For Advent, we invited all Ascension members to participate in a congregational poem. Members submitted their original poems starting with a prompt for their first line. Faith Thompson, a poet from Church of the Ascension, then compiled one poem featuring lines from those poems submitted. Here is the first poem as read during our service prelude.

"Watchman" (written by Stacey Regan) was inspired by 2019 sermon by Tish Harrison Warren about actively engaging in our waiting on the Lord. This recording features Kelsey Regan. Artwork is "Epiphany 3", encaustic painting in acrylic and wax, by Carol Amidi.

More of Carol Amidi's work can be found here: https://www.carolamidi.com/

poetry by Jude Blank

Click the pop-out button to view as PDF.

"How Long?" is a lament based off of Psalm 13. Stacey Regan is a songwriter and co-founder of the Ascension Songwriters Collaborative (ASC), a group of Ascension-based songwriters who seek to write fresh musical expressions that are informed by Anglican liturgy, Scripture and the overall edification of the church to the glory of God. This recording features Elise Massa, Assistant Director of Music and Worship Arts, and fellow co-founder of the ASC.

"Kyrie, Rex Mariae", composer Chris Massa says, "I was struck by the way [this ancient text] lays out facets of the Christmas story not as a cause for celebration, but as a call for repentance...here is a text that doesn't let us forget that the Son of God was born to save sinners, sinners in need of grace and mercy."

The parts and score are available for free download at www.chrismassa.com.

A composition for wind ensemble by Emily Misner. From her artist's statement, "I spent a lot of time in the countryside the summer I visited Kenya. The red dirt was vibrant against the lush greenery of the coast, and it got into everything. Mchanga Nyekundu means “red dirt” in Swahili, and I still have red dirt on the shoes that I wore...As we wait and listen, we travel with red dirt on our shoes, stepping through the dissonance towards Christ, who resolves all things." Her full description of the piece can be found here.

The rich melody of the Wexford Carol accompanies a poignant new hymn text written by Stacey Regan. Melody arranged by Elise Massa, with piano (Scott Bowles) and cello (McLane Watson).

Dr. Paul Miller performs this beautiful piece, written in Paris, France in 1781 by Michel Corrette. It's a a beautiful way to enter into the Christmas season after the longing of Advent.