This Week at Ascension

This Week At Ascension (TWAA) is our parish newsletter. It is sent by email most Wednesday afternoons throughout the year, and it is linked below by the end of the day on Thursdays. 

Submissions for TWAA are encouraged, though subject to approval and editing. Submissions are due to the Parish Administrator by noon on the Tuesday before publication. 

Sermons from Sundays, Holy Days and some other occasions are linked in the newsletter when available. 

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View our Calendar

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Video: Michaelmas Celebration: September 29, 2019

Includes pipe organ re-dedication recital by Dr. David Schrader, Evensong and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with Organ Re-Dedication of the Pipe Organ and Recognition of David Schrader as Organist Emeritus.

Part 1 of 5

Part 3 of 5

Part 5 of 5

Part 2 of 5

Part 4 of 5

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Christ preaching, etching, Rembrandt, ca. 1652

Newsletter: January 22, 2020
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​From the Rector: Trouble ahead - or not,  ANNUAL MEETING Schedule and 2019 Annual Report, Coronavirus and Communion, and more ...

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's sermon for the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany

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St. Peter and St. Andrew, Israhel van Meckenem, engraving ca. 1485, British Museum

Newsletter: January 15, 2020
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​From the Rector: Serving and Leading at the altar, additional  2019 ANNUAL MEETING News, Three Parishioners attend 'Ministry for the Common Good' Conference in San Francisco, and more ...

​Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's sermon for the Requiem of Michael Milano

​Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's sermon for The Baptism of Jesus

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Baptism of Jesus, one of 64 images from the 'Stein Quadriptych' Bruges, ca. 1525-30, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

Newsletter: January 8, 2020
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​2019 ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT ISSUE

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Christmas 2 Sermon

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The Flight into Egypt by Giotto di Bondone, a.k.a. Giotto, fresco, ca. 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua

Newsletter: December 30, 2019
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Holy Name, Christmas 2 and Epiphany schedules, Christmas Eve Thanks, Michael Milano RIP, From the Treasurer, Sharing Lunch Jan 8th, Food Pantry Jan 4th, and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Christmas Eve sermon 

Read The Rev. Gary Lawler's Christmas Day sermon

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Newsletter: December 23, 2019
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From the Rector: Christmas Countdown, Christmas Eve and Day and Christmas 1 Schedule, From the Treasurer, Sharing Lunch Jan 8, 2020 and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Advent IV sermon 

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Angel Appearing to St. Joseph by F. Polanzini

Newsletter: December 18, 2019
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Advent IV, Christmas Eve and Day Schedule, Cookie Baking for Christmas Eve reception and more … 
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Read The Rev. Gary Lawler's Advent III sermon 

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Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples, Giovanni di Paola ca. 1460, Art Institute of Chicago

Newsletter: December 11, 2019
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Advent Quiet Morning, Fr. Gary Lawler celebrating 30th year of priesthood, Ascension Young Adults meet Dec. 15th and more … 
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Read The Rev. Gary Lawler's sermon on the Immaculate Conception

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Manuscript Illumination with Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist, Master of James IV of Scotland (probably Gerard Horenbout) ca. 1515

Newsletter: December 4, 2019
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Advent Quiet Morning, Welcome The Rev. Alonzo Pruitt, Ordination Invitation from The Rev. Shawn Evelyn, The Ascension Book Group, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Thanksgiving  sermon

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Advent 1A sermon

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Woodcut image of Noah's Ark, Nuremberg Chronicles

Newsletter: November 27, 2019
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Fall Harvest Meal Thank Yous, Dio. Convention follow-up, Upcoming Events list, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings, Pledge Update and more … 
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Read The Rev. Anna Broadbent's Nov. 24th  sermon

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Christ, Savior of the world, with cherubim, engraving, Peter Paul Rubens (1596-1659) collection of the Rijksmuseum, Netherlands

Newsletter: November 20, 2019
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From the Rector: Praying for Donald and Nancy,  Upcoming Events list, Community Harvest Meal, Pledge Update and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Nov. 17th  sermon

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Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem, English illuminated manuscript, 1503-4, National Library of Wales

Newsletter: November 13, 2019
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From the Rector: The Head Acolyte, the Verger, and You,  Upcoming Events list, Update your contact information, Diocese of Chicago's Fall Men's Retreat and more … 
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Read The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's Nov. 10th  sermon

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From a series of 39 woodcuts titled Dance of Death, this one, The Preacher, date unknown, by Hans Holbein, ca. 1497-1543, now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Newsletter: November 6, 2019
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Why Ascension? Robert Rarick, From the Rector: Coffee Hour Colloquia: Preaching,  Pics from Bp. Montgomery's Wake and Requiem, Our Ascension Nursery, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings: Nov 13 and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's All Souls sermon

