Parish Announcements

EfM Classic & Wide-Angle

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:46:55 GMT

EfM Classic & Wide Angle:

Registration Now Open!

Education for Ministry: Classic & Wide-Angle| Now Enrolling

The Education for Ministry (EfM) program at Ascension is offering two uniquely different EfM courses for the 2026-2027 year. More information can be found on our website, ascensionepiscopal.org/adults, or by contacting one of our mentors listed below.

EfM Classic: The classic program is a 4 year course that meets weekly on Thursday evenings, and will begin its 20 ^th year at Ascension this Fall. EfM Classic course begins on August 6 at 7:00pm in the Sunshine Room . For more information and to register, please contact Jim Busbin, jybusbin@charter.net (205) 482-3557.

EfM Wide-Angle: The Wide-Angle program is a 1 year course designed to touch on elements of all four years of the classic program. It is a great option for those who aren’t ready to commit to four years, but would love to dive deeper in their walk with God or for those EfM graduates who would like to continue the conversation. The deadline to register is August 30 ^th . Once the groups are formed, the meeting times can be adjusted according to the availability of participants For more information and to register, please contact Caralyn McDaniel, jeevesgirl@gmail.com (205) 542-9838.

Click Here to Learn more

Giving Hope August

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:42:31 GMT

Giving Hope August:

The Ascension Backpack Program

School will be starting soon and that means that the Ascension Backpack Program will be gearing up, as well. The goal of the Backpack Program is to alleviate child hunger in Vestavia Hills by providing nutritious, easy-to-prepare food on weekends when other resources are not available.

Packs of food are distributed to participating schools and then discreetly given to children in need, at no cost to the participating schools or children.

Volunteers from Ascension prepare the meal packs each week and deliver them to the designated elementary schools.

The goal of our Giving Hope outreach for August is to stock the shelves for this wonderful program.

You can help by donating any of the following: individual microwave mac and cheese, individual microwave Chef Boyardee, peanut butter crackers , applesauce squeeze pouches, individual packs of trail mix, beef jerky sticks, protein bars, breakfast bars, and shelf-stable protein drinks.

You can shop directly from our Amazon wishlist or bring your donations to the Giving Hope bin in Terrill Foyer. Thank you for supporting families in need!

Casual Church

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:08:43 GMT

Casual Church : August 2 at 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday, August 2nd, for Casual Church in Ware Hall at 5:00pm.

Our Casual Church service is just that, casual.

Come as you are, whether from the yard, the gym, or Sunday supper, you'll fit right in.

If you've been wanting to try us out, but felt intimidated by perceived formalities, then

our casual church service is perfect for you.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us an email, admin@ascensionepiscopal.org , or call the church office at 205-822-3480 .

We hope you'll join us on Sunday!

EfM Interest Meeting & Dinner

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:24:48 GMT

Interested in Education for Ministry?

2026-2027 EfM Classes Are Now Forming – The Education for Ministry (EfM) program at Ascension is pleased to announce that we are offering two uniquely different courses for the 2026-2027 year. New this year is the EfM: Wide Angle program.

Wide Angle is a one-year program designed to touch on elements of all four years of the classic program. It is intended for those potential participants who may still be “on the fence” about entering the classic program, and also for those EfM graduates who may like to “continue the conversation.”

The EfM: Classic program will begin its 20th year at Ascension when we get underway in early August.

If you would like to know more about the Education for Ministry (EfM) programs at Ascension, please plan to attend the Information/Recruitment Meeting to be held in Ware Hall on Thursday, July 23 at 6:00pm.

The meeting will include dinner, an introduction to EfM, and information pertaining to the 2026-2027 classes now forming. For planning purposes, please RSVP on the Realm App. or Click Here.

EfM classes are scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 6.

If you would like additional information about EfM prior to this meeting, please contact either Jim Busbin (jybusbin@charter.net / 205-482-3557) or Caralyn McDaniel (jeevesgirl@gmail.com / 205-542-9838) or you can pick up one of the EfM brochures from one of the kiosks located around the parish campus.

We hope you will consider joining us in EfM and we further hope to see you on the 23rd !

Giving Hope July

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:49:40 GMT

Giving Hope July

This July we are collecting water bottles for the Firehouse Shelter.

The Firehouse Shelter is a local shelter for men in Birmingham experiencing homelessness. There are many ways to support their mission, including donating funds directly to their organization: Ways to Get Involved or Amazon Wishlist

You can click on the quote below to learn more about their mission and find out additional ways to support!

"At Firehouse Ministries, we create a pathway to stability for men experiencing homelessness in Birmingham. We achieve this by providing a nurturing environment, supportive services, and transformational possibilities."

