Welcome to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. I am delighted that your journey has brought you here! We, who gather and worship God as the Church of the Ascension in Dallas, seek to know God in Jesus Christ and to make him known. We are blessed by those God brings into our fellowship. New companions bring new insights, energy and opportunities as we seek to carry out our mission.

This booklet describes many of the ministries offered by the Church of the Ascension. I hope that it assists you as you consider your own needs-both for involvement and nurturing, and for opportunities to exercise your own God-given gifts. Please contact the parish office if you have questions about any of the ministries, and accept our invitation to become involved.

May God bless you as you seek a place and a community in which your faith can grow, and if I can be of any assistance on this part of your journey, please contact me.

In Christ's love,

The Reverend Kathryn M. Ryan
Rector

Worship on Sunday:
8:00 a.m. Holy Communion
9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:15 a.m. Holy Communion with music
10:15 a.m. Children's Chapel
12:00 p.m. Service in the Sudanese Dinka language

Worship on Wednesday:
6:00 pm Holy Communion and Healing

Worship on Saturday:
6:00 pm Saturday @ Six casual, contemporary, and upbeat service, with music and Holy Communion

Additional services are held during Lent and Holy Week and at other special times of the year. Guests of all ages are welcome in all services.

Holy Communion (Lord's Supper): All baptized persons, including children, are welcome to receive communion. Those who are not baptized and those who do not wish to receive communion, may come to the altar rail, cross their arms across their chests, and thus indicate to the clergy that they wish to receive a blessing instead of communion. This decision is perfectly acceptable and the person not receiving communion is not made to feel uncomfortable. Holy Communion is also called Holy Eucharist. Holy Communion is celebrated following a form of service from the Book of Common Prayer, a book published by The Episcopal Church specifying how Episcopal services in the United States are to be conducted. Copies of the Book of Common Prayer are in the pews for easy reference. The Sunday 8:00 a.m. service uses Rite I, which includes more traditional language. The Saturday at 6:00 p.m. service, the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service, and the Wednesday 6:00 p.m. service all use Rite II, which has more contemporary language.

Healing Service: On Wednesday nights after the 6:00 service, the priest will say special prayers for those who ask for healing.

Membership: You may become an adult member of Ascension by being confirmed or received into the parish. Confirmation classes are offered each year. If you are already an Episcopalian or you are an Anglican from another Province of the Anglican Communion, your membership can be transferred to Ascension on your request. You may be enrolled at Ascension as a baptized member before confirmation. For further information about membership responsibilities, baptism, and confirmation, please contact the Rector.

Governance: The Church of the Ascension is a part of The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas (the part of The Episcopal Church which is in North and Northeast Texas). The Rector and the Vestry (comprised of members of Ascension who are elected by the parish) are responsible for the policymaking of the parish under the national (The Episcopal Church) and diocesan (Diocese of Dallas) church rules. The Episcopal Church is a part of the Anglican Communion, which includes Anglican churches in many other parts of the world.

Clergy: The clergy are the ministers and pastors of the church. The Rector is the senior priest or pastor at the church. Associate and Assisting Priests are also ministers and pastors of the church with differing responsibilities. The deacons are ordained ministers who assist in the ministries of the parish as well as in the community. "Ordained" means that they have completed formal training and have been approved by the Bishop to serve as a priest or deacon.

Lay Members: This term means a member of the parish who is not ordained as a priest or deacon. At Ascension, we believe that all members of the parish are ministers. Some have formal religious education and are ordained, and others are equipped by the parish and by God to minister to the needs of others.

In Times of Illness or Crisis: Should you or a member of your household become ill or go into the hospital, please see that the parish is notified so we may include the person in prayers and if requested, have a member of the clergy or lay person visit with the person or with family members. For pastoral emergencies outside office hours, please call (214) 422-3645 and the priest on call will call you back promptly. (This number is also included in the message on the general church number).

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction: For those desiring it, the parish clergy provide short-term counseling and ongoing spiritual direction, both by appointment.

Stewardship: All that we have comes from God and, as Christians, it is a part of our spiritual development to use our time and a portion of our assets to serve God and to minister to others in the community. Ascension depends upon annual pledges and non-pledged contributions in order to carry forward our ministries of worship, education, service, and fellowship. Please also remember Church of the Ascension in your will. Inquiries about memorials and thanksgiving gifts may be made by contacting the clergy or the Senior Warden.

Parish Office: The parish office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday (closed Friday). The staff may be reached by Voicemail at other times by calling (214) 340-4196 and selecting the appropriate option. For pastoral emergencies outside office hours, please call (214) 422-3645 and the priest on call will call you back promptly. (This number is also included in the message on the general church number).

