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,

First, we are thrilled to report that all pledges for the bell tower have been paid, with the exception of two that had to revise their amount or timeline. From your pledges and one-time gifts (some from visitors to the open doors or to Sunday services, and others from friends near and far) we have raised a total of $276,282. This is a remarkable accomplishment! Thank you very much.

And now for more challenging news…

We had hoped to remove the scaffolding from Fifth Avenue and complete our repairs on the tower by Ascension Day, May 9. Unfortunately, unforeseen issues have extended our timeline. During the repairs, our team discovered that the tension rods inside the tower—critical components that help maintain the structure's integrity—had significantly rusted and now require replacement.

This issue has introduced a complex challenge: the metal “stars” that secure the rods must be custom cast to meet the stringent specifications of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. We are pleased to report that these stars are now being fabricated and we anticipate soon restoring our beloved tower and garden to their former glory.

However, this unexpected complication has led to additional costs, primarily from extended scaffold rental. There are also cost overruns from the original project. Thanks to the generous support of the Manton Foundation, the de Forest Foundation and the Hyde and Watson Foundation, we have made significant progress, but the financial burden is substantial, estimated around $100,000. 

We are reaching out to our community for assistance. If you have not yet pledged to the tower, of if you are able to increase your contribution, it would greatly help us manage these unexpected expenses. For check payments, kindly reference “Tower Brownstone” in the memo line. We are so grateful for your generosity, support and understanding during this critical time!

We look forward soon to blessing the restored (and safe) tower, enjoying our garden and welcoming our neighbors into our newly hospitable space. 

Mother Liz, Isabel Spencer and Steve Hubbard

For the Buildings and Grounds Committee

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.

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.

Creation Care Continues!

Last Sunday’s forum kicking off Earth Day celebrations generated a great deal of energy, so we’re continuing our efforts in support of what has become a primary focus – the plastics crisis we face, the damage that’s been done, and exploration of creative solutions. One step in that direction involves increasing awareness in our faith community and identifying ways to meaningfully express our support of public policy measures for positive change. Please review the information below and join us in showing support at the NY State level and for the Global Initiative in process. And make sure to join us for this Sunday’s forum where we’ll share more helpful information and have a chance to discuss the continued strengthening of Creation Care efforts, in our parish, in our Diocese, and in the world!  

• Senate Bill S4246B 2023-2024 Legislative Session (Enacts the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act"). Click this here to find your legislator and forward messaging in support of this initiative.
• GREENPEACE sign-on message to President Biden asking him to Champion a strong Global Plastics Treaty! 

Next Sunday, May 5- A Fire Drill! Ascension’s Safety Committee has been hard at work developing plans for how we might deal with a variety of possible emergency situations. One of the major ones is fire- or some other emergency that might make it necessary to get a large number of people out of the church quickly. Next Sunday, May 5, we would like to try our emergency plans after the 11 am service. Please plan to stay after the liturgy if you are able and help us refine our protocols for getting folks out with grace and care. We’ll debrief afterwards. Thanks so much!

People Who Lunch - Wednesday, May 1 at 12:30 - 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 212-254-86200 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!

Are you thinking about confirmation or being received into the Episcopal Church? Do you want to learn more about this particular way of following Jesus? On Ascension Day Bishop Mary Glasspool will join us to celebrate our feast and confirm and receive those who desire it. To prepare, we will offer an “Episcopalian 101” series. If you are interested, or simply curious, please call the parish office or speak to the clergy.

And in any case…

… Join us for the Feast of the Ascension, Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. We are delighted to welcome The Rt. Rev. Mary Glasspool, Assisting Bishop of New York, to preach, celebrate, and confirm and receive new members on our special Feast Day. The service will be followed by a joyful reception in honor of the Bishop, the confirmands and receptees, and all the people of Ascension. If you would like to help host the reception, please speak to David Cholcher. It's a wonderful celebration of our life together- don't miss it! 

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

A photo from Fr. Phanord showing yesterday's worship service in Martel. He celebrates the Eucharist once a month there, bringing the band and choir from Bondeau. On other Sundays they have Morning Prayer led by the laity. 

With gratitude for your support and prayers, the New York Haiti Project is requesting your impressions about our work in Martel, Haiti. Click here to begin the survey. This is completely anonymous and will require up to ten minutes of your time. To say thank you, a small group of donors will contribute $10.00 to the New York Haiti Project for every completed survey received, up to a total of $2,000.00. 

Thank you in advance for completing the survey. God bless you, and may God bless the people of Martel.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Sam Owen

Director

Core Values (this is what we stand for):

Love * Hope * Trust * Partnership * Service 

Mission Statement (this is why we exist)

We partner with the people of Martel, Haiti, building relationships of trust, hope and love among our communities, to work together for a better future. 

Sunday – April 28

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

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Join us for Coffee Hour following the Service

Ascension Forum (Hybrid) after 11:00 service

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

Monday – April 29

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.

Tuesday – April 30

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

Security Taskforce (Zoom) 4:00 p.m.

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

Wednesday – May 1

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.

Thursday – May 2

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

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

Friday – May 3

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

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

Saturday – May 4

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

The Food Pantry operates on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. For assistance or to volunteer, please contact Fr. Ed (fatherchinery @ascensionyc.org) or Amy Shaw (amyqshaw@gmail.com).

Sunday – May 5

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

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

In person and online (Ascensionnyc.org/Sunday)

Join us for Coffee Hour following the Service

Ascension Forum (Hybrid) after 11:00 service

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

In this time of seasonal weather changes, as happens every year, we are all becoming more mindful of even small changes in how we feel. As such, we ask that you give careful consideration to public health best-practices. And in light of the increase in Covid infection rates, please feel free to use a mask when you attend worship services, particularly if you could be considered at higher risk of infection.

If you have any question, or need assistance of any kind, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office or your clergy members. Remember, we’re better together! Because together we can and do make a difference!