Dear people of Ascension,

As I write, Christmas bulletins are being copied, the choir is rehearsing, there are evergreens in the church and poinsettias on the way, and sermons are percolating. After almost three years, we will be together in person for Christmas. Even as we continue with our public health precautions, we rejoice to be able to celebrate the Word made flesh together in the flesh, as well as online. It's not something we can take for granted anymore. I am so grateful.

As we prepare liturgically for Christmas, though, we may or may not feel prepared in other ways. There is so much holiday busy-ness for many of us, and I never feel as if everything on my list gets done. On a deeper level, it has been yet another challenging year, full of losses and anxieties as well as joys. Our fears for our dear ones and our world- in the midst of violence, war and ecological destruction- run deep.

More than ever, we need to hear the angels say "don't be afraid", and join their song of glory to God and peace on earth. More than ever, we need to open our hearts to the good news that God has come to be with us in the flesh, come what may. With Mary, we are invited to ponder what all this might mean. Especially if we are not ready, uncertain, a bit ragged, worn and weary.

However you find yourself this Christmas, ready or not, please join us at Ascension to celebrate the coming of Christ, the birth of love for us. Join us at 5 pm for the children and family service, with the telling of the Christmas story, the singing of carols and a kid-friendly Eucharist. Or come at 9:30pm to hear our wonderful choir and share in the festival celebration at 10 pm. Or join us on Christmas morning at 11- always a beautiful, simple service full of joy. Or come to more than one! The festal Christmas Eve service and the service on Christmas Day will be livestreamed (see below for links to livestream and bulletins) and we look forward to welcoming you who participate online as well.

I hope to see you in church. A very merry and blessed Christmas to you all!

Liz

Livestreams of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and 1st Sunday after Christmas (11:00 a.m.) services can be accessed at Ascensionny.org/webcasts.

Say Thank You. If you watch our services online you may notice in the lower left-had corner you'll see the name of our producer, Jasmine B. She has been our producer a little over a month now and is doing a great job! Next time you're watching, be sure to give her 5 stars!

How to Add Prayer Requests Online for Sunday Service - Go to Ascensionnyc.org/Prayers and type in your prayer request. Be sure to add them before the end of the sermon.

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.

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.

With the rise of respiratory illnesses, we strongly encourage everyone to be masked when indoors and to be sensitive to the concerns of others. Clergy, servers, and choir will remain masked during services.

Have you made your pledge for 2023? Thanks to all who have pledged to support Ascension in the coming year. If you have not yet pledged, please prayerfully consider doing so. We need everyone's participation, and depend on your commitments for our budget planning. When you pledge online you must make a new commitment for each new year. Thank you for your generosity and care for our church!

To make or pay your pledge online, please check us out at Ascensionnyc.org/Give to find out how easy and secure it is to give. You can also download the Abundant app for iOS or Android. When donating, please choose whichever purpose you intend for your contribution.

New York Episcopal Credit Union- Our diocesan credit union has received its charter and plans to be open for business in 2023! During the first year of its operation, the Credit Union will offer basic saving and lending services to its customers, which may include anyone connected with a parish, outreach ministry, school or charitable organization of the Diocese of New York. If you would like to make a gift of start up capital to help with initial salaries and expenses for this new venture you may make a pledge by emailing: UncommonCommittment@gmail.com

Spirit Driven Stitching: Quilts by Posey Krakowsky: On View at the Heavenly Rest Undercroft Gallery (1085 5th Ave, New York, NY), through December 31; The Rev. Posey Krakowsky, Priest Associate at Ascension, is also an artist, theologian, and writer. A lifelong fiber artist, Posey's specialty is quilting, but she also knits, weaves, paints, sews, and works with beads. Posey's quilting pieces are multi-layered and rich and take months to complete. Of her work Posey says, “We are Spirit-driven beings on an earthly, incarnate journey. God walks beside us every step. The ways we use our hands inform our hearts, our minds, and our souls: leading them deeper and deeper into Love.”

To watch Episcopal Journal's interview with Mother Posey, click here.

Help Asylum Seekers - Our friends at Judson Church (239 Thompson St.) have created a respite and mutual aid center for asylum seekers who have been bussed to New York from Texas. They are open every Monday from 10 am to 7 pm. You can help by volunteering time (Spanish speakers and those with medical, legal or social work training especially welcome), or by donating supplies. They need new (or like new) winter coats (men’s, women’s, & children’s), underwear (boxers preferably), and backpacks.

To learn more about volunteering, please contact the Rev. Micah Bucey at micah@judson.org. Donated supplies can be brought to Ascension, marked "mutual aid for migrants" and we will see that they get to Judson. Thank you!

Family Service (Church) 5:00 p.m.

Prelude Music for Christmas (Church) 9:30 p.m.

Festival Eucharist (Church) 10:00 p.m.

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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

Church and Parish Office closed. There are no services or meetings.

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

Church and Parish Office closed. There are no services or meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holy Eucharist (Church) 9:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist w/ Music; (Church & Live Stream) 11:00 a.m.

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

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

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