Dear People of Ascension,

This Sunday, we take another step in reopening the church, as we return to in person worship at 9 AM. Things are changing rapidly in New York, with the governor lifting almost all restrictions on gatherings when we achieved 70% vaccination for New Yorkers over 18. Still, we will proceed cautiously, with care for our neighbors who may not yet be vaccinated. We do ask everyone to wear a mask in church and practice physical distancing. We encourage you to make a reservation for the service, but if you find yourself able to come without having reserved, come!!! We really look forward to seeing you.

It has been more than 15 months since we were together in person on Sunday morning. Being together in our sacred space, encountering more dimensions of other people than is possible on a zoom screen (grateful though I surely am for zoom!), and experiencing all the sensuality of worship will surely touch us each in some fresh and surprising ways after all this time. I wonder what we will realize we have missed, what we will discover anew. I suspect we will be pondering these questions for a while.

We will also continue our 11 am services on Zoom throughout the summer and look forward to seeing you there too. We are committed to offering a way that those who cannot experience our worship in person will be able to participate.

See you in church!

Liz

If you do not have a device with a camera, you can still join with your phone by dialing the following number: 929-205-6099, and enter the 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.

Online phishing emails are becoming more and more rampant these days and the church is not exempt from vulnerability. Please read our notice below in the announcement for ways to protect yourself and others.

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

praising thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

drive the dark of doubt away;

giver of immortal gladness,

fill us with the light of day.

All thy works with joy surround thee,

earth and heaven reflect thy rays,

stars and angels sing around thee,

center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

blooming meadow, flashing sea,

chanting bird and flowing fountain,

call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,

ever blessing, ever blest,

well-spring of the joy of living,

ocean-depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother:

all who live in love are thine;

teach us how to love each other,

lift us to the joy divine.

Celebrant:   Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? "Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb?— when I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped'?"

We give you thanks, O God, for you are good; *

   your mercy endures for ever.

Let all those whom you have redeemed proclaim *

   that you redeemed them from the hand of the foe.

You gathered them out of the lands; *

   from the east and from the west,

   from the north and from the south.

Some went down to the sea in ships *

   and plied their trade in deep waters;

They beheld your works, O God, *

   and your wonders in the deep.

Then you spoke, and a stormy wind arose, *

   which tossed high the waves of the sea.

They mounted up to the heavens and fell back to the depths; *

   their hearts melted because of their peril.

They reeled and staggered like drunkards *

   and were at their wits’ end.

Then they cried to you in their trouble, *

   and you delivered them from their distress.

You stilled the storm to a whisper *

   and quieted the waves of the sea.

Then were they glad because of the calm, *

   and you brought them to the harbor they were bound for.

Let them give thanks to you for your mercy *

   and the wonders you do for your children.

Let them exalt you in the congregation of the people *

   and praise you in the council of the elders.

As we work together with Christ, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see-- we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return-- I speak as to children-- open wide your hearts also.

When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Emily Donato, soprano soloist

Refrain:

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;

Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls!

Great day! Great day, the righteous marching;

Great day! God's going to build up Zion's walls!

Chariot rode on the mountain top,

God's going to build up Zion's walls!

My God spoke and the chariot did stop,

God's goin' to build up Zion's walls! [Refrain]

This is the day of jubilee,

God's going to build up Zion's walls!

The Lord has set His people free,

God's going to build up Zion's walls! [Refrain]

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.

Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us. We pray for all affected by COVID-19: for the frightened and the sick, for the dying and those who mourn; for all who have lost jobs and livelihood as a result of this pandemic; for all healthcare workers, especially Scarlett, Madonna, Trudie, Nancy, Anna, Sarah, Endine, Terese, and AJ, for all whose labor supports our common life; for those developing and distributing vaccines, for those charged with making decisions about public health and public policy.

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, Ellen, Joseph, Brielle, Lucas, Holly, Allejandro and Jesus, Nancy, Barbara, Dorothy, Stewart, Patricia, Judith, Hannah, Jurek, Alice, Michael, Todd, Suzanne, Nancy, Sonia, and Seely. 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. Give wisdom to those in authority among us and to all leaders of the nations. We pray especially for those seeking to end white supremacy and establish racial justice.

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. Unite us in your truth and love, that we who confess your name may also reflect your glory.

We remember with thanksgiving all who have died in Christ, especially Wayne Smith, Cristena Rubio, Curtis Kekahbah, and Jason Kazor. 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.

