First 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,

The Epiphany story of the Magi’s visit to the Christ child is full of wonder, telling of wise ones from far away who come following a star, the strange wisdom of dreams and visions, worship and gifts offered in open-hearted awe to a helpless child who is the very face of God with us.

At the same time it is a tale of realpolitik: the Magi first seek the newborn king in a royal palace. Their quest is a threat to King Herod- a ruler of enormous ambition, determined domination and legendary violence. Even more dangerous because he is frightened, Herod tries to use the strangers for his own ends- to find and destroy the child. Ultimately he orders all the boys under 2 in and around Bethlehem slaughtered.

This part of the story is horrifyingly timely. I write to you heartsick at the news of the murder in Minneapolis by ICE of Renee Nicole Good- a 37 year old mother, a peaceful observer who was standing up for her neighbors, a poet and beloved family member and friend. Her killing- and the dehumanizing lies behind which our government hides in the aftermath- reveal Herod’s kind of violent, uncontained power alive and well in our own day. The murder of a white citizen ally exposes also the ongoing deadly violence directed at our immigrant siblings.

So too does the invasion of Venezuela, in greed for oil and disregard for international law or the integrity of smaller, weaker neighbors.

Epiphany is a season of revelation: the dawning, spreading divine light shows us both the evil in our world and the radical, vulnerable solidarity and love of God. In that light we are asked what kind of power we exercise. What ruler- what way of living- will claim our allegiance?

Friends, we may be justly fearful, angry and grieved. May we also find occasions of wonder, starlit wisdom and loving self-giving. May we draw courage and strength from God with us, always in love, and from the Beloved community we build together. May we recognize the divine presence in our vulnerable neighbors. In that same spirit, may we seek to be with God, and with one another.

Bless you-

Liz

Services at Church of the Ascension

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

Long Term Prayers

Pray for: Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Stewart, Jen, Bishop Gretchen, Alice & the Kisiya family, Rural and Migrant Ministry, and New York Haiti Project and the St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Martel. We pray for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Sudan, Haiti, Congo, Venezuela, 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

Glad Tidings- Ascension has once again received a year end matching grant of $3000 from anonymous donors! The purpose is to benefit our operating budget at the turn of the year and help us move into the Epiphany season with our light shining more brightly. You can contribute to this match by check (put “Matching Grant” in the memo line) or through Abundant Giving (indicate Year End Match Contr. in the drop-down menu). We need to meet the match by January 31, 2026. Even small gifts can make a big difference! Thanks to our generous donors (Magi?) and thank you all for your support of Ascension!

In accordance with the Religious Corporations Law of the State of New York, the Annual Meeting of The Church of the Ascension in the City of New York will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, immediately following the 11 a.m. service, for the purpose of electing a Warden for a term of two years, four Vestry members to the Class of 2029, for three year terms, and one Vestry member to the Class of 2027 for the one year remaining in that term, to ratify the Vestry's recommendation to reduce the number of Vestry members from 12 to 9, beginning in 2027, and for the conduct of such other business as should come before the Parish.

Nominees are: Dorothy DeCrescenzo, Ned Fitch, Kate Rutherford, Matthew Snow, and Michael Surabian.

A Note About Vestry Elections for the Annual Meeting – Voting will be online again this year. Eligible voters will receive an email notice to vote when the polls are open. Paper ballots will only be sent to eligible voters without email. If you have any questions, please contact the church office by email (info@ascensionnyc.org) or by calling 212-254-8620.

Lenten House Eucharists - If you would be interested in hosting a small group of people in your home for Evening Prayer with the Eucharist, followed by a pot luck dinner, please contact Sibyl Piccone at srpiccone@yahoo.com.

Racial Justice Group, Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 on Zoom- In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and in light of all that is going on around us, we will reflect on his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail". Click here to read the letter. All are welcome- please join us!

Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver- Our annual pledge drive officially concluded last week, 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: January 24; February 7 & 21

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.