The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

 
 

Rector's Note & Latest News


August 19, 2026

 
 

Note from the Rector


Dear Friends,


It was great to see so many familiar (and new) faces this past Sunday as we return to our regular program schedule. I don't think I am alone in thinking the highlight was the Blessing of the Backpacks! The joy and laughter on our children's faces is a wonderful reminder of the truth that the Gospel is best glimpsed through the eyes of children (Luke 18:17). For those who were not able to attend, backpack tags and pocket Jesus keychains will be available this coming Sunday as well.


On Sunday, we also...


  • Resumed our Sunday morning breakfast at 8:45 a.m. in Ware Hall.
  • Resumed Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m.
  • Learned more about How We Gather in Worship & Christian Education at 9:30 a.m. in Ware Hall.
  • Commissioned our Worship Christian Education Leaders during our 10:30 a.m. service.
  • Enjoyed an (Ice Cream) Sundae Sunday Social after church in Ware Hall.


This coming Sunday, we will...


  • Learn more about How We Gather in Community Service at 9:30 a.m. in Ware Hall.
  • Host a coffee at 9:30 a.m. in the Sunshine Room for those who are new to or visiting Church of the Ascension.
  • Commission our Outreach leaders during our 10:30 a.m. service.
  • Kick off EYC (6th - 12th grades) at 5:30 - 7:15 a.m.


Additionally, 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.


Finally, pay attention to next Wednesday's email when we reveal how to sign up for our new Faith & Fellowship Groups.


I hope to see you soon!


Faithfully,


Jack+

Photos of the Week

This Sunday, August 23rd, Adult Formation will center how God is calling us in service to our community. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in Ware Hall to see how you can sign up to serve this year!

At the beginning of each school year, we take time to honor those returning to school by raining God's blessings upon their backpacks. This past Sunday, the sanctuary was filled with joyful noise and celebration as we blessed the backpacks and sent our children forth to spread the good news all school year long!

Prayer Lists

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


Members of this Parish: 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: John Clark


Celebrating Birthdays This Week: Katherine Manush (8/23), Jon Hornbuckle (8/23), Sophie Ogiba (8/23), Tom Cochran (8/24), Kathy Lounsbury (8/24), John McDaniel (8/25), Mia Taylor (8/25), Rachel Young (8/26), Roxanne Coleman (8/27), Janis Ware (8/27), Sue Busbin (8/28), Walker Sorrell (8/28), and Robby Colvin (8/29)


Celebrating Anniversaries This Week: Ashley & Frank Monachelli (8/23) and Paige Bradley & Karen Fleming (8/26)


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 clergy and people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; for the Diocesan Department of Recovery Ministries; for Holy Cross parishes in Trussville and Uniontown; for St. Bartholomew's parish in Florence


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

Vestry & Finance Notes

Recent Sermons & Teachings


Sermon


The Reverend Jack Alvey

August 16, 2026

Twelfth 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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