Sixth 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

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Dear People of Ascension,

Last weekend, just in the nick of time, I went to see Edges of Ailey show at the Whitney Museum right before it closed. It was an extravagant feast of the choreographer’s work, early “roots in the sun and dirt of the South”, influences, collaborators, and life as a gay Black man and artist. There were paintings, sculptures, and other visual installations by makers from Purvis Young to Romare Bearden to Kara Walker and so many more. A continuous video loop presented segments of many iconic dances, Mr. Ailey himself speaking about his life and work, and others speaking about him.

As glorious movement and color, so much information and feeling, joyous images of dance, spirituality and liberation and wrenching ones of poverty and racism swirled around me, I was so very glad to be there. I felt so grateful to have experienced the dances of the Alvin Ailey Company over many years, and to celebrate the gift his art is both very personally and to the world. He said this about the Black culture(s) out of which his dances come: "Look how beautiful we are, look how wonderful we are as Black people. Look what's happened to us in all these years despite our problems, despite our being brought here as slaves, look what has grown in us." “Happy Black History Month!” I thought. Beautiful indeed.

And then I realized that we really can’t take such a celebration for granted in February, 2025. The recent Executive Orders abolishing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seek to end observances that lift up the stories, struggles and accomplishments of particular groups within our nation, including Black History Month. How unspeakably sad not to honor the diverse strands of history and culture that make up the rich, wonderful, sometimes painful fabric of our common life. How dangerously foolish. It diminishes us all.

This is a spiritual as well as a political matter. As Dr. King said, we are bound together in a single fabric of destiny. We are nourished by our diverse cultures, by learning from each other, by vibrant creativity and self-expression. We need this now more than ever.

May your lives be graced with art that feeds your soul. May it open you to the glorious diversity and deep connections that delight the heart of the Creator of all. May it bring you courage, inspiration and joy.

Liz

The image for this reflection is Karon Davis’s sculpture of Judith Jamison dancing Ailey’s Cry, an homage to his mother and “to all Black women everywhere”.

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

Church and Parish Offices will be closed

Monday, February 17

in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Racial Justice Group: Thursday, February 20 at 6:30- After hearing the Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones’ sermon at the Diocesan Absalom Jones service last weekend, we decided to listen to it again for this month’s meeting. We will do so at the meeting, but you are also welcome to listen ahead of time. Please join us Thursday on zoom for a lively and important discussion. Click here to watch the service - the sermon starts at about 59 minutes in. We will discuss Facing the Rising Sun next month, so please continue reading it!

Next Week’s Guest Preacher and Forum: Archdeacon Denise LeVetty- Archdeacon Denise will talk with us about participating in Ecclesia Ministry, a congregation of unhoused people meeting in the outdoor space in front of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery. Downtown parishes are invited to join in worship and provide sandwiches for Ecclesia, and we propose to do so on the 4th Sunday of every month. Archdeacon Denise will explain how the ministry works and lead us in a first sandwich run. Join us to bring hands on good news to the poor!

Ascension Directory Updates – We are updating our parish directory with a goal of having it available by the first Sunday in Lent (March 9). Please check your information in one of the printed directories (in the narthex of the church or at coffee hour). Write in any corrections or add your information at the back of the directory. You can also email your information to the office at info@ascensionnyc.org. If you do not want any of your contact listed, please write clearly on your entry to not publish.

Deadline for corrections is next Sunday, February 23.

Hats, Scarves and Gloves- Our needlework guild has been asked by our friends at the Roberto Clemente School if we can again provide them with warm items (hats, scarves and gloves) for both their students and for the mothers and kids living in the shelter a block away from the school. Many of the children in the school and families in the shelter are migrants from climates that don’t experience such a harsh winter as we’re having in NYC; others are living below the poverty line. We’d love to have an outpouring of items for them; you’re welcome to join the needleworkers or make things on your own. Madonna Stack Barker has 30 packages of donated baby yarn; please contact her if you would like some yarn and also if you have something to donate. Thank you!

Pledge Envelopes! If you requested pledge envelopes, they are in the narthex of the church. Please pick yours up. If you want envelopes and do not see yours, please contact the church office at 212-254-8620 or info@ascensionnyc.org.

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 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

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 – February 16

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

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Ascension Forum (Parish Hall) After the 11:00 service

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

Monday – February 17

Church and Parish Offices Closed for Presidents Day