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's All Saints sermon

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St. Bridget of Sweden having a vision in which a fire from heaven descends upon the altar during Mass and the host changes into the Christ-child, Illuminated breviary, Naples, c. 1390-1400 Koninklijke Bibliotheek (Netherlands)

Newsletter: October 30, 2019
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Why Ascension?, Bp. Montgomery Visitation & Requiem, Community Harvest Meal: Nov 24, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings: Nov 13 and more … 
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Read The Rev. Gary Lawler's October 27th sermon

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The Pharisee and the Publican, Sir John Millais, wood engraving on paper, published 1864, Tate Museum

Newsletter: October 23, 2019

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From the Junior Warden: A Litany of Thanks, Open House Chicago wrap-up, Society of Mary and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's October 20th sermon

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The Unjust Judge, Eugène Burnand (1850-1921)

Newsletter: October 16, 2019

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From the Junior Warden: Belonging and Giving, Open House Chicago, Young Adults at the Rectory and more … 
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Read David Knox's October 13th sermon

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Ten Lepers Healed, Brian Kershisnik, Oil on Canvas

Newsletter: October 9, 2019

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From the Rector: Sing!, Chicago Marathon this Sunday,
a few more Michaelmas pics, Open House Chicago news and more … 
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's October 6th sermon

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The Prophet Habakkuk, engraving, published by Galle, early 17th c.

Newsletter: October 2, 2019

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From the Rector: Young People, Michaelmas Choral Evensong and reception pics, Flower sign-up now in Wheeler Hall, Book Group meets Sunday, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings on Oct. 9th and more … 

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's morning Michaelmas sermon

Read The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D Lee's Michaelmas Evensong sermon

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St. Michael the Archangel battling the devil, tempera colors, gold and silver leaf and ink on parchment, French ca. 1466-1470, Getty Collection

Newsletter: September 25, 2019

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From the Rector: Michaelmas, Information for Sunday morning Coffee Hour sponsors, Ascension hosts Chicago AGO, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more … 

Read the September 22, 2019 sermon by The Rt. Rev Daniel Martins

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The letter V depicting the Prophet Amos, miniature from the Bible of Souvigny, 12th cent.

Newsletter: September 18, 2019

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News from Seminarian David Knox, Kuni runs Chicago Half Marathon to support Food Pantry,  Wedding Congratulations,  Diocesan Convention Nominations Committee news and more … 

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's September 15, 2019 sermon

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Other Sheep, woodcut, Grant Harvey

Newsletter: September 11, 2019

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From the Rector: Organist Emeritus,  New season for Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings, COA participating in Open House Chicago  and more … 

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's September 8, 2019 sermon (8am)

Read The Very Rev. Joy Rogers' September 8 sermon (9am & 11am)

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‘I have set before you life and death,’ from the Passover Haggada, ca. 1350, pigment, gold and copper on calf skin, The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Newsletter: September 4, 2019

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From the Rector: Wheeler Hall Community Conversations on Sunday,  Nashotah House seminarian David Knox,  Food Pantry this Saturday, September 7th  and more … 

The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's September 1, 2019 sermon

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15th century Ascension fresco from Crkva svete Marije (Chapel of St Mary) in Oprtalj, Croatia. Photo by C. and J. Peterson, August 2019

Newsletter: August 28, 2019

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From the Rector: Welcome, Pipe Organ News in August, World Day of Prayer for Creation  and more … 

The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's August 25th sermon

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Newsletter: August 21, 2019

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From the Rector: The pipe organ: David Schrader Michaelmas recital, a few Assumption pictures, Church of the Ascension in The New York Times  and more … 

The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's August 18th sermon

​The Rev. Jacqueline Cameron's August 15th sermon

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Representation of the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God

Newsletter: August 14, 2019

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From the Wardens: News of the Bishop Search Committee Listening Session, St. Mary the Virgin 7pm Mass and Reception  and more … 

The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins' August 11 sermon

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Moth, etching, British Artist Rosie McLay

Newsletter: August 7, 2019

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From the Rector: The Presiding Bishop, St. Mary the Virgin, Bishop Search Committee Listening Sessions and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's August 4th sermon​

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King Solomon asks God for wisdom, engraving, Gustav Dore, 1866

Newsletter: July 31, 2019

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From the Rector: The Bishop Search and Our Diocese, Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, a thank you to the Order of St. Anne and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's July 28th sermon​

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St. Anna with Panagia

Newsletter: July 24, 2019

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From the Rector: Family, Patronal Feast for the Order of St. Anne, Ascension Connections Picnic Reminder and more … 
 
The Rev. Gary Lawler's July 21, 2019 sermon ​

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Christ in the home of Mary and Martha, Iberian, 19th c.

