Dear People of Ascension,

God willing, our beloved Deacon Meredith Ward will be ordained to the priesthood this Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 am in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Because of the pandemic, there will be only 19 people present in that vast sacred space, including five ordinands, their presenters and Bishop Dietsche! I and deeply honored to present Meredith on behalf of Ascension and the Diocese of NY, along with Peter Clark. I encourage all of you to join us online to pray for and rejoice with Meredith as she is ordained priest on this very happy day. You can join the live feed at Diocese of New York or Diocese of New York FaceBook.

The process leading to this moment is a long and life-transforming one, as many of you who have known Meredith these many years are well aware. It involves a person's attending to the nudging (and sometimes persistent clamoring) of God's Spirit in her own heart and life, as well as the discernment of parish and diocese who must recognize and affirm her gifts and vocation also. It is a special joy for a parish community to sponsor someone for ordained ministry, to see them grow into their call, and to sense the blessing that their priesthood will be to the church and the world. Ascension has raised up a number of wonderful clergy over the years, and it feels to me that this is part of our particular vocation as a congregation. Meredith's ordination is an opportunity for us to think about our own diverse ministries, to discern how God is calling each of us and all of us together, to pray for each other and seek to support each other as we grow in our vocations as bearers of Christ's love in the world.

Meredith will give us her priestly blessing at our Zoom service this Sunday. Normally, she would be celebrating her first Eucharist that day; I hope that soon we will be able to invite her to do that in person at Ascension. I am very happy to tell you that our gift of her ordination chasuble and stole has been fully funded; she will be vested in them as part of the service, and pictures will be forthcoming.

One of the happy accidents of this COVID time has been Meredith's presence with us. Of course, we know that she must- and should- find another place to bring her many gifts and do the work she is ordained to do. But for now, I am grateful to have her as part of our clergy team at Ascension.

Please keep Meredith and her wife Debra in your prayers this weekend. Meredith, we love you, we are so proud of you, and wish you every blessing as you say "Yes" to the work God has called you to do.

Liz

If you do not have a device with a camera, you can still join with your phone by dialing the following number and enter the meeting ID: 929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 322 793 633

All of our online services, with their links, can be found on our public calendar, and are listed below.

Click this link to read up on some best practices for Zoom meetings.

#690 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah (Cwm Rhondda)

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,

pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty;

hold me with thy powerful hand;

bread of heaven,

feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,

whence the healing stream doth flow;

let the fire and cloudy pillar

lead me all my journey through;

strong deliverer,

be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

bid my anxious fears subside;

death of death, and hell’s destruction,

land me safe on Canaan’s side;

songs of praises,

I will ever give to thee.

Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’“ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’“ In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (St. Helena Psalter)

We give you thanks, O God, and call upon your Name; *

we make known your deeds among the peoples.

We sing to you; we sing your praise *

and speak of all your marvelous works.

We glory in your holy Name; *

let the hearts of those who seek you rejoice.

We search for you and your strength; *

we continually seek your face.

We remember the marvels you have done, *

the wonders and the judgments of your mouth.

O offspring of Abraham, your servant, *

O children of Jacob, the chosen ones.

You led out your people with silver and gold; *

in all their tribes there was not one that stumbled.

Egypt was glad of their going, *

because they were afraid of them.

You spread out a cloud for a covering *

and a fire to give light in the night season.

They asked, and quails appeared, *

and you satisfied them with bread from heaven.

You opened the rock, and water flowed, *

so the river ran in the dry places.

For you remembered your holy word *

and Abraham your servant.

So you led forth your people with gladness, *

your chosen with shouts of joy.

You gave your people the lands of the nations, *

and they took the fruit of others’ toil,

That they might keep your statutes *

and observe your laws. Alleluia!

To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Rev. Posey Krakowsky

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)

God of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ you promise to hear us when we pray to you in faith with thanksgiving.

We pray for one another, for our families and friends, through whom we learn to love and to be loved. Thank you for all who care for us. ​Give us grace to serve Christ by serving our neighbors and our community, loving others as he loves us.

We thank you for the unfailing love you hold out to everyone in Jesus Christ. Comfort and heal those in sorrow, need, sickness or any other trouble, especially Robert, Ed, Janet, Mary and Tom, Ellen, Joseph, Brielle, Lucas, Holly, Allejandro and Jesus, Nancy, Barbara, Dorothy, Stewart, Patricia, Judith, Marco, Tina, Hannah, Jurek, Alice, Stacy and Jonathan, Michael, Lisa, Seth, Lauretta, Jacob, Joyce, Anne, Danne, Shawn, Susanne, Sherry, and David. Give them courage and hope in their distress, and bless those who minister to them.

