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Dear People of Ascension,
This July 4th, what does it mean to you to love your country?
I reject American exceptionalism and white Christian nationalism and am acutely aware of the painful failures and injustices in our history. However, in these beleaguered days, I have been thinking about patriotism as stewardship- the charge to care for what I, what we, have been given and to do what I can to bend the arc of American life just a bit more towards liberty and justice for all without exception.
There are lots of ways to do this, of course- voting, communicating with our legislators, protesting and running for public office. Enjoying the rich diversity of the people who share this land and the remarkable variety of the land itself. Sharing our stories, grappling with our history, listening to our neighbors. Caring for the young, the old, the sick and others who are vulnerable among us and welcoming immigrants and refugees. Tending our patch of earth, our waters, our plant and animal kin.
On July 1, the Diocese of NY launched an initiative called #OneSingleAct. It is not oriented to the 4th of July particularly, but it coincides with what I have been thinking. The idea is for each person to do a single act of kindness, courage or connection (or all three), share it online and invite one other person to do the same. In a time when our public narrative is so full of cruelty, fear and division, this is an opportunity to offer an alternative- a vision of a different kind of country, a people motivated by care for the common good. It’s interesting to note that while we Episcopalians are certainly motivated by our faith in this, interfaith groups are undertaking similar initiatives, seeking to offer a “split screen” to contrast with much of what our media portrays, and to “build the muscles” needed to envision and work for the kind of country we want to live in.
This Independence Day is an invitation to help build the country we love. Happy 4th of July, beloveds!
Liz
| | Services at Church of the Ascension | | |
Our Summer Schedule
Is in
Full Swing
See you at 10:00 am!
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Regular Service Schedule
SUNDAY
10:00 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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Is there a problem with the live stream?
If you notice a problem with the livestream (such as it's not listed, the sound isn't working, the camera isn't on) contact our livestream team (Local Live) right away - that's the best and fastest way to get it resolved. You can email them at Support@locallive.tv or call them at (877) 355-6225.
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Long Term Prayers
Pray for: Pray for Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Luz, Stewart, Jen, Bishop Gretchen, and Alice & the Kisiya family. 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.
| | Seeking Lay Delegate and Alternate to Diocesan Convention- Are you interested in representing Ascension at the annual convention of the Diocese of New York? This year it will be held Saturday, November 15 at St. John the Divine. Serving in this way is a great opportunity to learn more about how the larger church works and contribute to the policies that guide our common life. The vestry will elect one delegate and one alternate at our meeting on Wednesday, July 23. To nominate yourself or someone else (with permission) or for more information, please speak with Mother Liz. | | Welcome our Summer Intern: The Rev. Joo Young Hong! Joo will participate in our services as deacon and sometime preacher throughout July and August. On Sunday, July 13, she will introduce herself at our forum. | | |
Ascension Summer Read: How We Learn to Be Brave by Bp. Mariann Edgar Budde- Many of us were moved and appreciative when The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington, called on the President to “Have mercy” during the inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral, inspired by her courage and integrity. In her book, she talks about her own life process of learning to be brave and invites us to reflect on our own experiences with situations that call for courage in various forms. If you’d like to participate in a parish summer read, please read the book during July and we will discuss it at our forum following the 10 am service on Sunday, July 27.
| | Livestream Update from the Parish Administrator- Local Live has merged with Live Control, who will now be managing our livestreaming services. The good news: Live Control offers new features that we hope to take advantage of in the coming weeks. The not-so-good news: it may take a little time to smooth out all the wrinkles during the transition. The livestream links and buttons in our eBulletin and on the website will remain the same—most of the changes are happening behind the scenes. As we get more familiar with the new platform, we will share updates and tips along the way. If you do notice an issue, please email the parish administrator at apjones@ascensionnyc.org. Thanks for your patience and support as we make this move! | | Haiti Project - News from Martel - Construction on the new high school building for St. Luke's Episcopal School in Martel is underway. We've completed the foundation. In our May email update, the New York Haiti Project Board of Directors proposed a fundraising goal of $50,000.00. Click here to read more about the project and to learn how you can help. | | |
#OneSingleAct - Began this past week with a kickoff on the Cathedral Steps. #OneSingleAct, is an online campaign, co-presented with The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Episcopal Charities, Episcopal Divinity School, and the Interfaith Center of New York. The #OneSingleAct campaign invites every person to do a single act of care, courage, or connection - big or small - share it online - and invite one other person to do the same. To find out more, click here.
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In Bishop Heyd's pastoral letter he announces the launch a sexual abuse audit to recognize past wrongs and move us towards safety and health. All Episcopalians in the Diocese of New York are invited to participate in this important survey.
(You can take the survey here.)
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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: July 12 & 26
If you have questions or wish to join us, please contact Fr. Ed: fatherchinery@ascensionnyc.org – or – 732-910-7017 (c)
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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 – July 6
Holy Eucharist & Baptism (Church) 10:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Ascension Forum (Parish Hall) following the 1:00 service
Meditation & Sacrament (Church) 6:00 p.m.
Monday – July 7
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday – July 8
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – July 9
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.
Accompaniment Training (Parish Hall) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday – July 10
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Friday – July 11
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Food Pantry Setup (Parish Hall) 3:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Saturday – July 12
Food Pantry (12 West 11th St.) 8:30 a.m.
The Food Pantry will be the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in July.. For food assistance or to volunteer, please contact Fr. Ed (fatherchinery@ascensionyc.org).
Sunday – July 13
Holy Eucharist (Church) 10:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Ascension Forum (Parish Hall) following the 1:00 service
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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