Newsletter: July 17, 2019

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From the Rector: Got religion?, Patronal Feast for the Order of St. Anne, Ascension Connections Picnic scheduled  and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's July 14, 2019 sermon ​

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The Good Samaritan, 1890, Vincent Van Gogh, after Eugene Delacroix

Newsletter: July 10, 2019

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From the Rector: The parking (p)lot, Phishing Alert, 'Spiritual Care Visitor Training' at BAH, Ascension Connections picnic planning  and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's July 7, 2019 sermon ​

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The wolf and the lamb, Antonio Frasconi, woodcut in black ink on goyu paper, 1964

Newsletter: July 3, 2019

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Food Pantry Report, Summer Flower Fund, Holiday Week Alerts, Ascension connections picnic planning and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's June 30 sermon ​

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The offering of Elijah, etching, Marc Chagall, 1956

Newsletter: June 26, 2019

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From the Rector: The PRIDE Issue, Please call me Claire, Some Personal Thoughts During Pride Month from Fr. Petite and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Corpus Christi sermon ​

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Priest carrying Host in monstrance, French Manuscript, The Morgan Library and Museum

Newsletter: June 19, 2019

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From the Rector: Corpus Christi, Ascension Choir ending season with a bang: Igor Stravinsky Mass and more … 
 
The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's Trinity Sunday sermon ​

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The Trinity, Taddeo Crivelli, Italian, tempera and gold on parchment

Newsletter: June 12, 2019

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From the Rector: Evaluation Time, Thanks to Marlea Edinger for LUMA tour, Celebrating the new ministry of Fr. Copeland Johnston and more … 
 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Pentecost Sermon ​

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Detail from The Ascension's Pentecost window

Newsletter: June 5, 2019

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From the Rector: 'Catholic', Your Last Chance to Tour LUMA, North Deanery News, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more … 

The Rev. Dr. Sam Portaro's  Ascension Day sermon 
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Easter 7 Sermon ​

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Detail from La Prière Sacerdotale (The high priestly Prayer) Eugène Burnand, 1900-1901

Newsletter: May 29, 2019

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From the Rector: Praying, more or less, continued …,  Ascension Thursday Mass and Reception, Ascension Connections Tours LUMA exhibits, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more ... 

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The Agnus Dei mosaic in the center of Ascension's high altar

Newsletter: May 22, 2019

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From the Rector: Praying, more or less, Society of Mary renewal gathering, Ascension Connections, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more ... 
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Read the Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Easter 5 Sermon here

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Illuminated Manuscript, Italy c.1500, British Library

Newsletter: May 15, 2019

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From the Rector: On our knees - or not, The Revival of the Society of Mary, Organ Campaign News, The Cycle of Life, and more ... 
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Read The Rev. Anna Broadbent's sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

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Holy Trinity, fresco St. Sabina Basilica, Rome

Newsletter: May 8, 2019

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Organ Capital Campaign, Letter from the Wardens,
​From the Rector: Ascension Day info and more ... 
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Conversion of St. Paul, William Blake

Newsletter: May 1, 2019

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From the Rector: Mary Rising, Music for May Crowning, Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings and more ... 
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Read The Very Rev. Joy Rogers' Good Friday Sermon
Read The Rev. Ben Adams' Easter 2C Sermon


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Agnus Dei, José Campeche, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Newsletter: April 24, 2019

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Welcome The Rev. Ben Adams, Solemn Paschal Vespers, Clergy Scheduling, 
and more …
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Sermons from
Palm Sunday 2019
Maundy Thursday 2019
Great Vigil of Easter 2019
Easter Day 2019 ​

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Newsletter: April 17, 2019

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The Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Baptism at the Easter Vigil
RIP Ray Patrick and Thomas Holden
and more …
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Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Palm Sunday Sermon ​

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Newsletter: April 10, 2019

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 April 10th Dinner & Lenten Program
The Holy Week and Easter Schedule
April 13th Ascension Connections
and more …

Read The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's Lent 5C Sermon 

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Christ: anointed by Woman

Newsletter: April 3, 2019

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 April 3rd Dinner & Lenten Program
The Holy Week and Easter Schedule
April 13th Ascension Connections
April 10th Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings
and more …

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Lent 4 Laetare Sermon 

​Read a fuller schedule and description of our Lenten Opportunities

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Illustration by The Rev. Cara Hochhalter

Newsletter: March 27, 2019

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March 27 Dinner & Lenten Program
The Rev. Dr. Mark McIntosh receives Living Tradition award
Benjamin Rivera conducts William Ferris Chorale "Deliver Our Souls"
and more … 

​Read The Rev. Anna Broadbent's March 24th Sermon
Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Annunciation Sermon

​Read a fuller schedule and description of our Lenten Opportunities

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Ascension's Eleventh Station

Newsletter: March 20, 2019

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March 20 Dinner & Lenten Program
March 25 Feast of the Annunciation and fellowship
The Pinnacle of the High Altar repair
and more …

