Second Sunday after Christmas

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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“Where is the child…?”

Dear People of Ascension,

Christian Nationalism accelerated in momentum toward Election Day 2024. Then, the election results brought the prospect of installing it, in accordance with the Project 2025 manifesto. Maybe, like me, you’re still wondering what that says about the good news of God’s ongoing reign coming into the world through Jesus. Part of what it says is that God’s reign isn’t “Christian”. Clearly it cannot be. Rather, the reign of God coming into the world brings with it alternative politics and economics that offer a whole new way of being human. And this represents, if anything, the opposite of “nationalism” – especially in terms of anything like alliance with white supremacist racism – especially in terms of aligning with fear.

In todays’ story, the Magi ask where they can find the new king; which causes the king of whom they ask, much fear. In fact, that question – and they’re the first words spoken by a human being in Matthew’s gospel – sets up what will become the gospel’s theme. Sets up all the spiritual tension to be found in the conflict between worldly and heavenly kingdoms.

God’s politics and economics are about healing all the divisions that keep humankind in conflict. God’s politics and economics are about establishing true justice in the sense of equity for all God’s children, and our earth home with all its creatures, so that everyone might have a fair chance of flourishing. It’s about mutual service among equals, never servitude of the weak by the strong.

God’s reign isn’t about conversion to a better religion called “Christianity.” It’s about the offer of a better way of being human. How do you feel, then, that we’re embarking together upon the season-in-spirit when discoveries of how “God’s reign” harmonizes with “a better way of being human” will arise in and around you – in and around us?

In peace,

Services at Church of the Ascension

Christmas at Ascension

2nd Sunday after Christmas, January 4

Holy Eucharist, 9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music, 11:00 a.m.
Meditation & Sacrament, 6:00 p.m.

The Church and Parish Offices will be closed Thursday, January 1 and Friday January 2.

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 15, 2026. Even small gifts can make a big difference! Thanks to our generous donors (Magi?) and thank you all for your support of Ascension!

People Who Lunch, Wednesday January 7; 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10 & 24

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.