A Spiritual Home Since 1953

"The Episcopal Church of the Ascension has been a spiritual home in Vestavia Hills since 1953. We're a mid-sized parish — rooted enough to have real depth, small enough to know your name. Whether you're new to faith, returning after time away, or simply looking for a place to belong, you'll find a community here shaped by prayer, honest questions, and genuine welcome."


Rector's Welcome

I'm Jack Alvey, rector of Ascension since 2018. The 20th-century theologian Karl Barth once wrote, 'No one can be a Christian. They can only become one again and again.' That's the heartbeat of this parish. Most of us are more like Peter than Paul — we need to be converted toward Jesus weekly, if not daily. Ascension exists to be that place of return: a community where people from every generation are finding their way to Jesus, growing in his knowledge and love, and discovering that there's always more room at the table. I'd love for you to find a home here.

Ascension Collect

Almighty and Eternal God, you call us together as the Ascension family and bind us in Christian love and witness. So focus our hearts and minds upon Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and guide us to know your Holy Spirit in the life of our parish, that we may realize that our similarities are greater than our differences. Help us to recognize your image in all people as we work together as one body in Christ to the glory of your Kingdom now and forever. Amen.



Mission Statement +

Core Values

Mission Statement


At Ascension our mission statement is informed by John 13:35:


“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”


To Make Christ Known by our Love for All


The following core values shape how we live into our mission statement:


Core Values


Gospel-Centered Worship


Rooted in the liturgical tradition of the Church from generation to generation, we gather to encounter Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament. Through this encounter we are formed as Christ’s people and nourished for lives of faith and service.


Theological Exploration


We believe the Holy Spirit guides us into truth as we seek God together. Through thoughtful conversation, study and prayer, we ask faithful questions and deepen our understanding of the Christian faith within a community that values both truth and relationship.


Generous Hospitality 


Because God welcomes all people with compassion and grace, we seek to extend that same welcome to others. We strive to be a parish where every person is received with dignity, kindness and love.


Reconciling Community


Jesus prayed that we all may be one. We seek to model that community by striving to love others as he loves us.


Relationship-Based Mission


We believe the kingdom of God is revealed through relationships built through love and service. We seek to make Christ known by our love for all as we serve our neighbors and share the life of Christ within our parish and beyond.