You Are Welcome Here!

Worship in the Episcopal Church is an invitation to encounter the living God through wonder and mystery. Whether you're brand new to church or simply new to us, the ancient words and rhythms of Episcopal worship have a way of drawing you deeper into the life of God.

The service follows a familiar rhythm — standing to sing and for the Gospel, sitting for readings and the sermon, kneeling to pray. Each movement — the standing, the kneeling, the singing — is a way of orienting the whole person toward God. 

Your bulletin will guide you through every step, including which book to use when. The primary service book is the Book of Common Prayer, which contains all the services of the Episcopal Church. The hymnal is used at the 10:30 service for congregational singing. Nobody expects you to have it all figured out — including the people who've been coming for decades.

The 8:00 a.m. service is quiet and intimate, about 40 minutes, no music. The 10:30 is the full experience — choir, hymns, sermon, and Holy Communion, about an hour. Once a month we gather in Ware Hall for Casual Church — a more informal service with acoustic music and a relaxed liturgy.

Come as you are and find that God will meet you there every time. 

Yes! Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me! Do not stop them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." We believe children are an essential part of how God in Christ reveals his goodness and love to the world.

Children are welcome in worship at every service, and we have dedicated spaces for them to grow and explore their faith too.

During the 10:30 service, children ages 3K through 3rd grade are invited to Children's Chapel for the first part of the service and return to their families for Holy Communion.

A professionally staffed nursery is available for our youngest visitors (infant - 3K) and after the announcements, parents are welcome to bring their little ones from the nursery to the altar rail to receive a blessing or Holy Communion alongside the rest of the family.

At 9:30 on Sunday mornings (August - May), we offer formation for children and youth of all ages — from Godly Play for our littlest ones (3K–2nd graders) to Club 345 for 3rd through 5th graders to Youth Group for middle and high schoolers.

Bring your kids. Christ has made a place for them so do too! 

A few practical things that will help your first Sunday go smoothly.

We have two parking areas — a large upper lot and a smaller lower lot. The lower lot is closer to the Nave (worship space) and is generally used by those with mobility needs. Most people use the upper lot, which is closer to Terrill Foyer, our welcome center.

To access the Nave from Terrill Foyer, proceed down the Grand Stairwell. Greeters will be available to point you in the right direction.

If you'd like to visit during the week, our office is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

You'll find us in the office adjacent to Terrill Foyer, accessible from the porte cochere in the upper parking lot.

You can also reach us anytime at admin@ascensionepiscopal.org or 205.822.3480.

All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord's Table regardless of denomination. 

An usher will mark your pew when it's time to approach the altar rail — you may kneel or stand.

You're welcome to receive the bread and wine, or just the bread. Gluten free wafers are available upon request.

If you'd prefer not to receive either, simply cross your arms over your chest and a priest will offer you a blessing.

If you haven't been baptized, you are most welcome to come forward for a blessing as well and we'd love to talk with you about baptism when you're ready.

We hope the honest answer is yes! Ascension is a parish that has grown into genuine warmth over a long time, and most people feel it within the first few minutes of walking through the door.

Greeters and ushers will meet you at the entrance, and after the 10:30 service we gather in Terrill Foyer for Sunday Social — lemonade, cookies, and conversation.

We're a community of neighbors, families, empty-nesters, singles, and longtime friends who have found that this place has a way of becoming home. 

We won't pretend everyone knows everyone. We're a parish of around 450 people but we're small enough that a new face gets noticed. And we hope to welcome you warmly.

If you'd like someone to be expecting you, fill out a visitor card below and we'll make sure someone reaches out before you arrive.

 Stay for Sunday Social after the 10:30 service — grab a glass of lemonade and a cookie (the kids especially love this).

If you'd like us to know you were here, fill out a visitor card below and someone from our staff will be in touch. No pressure, no program, no commitment required. We just want to hear from you.

And if you have questions before you even walk in the door, our staff would love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at admin@ascensionepiscopal.org or call us at 205.822.3480.