summer at ascension

In summer, we can look forward to a more relaxed time Sunday to Sunday as we continue to gather in the Parish Hall for worship and fellowship. This summer things will be a little different, as we will be able to enjoy the comfort of air conditioning on those steamy July and August mornings. In addition to our weekly services, there will be the usual round of events and activities for those who stay in the City — the Ascension water table for the Gay Pride Parade; some mid-week barbeque cook-outs in the courtyard, and a slower pace of life in general.

This summer will see some major changes in our life, and for once I am not speaking about the construction work going on in the sanctuary. Fr. Mark Hummell will be ending his time at Ascension as our Associate Rector on July 29th. He has been hired to serve as an advisor for student life and interfaith worship at a University in Abu Dhabi. You can learn more about this exciting new opportunity in Fr. Mark’s ministry by contacting him or coming to one of our upcoming farewells to Fr. Mark events. I know we all wish him well and are deeply grateful for the fine times we have enjoyed together over the last three years.

I hope that everyone in our Ascension family has a wonderful and rejuvenating summer whether you remain in New York or are away for a time. Before we know it, Labor Day will be here and with it the imminent arrival of the new Manton Memorial Organ. The excitement will continue to mount until we move back into our beloved sanctuary, probably in December, and prepare the first big celebration in the restored space on Christmas Eve, 2010.

— Fr. Andrew Foster, Rector