also: news about the upcoming Lenten Quiet Day, Even Silence is Praise, with our special guest, Rick Hamlin, the author of a book by that title; information about submitting names for Easter flower memorials; updates on the diocese’s search for a new bishop; and much more as we make our way to Palm Sunday (April 10) and Holy Week.
If you’re joining online, our Sunday activities:
This week: the rector reflects on our historic congregational ministry as the Church of the Open Door: “This Lent, why not reflect intentionally on how you can welcome visitors and newcomers to Ascension, and try to deepen your own practice of hospitality?”
If you’re joining online, our Sunday activities:
In this week’s newsletter, the rector announces some changes to our in-person worship practices in light of the recent decline in COVID-19 cases for our area.
Also: Mother Posey’s sermon at 9 a.m. (in-person*) and 11 a.m. (in-person* and online) will make reference to a photograph, which you can view online here.
The rector writes: “I learned that this late winter/early spring flower is called a Lenten Rose. It is hardy and easy to grow, and blooms precisely at this time of year — a harbinger of hope as we begin a season of self-examination, penitence, healing and renewal.”
Begin that season with us in worship on Sunday, in person* at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., or online at 11 a.m. via our webcasts channel or as part of our Zoom community. Also this week: the Women’s Spirituality Group meets via Zoom on Thursday, and the diaconal ordination of our own Stacey Carpenter will take place on Saturday at the cathedral.