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Dear people of Ascension,
This Sunday’s gospel tells the story of ten lepers who are healed by Jesus. As he passes by, they cry out to him for mercy. He sends them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are cleansed of their disease. One, a Samaritan, turns back, praises God and throws himself at Jesus’ feet, thanking him. Jesus wonders what has become of the other nine- “Were they not also healed? And only this foreigner has returned to give thanks?”
He then says to the Samaritan, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
But what is the faith that heals, and for that matter, what is the healing? It is not simply being cured of leprosy. If this story provided our only definition of faith, we might conclude that it is taking in a gift in a particular way- really noticing it, experiencing a sense of wonder and gratitude, and diverting from one’s path (even the one directed by Jesus!) to turn, to praise, and to say “thank you.” Somehow, it is the gratitude that heals.
Since this weekend brings Indigenous People’s Day, I was reminded of the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer. In “The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance" she writes,
"Gratitude is so much more than a polite “thank you.” It is the thread that connects us in a deep relationship, simultaneously physical and spiritual, as our bodies are fed and spirits nourished by the sense of belonging, which is the most vital of foods. Gratitude creates a sense of abundance, the knowing that you have what you need.”
Particularly in fearful, polarized and uncertain times, we need the healing of knowing that we belong to God, one another and the more than human world. We need to practice noticing and becoming more deeply aware of the gifts that sustain our lives. We too find healing in saying “thank you” and realizing that we are bound in a web of mutual reciprocity; we too have gifts to give that are needed by others.
How will you practice gratitude today?
Blessings,
Liz
| | Services at Church of the Ascension | | |
Regular Service Schedule
SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Side Altar)
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist w/ Music
(Church & Livestream)
6:00 p.m. Meditation & Sacrament (Church)
WEDNESDAY
6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Church)
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Evening Prayer Every Weekday Evening
via Zoom
Join us each weeknight at 5:30
for Evening Prayer & discussion.
Click this link to join: ascensionnyc.org/eveningprayer.
To call in (voice, no camera), dial 929-205-6099; the meeting ID is 880 1981 1224.
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Long Term Prayers
Pray for: Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Luz, Stewart, Jen, Bishop Gretchen, Alice & the Kisiya family, and Rurral & Migrant Minsitries. We pray for all devastated by the genocide in Gaza, and for a just peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and the Holy Land.
Please keep these people and intentions from our long-term prayer list in your own prayers. We hope to keep our intercessions in the liturgy both faithful and fresh, as we persist in prayer for those who need it.
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Prayers! Did you know you can submit your prayer requests online? Go to ascensionnyc.org/prayers and type in your prayer request. Be sure to add them. Requests submitted by noon on Thursday will be included in the Sunday bulletin. (Any requests after that will be included in the following Sunday bulletin.) | |
A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
If you are attending any of our services online, we invite you to use this prayer at communion.
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
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Sanctuary: Space of Belonging & Thriving, October 15,·7 pm - Register now for the 2025 Hobart Lecture featuring Bishop Marian Budde and Poet-Theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama, moderated by Bishop Matthew F. Heyd. The Lecture will center on the theme of Sanctuary and will be delivered live from St. Thomas Fifth Avenue. Signed books from the authors will be available for purchase for in person attendees. Read or buy the books: The lecture will be online and in person (St. Thomas Church, 1 West 53rd Street, New York, NY). To register click here..
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Racial Justice Discussion Group- Thursday, October 16 online at 6:30 pm. Please bring one or two favorite poems by Black poets to read and discuss together.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87102788084
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No Kings March- Saturday, October 18, 11-1, Father Duffy Square, 47th and Broadway. If you would like to march for democracy with other Ascensionites, please meet at the church at 10:15. Questions or to let us know you’re coming, please speak to Mtr. Liz.
| | 20s/30s Dinner- Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 pm. Please note that due to a special concert on Thursday, we are meeting on the fourth Wednesday this month. If you are in your 20s or 30s, you are heartily invited! Please let us know you are coming so we can prepare enough food, and feel free to bring a friend. We hope to see you there! | | |
Diocesan Convention November 15 - Ahead of the Convention, there are several additional opportunities over the next weeks to discuss the budget and common mission share. Bishop Heyd and members of the budget committee will review select details of the 2026 Budget on these Zoom calls. They will also give an explanation and take questions on the Common Mission Share. Dates and registrations for the Zoom sessions below.
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Domestic Violence in Communities Under Attack - October 23, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom) - Sponsored by the diocesan task force on domestic violence and sexual assault. The dual pressures of intimate partner violence and state violence deepen survivors’ struggles, leaving many feeling trapped in hopeless situations. This October, a panel of seasoned gender justice advocates and activists—each with extensive experience working alongside marginalized communities—will shed light on the complex dynamics of domestic violence in communities under attack. Together, they will share practical strategies for fostering resilience, safety, and hope.
