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

Dear People of Ascension,

This month we have been making our way through the letter of James. It’s practical and challenging, calling us to live an ethical, integrated life and build communities that welcome all equally and care especially for the most vulnerable. “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works?” “The tongue is a fire.” “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.”

In this Sunday’s reading from the end of the letter, James calls us to pray. This is the bedrock and the lifeblood of the community of faith. Whether we are suffering or cheerful, we are to offer prayer and praise. When we are sick or struggling, we are to ask for the prayer support of the community. Prayer is linked with honest conversation and sharing each other’s burdens- the vulnerability of confessing our sins to each other, forgiving and praying for each other’s healing and wholeness. Praying for the wholeness of the larger world of which we are a part. Telling the truth to God and building enough trust to tell the truth of our hearts to one another, that we may be sustained by one another’s prayers.

How do you experience this community of prayer? For me, praying with another person is often a privilege that deepens my own experience of God. I have certainly been strengthened by the prayers of friends when I could not really pray for myself. Here at Ascension, I am grateful for the wonderful community of caring and prayer that has formed online in the evenings, and touched by the people who add a name to the prayers of the people on Sunday morning. Sometimes someone will ask, “how can I pray for you?” and I am surprised by the answering need that reveals itself.

In these troubled times, may we grow in our practice of prayer, not only as individuals but as a community. And may our prayers- of praise or petition, suffering or joy- awaken us to the presence of God in the midst of it all.

Liz

This Sunday's Forum, “Trees and the Sacred" - Join Mark Larrimore, Professor of Religious Studies at the New School, for a wide-ranging discussion of trees and the unique, sacred relationships we share with them.

Bountiful God, you call us to labor with you in tending the earth: Where we lack love, open our hearts to the world; where we waste, give us discipline to conserve; where we neglect, awaken our minds and wills to insight and care. May we with all your creatures honor and serve you in all things for you live and reign with Christ, Redeemer of all, and with your Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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.

Meet Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George's College Jerusalem; Monday, September 30 (at Cathedral of St. John the Divine) or Tuesday, October 1 at St Bartholomew). The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, The Very Rev. Patrick Malloy, and The Rt. Rev. Dean Wolfe invite you to meet The Very Rev. Canon Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George's College Jerusalem. Dean Richard will be hosted at two receptions while visiting New York City. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear a first-hand update about the current situation in Israel/Palestine and learn of the work of St. George’s College, the Anglican Center for Pilgrimage, Education, Hospitality and Reconciliation in the Holy Land. We hope that you can join us for one of these two events. Feel free to bring a friend. For more information and to register, click this link.

Lectionary Bible Study returns Monday Evening, September 23 at 6:30 via Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Sibyl Piccone.

People Who Lunch, Wednesday, October 2; 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!

Blessing of the Animals; Feast of St. Francis, Sunday October 6 – We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis - the saint who preached to the birds and called a wolf his brother –with the blessing of the animals following the 11 a.m. Sunday, October 6. The blessing will be around 12:30, giving those who live nearby a chance to go and get their animals; however, you are also welcome to bring well-behaved pets to church that day. Tell your friends! 

Postcards to Voters- Are you writing GOTV postcards or letters to voters in this election season? Thinking about doing it? Having trouble finding time to get it done? Bring your cards with you on Sunday, October 13 and we will have a writing party after coffee hour. For those who have not yet procured cards to write, the church will provide some environmentally oriented ones, courtesy of Greenfaith.

Flowers for Church - Sponsoring flowers for the Sunday service is a great way to remember loved ones now past and to celebrate joyful moments in life. If you would like to sponsor flowers, please email the parish administrator (info@ascensionnyc.org) or call the church office (212-254-8620). Please indicate the date you would like to sponsor them.

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:

October 5 & 19

November 2 & 16

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.

Tower Brownstone Update- We are coming to the end! Our architect did an inspection on the rods and stars work early this week and the work is substantially done. There are a few “punch items” to complete which should be finished quickly. We hope to be able to remove the scaffolding shortly. 

Due to delays and other overruns on this project, we are still seeking funds for it. If you have not yet pledged to the tower or if you can increase your contribution, it would greatly help us manage these unexpected expenses. We are so grateful for your generosity and understanding during this critical time!

Use this QR code to quickly pledge or give to the Tower fund.

Remember, if you pay by check, put “Tower Brownstone” in the memo line. If you pay through Abundant, select “Manton matching grant” from the drop-down menu.

Sunday – September 29

Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9 a.m. 

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Join us for Coffee Hour following the Service

Ascension Forum (Hybrid) After coffee hour

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

Monday – September 30

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

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

Tuesday – October 1

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

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

Wednesday – October 2

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) 6:30 p.m.

Thursday – October 3

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

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

Friday – October 4

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

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

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

Saturday – October 5

Food Pantry (12 West 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 – October 6 – Blessing of the Animals

Holy Eucharist (Side Altar) 9 a.m. 

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Blessing of the Animals (Front Garden) 12:30 p.m. 

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