Please bring your donations to the church and place in or next to the collection bin in Terrill Foyer.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Olivia at olivia.sheffield@ascensionepiscopal.org or call the church office, 205-822-3480.

Summer Salad Lunch

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:03:34 GMT

Summer Salad Lunch, July 15 at 11:30

Break bread with us on Wednesday, July 15th at 11:30am.

We will gather and share a meal together in Ware Hall.

This takes the place of our usual Soup lunches.

We hope you'll join us! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email, olivia.sheffield@ascensionepiscopal.org or give us a call at 205-822-3480

The Birmingham Harp Series Presents Joost Willemze

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:30:47 GMT

Come for serenade, stay for story ...

Ascension Family Night at Regions Field

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:28:43 GMT

Ascension Family Night at Regions Field

Come watch the Barons play the Trash Pandas on Friday, July 17, 7pm, at Regions Field! All are welcome!

Tickets cost $15. Register and pay in Realm through the app or by following this link: Realm Registration

You can also come by the church office and register in person.

Meet Emily or Andrew near the will call box before the game starts for your ticket.

We will be sitting together in section 102

Email Olivia olivia.sheffield@ascensionepiscopal.org or call the church, 205-822-3480 with any questions.

Summer Reading List

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:24:50 GMT

Ascension's Summer Reading List

Pick up a book and grow in your faith. The staff and clergy of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension have curated a summer reading list to help you feed your spiritual life and grow in your relationship with God. Click on this image to see who recommended each book and why it's on our list.

Summer Podcast Series

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:20:39 GMT

Summer Podcast Series

On The Road Again

Tune in this summer for our podcast series, “On the Road Again.”

We will wrestle with questions about our faith and offer different perspectives, encouraging you to think deeply and strengthen your spiritual life on the road!. Listen in the car, on your run or walk, in the gym, or while doing housework/ yard-work. There will be six-episodes. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon music.

Pier 60 Celebrates July 4th! |

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:17:00 GMT

Pier 60 Celebrates America's 250th!

All of those in the Pier 60+ group are invited to join us for food, fellowship and fireworks at the home of Carolyn Woodson on July 4th from 6-10pm. Please bring a lawn chair and a side, appetizer, or dessert dish to share. RSVP in Realm or to Margaret Handlin at 205-901-9003. More details can be found in the group on Realm! Please email Olivia ( olivia.sheffield@ascensionepiscopal.org ) with any questions.

Godly Play Creations | Parents Night Out

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:34:36 GMT

Godly Play Materials

"Godly Play: Where Childhood Spirituality Matters"

The mission of the Godly Play Foundation is, "Godly Play: Making meaning through story, wonder, and play. Nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children."

At the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, our children (2K-2nd Grade) practice Godly Play during Sunday school. Godly Play, like many Montessori schools, honors a contemplative and holistic approach to childhood education and development.

Godly Play helps us live into our Baptismal vows, by allowing us to encourage our children to wonder! Through Godly Play, the children of Ascension learn to explore scripture, tradition and reason as they grow in relationship with God and each other.

Giving Hope June | Benefitting The Abbey

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:10:20 GMT

Giving Hope June | Benefitting The Abbey

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

We "Give Hope" this June to The Abbey!

Items Needed: cereal bars, peanut butter crackers,

cheese crackers, little debbie cakes, rice crispy treats, and individual bags of chips.

Donation can be placed in the collection bin in Terril Foyer, or you can click on the photo above to purchase directly from our Amazon Wishlist and send your donation directly to the church.

Your gift is more than a few clicks, it's dignity and love.

Men's Breakfast

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:18:45 GMT

Men's Breakfast | June 11

Join us for a time of good food and fellowship at our next Men’s Breakfast! We’ll gather at 8:15 AM at First Watch in Vestavia Hills. Please RSVP through Realm or by reaching out to Martin Hoerner at mhoerner@gmail.com.

Parish Game Night

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:20:47 GMT

Parish Game Night | June 24

All are invited to Parish Game Night at Ascension. We’ll enjoy a pizza dinner together and play games suitable for ALL AGES! Enjoy a summer night out with your Ascension family on Wednesday, June 24 from 6-8 p.m. RSVP in Realm or email Ashley Monachelli ( Ashley.monachelli@ascensionepiscopal.org) .

EYC Hike at Oak Mountain

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:23:59 GMT

EYC Hike at Oak Mountain | June 28

EYC is going to Oak Mountain State Park on June 28th! All rising 6th-12th graders are invited. We will leave immediately after the 10:30 service and will be back at the church by 3:30pm. Register in Realm or email Sam Herman ( sam.herman@ascensionepiscopal.org ).