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
(Infants through 5th Grade)
Nursery: Loving, professional care is provided for infants and children (through age 3) of the parish and our guests during Sunday morning worship and many other events during the year. Contact the church office for more information.

Sunday School for Children (pre-school-6th grade students):
Meets from 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. September through May. Our Sunday School seeks to help students and teachers grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ by studying the Bible, the sacraments, and the doctrines of the Church. Our teachers are all volunteers.

Children's Chapel (Age 3-2nd Grade): Each Sunday throughout the year during the 10:15 a.m. service, all children ages 3-2nd grade are invited to attend the Children's Chapel (except on fifth Sundays of the month when the children stay in the sanctuary with their parents and have a special children's sermon). A special service of music, lessons and prayers parallels the main service. At the beginning of the 10:15 a.m. service, the children follow the cross and process to the Children's Chapel on the courtyard. Parents are welcomed to attend with their children. All return to the sanctuary at the time of the Offertory to join the community in the Holy Communion.

Children's Choirs: Ascension has a variety of age appropriate music programs for children. Children's choirs are invited to perform their music in services during the year and at special events.

Vacation Bible School (Age 3-5th Grade): Vacation Bible School is held each summer. Children from the community are welcome. More information will be posted on the website in the spring each year.

Wild Wednesdays: These evenings are scheduled periodically throughout the school year. They will include a special service especially tailored for our younger members and guests. All are invited to stay for dinner for a nominal charge at our weekly Community Night Supper.

YOUTH MINISTRIES
(6th through 12th Grades)
Our youth ministry programs are divided into three age groups: Rite-13 is for 6th and 7th graders. Sealed and Sent Forth is a class for 8th and 9th graders who are interested in pursuing confirmation-the ceremony in the Episcopal church where people who were baptized as infants take adult responsibility for their own baptismal promises. And The Seekers is our senior high group for 9th through 12th graders. All meet on Sunday mornings from 9:02 a.m. to 9:50, September through May, and then they also get together once or twice a month at other times. The youth also go on mission trips in the summer.

For calendars and the latest information about youth ministries, see [youth].

ADULT MINISTRIES
Adult Inquirers' Classes: A class offering instruction in the Christian faith and in the doctrine and worship of the Episcopal Church for adults. This is the customary preparation for adult Baptism, and for Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation of Faith when the Bishop comes for his annual parochial visit. The class lasts for several weeks. These classes are also a wonderful "refresher course" for those confirmed many years ago, as well as training for those new to the Episcopal Church. Contact the parish office.

Adult Christian Education:
Sunday Morning Classes:
You will find a variety of classes designed to fit different interests, but all with a spiritual perspective. For more information, see [Adult Sunday Morning].

Igbo Bible Study: This class is a gathering of Nigerian parishioners and was originally conducted in the Igbo language. Some in the group do not speak Igbo so now the class is in English. This class is lead by Rev. Daniel Ofoegbu and other teachers and leaders.

Adult Choir (Adults, including College Age)
See Music Ministries for details.

Women's Bible Study: Meets in the Upper Building on Monday's beginning at 11:00 a.m. All women are welcomed. Led by the Rector.

Disciple Bible Study: Ascension offers several levels of Bible Study known as Disciple Bible Study for beginners to advanced students. These classes meet from late August to early May. For more information see [Disciple].

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT ASCENSION
(September through May)
Holy Communion and Healing Service 6:00 pm
Community Night Supper and Wednesday Evening Events 6:30 pm
Our Community Night Suppers provide fellowship and a wonderful meal for a very reasonable price for our Wednesday worshippers, our dedicated choir members who practice every Wednesday, and others who just want to get together fellowship or who have classes that night. At some times of the year, a brief program on a spiritual topic. Guests of all ages are invited. Advance reservation is requested, but there is usually plenty of food for guests. If a nursery is needed, please call the church office in advance to confirm that it will be open that evening.

AFRICAN/MULTI-CULTURAL MINISTRIES
Ascension has been blessed to enjoy the presence of many Anglicans from throughout the world among its membership and worshipping community. Here, you will find natives of Nigeria, England, Canada, Sudan, Ghana, Uganda, the Virgin Islands, Australia, India, the Philippines and a number of other countries. In the course of the year, within the life of the parish, we try to honor and utilize the gifts and styles of worship brought from these lands. The primary worship of the community is expressed at the services of Holy Communion on Sunday, conducted in English. In order to maintain the community in all of its diversity, we encourage all people, of every tongue, to join in this celebration of "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism." In order to meet the spiritual needs of groups whose primary language is not English, worship and study opportunities are coordinated for those groups who request them, when we can identify a spiritual leader comfortable in the desired tongue. Contact the Rector with questions about special classes and times for worship in other tongues.

