Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Church of the Ascension

in the City of New York

12 West 11th Street, New York, NY 10011

212-254-8620 | info@ascensionnyc.org | ascensionnyc.org

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Dear People of Ascension,

I spent part of this morning at a press conference called by the New York Immigration Coalition at our neighbor parish, St. Mark’s in the Bowery. It was specifically to protest the executive order that ends the “sensitive site” designation that protects houses of worship, schools and hospitals from targeting and raids by ICE.

I went because I feel strongly that our church and food pantry must be open to all God’s beloved people, regardless of immigration status. Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger, care for those who come to us in need, do justice and love mercy. It does not stop at national borders. As you know, the Diocese of New York is a sanctuary diocese and our Bishop and his staff are working hard to ensure that we have what we need to practice our faith, to keep each other safe and to act with informed, prudent courage.

Those gathered at St. Mark’s represented a wide-ranging coalition. Clergy colleagues spoke about our shared humanity, the witness of our scriptures to loving service and how we stand on the shoulders of New Yorkers who fought for the welcome of immigrants in times past. Teachers told of children who don't want to come to school because they fear that their parents will be taken and so will not be there when they come home. Medical professionals talked of people afraid to seek care they desperately need in hospitals or clinics. In this fearful climate we are all less safe, less whole. The people at the press conference are speaking up and taking action despite the fear.

I was moved and grateful to be a part of that event, to feel the determination and solidarity of those gathered. We at Ascension will continue to find ways to support and care for our immigrant neighbors and live our baptismal promises to strive for justice and peace. The vestry is exploring a variety of ways to serve, and I welcome your thoughts as well.

May God bless us with hope and faithfulness in these days.

Liz

Services at Church of the Ascension

To watch this service via Live Stream

go to Ascensionnyc.org/Webcasts,

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)

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.

How to Watch Online

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.

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.

Announcements

Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration,

Saturday, February 8, 2025 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm,

at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.

Farewell to Rashean- Our Assistant Sexton, Rashean Thompkins, is leaving us to move to North Carolina. His last day at Ascension will be Thursday, February 13. At the coffee hour this Sunday we will thank Rashean and wish him well in his next chapter. Please join us.

Ascension Forum Series February 9 and 16: The Promise and Peril of Artificial Intelligence.

ChatGPT arrived on the scene in November 2022. In the two years since then, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous in our lives in ways both hidden and seen. Computer scientist and theologian Clay Williams will offer insights into how AI works, describe where the field is headed, explore the ethical and moral challenges that AI raises, and provide some concrete actions that we all can take to mitigate potential harm from AI. Please join us!

Ascension Directory Updates – We are updating our parish directory with a goal of having it available by the first Sunday in Lent (March 9). Please check your information in one of the printed directories (in the narthex of the church or at coffee hour). Write in any corrections or add your information at the back of the directory. You can also email your information to the office at info@ascensionnyc.org. If you do not want any of your contact listed, please write clearly on your entry to not publish.

Hats, Scarves and Gloves- Our needlework guild has been asked by our friends at the Roberto Clemente School if we can again provide them with warm items (hats, scarves and gloves) for both their students and for the mothers and kids living in the shelter a block away from the school. Many of the children in the school and families in the shelter are migrants from climates that don’t experience such a harsh winter as we’re having in NYC; others are living below the poverty line. We’d love to have an outpouring of items for them; you’re welcome to join the needleworkers or make things on your own. Madonna Stack Barker has 30 packages of donated baby yarn; please contact her if you would like some yarn and also if you have something to donate. Thank you!

Call to Courage: Interfaith Vigil for Sanctuary - February 12 at 7:00 p.m., at Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine - Join with our diocese for an inspiring evening of unity and hope. People of all faiths will gather in solidarity to support those seeking sanctuary and to affirm our commitment to serving as communities of safe belonging. For more information, click here. The event will also be livestreamed here.

Racial Justice Group: Face to the Rising Sun by the Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones. This month and next we will be reading Fr. Mark’s devotional book on the modern-day lessons of spirituals. These “songs of abiding faith passed down by African Americans through the centuries offer a remarkable view of resilience, courage, and love. Formed in the crucible of fire, these songs express the suffering and horror of slavery as well as the love of God and the promise of a better future.” We will gather on Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 on Zoom for what promises to be a lively discussion. Please read through Day 15. The book is widely available -- join us!

Pledge Envelopes! If you requested pledge envelopes, they are in the narthex of the church. Please pick yours up. If you want envelopes and do not see yours, please contact the church office at 212-254-8620 or info@ascensionnyc.org.

Welcome our New Warden and Vestry Members! Last Sunday at our annual parish meeting we elected Vin Knight as our new warden of a term of 2 years, and Elizabeth Adams, John Grimes, Steve Hubbard, Tom Rice for vestry terms of 3 years.

You can view or download this year's Annual Report here.

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 pantry dates:

Feb 15, Mar 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

It’s Time to Celebrate! Thanks to your generosity we have met the special matching grant of $2500. In fact, we’ve gone over the match. We have raised $3,195!

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.

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)

This Week at Ascension

Sunday – February 9

Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist (Church) 11:00 a.m.

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Farewell to Rashean (Parish Hall) After the 11:00 service

Ascension Forum (Parish Hall) After the 11:00 service

Meditation & Sacrament (Church) 6:00 p.m.

Monday – February 10

Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.