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

From “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote

“My, how foolish I am!” my friend cries, 

suddenly alert, 

like a woman remembering too late

she has biscuits in the oven.

“You know what I’ve always thought?” 

she asks in a tone of discovery, 

and not smiling at me but a point beyond. 

“I’ve always thought a body 

would have to be sick and dying 

before they saw the Lord. And I imagined 

that when He came it would be 

like looking at the Baptist window: 

pretty as colored glass 

with the sun pouring through, 

such a shine you don’t know it’s getting dark. 

And it’s been a comfort: to think of that shine 

taking away all the spooky feeling. 

But I’ll wager it never happens. I’ll wager 

at the very end a body realizes 

the Lord has already shown Himself. 

That things as they are” — her hand circles 

in a gesture that gathers clouds and kites and grass

and Queenie pawing earth over her bone — 

“just what they’ve always seen, was seeing Him.

As for me, I could leave the world 

with today in my eyes.”

Dear People of Ascension, 

Despite its title “A Christmas Memory”, this lovely section from Truman Capote’s short story touches on the wonder that is so much a part of our best Thanksgivings. It raises Advent themes too: meditation on “last things” and alertness to the Lord’s unexpected coming. I am grateful to the Salt project for drawing it to my attention and putting it in prose poem form.

May this very full time of the year also abound with blessings, insights and surprises for you.

Liz

To watch this service via Live Stream

go to Ascensionnyc.org/Webcasts,

and select "The Church of Ascension - Funeral Service'

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.

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.

Today we welcome to the Rev. Larisa Shaterian, as our Guest Preacher! It’s always a joy to have Mother Larisa with us at Ascension.

Advent Wreath Making, This Sunday, December 1 - We’ve got all the supplies at the ready for an Advent Wreath Making Clinic! On Advent 1 - December 1st - we’ll gather in the parish hall after 11am worship and 12 lucky participants will play around with creating their own Adventure Wreath!

It’s sure to be a meaningful way to start the season for one and all!

Visit our Facebook page and other social media to check out our Advent Calendar!

Newcomers’ Party, Next Sunday, December 8. Whether you have been coming to Ascension one day or fifty years, we invite you to join us for a festive brunch following the 11 am service. The newest members of our community are our guests of honor. It has been a while since we had a newcomers’ event, so come and welcome each other, enjoy some delicious food and conversation and learn about the life of our parish. Please RSVP to the parish office (info@ascensionnyc.org) so we know how much food to prepare. We are excited to see you there!

My Soul Magnifies the Lord!- Ascension Forum Sunday, December 15. Please join us as we consider Mary’s joyful and subversive song through scripture study, music and art. 

Greening the Church- December 22, following the 11 am service, please join us as we make the church beautiful for Christmas. 

Visit us at Facebook.com/Ascensionnyc to check out our Advent Calendar!

20s/30s Dinner Rescheduled- Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30pm- Due to conflicts with Thanksgiving and Christmas, we will gather in early December. Please join us!

People Who Lunch, Wednesday, December 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!

Advent Quiet Day: “Resistance & Rest” – Saturday, Dec. 7, 10am – 3pm at St. Mark’s in the Bowery (131 E 10th St.), led by Br. Andrew Jones, OSF. Click here to register.

Episcopal Charities Tribute Dinner, Monday, December 9 at 6:30, Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Each year, Ascension sponsors a table at this gala event, which supports the agency that helps fund social service ministries across the diocese, including our own food pantry. Full price tickets are $800 and young professional tickets are $450. Ascension will pay up to $600 to subsidize regular tickets and up to $350 to subsidize young professional tickets. Please join us for a grand evening for a great cause in one of the loveliest dining rooms in New York City. If you would like to attend, please speak to Mother Liz or contact the parish office.

‘Tis the Season to go Phishing! It’s Holly Jolly Scamming Time, so be extra careful and vigilant. 

• Always double check the actual address of the sender. 
• If the “voice” of a message doesn’t sound right, beware.
• Utility companies will never ask you to pay via gift cards.
• Clergy and Staff will never email you asking for gift cards.

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:

Dec. 7 & 21; Jan 4 & 18

If you have questions or wish to join us, please contact Fr. Ed: fatherchinery@ascensionnyc.org – or – 732-910-7017 (c)

Open Church Schedule

Open Church - Mondays through Fridays, Noon to 3pm. 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.

The Scaffolding is Down! The Tower Work is Complete! It’s wonderful to be able to see our church again! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on the restoration of our tower and each one of you who contributed so generously to fund the project. Although we have paid our contractors for the now completed work, we still have some incidental expenses to fund. If you can help with these efforts, we will be most grateful.

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)

Sunday – December 1 – Advent 1

Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9 a.m. 

Holy Eucharist with Music (Church) 11 a.m. 

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Ascension Forum - Advent Wreath Making (Parish Hall) after coffee hour

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

Monday – December 2

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

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

Lectionary Bible Study (Zoom) 6:30 p.m. (for more information, contact Sybil at srpiccone@yahoo.com)

Tuesday – December 3

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

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

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

Wednesday – December 4

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

People Who Lunch (Parish Hall) 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Building & Grounds (Hybrid) 6:45 p.m.

Thursday – December 5

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

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

Finance Meeting (Zoom) 6:45 p.m.

Friday – December 6

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

Pantry Set Up (Parish Hall) 3:00 p.m.

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

Saturday – December 7

Food Pantry (12 W 11th St) 8:30 a.m.

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 – December 8 – Advent 2

Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9 a.m. 

Holy Eucharist with Music (Church) 11 a.m. 

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Newcomers' Brunch (Rear Parlor) 12:30 p.m.

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