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

Dear People of Ascension,

 

Many of you will remember Ravi Ragbir, founder and Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition. I also spoke about him in our announcements last Sunday. He was an invaluable colleague and resource in 2016-2021 as we tried to provide accurate, helpful information and basic needs for immigrant friends seeking safety, legal assistance and community. For part of that time we were proud to host a support circle for NSC, where asylum seekers could learn about both their rights and life here in our city. Ravi has been recognized for his vital work for immigrant justice both locally and nationally- notably by being named an honorary canon of our neighboring Diocese of Long Island.

 

Ravi himself is now at serious risk of deportation due to a conviction for a low level, nonviolent crime more than 20 years ago. He has more than paid his “debt to society” as well as being an exemplary community leader ever since. For more than a year, I have been working with other faith leaders, elected officials and organizations to seek a Presidential Pardon so that Ravi can remain in the United States with his wife and daughter (both American citizens) and the community that loves and depends on him. So far no pardon has been forthcoming, though we continue to pray, hope and advocate. Ravi has a high-risk check-in with ICE this coming Monday, January 13 at 7 am, and a number of us will be in Foley Square to support him and keep vigil. 

 

As we live into the Epiphany season’s call to share Christ’s light of justice and mercy and particularly to welcome the stranger and care for the marginalized, I ask your support and prayers for Ravi and by extension for all immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. More information and a petition in support of a pardon for Ravi is here. I invite you to sign and share it.

 

Before Christmas, a clergy colleague told me that he had been particularly moved by all the seasonal stories of angels showing up with God’s messages for various biblical characters. “When angels show up, folks listen,” he said, “so I have started praying that an angel will speak to the President about pardoning Ravi.” Since then, I too have been praying for angelic intervention- and I know that sometimes we are called to be angels- divine messengers and helpers- for one another as well.

 

In hope,

 

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

The memorial service for Lillie Burkhardt will be this Saturday, January 11, at 3:00 PM. To watch the service online, go to Ascensionnyc.org/Webcasts, You can view the service bulletin here.

Fire Response and Resources for California - if you are looking for a way to help those affected by the fires in California, please click this link to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Come celebrate with us! How time flies! Unbelievably, Mother Liz’s 10th anniversary with us comes up in January. We’ll be marking her decade at Ascension with a party after church on January 19. So mark your calendars now!

Save the Date:

  • The Memorial Service for David DePorte will be held Saturday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m.

We are Alive to Imagination and Possibility”: Racial Justice Group, Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 on zoom. Please join us for a conversation about Krista Tippett’s interview with the poet Nikki Giovanni, who died last month. We invite you to listen to the entirety of it ahead of time, and we will also play a clip in our session. We reflect on the legacy of this remarkable woman and writer, whose words seem especially appropriate for our moment: “Everything is a lesson. And so you have to find out what’s the lesson, and how do I embrace this lesson, and how do I go forward? And you have to watch out for the bitterness. That’s what you don’t want to be bothered with.” You can access the interview here.

Annual Parish Meeting - 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 26, 2025, 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 2028, for three year terms, and for the conduct of such other business as should come before the Parish.


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.

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:

Jan 18; Feb 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

Ascension has received a special matching grant of $2500 from several 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, 2025. Even small gifts can make a big difference! Thanks to our generous donors (Magi?) and thank you all for your support of 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.

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 – January 12

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) following the 11:00 service

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


Monday – January 13

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

Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.

Lectionary Bible Study (Zoom) 6:30 p.m. (for more information, contact Sybil at srpiccone@yahoo.com)

Finance Committee (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.


Tuesday – January 14

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

Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.

Finance Budget Meeting (Zoom) 6: 45 p.m.


Wednesday – January 15

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

Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.

Vestry Meeting (Hybrid) 6:45 p.m.


Thursday – January 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 – January 17

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

Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.


Saturday – January 18

Food Pantry (12 W 11th St) 8:30 a.m.

The Food Pantry normally operates on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. For food assistance or to volunteer, please contact Fr. Ed (fatherchinery @ascensionyc.org).


Sunday – January 19

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

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Mtr Liz’s Anniversary Celebration

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


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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