Services at Church of the Ascension | | |
Dear People of Ascension,
This Thanksgiving, I commend to you this prayer adapted from Diana Butler Bass’s book, Grateful: The Subversive Power of Giving Thanks and the spiritual practice it exemplifies. “We will not let anything opposed to love take over this table.” May it be so!
With gratitude for you all,
Liz
GOD, there are many days we do not feel grateful.
When we are anxious or angry. When we feel alone. When we do not understand what is happening in the world or with our neighbors. When the news is bleak and confusing. When there are threats, injustice, violence, and war.
We struggle to feel grateful.
But this Thanksgiving, we choose gratitude.
We choose to accept life as a gift from you, and as a gift from the unfolding work of all creation.
We choose to be grateful for the earth from which our food comes; for the water that gives life; and for the air we all breathe.
We choose to thank our ancestors, those who came before us, for their stories and struggles; we will learn from their mistakes and receive their wise choices as a continuing gift for today.
We choose to see our families and friends with new eyes, accepting them for who they are.
We are thankful for our homes, whether humble or grand.
We choose to appreciate and care for our neighbors whatever our differences or how much we feel hurt or misunderstood by them.
We choose to open our hearts to those who dwell among us in the shadows of uncertainty and fear, recognizing their full dignity and humanity.
We choose to see the world as our shared commons, our home now and the legacy we will leave for generations to come.
This Thanksgiving, we do not give thanks. We choose it.
We make this choice of thanks with courage, knowing that it is humbling to say “thank you.”
We open ourselves to your generosity, aware that we live in a circle of gratitude. We all are guests at your table around which gifts are passed and received.
We will not let anything opposed to love take over this table.
We embrace grace, love, and the gifts of life at this table. In this choosing, and in the sharing of this meal. We are strengthened to pass gratitude on to the world.
Thus, with you, our gracious and loving God, with all those gathered here, and with those at tables far distant, we pledge to make thanks.
We ask you to strengthen us in this resolve.
Here, now, and into the future. Around our family table. Around the table of our nation. Around the table of the earth.
We choose thanks. Amen.
| | | | 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. | | |
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)
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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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Long Term Prayers
Pray for: Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Luz, Stewart, Jen, Bishop Gretchen, Alice & the Kisiya family, Rural & Migrant Ministries, and New York Haiti Project and the St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Martel. 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.
| | Ascension Forum this Sunday: Advent Wreath Making, November 30 - We’ve got all the supplies at the ready for an Advent Wreath Making Clinic! On Advent 1 – November 30 - we’ll gather in the parish hall after 11am worship and play around with creating our own Advent Wreath! It’s sure to be a fun way to start the season for one and all! | | |
Help us make bag lunches for Ecclesia Ministry - It's fun and easy - and we provide everything you need. Join us after the service to make the bag lunches then come over at 2:00 p.m. to the square in front of St. Mark's in the Bowery for Eucharist and handing out lunches. Ecclesia Ministry is church for the unhoused and meets every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Ascension has signed up for the 4th Sunday of each month to provide bag lunches. Please join the sandwich-making fun during coffee hour this Sunday!
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Deacon Formation Program – Inquirers Zoom; December 1, 7:00 p.m. – Are you interested in learning more about the Diaconate program or the ordination process, or are already in discernment? Then this Zoom call is for you! Archdeacon Denise will explain how the program works, what’s required of you, and other important details to help you discern how this ministry might be what God is calling your to do. To receive the Zoom link, email archdeacon@dioceseny.org.
