The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

 
 

Rector's Note & Latest News


August 26, 2026

 
 

Note from the Rector


Dear Friends,


In case you haven't noticed, registration for our Faith & Fellowship Groups is now live! The deadline to register is Sunday, September 13th. Note that the first gathering of the Hiking Group will take place on September 12th and that the Needlepoint Group will be capped at 6 people.


The idea for these groups was born out of a simple belief that God is present and active in our lives at all times and in all places. So these gatherings become a kind of table around which we gather with God and each other. Each gathering will open with a brief liturgy and close with a short reflection and prayer. Both are meant to open our eyes to the ways God is already at work in our everyday lives.


This fall we're launching six Faith & Fellowship groups:


  • Mahjong, led by Kelly Gould
  • Hiking, led by Leslie and Buddy Sharbel
  • Pickleball, led by Massey Gentry
  • Book Club, led by Helen Dolive
  • Needlepoint, led by Jill Sidwell
  • Pub Theology, led by Martin Hoerner


Register today by clicking here. Please email me directly with any questions you might have about the gatherings.


Additionally, please note a other important events coming up in the life of the congregation. First, join us on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for a Cahaba Riverkeepers Clean Up Day. Location TBD. Register in Realm or email The Rev. Emily Collette if you plan to attend.


Secondly, everyone is invited to a special program on Sunday, September 20 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Ware Hall called Age Ready. AgeReady is a program from the James Houston Center for Faith and Successful Aging, offering practical, interactive tools to help families plan for the challenges- and joys - of aging. Register in Realm or reach out to Kathy Lounsbury.


Finally, if you haven't already done so, please complete the parish-wide questionnaire sent out by Jim Busbin as part of our Master Planning Process. They are due by September 11. Please refer to Jim Busbin's email for additional information.


I hope to see you soon!


Faithfully,


Jack+

Photos of the Week

This Sunday, August 30th, Adult Formation will center how God is calling us to gather in fellowship with one another. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in Ware Hall to learn ways you can connect this year!

This Sunday is our last Sunday school class of our Fall kickoff, "How We Gather." You've heard about Worship & Education and Outreach & Pastoral Care. Join us Sunday in Ware Hall at 9:30am to learn how you can get plug in to fellowship opportunities this year at Ascension!

Prayer Lists

Your prayers are invited for the special needs and concerns of this congregation.


Members of this Parish: Elizabeth Tanner, Jackie Clark, Ron and Nancy Rowell, Dick Lounsbury, Cille Spader, Shane Wiley, Paula Stringfellow, Barbara Cochran, Ben Chastain, Donna Miller, and Donna Thompson


Family and Friends of this Parish: Dave, Maggie, Dixon, Sandy, Mickey, Lynda, Scott, Linda, Maria, Joe, John, Nova, Judy, Dennis, Bob, Gordon, Maria, Bretton, Amy, Linda, Bowen, Tony and Rachel, Carole, Rosalie, Nancy, Peggy, Mark, Lyn, Will, Glenda, Rick, Ginger, Jane, Mimi, Billy, Terry, Terriann, Paula, Bill, Doug, Lance, Ralph, Ron, Virginia, Mary and Van


For Those Who Have Died: Chris Day, brother-in-law of Elaine & Richard Graham


Celebrating Birthdays This Week: Catesby Jones (8/29), Hagen Gould (8/30), Ann Carr (8/31), Ross Parker (8/31), Jack Searcy (8/31), Bill Oyston (9/1), Lori Ennis (9/2), Race Banks (9/2), Lane Morton (9/2), Hope Hendricks-Bacon (9/3), and Alex Gould (9/5)


Celebrating Anniversaries This Week: Nancy & Ron Rowell (8/30), Conny & Dorrance Weddell (8/30), Caroline & Matt Hottle (9/1), Lucy & Price Evans (9/1), Kate & Marty Solomon (9/2), Sami Ashley & Laura Tucker (9/3), and Stacey & Mike Gregory (9/3)


Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: for Sean our Presiding Bishop; for Richard, our bishop; for our Companion Diocese of Honduras and their bishop, Lloyd; for the department of Stewardship; and for all who suffer from addiction or effects of addiction.


Anglican Cycle of Prayer: for Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury; and for The Church of the Province of the West Indies


We pray for God’s peace to prevail in our hearts, in our country, and throughout the world. We remember all who are in harm’s way, especially those affected by war—victims of violence, families who mourn, the displaced, and those serving in the military.


Please contact Olivia Sheffield in the parish office to add a loved one to our prayer list.


Prayer requests will remain on prayer list for 2 weeks unless otherwise noted.

Vestry & Finance Notes

Recent Sermons & Teachings


Sermon


The Reverend Jack Alvey

August 23, 2026

Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost


Podcast


The Rev. Jack Alvey and Olivia Hill Sheffield

August 12, 2026

"Is doubt the enemy of faith?"


Sound files and full transcripts of sermons can be found by clicking the image below. You can also "follow" The Episcopal Church of the Ascension - Vestavia Hills, AL on iTunes or Spotify.

Pastoral Care


If you are admitted to the hospital, have need of prayer or counsel, or unable to attend church, please contact The Rev. Jack Alvey, Rector (205.914.5225) or The Rev. Emily Collette (256.714.9493), Associate Rector, or our Pastoral Care Team Chair, Elizabeth Tanner (205.541.0419)

Giving Options

Do you have something you'd like to share with the parish? Contact Olivia,

olivia.sheffield@ascensionepiscopal.org

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