Introduce yourself:

I joined Ascension three years ago when Emily asked me to consider becoming the youth minister... I served in that role for two years and really loved it. I attended school at UAB, where I received a degree in nursing. Now I work at UAB in the bone marrow transplant ICU, and I am currently studying to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Why did you become a LEM?

I decided to become a Lay Eucharistic Minister because I wanted to serve the Ascension community in some way... I didn’t grow up Episcopalian. One thing that drew me to the Episcopal Church was the Eucharist and how the service centers around it... I enjoy using my gifts to build up this community, and in turn, I have felt my own faith life being built up, too. I also love experiencing Eucharist from a different angle, not just receiving it, but helping others receive it, too.

How has serving as a LEM shaped community here?

I have always felt comfortable speaking in public, and I knew I could take that gift and use it for the benefit of the community by reading scripture and prayers during our worship services... Becoming a LEM allows me to help facilitate communion and share that sacrament with others.

Why is giving important to you?

I was raised on the idea of tithing... Giving is like anything you want to get better at – the more time and energy you invest in it, the easier it becomes. By practicing generosity and making a pledge, I know I am investing in the church and in my own faith journey at the same time.

How is God growing Holy community here?

As a new member, I have seen big changes in only the last three years. When I first came to Ascension, I felt immediately welcomed, even as a young, single woman... I don’t feel like the young adults are separated out here. They are included in the broader life of the parish and taken seriously as members of the parish... I hope more young people can be here and be welcomed and included and that their faith life is taken seriously here, too.