The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Rector's Note & Latest News


June 24, 2026

Note from the Rector


Dear Friends,


Looking for something to do tonight? Look no further than your home parish! Join us tonight from 6 - 8 p.m. for Parish Game Night. We'll gather for pizza and soda, then play Bingo together (with yours truly calling the numbers). Prizes will be awarded! After Bingo, stick around to play whatever games you'd like.


If you haven't already, RSVP in Realm or let Ashley Monachelli know you're coming!


A few ongoing reminders:



For the full list of announcements and ways to get involved, visit ascensionepiscopal.org/announcements.


I look forward to seeing you soon!


Faithfully,


Jack+

Photos of the Week

On June 13, members of our Ascension attended and participated with the Episcopal diocese of Alabama in the annual Birmingham Pride Parade!

From former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in 2023, "I believe deep in my soul that God is always seeking to create a world and a society where all are loved, where justice is done, and where the God-given equality of us all is honored in our relationships, in our social arrangements, and in law.”


When it comes to inclusion, the mission of the National Church is closely aligned with ours, "Making Christ known by our love for all."

Prayer Lists

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


Members of this Parish: Howard Poarch, Devin Dolive, Jill Sidwell, Ruth Snow, the Crowson family, 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: Linda, Scott, Maria, Joe, John, Nova, Judy, Dennis, Bob, Gordon, Maria, Bretton, Amy, Linda, Bowen, Tony and Rachel, Carole, Rosalie, Nancy, Peggy, Mark, Linda, 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: James Hurry Watts, brother of Karyn Watts


Celebrating Birthdays This Week: Cathy McCain, Devin Dolive, and Caleb Smelser


Celebrating Anniversaries This Week: Ruth & David Snow, Stacey & Vaughn Sparks, Martha & Bill Oyston, and Mary Elaine & Ben Mims


In Thanksgiving for the Birth of:


Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: for Glenda, our bishop; for Richard, our bishop-elect; for our Companion Diocese of Honduras and their bishop, Lloyd. We pray also for the Commission on Truth, Justice and Racial Reconciliation, for the Beloved Community Committee, and all who work for racial healing and reconciliation



Anglican Cycle of Prayer: For Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury; The Anglican Church of Southern Africa


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.

Recent Sermons & Teachings


Sermon


The Rev. Jack Alvey

June 21, 2026

The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost


Podcast


The Rev. Jack Alvey, and

The Rev. Geoff Evans, Rector of St. James in Jackson, MS

June 23, 2026

"Why did Jesus have to die, and what does it mean for me?"


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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