top of page
_ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS 2022  HORIZONTAL HEADER (Twitter Header) (1800 × 500 px) (5).png

Dear Ascension Family and Friends, 

​

Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.  It is an energetic time of preparation and anticipation. Here at Ascension, our worship marks the season as we build the expectation of the Incarnation at Christmas!  I hope you will join us as much as possible throughout this sacred season as we expect the coming of Christ.

​

Blessings, 

​

​

​

Fr. Paul 

​

​

Paul signature.jpg
Angels of Christmas.png

ADULT FORMATION 
The Angels of Christmas
by Susan Robb | Office Conference Room
Starts Sunday, November 26 | 9:15 a.m.


All adults are invited to join us for our Advent formation class starting next Sunday, November 26, at 9:15 a.m. We'll be reading and discussing The Angels of Christmas, a four-week study that explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. In this study, the reader will explore the visits and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel–and other angels–in the Old Testament. Each session is followed by a thought-provoking page of questions that allow for a deeper experience of the scriptural passages. Click HERE to order the book. Join us to unpack this insightful book. All adults are welcome. 

Passport to Christmas Festival (Instagram Post (Square)) (1).png

PASSPORT TO CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Family Event

Sunday | Dec. 3 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Ascension Campus | Parish Hall

 

All Ascension families and friends are invited to participate in this year’s Advent kickoff event, Passport to Christmas! Attendees will get to experience Christmas traditions from all around the world as they “travel” from country to country. 

 

Additional activities will include decorating holiday cookies, warming up at our hot cocoa/coffee beverage station, and dancing along as our DJ plays some seasonal tunes! And of course, St. Nicholas will be here to tell the Christmas Story to eager listeners. We hope you and your family can join in the fun on Sunday, December, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. 

​

When God Comes Down (250 x 250 px).png

MEN'S BOOK GROUP

When God Comes Down by James Harnish

Starts Sunday, November 26 | 9:15 a.m.

Youth and Outreach Center

​

All men are invited to join our Advent book study starting next Sunday, November 26 at 9:15 a.m. in the Youth and Outreach Center. We are reading James Harnish's When God Comes Down, available through Amazon and Kindle. Often our Advent/Christmas journey is focused on us – our memories, feelings, relationships, and experiences.  This study puts the focus on God’s action in Jesus Christ.  It encourages participants to think more deeply in terms of the biblical, theological, and spiritual meaning of the Nativity and to apply it to their own life experiences. Come along with us as we unpack this thought-provoking book.  Questions? Contact Doug Taber @ taber5@sbcglobal.net

AdventChristmas Images 2023 (1).png

VISIO DIVINA WITH THE
ANGELS OF CHRISTMAS

Thursdays, December 7, 14 & 21
7:00 p.m | The Parlor and via Zoom

This Advent, you are invited to join us as we prepare ourselves for the coming of God in our midst through Visio Divina, an ancient meditative prayer practice in which we let Scripture engage us through meditating and praying through an image. In Visio Divina prayer (Latin for "divine seeing") we will use the text and images of the messages of good news in dark times brought by Angels.  Although not necessary, if you want to deepen your experience with the narrative around the images, the images are derived from the book The Angels of Christmas by Rev. Susan Robb, being studied by our Adult Advent Sunday School class that meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am.  Each session will last roughly 45 minutes.

All are welcome.  Please email Chris Reed with any questions or to request a Zoom link.

_Advent and Christmas Eve (250 x 250 px).png

ADVENT CHILDREN'S OFFERINGS
 

Godly Play: Advent and the Mystery of Christmas

Early Childhood | 4-8 Years Old

Sundays | Nov. 26 - Dec. 17 | 9:15 a.m.

Children's Chapel | Room 105

 

Celebrate Wonder | Advent and the Holy Family
Upper Elementary | 9-11 Years Old

Sundays | Nov.26 - Dec. 17 | 9:15 a.m.

Paula Tucker Memorial Chapel | Room 106

 

Advent Children's Chapel

Sundays | Nov. 26 - Dec. 17 | 10:30 a.m.

Children's Chapel | Room 105

_LONGEST NIGHT (WEBSITE).png

THE LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Thursday, December 21st | 7:30 p.m. 

In-Person & Livestream through YouTube

 

Advent and Christmas are often known for being filled with hope and joy, but this isn’t true for everyone. For those who have lost a loved one, this season can be a time of profound loneliness. For others who struggle with health issues or fractured relationships, who have lost their jobs, or who’ve had other financial setbacks, it is almost certainly a time of pain and of fear.

 

God is in the joy of the season but also with us in our pain. This time of worship will help us seek God in the midst of mourning our losses. We will hear of God’s comfort in scripture, prayers from our tradition may help guide our seeking, and we will join our voices with one another in faith as we cry out together O Come, O Come Emmanuel.  

 

Join us on Thursday, December 21st, at 7:30 p.m., as we gather together to be present before God. If you're attending online, please RSVP HERE, and you'll be sent a YouTube link prior to the service.

_Advent and Christmas Eve (250 x 250 px) (1).png

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY

​

Christmas Eve - Lessons and Carols | Sunday, Dec. 24  |10:30 a.m.
In-Person and on YouTube

​

Christmas Eve - Family Service | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 5:00 p.m. 

In-Person and on YouTube

 

Christmas Day | Monday, Dec. 25 | 10:30 a.m.
In-Person

​

_Advent and Christmas Eve (250 x 250 px) (2).png

FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME

Sunday, December 31 | 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

​

This Feast day is celebrated on the eighth day after the birth of Jesus when he was named and circumcised. He was "called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb" (Lk 2:21). Celebration of the Holy Name reflects the significance of the Holy Name of Jesus, and the emphasis of the Gospel of Luke on the naming of Jesus rather than his circumcision.

​

_Advent and Christmas Eve (250 x 250 px) (3).png

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

Sunday, Jan. 7 | 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

​

Epiphany means "manifestation" or "revelation" or "appearing." While Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, Epiphany is about the spread of the good news to the wider world. Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Magi from the East to the Christ child in Bethlehem. We will celebrate this Feast day on January 8th, including the procession of the star and the renewal of baptismal vows. In addition, Bishop Wayne Smith will join us and will preach. We hope you'll join us for this exciting, special service.

bottom of page