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Read The Very Raymond Patrick Raymond's March 17th Sermon

Read a fuller schedule and description of our Lenten Opportunities

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Marc Chagall, Abraham and Sarah

Newsletter: March 13, 2019

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Wednesday Evening Lenten Series
Ascension Connections March/April 2019
Recent Sermons
and more …

​Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's March 6th sermon
Read The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martin's March 10th sermon
Read The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's March 6th Sermon

Read a fuller schedule and description of our Lenten Opportunities

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Newsletter: March 6, 2019

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Ash Wednesday Schedule
Ascension Welcomes The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins on March 10
Lenten Opportunities
and more …

​Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's March 3rd sermon
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Newsletter: February 27, 2019

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Ash Wednesday Schedule
Letter from the Junior Warden
Nursery care resumes on March 3rd
and more …

​Read The Rev. Dr. Robert Petite's Feb. 24th sermon
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Newsletter: February 20, 2019

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We're back in the church on Sunday, February 24th!
The Ascension Nursery
Bishop Anderson House Benefit tickets
and more …

​Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Feb. 17th sermon
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Special Edition: February 14, 2019 

​Announcement from Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee
Farewell to Fr. Richard Daly and Diana

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Newsletter: February 13, 2019 

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​Sanctuary Lamp Restoration
Absalom Jones
Thank you from Ascension Connections
and more …

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's February 10, 2019 sermon

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Newsletter: February 6, 2019 

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​Ascension Connections
Sanctuary Restoration Update
​Black History Month
and more …

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's February 3, 2019 sermon

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Newsletter: January 30, 2019 

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​Food Pantry Ministry
Annual Meeting Vestry Elections
Tuckpointing progress
Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings
and more ...

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's January 27, 2019 sermon

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Newsletter: January 23, 2019 

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​Annual Meeting
Altar Mishap
Women Clergy
and more ...

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's January 20, 2019 sermon
Click here to read the Parish Annual Report

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Newsletter: January 16, 2019 

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​Construction Zone: Plan B
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorations
Chicago AGO at the Ascension
and more ...

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Newsletter: January 9, 2019 

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​Annual Meeting Prep
A Flower Guild Invitation
​An Epiphany memory from parishioner Mary Jane Kowalski
and more ...

Read The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond's Epiphany sermon 

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Newsletter: January 2, 2019 

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​The Epiphany Schedule
Ascension Connections go to LUMA
Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings
and more ...

Read the Rev. Gary Lawler's Christmas 1 sermon

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Newsletter: December 26, 2018

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​A Christmas Thank You
The Rev. Anna Broadbent Ordination
Welcome to Fr. Isaac Bonney
and more ...

Read The Rev.  Patrick Raymond's Christmas Day Sermon here

Read The Rev. Patrick Raymond's Christmas Eve Sermon here

Read The Rev. Robert Petite's Advent IV Sermon here
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​Read The Rev. Anna Broadbent's Advent II Sermon here

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Newsletter: December 19, 2018

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Christmas Schedule
​Blue Christmas
Notes on Dec. 16th Conversations
Holiday Office Hours

Read The Rev.  Patrick Raymond's Advent 3 Sermon here

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Newsletter: December 12, 2018

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Conversations regarding the ministry of ordained women at Ascension
Advent Greens and Christmas Flowers
The Ordination of Deacon Anna Broadbent

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The nearby Loyola Museum of Art is once again offering it's Art and Faith of the Crèche exhibit through January 12, 2019.

Newsletter: December 5, 2018

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Art and Faith of the Creche
Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings
Today at Ascension

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Creation of the World and Expulsion from Paradise, tempera and gold on wood, Giovanni di Paolo, 1445.

Newsletter: November 28, 2018

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Benjamin Rivera Conducts Ferris Chorale
Stewardship Reminder
Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings
Last Sunday's Sermon
Ascension Book Group, Dec. 2
The Rosary
Today at Ascension

View Fr. Lawler's sermon from Sunday, Nov. 25.

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We have been asked to share an upcoming opportunity for pilgrimage to the Holy Land with our Bishop, the Right Reverend Jeffrey Lee and our Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington.

Newsletter: November 21, 2018

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Community Thanksgiving Meal
Stewardship Reminder
Recently found at Ascension
2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage, anyone?

View Fr. Petite's sermon from Sunday, November 18. 

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Join us in congratulations and prayers for Alison "Allie" Metcalf and Jackson "Jack" McLarty, joined in Holy Matrimony -- complete with bagpipes -- here at Ascension this past Saturday, November 10.

Newsletter: November 14, 2018

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Financial Stewardship Updates
Work Day Thank You
2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage, anyone?
Help us by using your Facebook Posts
Ascension Book Group: November

View Fr. Raymond's sermon, Rich? Or Poor? from Sunday, November 11. 

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