Fourth 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

View as Webpage

“The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Dear People of Ascension,

Paul’s meditation on the paradox of the cross challenges me in these difficult days. As we witness- and perhaps experience- the abuse of state power, as protesters and helpers are murdered in the street, as immigrant neighbors are kidnapped with no pretense of due process and others fear to leave their homes, as children are separated from parents and held in jail, what is the message of the cross? When we feel so helpless, what is the power of God?

The message of the cross tells of God’s love for all people, and especially those most poor, marginalized, vulnerable and oppressed. It calls us to follow Jesus in the way of solidarity with these our siblings, recognizing the image of the divine in every person. The preaching of the cross does not say we will be comfortable or even safe in taking this path. It stands in radical conflict with the messages in the culture around us, and what we know about how to get ahead or protect ourselves or our institutions in this world. Those who speak truth to power, stand against state violence, and actively stand with neighbors in need may pay a price, and even an ultimate one as Jesus did. Even as we are seeing on the streets of Minneapolis.

But the gospel also says that in this way of non-violent, self-giving love we will find life. That life is the power of God’s love expressed through acts of mercy, kindness and solidarity- sometimes very small ones. It is grace extended when we are afraid, grieving, discouraged. Often, we discover that power within community, held up by others’ prayers when we cannot pray, or finding our actions multiplied and enhanced by the courage and gifts of others.

I realize that for many of us the foolishness of the cross, at least at this level, has seemed far away for much of our lives. Others- particularly those who are Black, or brown, or queer, or otherwise marginalized- have known this paradox intimately. It seems that we are at a time when many more of us must grapple with the impulse to stay safe, quiet and self-protective versus the gospel call to speak the truth about what we see, love our neighbor and do justice.

I am heartened by Paul's words, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” May the foolish wisdom and vulnerable strength of Christ crucified guide us, sustain us and give us life.

Liz

Important Related Links:

Letter from The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Bishop of Minnesota

Letter from The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, Bishop of Maine

Information from our Diocese - including suggestions on how you can help

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: Pray for Allejandro and Jesus, Barbara, Brielle, Dorothy, Elaine, Ellen, Hannah, Judith, Jurek, Lucas, Stewart, Jen, Bishop Gretchen, Alice & the Kisiya family, Jennifer, Rural and Migrant Ministry, and New York Haiti Project and the St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Martel. We remember 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.

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

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.

Glad Tidings- Ascension has once again received a year end matching grant of $3000 from anonymous donors!

And the match has been met! Thank you, everyone who contributed!

Beyond Gratitude: Adoption, Race and the Church. On Tuesday, February 3 from 7-8:30 pm in the parish hall, Ascension is hosting a conversation and book talk featuring Angela Tucker, Executive Director of the Adoptee Mentoring Society (herself a transracial adoptee) and the Rev. Canon Alissa Newton, who besides being our Canon to the Ordinary is an adoptive parent. All are welcome!

Who Will Win the Golden Halo? You may have noticed the colorful poster hanging on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, which means that Lent Madness 2026 is almost here! Participating in this annual tradition is a fun way to get to know new and familiar saints, and we are offering a chance to compete against your fellow parishioners for a prize by selecting your "Faithful Four" and the ultimate winner of the "Golden Halo." Pick one saint from each of the four quadrants on the chart, then pick the final two, and finally make your choice for the overall winner of the Golden Halo. Take a look at the poster and make your selections on the ballots provided at church from now through Ash Wednesday. For more information, go to lentmadness.org, and speak with John Grimes or Isabel Spencer for more details on the selection process.

Congratulations to David Cholcher, elected as Warden, Class of 2028; and to our newly elected Vestry members, Class of 2029: Dorothy DeCrescenzo, Ned Fitch, Matthew Snow, and Michael Surabian.

Eyes in Gaza II- Award-winning Photography Exhibition in St. James Chapel in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, January 22- February 12. These photographs are winners of the Lucie Impact Award, given to a photographer who created the most substantial journalistic contributions in a given year. For the first time, in 2023 the award was presented to group of photojournalists and press photographers working in the Gaza Strip, for their documentation of life in the midst of genocide. Mtr. Liz is honored to have helped bring this exhibition to our Cathedral. For more information (and to register to attend the opening), go to https://bit.ly/4sLBX9Q.

People Who Lunch, Wednesday February 4; 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!

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: 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.