Panelists:
- Moderator: Darlene S. Torres, LMSW (Restorative Justice Practitioner and Criminal Justice Reform Advocate)
- Aditi Bhattacharya (Director of Client Services at the New York City Anti-Violence Project)
- Antonia Clemente (Founder of The Healing Center)
- Zeinab Eyega, M.Sc. (Executive Director, Sauti Yetu Center for African Women, Inc.)
Click here to learn more about our panelists. To join us for an engaging discussion, click here.
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Haunted Church is Right Around the Corner - and for it to happen this year we need YOU! This Halloween our Haunted Church will be held on Friday afternoon, October 31, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. This is a fun time for neighborhood children and a great way to introduce others to the parish. but we need your help to make it happen. If you would like to help, please reach out to Fr. Ed (fatherchinery@ascensionnyc.org).
| | Episcopal Charities Tribute Dinner- Monday, November 3, 6:30 pm at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine- You are invited to join the Ascension table at this gala fundraiser for a vital diocesan ministry. Regular tickets are $800, and tickets for young professionals are $450. The church will pay up to $650 of the regular tickets, and up to $300 of the young professional tickets. It’s always a great evening in one of the most dramatic dining rooms in New York. Please tell Mtr. Liz if you would like to come. | | |
Immigration Legal Support Fund – Last week our diocese announced a new Immigration Legal Support Fund to support immigrant families in our congregations and neighborhoods throughout the Diocese of New York. The Legal Fund will help those navigating immigration under urgent and vulnerable circumstances to access legal resources. We're starting with a $50,000 contribution from the Bishop’s discretionary funds. Help us to match this amount to keep families together. With your support, we can do more so that no one faces the system alone. Your contribution makes possible same-day response, family preparedness, limited-scope appearances, and urgent filings. You can contribute here. To learn more about the Immigration Legal Support Fund Click here..
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Flower Subscriptions for All Saints Day – If you would like to include names on the list of those we remember on All Saints Day please email the names to the Parish Office (info@ascensionnyc.org) or fill out the form found in the bulletin and place it in the offering plate. All names must be received by Sunday, October 26. To contribute toward the cost of the All Saints flowers you can give in any of the following ways:
- Check: payable to Church of the Ascension (memo: All Saints Flowers)
- Zelle: send to info@ascensionnyc.org (memo: All Saints Flowers)
- Abundant Giving: select All Saints Memorial from the dropdown menu
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Your Pantry Needs You!
Ascension Outreach Inc. needs additional volunteer participation. The program is robust and developing in some great ways- and we need more hands-on help. Won’t you consider helping strengthen our service to our neighbors?
Friday opportunity: 3 to 4 pm the day before pantry, we set up the parish hall for pantry service.
Saturday opportunity: 8 to 9:30 am on the first and third Saturday of each month (except July which is 2nd and 4th Saturday because of the holiday).
Upcoming Dates: October 18, November 1 & 15
If you have questions or wish to join us, please contact Fr. Ed: fatherchinery@ascensionnyc.org – or – 732-910-7017 (c)
| | Support Church of the Ascension | | |
Open Church Schedule
Open Church - Mondays through Fridays, Noon to 3pm (except as mentioned above). If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Gretchen Dumler or contact the church office (info@ascensionnyc.org or 212-254-8620.
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Easy Way to Give & Support Church of the Ascension! Your generous gift is a meaningful way to support the ongoing mission and ministries of Church of the Ascension. Your contributions play a crucial role in maintaining the church's facilities, supporting our growth in faith, organizing our service and witness, and developing our sense of community. Use this QR code to make a one-time or recurring gift to the church... It's quick and easy. Your generosity and kindness are deeply appreciated!
To pay your pledge, please continue using Abundant (ascensionnyc.org/give)
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Sunday – October 12
Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist (Church) 11:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Stewardship Training (Parish Hall)
Meditation & Sacrament (Church) 6:00 p.m.
Monday – October 13
Church and Parish Offices Closed for Indigenous Peoples Day
Lectionary Bible Study
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday – October 14
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – October 15
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist (Church) 6:00 p.m.
Vestry (Hybrid) 6:45 p.m.
Thursday – October 16
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Racial Justice Discussion Group (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.
Friday – October 17
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Saturday – October 18
Food Pantry (12 West 11th Street) 8:30 a.m.
No Kings March (meet at the church at 10:15 a.m.)
The Food Pantry is the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. For food assistance or to volunteer, please contact Fr. Ed (fatherchinery@ascensionyc.org).
Sunday – October 19
Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist (Church) 11:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Ascension Forum (Parish Hall)
Meditation & Sacrament (Church) 6:00 p.m.
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If you need information to connect to one of our Zoom events please call the church office at 212-254-8620 or email us at info@ascensionnyc.org
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