Dinka Worship
Dinka, one of the languages of the Sudan, is spoken by many of the Sudanese members of Ascension. A service of prayer and praise and preaching in Dinka is held each Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in the nave. Dinka speaking Christians from throughout the metroplex gather for this service. The Dinka portion of the congregation also organizes other ministries to encourage Christian growth, service and witness among all people.

African Night Service
A service that was held for the first time in the summer of 2002 offers the African members of Ascension a time to share various ways God is celebrated in worship, music, prayer and dance in their native lands. The represented countries included Nigeria, Sudan, Ghana, and Uganda, South Africa and other African nations. This service is held each year.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Ascension's Theater Guild
One of the treasures at Ascension is the Theater Guild. The Guild was formed in 1994 and has presented many shows to date, including such classics as "Steel Magnolias" and "Don Juan in Hell". Although the only financial goal initially was to meet the expenses of each production, the Theater Guild has raised funds for outreach and other ministry. The shows are usually held in the fall of each year.

MUSIC MINISTRIES
Ascension offers music programs for all ages. Participation is open to all interested persons. The following opportunities await your call to the Music Office at 214-340-4196.

ASCENSION CHOIR (for college age and above) sings regularly for the 10:15 a.m. service on Sundays from September through May. The choir also sings for special events throughout the year. The Ascension Choir welcomes new members, whether experienced or beginning. There are no auditions for membership. Members benefit from the pleasure and satisfaction of singing good music well and enjoy the development of musicianship and vocal skills. The friendship and companionship of fellow choir members provides a spiritual and social support group for all who participate.

Volunteers
Volunteers who do not sing or play but who have a love for music and its ministry are always welcome to assist in maintaining the music library, robes and in other administrative areas of the music ministry. Contact the Organist/Choirmaster for more information.

ASCENSION OUTBOUND
Mission
Ascension Outbound is committed to making God's infinite love a living presence in our community, serving the needs of our neighbors with compassion to transform lives and ignite a spirit of hope.

Opportunities
Stults Road Elementary School
" Weekly Tutoring/reading program
" Weekly Mentoring program
" Monthly Teacher Appreciation
" Read-a-thons twice per year
" Uniform shirt drive, Thanksgiving food bags delivered to needy families, Holiday food and gifts to the needy families
Austin Street Shelter
" Cook lasagnas, cover in foil/paper and bring to the Church.
" Serve lasagnas at the Shelter on the first Saturday of each month (except Jan, July, Sept.)
" Make lemonade, or purchase other items such as fruit to serve at the Shelter
" Assist with other activities through the year to include clothing and book drives
Elaine Kadane Food Pantry
" Purchase food
" Stock shelves
" Fill food bags
" Register recipients and hand out food bags the first and/or third Tuesday of the month
Dallas Community Lighthouse (at FoxMoor Apartments)
" Community night dinners, 3rd Tuesday of the month
" Resident Survey: Assist with conducting resident survey to determine social, environmental needs of residents
People Helping People
" Assist with work days to including scrape and paint, refurbish and landscape
" Assist with providing work supplies, recruit sponsors for cash donations or supplies
" Provide meals for workers

CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES
(Good ways to get involved!)
Saints and Sinners
Adult dinner groups consisting of 8-10 people each, who rotate hosting once a month. New groups are formed in September each year. The dinner you host can be at your house or apartment, in a park for a picnic, or at the restaurant of your choice-the group is very flexible and lots of fun! Sign up sheets are available in the Narthex in August. This is an excellent way to get to know your Ascension Family better.

Ascension 50+ Potluck Dinner and Home Communion Services
Members of Ascension who are 50 and older (a rough guideline!) gather monthly at a member's home for a casual potluck dinner and a brief communion service. One of the parish priests celebrates the communion, and the service includes a time of sharing in reflection on the scripture lesson. Call the church office for more information and/or to offer to host a dinner.

Parish Nurses
The Parish Nurse Team is composed of Registered Nurses who are members of the Parish. The team offers blood pressure screening on the third Sunday of each month between services. They also sponsor blood drives and flu shot clinics.

Stephen Ministry
This ministry is composed of trained lay people to provide comfort and support through times of stress due to life changes after the initial crisis and immediate assistance ends. For more information, see [Stephen Ministry page].

Episcopal Church of the Ascension
Mission Statement:
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension welcomes, nourishes and empowers a diverse body of God's people to heed Jesus' call to receive and proclaim the gospel and serve our community and the world beyond.

August 2009