In 2027, the Church of the Ascension will be 200 years old! As we mark the anniversary, we will have opportunities to think about the lives of our forebears in faith. What was New York City like 200 years ago? What inspired those first Ascensionites to found a new congregation? How did they pray? What music did they listen to? What were the challenging issues of their day?
We are grateful for their witness and devotion, and for the many saints who came after them in this community. Upon their faithful, imperfect, beautiful work our life together stands today. Among many things we will celebrate this anniversary year by learning more about our history including art and architecture, mission and ministry. I trust we will find it both enlightening and fun! For all that has been, thanks!
This significant milestone also calls us to take stock of where we are today, as we begin our third century. What is God’s dream for us? What are our dreams for our community, our city, our world? What do we need to respond faithfully to God’s call, as we face the challenging issues of our own time and place?
If we are to say a wholehearted “Yes!” to what will be, we need each one of you: your energies and gifts, your participation and your financial support. Our annual budget undergirds the day to day work of Ascension. It keeps the doors open and welcoming, the staff paid, and the music soaring. It enables the worship that nurtures and sustains us; it helps us grow in faith and care for our neighbors.
Please read the material below, pray about your commitment to our parish and pledge generously as we continue the good work begun so long ago. With God’s help and yours, we will say “Yes” to the blessings and challenges before us.
With much gratitude,
The Reverend Elizabeth G. Maxwell, Rector
Make your Bicentennial Year pledge now!
Goal: $450,000
Make your Bicentennial Year pledge now!
Goal: $450,000
“For all that has been”
Why does Ascension need my pledge?
- It costs about $3,800 a day to keep Ascension open. Our clergy and staff work hard to provide all that you love about Ascension including our worship, music, and programming. Behind the scenes, our clergy provide pastoral care and our staff manages our buildings and day-to-day operations.
- Our buildings are very beautiful and very old. Having a rich history means having lots to maintain! Keeping our buildings functional and beautiful requires constant care and expense.
- We need to increase our pledge income to secure our financial future. Currently, a substantial drawdown of income from our endowment is necessary to pay our bills. Our vestry and clergy strive to limit this draw to 5% but cannot always succeed. You can help us by pledging generously.
- Are you giving frequently to the plate on Sundays? Consider pledging! While we welcome plate offerings, they vary, and Ascension cannot plan a budget based on them. Pledging provides our Finance Committee and vestry with solid numbers to budget and support all activities for the upcoming year.
“For all that will be”
Our message about financial support
- As we enter our third century with all its challenges and opportunities, we are committed to strengthening our witness to God’s love for all people and to deepening our service to our wider community. Your generous pledge is crucial in enabling us to respond to new needs with energy and creativity.
- Whether you worship with us in person or online, you are invited to join us in supporting our communal life at Ascension. Giving does not only mean giving money! We welcome your talents and participation in our activities. (Call the Parish Office at 212-254-8620 to learn of the many opportunities).
- We also acknowledge that economic circumstances vary. Please consider giving according to your means, and know that you can always amend your pledge if your circumstances change.
Payment options:
- You can pay online right here on our website! Just go to ascensionnyc.org/give. You can also pay online via the Abundant platform. Visit abundant.co/ascensionnyc/give. Or download the Abundant app for iPhone or Android. Whichever route you choose, set up an account with an e-mail and password, then select an amount, frequency, and “Stewardship Pledge 2027” as the fund to contribute to.
If your pledge for 2027 is to be paid by recurring payments, e.g. monthly, please make sure to indicate a start date for payments. If you include an ending date, you will need to create a new recurring payment for the next pledge year. Even if you don’t include an end date, you should still update your recurring gift to apply it toward “Stewardship Pledge 2027” with your new pledge amount by selecting “Scheduled Gifts” under your name, and then choosing “Edit” next to your payment information, as shown below. Call the church if you have questions.
OR
- Pay your pledge by check placed in traditional weekly envelopes that will be mailed to you if you check that box on the pledge form.
OR
- Pay your pledge with your credit or debit card by checking the box to have the bookkeeper contact you for your credit card information, so that your card can be charged at regular intervals throughout the year. (Please consider covering the small usage fees for credit/debit card payments or Ascension will need to pay them.)
OR
- Pay on your own schedule using Zelle at our email: info@ascensionnyc.org.
Pledge Form for 2027
Stewardship Calendar
Distribution of Pledge Cards:
Early October 2026
If you’re on our mailing list, probably received a pledge card and information in the mail. (It includes the same information found on this web page and the online pledge form above.)
Harvest Dinner:
November 12, 2026
We will celebrate our life together as a community.
Blessing of Pledges:
November 22, 2026
We aim to gather pledges from everyone by this date for blessing at the 11 am service.