TheAscensionCommunity - The Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Pastoral Care and Operation Prayer Connection

The mission of the Pastoral Care Committee of Church of the Ascension is: "To provide support to meet the spiritual and corporal needs of the members of our faith community."

We are available to make telephone contacts, home visits, or Eucharistic visits.

If you or someone you know is ill, homebound, or hospitalized and would like to contacted by a member of the Pastoral Care Committee, please call the Parish Office at (716) 884-6362.

OPERATION PRAYER CONNECTION

With the war with Iraq having been undertaken, and with many of our local men and women in service in the armed forces, Church of the Ascension has started Operation Prayer Connection("OPC").

OPC matches up a member of the military with a parishioner at Ascension, who prays for them on a daily basis. Any person in military service can be included in OPC. To have someone included in OPC, or to participate yourself, please contact us via e-mail to the church on the home page of this site.

A Prayer For those in the Armed Forces of our Country:

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Ascension Community

The Church of the Ascension warmly welcomes persons from all walks of life. Our diverse church community includes by the grace of God, young and old, black and white, straight and gay, city and suburban.

We welcome all to Sunday worship and to consider serving in a leadership role in the parish. We strive to make all visitors to Ascension comfortable, affirmed and
assured of God's love.

Please be assured that God made you and God loves you. At Ascension it is ok to search for God and engage upon a spiritual journey, just as you are. The Church of the Ascension wants you to come, just as you are, the way God created.

Sunday worship is at one and the same time traditional and lively, informal and transcendent. The hour is 10:30 am. Come and join us in prayer and praise.

Building and Grounds

Ascension has been blessed with rich architecture and beautiful grounds.

Parishioners gather under a high vaulted ceiling, and are surrounded with rich woodwork, priceless stained glass, and beautiful masonry.

The altar of the church is hand carved and adorned with much brass work. The church’s three largest stained glass windows offer a spectacular backdrop. This area of the church also houses Ascension’s very own historic Kimball Pipe Organ.

Off the church interior, you will find the Parish Hall. Partially designed by E.B. Green, it is a beautiful space characterized by period wood work, french doors, an open plan and a small stage. Every Sunday the community gathers in this space for coffee and social hour.

The grounds of the church are as beautiful as the interior. Many trees, several gardens, historic sidewalks, living memorials, a flag pole, benches, meditation/prayer areas, various shrubbery, and come spring and summer, countless bulbs and flowers adorn the church grounds.

All work done to the building and grounds of Ascension is the product of the Building and Grounds Committee. Our gardens were part of Garden Walk for the first time in Summer 2008.

Music

Since the present building was built in 1872, Ascension has been blessed with the very finest musical instruments. The first pipe organ was dedicated Christmas Day 1876, having been built by the premier 19th century American organ builder, Hook and Hastings of Boston. The present pipe organ, built by W. W. Kimball, was installed in November/December 1933, and dedicated on January 24, 1934. It is presently undergoing a multi-phased renovation that will return its original majesty as well as improve its flexibility for 21st century worship. Just as Acension enjoys a fine pipe organ, it is also home to a Steinway grand piano. The instrument dates from 1888 and is used in both worship and concerts regularly.

The Ascension Singers were organized in Fall 2007 and continue the choral tradition present since the church's origins. This chamber-sized ensemble sings a diverse repertoire including chant, traditional anthems, gospel and contemporary music. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7-9PM; contact the Music Director to arrange a simple audition.