The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

 
 

Rector's Note & Latest News


September 9, 2026

 
 

Note from the Rector


Dear Friends,


We have a lot to be excited about as we anticipate what's coming up in the life of the congregation. If you don't already have plans to be a part of the community God is forming at Ascension this fall, I hope you'll take a few minutes to see where you might fit.


  • Master Planning Questionnaire — Help us plan for the future. Takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Due Friday, September 11th.
  • Faith & Fellowship Groups — Hiking, Mahjong, Pickleball, Needlepoint (waitlist), Book Club, Pub Theology. Register by Sunday, September 13th. Registering ensures you're up to date on times and meeting locations for each group — for example, details for this Saturday's (September 12th) hike at Red Mountain Park will only be sent to those who register. Please note: we WILL NOT send mass emails updating everyone on each group's activities.
  • Teach Us to Pray — A 3-week Sunday Adult Formation series with teaching by clergy and small group conversation in Peer Groups. Begins Sunday, September 13th at 9:30 a.m. in Ware Hall.
  • Tailgate Lunch — Wear your team colors and bring your favorite game-day dish to share, immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service this coming Sunday. Dishes may be dropped off in the kitchen before the service. The church will provide chicken wings and popcorn chicken. All are welcome!
  • Clean Up the Cahaba with Black Warrior Riverkeepers — Saturday, September 19th from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Register in Realm or email The Rev. Emily Collette for more information.
  • AgeReady Overview from the James Houston Center for Faith and Successful Aging — Sunday, September 20th from 2–3 p.m. in Ware Hall. Register in Realm or email Kathy Lounsbury.


Please don't hesitate to reach out should you have any questions about any and all of what is coming up in the life of the congregation.


I hope to see you soon!


Faithfully,


Jack+


Photos of the Week

This Sunday we start our next Adult Formation series: Teach Us How to Pray

Meet in Ware Hall at 9:30am, clergy will "kick us off," then we will break out into small groups for further discussion.

This Sunday is our annual Tailgate Sunday! Wear your team colors and join us for a parish potluck lunch after the 10:30 service.

This will take the place of our regular Sunday Social. The Church will provide the main dish, you bring your favorite tailgate snack or appetizer!

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: Audrey, 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:


Celebrating Birthdays This Week: Clark Monachelli (9/14), Parker Monachelli (9/14), Barbara Cochran (9/15), Gabe Nelson (9/18), Phyllis Peppenhorst (9/19), John Wuska (9/19), and Vivvie Ryan (9/19)


Celebrating Anniversaries This Week: Melanie & Neville Crowson (9/14)


Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: for Sean our Presiding Bishop; for Richard, our bishop; for our Companion Diocese of Honduras and their bishop, Lloyd; for Commission on Spirituality; for Daughters of the King; and for St. Matthew's, Madison


Anglican Cycle of Prayer: for Sarah, Archbishop of Canterbury; and for The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia


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. We remember all who are in harm’s way, especially those affected by war and natural disaster—victims of the floods in Tibet, Nepal and the Grand Canyon, 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

The Ffiteenth Sunday after Pentecost

September 6, 2026


email your thoughts on what we should cover next

to admin@ascensionepiscopal.org


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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