Dear People of Ascension,

When you read this, I will be on vacation for the week, hopefully doing not very much except sitting by, swimming in and kayaking on a lake and visiting with a dear friend in Connecticut, having worked out issues of safe distance, etc. I hold you in my heart and prayers, and hope all of you get some time of respite, renewal and recreation this summer. I thought I would include a familiar, but beloved poem that speaks to these lazy days.

Who made the world?

Who made the swan, and the black bear?

Who made the grasshopper?

This grasshopper, I mean-

the one who has flung herself out of the grass,

the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,

who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-

who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.

Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

May we be blessed with holy idleness, attentiveness and a sense of the preciousness of each moment in our wild lives.

Liz

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#636 How firm a foundation (Foundation)

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;

for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;

the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that to Jesus hath fled for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

that soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”

Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” “I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’“ So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him” —that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

Psalm 105, 1-6, 16-22, 45b (St. Helena Psalter)

We give you thanks, O God, and call upon your Name; *

we make known your deeds among the peoples.

We sing to you; we sing your praise *

and speak of all your marvelous works.

We glory in your holy Name; *

let the hearts of those who seek you rejoice.

We search for you and your strength; *

we continually seek your face.

We remember the marvels you have done, *

the wonders and the judgments of your mouth.

O offspring of Abraham, your servant, *

O children of Jacob, the chosen ones.

Then you called for a famine in the land *

and destroyed the supply of bread.

You sent a man before them, *

Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

They bruised his feet in fetters; *

his neck they put in an iron collar.

Until his prediction came to pass, *

your word, O Most High, tested him.

The king sent and released him; *

the ruler of the peoples set him free.

He set him as a master over his household, *

as a ruler over all his possessions,

To instruct his princes according to his will *

and to teach his elders wisdom.

and observe your laws. Alleluia!

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Rev. Posey Krakowsky

Richard Farrant (1530-1580)

Lord, for thy tender mercy's sake,

lay not our sins to our charge,

but forgive that is past

and give us grace to amend our sinful lives;

to decline from sin and incline to virtue,

that we may walk in a perfect heart

before thee now and evermore.

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.

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, Mary and Tom, Ellen, Joseph, Brielle, Lucas, Holly, Allejandro and Jesus, Nancy, Barbara, Dorothy, Stewart, Patricia, Judith, Marco, Tina, Hannah, Jurek, Alice, Stacy and Jonathan, Michael, Lisa, Peter, Daniel, Kelly, Kathy, Joyce

Rod and Deanna, Alfred, Rene, Carol and Roman, and Seth. 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. We pray for all laboring to end ​racism and white supremacy and establish racial justice in our country. Give wisdom to those in authority among us and to all leaders of the nations.

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 pray for all affected by COVID-19: for the frightened and the sick, for the dying and those who mourn. We pray for all who have lost jobs and livelihood as a result of this pandemic. We pray for all healthcare workers, especially Scarlett, Madonna, Trudie, Nancy, Anna, Sarah, Endine, and Terese, for all whose labor supports our common life, sometimes at the risk of their own lives; for those developing treatment and a vaccine, and for those charged with making decisions about public health and public policy and for all who are reopening, that they may care for one another in wisdom and safety.

We remember with thanksgiving all who have died in Christ and those whose faith is known to you alone, especially Pat Landis, Margaret Holton, C.T. Vivian, John Lewis, Jorge Manso, and Dan Stephens. 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.

We offer you our other prayers, and our thanksgivings for all the blessings of this life.

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

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.

#699 Jesus, Lover of my soul (Aberystwyth)

Jesus, Lover of my soul,

let me to thy bosom fly,

while the nearer waters roll,

while the tempest still is high:

hide me, O my Savior, hide,

till the storm of life be past;

safe into the haven guide,

O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,

hangs my helpless soul on thee;

leave, ah! leave me not alone,

still support and comfort me!

All my trust on thee is stayed;

all my help from thee I bring;

cover my defenseless head

with the shadow of thy wing.

Plenteous grace with thee is found,

grace to cleanse from every sin;

let the healing streams abound,

make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art,

freely let me take of thee:

spring thou up within my heart,

rise to all eternity.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite juice, grab a slice of banana bread, piece of fruit, or a peanut butter & jelly sandwich , and feel free to "hang out" with us online to chat!