| | People Who Lunch, Wednesday, December 3; 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! | | SNAP Response – SNAP benefits are being restored, but we still are accepting donations of money for supermarket gift cards and/or food to help us create grab-and-go bags. If you, or someone you know, is in need of food assistance, please speak to one of the clergy. | | Advent Quiet Morning, Saturday, December 13, 10am- 1 pm - Are you looking for old-yet-new ways to pray and reconnect with God in the busy end-of-year season? Join us for a peaceful Advent Quiet Day. This year’s theme, “Waiting with Beads of Hope,” invites us to prepare our whole body in this holy season of waiting using prayer beads. Together we will learn the rhythm of contemplative prayer and action, discover the meaning of Anglican Prayer Beads, and even make our own set to take home. Led by Intern Yunjeong McSeol. | | Forum for Advent 3, December 14: The Female Ancestors of Jesus- Matthew alone of the gospel writers includes a genealogy of Jesus naming five women in the lineage. Why does he do this, and what is significant about the women he chooses? Please join us for a look at an unexpectedly significant part of scripture as we prepare for Jesus’ birth. | | Next Sunday, December 7, we will welcome the Rev. Richard Witt, Executive director of Rural and Migrant Ministry, as our preacher and forum leader. For 40 years, RMM has created hope, justice, and empowerment with farm working and rural families in New York by building community and developing leaders through advocacy, education and the arts. They are vitally involved in seeking justice for immigrants in these days. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear more about RMM’s work and how we can support and stand in solidarity with them. | | |
Church of the Ascension Social Justice Survey - As part of our ongoing commitment to live out Christ’s call to love one another, Ascension is exploring how our parish can deepen its witness to justice, compassion, and dignity for all people. This brief survey invites you to share your perspectives, hopes, and experiences as we discern how God is calling us to act in our community and beyond. Your voice matters, and your participation will help shape our shared ministry. Follow the QR code or go to bit.ly/3LY9f4y.
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‘Tis the Season to go Phishing! It’s Holly Jolly Scamming Time, so 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 and Staff will never email you asking for gift cards.
| | The Nominating Committee for Vestry Elections invites you prayerfully to consider whether you are called to serve on our parish Vestry. Members of the congregation may also nominate candidates for Vestry. Vestry members serve for three-year terms. The elections will take place at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25th, 2026. To be eligible to stand for election you must be: (1) 18 years of age or older, (2) a member of the parish who has made a financial contribution to the parish for at least the past 12 months, and (3) able to attend Vestry meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in standing for election to Vestry or nominating someone, please contact Vin Knight who is chairing the Nominating Committee: 212-727-9757; vin@panix.com. | | |
Hurricane Melissa Relief - Episcopal Relief & Development is working closely with partners to support people affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Hurricane Relief Fund (https://bit.ly/4rgf4KQ) is an important tool for responding to immediate needs and supporting long-term recovery. Please contribute to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund to support these efforts.
| | The Ascension Advent Calendar has enough contributors! Thanks to all who have volunteered. Watch our social media to participate in this Advent devotion. | | |
Have you finished paying your pledge for 2025? As the year draws to a close, please be sure your pledge is paid in full so you can receive your tax credit for this year, and Ascension can meet its budget. If you have any questions about your pledge payments or want to change your pledge, please contact the parish office. Thank you!
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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)
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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.
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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: December 6 & 20
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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Sunday – November 30
Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music (Church) 11:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Ascension Forum (Parish Hall)
Ecclesia Ministry (St. Mark’s in the Bowery) 2:00 p.m.
Meditation & Sacrament (Church) 6:00 p.m.
Monday – December 1
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Lectionary Bible Study (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday – December 2
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday – December 3
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
People Who Lunch (Parish Hall) 12:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist (Church) 6:00 p.m.
Building & Grounds (Hybrid) 6:45 p.m.
Thursday – December 4
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Friday – December 5
Church open for prayer & meditation; Noon to 3:00 p.m.
Food Pantry Setup (Parish Hall) 2:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m.
Saturday – December 6
Food Pantry (12 W. 11th St) 8:30 a.m.
The Food Pantry is the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. For food assistance or to volunteer, please contact Fr. Ed (fatherchinery@ascensionyc.org).
Sunday – December 7– Second Sunday of Advent
Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music(Church) 11:00 a.m.
In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)
Ascension Forum (Parish Hall)
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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