We remember with gratitude your many gifts to us in creation and the rich heritage of this land. Help us and people everywhere to share with justice and peace the resources of the earth. We pray for the people of Lebanon and Belarus, those affected by hurricanes Sally and Teddy, and the fires in California and the Pacific Northwest. We pray for all laboring to end ​racism and white supremacy and establish racial justice in our country. Give wisdom to those in authority among us and to all leaders of the nations.

We pray for your Church throughout the world, thanking you for all who serve Christ and his kingdom. By your Spirit strengthen your people for their work and witness in the world. We give you thanks for the ordination of Meredith Ward to the priesthood yesterday. We pray for the ministry of Episcopal Charities. Unite us in your truth and love, that we who confess your name may also reflect your glory.

We pray for all affected by COVID-19: for the frightened and the sick, for the dying and those who mourn. We pray for all who have lost jobs and livelihood as a result of this pandemic. We pray for all healthcare workers, especially Scarlett, Madonna, Trudie, Nancy, Anna, Sarah, Endine, and Terese, for all whose labor supports our common life, sometimes at the risk of their own lives; for those developing treatment and a vaccine, and for those charged with making decisions about public health and public policy and for all who are reopening, that they may care for one another in wisdom and safety.

We remember with thanksgiving all who have died in Christ and those whose faith is known to you alone, especially Daniel Nickolich, Yolande Robbins, Anthony McClain, Elizabeth Ortiz, Ann Mugavero, and Helen Crothers. We rejoice at the faithful witness of your saints in every age, praying that we may enter with them into the unending joy of your heavenly kingdom.

We offer you our other prayers, and our thanksgivings for all the blessings of this life.

Merciful God, you look with compassion on all who turn to you. Hear the prayers of your people.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

  hallowed be thy Name,

  thy kingdom come,

  thy will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

  as we forgive those

    who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

  but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

  and the power, and the glory,

  for ever and ever. Amen.

#671 Amazing grace! how sweet the sound (New Britain)

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

was blind but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come;

’tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

bright shining as the sun,

we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

than when we’d first begun.

Go to ascensionnyc.org/give to give online

Please check us out at ascensionnyc.org/give to find out how easy and secure it is. Click the envelope on the right to go the Ascension Website for more information and to give, whether a one-time donation, pledge payment, or make a new pledge.

Our parish can only continue its mission and ministry because of the generosity of parishioners, visitors, and friends of the parish and we are working hard to make our online giving as easy and seamless as possible.

(If you experience any issues with Abundant Giving, please email us at websexton@ascensionnyc.org)

Episcopal Charities Sunday, Today, September 20th - Our parish joins with others around the diocese to support Episcopal Charities Sunday, a special collection on behalf of feeding programs funded by Episcopal Charities. Now,more than ever, these programs need our support.Throughout the diocese, unemployment–and underemployment–have dramatically increased the number of people struggling with food insecurity. Even without the added pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, close to one million people in the diocese struggle to put food on the table.We ask that you please prayerfully consider making a donation to support Episcopal Charities Sunday by donating at ec-ny.org/ecsunday and be sure to let them know you are a member of our parish in the notes area. (If you wish to pay by check to the church, be sure to indicate in the memo field that it is for Episcopal Charities.)

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite juice, grab a slice of banana bread, piece of fruit, or a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, and feel free to "hang out" with us online to chat!

For Your Daily Prayers - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) During this time of global crisis and personal anxiety, we offer you this prayer form to include in your daily prayers.

is available on our Facebook page:

Stay Connected in Prayer. Join us each weeknight at 5:30 for Evening Prayer and discussion. Click here to join. To call in (voice, no camera), dial 929-205-6099; the meeting ID is 770 597 201.

Our Diocesan Convention Roll-out Meetings are every Wednesday evening, 5pm - 6pm, from September 9 through October 28. To attend the Zoom presentations go to dioceseny.zoom.us/j/91561537149. The Convention Day Bishops’ Addresses/Elections/Resolutions/Budget) will be Saturday, November 7 - Zoom details will follow;

Sept. 23 - Congregational Development/Leadership Development

Sept. 30 - Social Concerns/Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Oct. 7 - 2021 Budget

Oct. 14 - Global Mission/Anti-Racism

Oct. 21 - Christian Formation/Ecumenical and Interfaith

Oct. 28 - Reparations

(Nov. 4) - (Reserved for possible additional Zoom meeting)

Have you completed the census?  At this point, 57% of New Yorkers have completed the census, compared to approximately 64.5% of the nation. While NYC has closed the gap significantly in relation to the nation’s response in 2010, we are still nearly 8% below the national average and we have just under a month to encourage everyone to complete the census and avoid a massive undercount before September 30th. Billions of dollars in funding for our hospitals, health care, schools, public housing and so much more depend on every New Yorker completing the census. Please fill it out even if you are not currently in NYC, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. You can fill out the census here.

