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

“Come and see. As we begin our ministry together, we are invited anew into relationship with Jesus, with one another, and with our beautiful and suffering world. Can we become a community of invitation, in which those who come and see experience the transforming love of God? The Lord is calling us to follow, and we do not yet know what we will learn, do or become in that partnership. But we do know that wherever we are led, God’s Spirit is there. Come and see. As we begin, with joy let us say “yes.”

 

Dear People of Ascension,

 

It is hard to believe that this weekend we mark ten years together in our ministry together as priest and people at Ascension. I went back to see what I said at my first Sunday with you, and the words above are the last paragraph of that sermon. The readings were different than we will hear this Sunday: it was year B, and the gospel was John 1:43-51, in which curious future disciples are invited to “come and see” what Jesus is up to.

 

Ten years on, what have we seen together? These years have brought experiences I could never have imagined, including reckoning with our racial history, a global pandemic, the rise of fascism here and abroad, climate catastrophe and deep divisions in our common life. They have brought remarkable opportunities as well- to witness to the gospel of peace and justice; to learn more deeply how to build community and nurture hope and joy even in some very challenging times.

 

Here at Ascension, week in and week out, there have been the gifts of singing and praying together, being fed at God’s table, exploring our faith, learning about each other with laughter and sometimes tears. There has been the joy of welcoming new people to our congregation, and the holy, difficult work of walking with beloved parishioners in illness and death. There have been so many wonderful opportunities to break bread and share stories. There have been animals to bless and protests to march in. There are always building needs to tend to- and thankfully, wonderful parish leaders and colleagues to share the work, the conundrums and the celebrations.

 

Thank you, dear people of Ascension, for these ten years, for your warm embrace of me and of Mihret and Finn, for keeping on in the great times and the hard ones. May we continue to grow together in worship, witness and service; may we keep saying yes to God and each other, trusting that wherever we are led, God’s Spirit will be there with us. I’m so glad to share this ministry with all of you!

 

Love to you,

 

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

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!



The Church and Parish Offices will be closed

Monday, January 20, in honor of

Martin Luther King Day.


Urgent Advocacy for Ravi Ragbir: You can still sign the petition to support Ravi Ragbir, the founder and Director of New Sanctuary Coalition. We have been working with other faith leaders, elected officials and organizations to seek a Presidential Pardon for him so that he can remain in the United States with his wife and daughter (both American citizens) and the community that loves and depends on him. Time is short, and every bit of advocacy helps. You can sign the petition here

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

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.

News reached us recently that Denise Kelly passed away on Dec. 8 from congestive heart failure. In addition, she had been suffering from dementia for several years. Denise was our long-time parish receptionist and a member of the choir. She retired more than a decade ago and lived quietly in her family home of Elizabeth, NJ. May she rest in peace.

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, two vestry members to fill unexpired two year terms in the class of 2007, 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.

Safety Tip - In 2024, NYC enacted Local Law 157, which states that landlords of multifamily dwellings install a natural gas meter within one foot of the ceiling and placed no less than 3 feet and no more than 10 feet from each gas operated appliance. This is to be completed by May 2025.

 

If you are the owner of your residence, you will be required to install these meters yourself.

There are two types of meters: one which plugs into electricity but has battery backup; the other is battery operated. They look like small square portable fire alarms and can be purchased at any hardware store, Home depot, Cosco or Amazon and cost between $35- $70 each depending on the type which you purchase.

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:

Feb 1 & 15, Mar 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 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 (Parish Hall) After the 11:00 service

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


Monday – January 20

Church and Parish Offices closed for Martin Luther King Day


Tuesday – January 21

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

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


Wednesday – January 22

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

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

Midweek Eucharist (Church) 6:00 p.m.


Thursday – January 23

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

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

20s/30s Dinner (Parish Hall) 6:30 p.m.


Friday – January 24

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

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


Saturday – January 25

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 26

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

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Annual Meeting (Parish Hall) After the 11:00 service

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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