For Your Daily Prayers - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) During this time of global crisis and personal anxiety, we offer you this prayer form to include in your daily prayers.

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Our parish can only continue its mission and ministry because of the generosity of parishioners, visitors, and friends of the parish and we are working hard to make our online giving as easy and seamless as possible.

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Stay Connected in Prayer. Join us each weeknight at 5:30 for Evening Prayer and discussion. Click here to join. To call in (voice, no camera), dial 929-205-6099; the meeting ID is 770 597 201.

Ordination Gift for Meredith Ward- God willing, our beloved Deacon Meredith Ward will be ordained to the priesthood on September 19, 2020. It has been a special joy to experience her ministry among us during this time of online worship! As her sponsoring parish, we would like to give her the priestly vestments for this occasion (and beyond): a white chasuble and stole. If you would like to contribute to this gift, please do so either online via ascensionnyc.org/ordinationgift, or send a check to the Church of the Ascension with "Meredith ordination gift" in the memo line (address it to Mother Liz's attention at the church office). Thank you!

Ascension Art Show! Next Sunday, August 16 -We will have the second in the series of Ascension artists forums next Sunday. Three of our talented parishioners have offered to share some of their artwork with us in small groups during coffee hour. The artworks they present may have been done during this time of quarantine — or may not. After a general coffee hour time, we will be sorted into three breakout rooms, one for each artist. After 10 minutes, the artists will move to a different room, and then they will move a 3rd time. That way, all participants can interact with each of the 3 artists.

Help for job seekers available- Long-time choir member Deb Feldman is cofounder at Gray Scalable, an HR and Recruiting consultancy to tech startups, based in Flatiron. Deb is offering job search advice and interview practice for Ascension parishioners who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of Covid-19. This is offered remotely via Zoom and free of charge - however, spots are limited, and offered on a first come, first served basis. Please email debsoprano@gmail.com if you're interested.

Racial Justice Book Group: How to be an Anti-Racist, by Ibram X. Kendi- For the rest of the summer, we at Ascension will join others in the Diocese of New York in reading and discussing How to be an Anti-Racist. The book is widely available. Our next meeting will be at 6:30 on Thursday, August 13, and we ask that you come having read chapters 10-14. Our last meeting will be Thursday, August 27. Please join us via Zoom (meeting id: 931 1415 0722) as we continue the urgent and holy work of learning about racism and white supremacy, and how each of us is called to work for racial justice. Questions? Please speak to the clergy.

A letter to Episcopalians from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings. The linked letter invites everyone in The Episcopal Church to participate in a survey about sexual misconduct in the denomination. You can read the letter here. Follow this link to the survey. The deadline has been extended.

Subscribe to the AscensionNYC podcast and have our weekly sermons delivered to the device of your choice! While we have been posting recordings of sermons preached at Ascension services since February 2015, many have asked how they can listen to them on the go. Now you can subscribe to the AscensionNYC podcast to have the latest sermons and other audio content from the Church of the Ascension automatically downloaded to your phone, tablet or computer. Follow this link

to choose how you'd like to receive AscensionNYC in the podcast app you use; we’re being added to more and more directories each week!

You can also go to our website to listen to recent sermons by clicking here or going to our website.

"The Beloved Community Faces White Supremacy"

Give while shopping - We all seem to be relying on online shopping more and more these days. The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5 percent of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the nonprofit you choose. Even these small sums can add up for us. Click here to find out how.

Church Service (Zoom); 11:00 a.m.

Coffee Hour and Chat (Zoom); following the 11:00 service

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

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

Discernment Committee (Zoom) 3:00 p.m.

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

Reopening Taskforce (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.

Finance Committee (Zoom) 12:00 noon

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

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

Racial Justice Book Group (Zoom) 6:30 p.m.

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

Food Pantry (12 West 11th Street) 8:30 a.m.

(Contact Fr. Ed for volunteer information)

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

Church Service (Zoom); 11:00 a.m.

Art Forum (Zoom) following the 11:00 service

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

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

Clergy | Staff | Parish Leadership