Are you interested in confirmation, or being received into the Episcopal church? In his pastoral letter, Bishop Dietsche indicates that there may be an opportunity for some small group confirmations this fall in different regions of the Diocese. If you would like to prepare to deepen your Christian commitment in this way, or if you are interested in learning more about the Episcopal church, please speak to Mother Liz.

The next meeting of the Racial Justice Discussion Group will be Thursday, September 24th. We conclude our reading of the special September issue of Vanity Fair, focusing on the following articles: The Herald; Mississippi, A Poem, in Days; and Abolition's Promise. Eve Beglarian will lead our discussion. Please join us! Click here for the Zoom meeting link.

No election would be possible without the poll workers who set up and take down polling sites, check in and assist voters. Many of those who have worked the polls in the past are over sixty and will not be doing so this year due to the risks of Covid-19 for that age group. If you are healthy, able, and feel secure working at a polling site, please consider applying to be a poll worker to ensure that polling sites run smoothly in this era defining election.

If you are in New York State you can apply directly here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/BecomePollworker.html

If you live outside of New York you can find out how to apply in your state here: https://votesaveamerica.com/everylastvote/#text-and-image

If you would like to be in contact with other Ascensionites who are working the polls, please contact Elizabeth Adams. And thank you!

Please give today to our Hurricane Relief Fund and help our partners and dioceses reach vulnerable communities devastated by Hurricanes Laura, Sally and other Gulf Coast storms. As we continue to assess ongoing needs in impacted areas, your urgent gift will enable us to respond now — and in the long run to aid in recovery.

Episcopal Relief & Development, in collaboration with the Anglican Alliance, is in discussion to accompany the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem & the Middle East to provide humanitarian assistance in response to the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. Please pray for everyone impacted by this crisis. To support Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to the explosion and other international disasters, please consider making a donation by clicking the link above.

St. Luke's Episcopal School in Martel, Haiti has reopened! After four months of shutdown due to civil unrest, and almost six months of shutdown due to coronavirus, the school is fully reopened. Click here to read Fr. Sam's full letter and t find out how you can donate t support the New York Haiti Project.

Stanley Weinberg's article, A Psychotherapist's Response to the Pandemic, will appear in the Fall issue of The Episcopal New Yorker. You can read the article here. To link to the Episcopal New Yorker, click here.

Help for job seekers available- Long-time choir member Deb Feldman is cofounder at Gray Scalable, an HR and Recruiting consultancy to tech startups, based in Flatiron. Deb is offering job search advice and interview practice for Ascension parishioners who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of Covid-19. This is offered remotely via Zoom and free of charge - however, spots are limited, and offered on a first come, first served basis. Please email debsoprano@gmail.com if you're interested.

Subscribe to the AscensionNYC podcast and have our weekly sermons delivered to the device of your choice! While we have been posting recordings of sermons preached at Ascension services since February 2015, many have asked how they can listen to them on the go. Now you can subscribe to the AscensionNYC podcast to have the latest sermons and other audio content from the Church of the Ascension automatically downloaded to your phone, tablet or computer. Follow this link

to choose how you'd like to receive AscensionNYC in the podcast app you use; we’re being added to more and more directories each week!

You can also go to our website to listen to recent sermons by clicking here or going to our website.

Give while shopping - We all seem to be relying on online shopping more and more these days. The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5 percent of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the nonprofit you choose. Even these small sums can add up for us. Click here to find out how.

Church Service (Zoom) 11:00 a.m.

Meditation with Prayers and Music (Available on our Facebook page)

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

Lectionary Bible Study (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.

(Speak to Sibyl Piccone if you are interested in this group)

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

EfM (Zoom) 6:00 p.m.

Diocesan Convention Rollout Meeting (Zoom)

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

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

Racial Justice Discussion Group (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.

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

Rehearsal for Sunday Service (Zoom) 2:00 p.m.

Church Service (Zoom) 11:00 a.m.

Meditation with Prayers and Music (Available on our Facebook page)

The Church of the Ascension -- Fifth Avenue and Tenth Street

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