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

“Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change. Know that this transformation will not happen right away… In the movement, we didn't know how history would play itself out. When we were getting arrested and waiting in jail or standing in unmovable lines on the courthouse steps, we didn’t know what would happen, but we knew it had to happen.

…We used to say that ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part. And if we believe in the change we seek, then it is easy to commit to doing all we can, because the responsibility is ours alone to build a better society and a more peaceful world.”

― John Lewis, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America

Dear People of Ascension,

In the wake of Louisiana vs. Callais, the Supreme Court decision yesterday that effectively gutted the Voting Rights Act, I found these words from the great Congressman John Lewis, who risked and suffered so much for Black freedom, equality and voting rights. He saw the vote as sacred, and also knew the struggle was not finished. At the very end of his life he wrote this to us all:

“I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.”

I expect Congressman Lewis would be angered and grieved by the court’s decision yesterday. Then he would get to work and challenge us to do likewise.

I find a synchronicity here with Sunday’s gospel, in which Jesus tells very anxious disciples (which surely includes us) “don’t let your hearts be troubled.” Even though there is plenty of trouble around (and not the “good trouble” kind), he reminds them that God dwells with them. If they trust, and continue with Jesus on the way of courageous, self-giving love, hospitality and justice, they will get where they need to go.

God is both our journey’s companion and our resting place. When your hearts are troubled, breathe into that assurance, those images, that presence. Trusting in God and walking together, may we find strength and courage for the work that is ours to do.

Liz

Do you like to color? Especially for children and their families- we have copies of “the Sunday Paper” a cartoon version of our gospel each Sunday, along with crayons and clipboards available from the ushers. Please ask for one if your child would enjoy this during the service.

To watch our services 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

Ascension Forum

Forum this Sunday, May 3: Our Faithful Civic Engagement: Join the clergy for a conversation about what issues are of most concern to us, and how we can address them in light of our faith. We will bring some suggestions for contacting legislators as well as service and direct action.

Long Term Prayers

Pray for: Pray for Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Stewart, Jen, Alice & the Kisiya family, Jennifer, Ketty, Sara, Rural & Migrant Ministry, New York Haiti Project and the St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Martel. We pray for all who have been killed by ICE or died in custody this year: Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter, Heber Sanchaz Dominguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Parady La, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, Royer Perez-Jimenez, Emanuel Cleeford Damas. We pray for peace in Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Venezuela, Haiti, and in our own country.

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.

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

Celebration of Dennis Keene - As you well may know, our beloved Dr. Dennis Keene is retiring as Organist and Choir Director after 45 years of music and ministry at The Church of the Ascension. You are cordially invited to attend his celebratory party on Saturday, May 9th from 2-4pm. Please RSVP to Matthew Vermedahl at mtverm@gmail.com, or by calling the Church of the Ascension at (212) 254-8620. If emailing, please put "Dennis Keene RSVP" in the subject line.

We invite you to share memories and tributes of Dennis at ascensionnyc.org/tributes, by email to info@ascensionnyc.org, or via hard-copy forms available in the narthex. Thank you!

It’s Spring Phishing Season! The trees are in leaf, the flowers are in bloom, and the scammers are in full swing! This week we have experienced several phishing attempts. Please be extra careful and vigilant.

Always double check the actual address of the sender.
If the “voice” of a message doesn’t sound right, beware.
Utility companies will never ask you to pay via gift cards.
Clergy & Staff will never email you asking for gift cards.
When in doubt check with someone.

People Who Lunch, Wednesday May 6; 12:30 p.m. - Are you at home during the day or working near the church? Please join us for lunch on the first Wednesday of every month for some simple food and good conversation. Please let us know you are coming (info@ascensionnyc.org or 212-254-8620) so we know how much food to prepare! (You are also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer; we will have coffee, tea and water on hand.) We hope to see you there!

Do you want to learn more about the Episcopal Church and the Christian faith? Are you thinking about being confirmed, received or renewing your baptismal vows when Bishop Shin visits us on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 14? The Inquirers’ Class will meet for the next two Tuesday evenings at 6:30 in the rear parlor. Enter through the parish hall door (12 W. 11th St). This is an opportunity to ask questions, discern whether you want to make a deeper commitment at this time, and explore next steps. Please speak to Mtr. Liz if you are interested or want to learn more.

Ascension Day, Thursday, May 14; 7:00 p.m. Join us for our Patronal Feast Day. The Rt. Rev. Allen Shin, Suffragan Bishop of New York, will celebrate and preach.

Sacred Sites Weekend 2026 - Church of the Ascension will again be participating in the annual Sacred Sites Weekend, on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. This annual event, which is sponsored by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, invites houses of worship across the state to open up for people to coming in and see their sanctuaries and hear their stories. We will need volunteers, along with the Docents Guild, to greet guests to the church and answer any question that might come up. (We don't actually do a full-blown tour.) The open house will be on Saturday, May 16 from 12:00pm - 5:00pm and on Sunday, May 17 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. If you can help out for an hour of two on either or both of those days, please contact Daniel Cole at danielcoledesign@cs.com, or Tom Rice at rockcent@aol.com

“The glory of gardening: hands in the soil, face in the sun and heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not only the body, but the soul.” - Alfred Austin

Garden Volunteer Day, May 16; 11:00 a.m. - Please join us for our Garden Volunteer Day - as we come together to beautify our front garden, meet our neighbors and feed our souls. Please bring your own gardening gloves and trowels if you have them; we’ll provide rakes, light refreshments and fellowship. If you’d like to participate, please RSVP to Dorothy DeCrescenzo at dorothy.decrescenzo@icloud.com. Hope to see you there!

Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver- Our annual pledge drive has concluded, but it's not too late to pledge!

The materials are in the back of the church; please take them if you are interested. We would love for everyone to pledge! If you are not able to make a regular commitment, we warmly invite you to give as you are able, one time or whenever you are here.

We need your help and are grateful for the support of everyone in our community! Thank you for your generosity, and may it be liberating for your soul!

To pay your pledge, please continue using Abundant (ascensionnyc.org/give)

Immigration Legal Support Fund – Recently 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.

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?

Saturday opportunity: 8 to 9:30 am on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Upcoming Dates: April 25, May 2 & 16. Please note the date changes for April. If you have questions or wish to join us, please contact Fr. Ed: fatherchinery@ascensionnyc.org, or 732-910-7017.

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.