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

God of all mercy,

we confess that we have sinned against you,

opposing your will in our lives.

We have denied your goodness in each other,

in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us,

the evil we have done,

and the evil done on our behalf.

Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.

 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.

Almighty Father, strong to save,

whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep

its own appointed limits keep:

O hear us when we cry to thee

for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain

o’er which our traffic runs amain

by mountain pass or valley low;

wherever, Lord, thy people go,

protect them by thy guarding hand

from every peril on the land.

O Spirit, whom the Father sent

to spread abroad the firmament;

O Wind of heaven, by thy might

save all who dare the eagle’s flight,

and keep them by thy watchful care

from every peril in the air.

O Trinity of love and power,

our people shield in danger’s hour;

from rock and tempest, fire and foe,

protect them wheresoe’re they go;

thus evermore shall rise to thee

glad praise from space, air, land, and sea.

Forum Series: The Church Cracked Open. This Sunday, June 20, The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline and new Hope for Beloved Community by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers. We will discuss chapter 7 this week, pondering such questions as, "What is your relationship with the crucified classes?" Please spend some time thinking about your own experience of solidarity. This new book is a gift to the Episcopal Church in this particular historical moment, and we encourage everyone to read and participate! it is widely available from Church Publishing and from Amazon.

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.

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

A Note about Using Abundant Giving: When you donate and pledge through the Abundant Giving app or go through the website, you need to direct your donation to the correct category. There are multiple categories to choose from:

These categories change as we update categories during the year. (An example would be when we delete the Easter flowers category after Easter and add Christmas flowers for the weeks leading up to Christmas.)

To donate through your app or the website, click the link above. The next screen will prompt you: "How Much Do You Want To Give?" Next to that, is a drop-down list of categories. Offering plate is always listed first. Click on the little arrow and the list will appear. Click on which ever category you want your donation to be credited. It is important to identify which category you are donating to so that your year end statement will be correct.

You should have received your year-end statement for 2020. Please review it carefully and contact the parish office immediately if there are any issues.

In-Person Sunday Morning Eucharist, 9:00 a.m. Beginning this Sunday, June 20th we will have in-person Holy Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. in the church. To reserve a seat, please click the button to the left, or visit us at Ascensionnyc.org/Reservations. If you have problems making a reservation, please contact the church office.

In-Person Midweek Eucharist - We are celebrating the Eucharist in person on Wednesday evenings. To reserve a seat, please click the button to the left, or visit us at Ascensionnyc.org/Reservations. If you have problems making a reservation, please contact the church office.

The Bishop is Coming! Join us next Sunday, Pride Sunday, June 27, as we welcome the Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of New York, to Ascension. Bishop Glasspool will preach at our 11:00 a.m. Zoom service (though not at the 9:00 service), and lead a forum following the service. Don't miss it!

Len Bowman's Retirement Party - Saturday, June 26th; 4:00 -7:00 p.m. - Front Garden on Fifth Ave. The party will be a BBQ with embellishments. Talk to Fr. Ed about how you can help.

You are also invited to contribute to a farewell gift for Len. You can do that through Abundant Giving (select "Sexton's Retirement Gift" from the Fund menu), or by sending a check to the parish office with "Sexton's retirement gift" in the memo line. Please keep Len and Sandra in your prayers in this time of transition.

Racial Justice Discussion Group - July 8, Eve Beglarian and collaborators: The Vicksburg Project.

Voices Heard - A Diocese Explores Pathways Toward Reparations. A series of panel discussions sponsored by the Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Click here for more information.

Fraudulent emails, Facebook accounts, instagram and Messenger accounts are on the rise! These annoying and scary intrusions into our lives go by many names, but most commonly they are referred to as spoofing, phishing, or cloning. They usually start out friendly enough - enough to lure you in - but sooner or later they will ask you for money.

It seems there is little you can do to stop someone from spoofing your account, but you can be smart about it if you are on the receiving end. Here are some things you should know and look out for:

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 770 597 201.

Sunday – June 20 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

In-Person Holy Eucharist (Church) 9:00 a.m. (Reservation required)

Sunday Service, (Zoom) 11:00 a.m.

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

Evening Prayer (Zoom) 5:30 p.m. 

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

Reopening Committee (Zoom) 4:00 p.m.

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

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

Midweek Eucharist (Reservation Required) 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Sunday – June 27 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

In-Person Holy Eucharist (Church) 9:00 a.m. (Reservation required)

Sunday 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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