newsletter 032607 - Church of the Ascension

Newsletter
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
October 2014
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216-1799
(205) 822-3480 . www.ascensionepiscopal.org
902-1535 Pastoral Care
.
All Hallow’s Eve Party
October 26th
Following the 10 o’clock service
Games, Fish pond, prizes,
Face Painting by Tootle Lou the Clown
And lunch of hotdogs and chips with lemonade.
Mark your calendars.
Dress of the day— costumes or casual
RSVP by signing the list in Terrill Foyer. Invite a Friend and include in your count.
Photo Directory
It has been several years since we have published a photo directory of our parish and a lot has changed
since then.
We will begin to take updated photos of our parish members starting this coming Sunday, October 5th
and will also offer sittings for the following two Sundays. (October 12 and 19).
Look for a sign-up sheet in the Terrell foyer to pick a date that works best for you. The pictures will be
done by parish members so there will be no pressure to purchase any photos from an outside source. If
you have a favorite picture that you would prefer to use please email a copy to David Snow at
dmsnow1@charter.net.
Episcopal Church of the Ascension
Established 1953
Vestavia Hills, Alabama
(205) 822-3480, Church
www.ascensionepiscopal.org
(205) 223-7921, Pastoral Care
The Reverend Stephen D. Hood
Rector ….. (205) 822-8688
The Reverend David A. Hall
Associate Rector …..(205) 822-3480
Email
ascenbham@ascensionepiscopal.org
Ascension Episcopal Kindergarten
(205) 979-8711
Faye.clyburn@ascensionepiscopal.org
Episcopal Diocese of Alabama
Chartered 1830
Diocesan Office  (205) 715-2060
www.dioala.org
The Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan
Bishop of Alabama
The Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Marray
Assistant Bishop of Alabama
First of All...
At the southwestern edge of New Zealand, a National Geographic
writer traveled with a local guide along paths strewn with river pebbles. Suddenly the guide bent to pick up a finger-long sliver of
“greenstone” — jade — shimmery and smoothed by the river. He
handed it to the journalist, saying, “Our people have a tradition that
you don’t keep the first piece you find. So I’m giving it to you.”
Throughout Scripture, “first fruits” signifies people giving their best
back to God because he first gave the best of himself to humanity.
Ultimately, Paul teaches, “Christ has been raised from the dead, the
first fruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NRSV).
In response to this gift of life, we give our own first fruits to God; for
example, we might spend early-morning time in prayer, set aside an
offering as our first budget item, and make sure our first words to
family each day are sweet ones.
The NewsletterNewsletter
October 2014
Adult Christian Formation
Annual ECW “Bake”Sale
Sunday morning. Adult formation Class 9:00 a.m.
in the Sunshine Room is taking a break.
We call it the ECW Bake sale but we hope to have a
wonderful choice of sweet and savory treats, cheese
spreads, canned/preserved items like jams & jellies,
pickles (something you can do with your extra summer fruits & vegetables), ~~ a selection of "childhood
memories" - your mothers & grandmothers favorite
things (like Coca-Cola cake), dried soup mix and drink
mixes like spiced tea or hot chocolate mix. The sky is
the limit !!! Thanks for sharing your ideas - you can
send an e-mail with more suggestions to
bachase118@bellsouth.net
Thanks again,
BillyeAnn Chase
Spiritual Path-ology. We began a new discussion
on Sunday, September 21.
We meet from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Sunshine
room. Please see David if you would like to know
more.
Brown Bag Bible Study. Mondays at 11:00 A.M.
Ladies and gentlemen are invited ― don’t forget
your lunch and your Bible. We “break bread together” at noon. Beverages and dessert provided.
Thursday morning Bible study meets on Thursdays at 8:00am (with the exception of Holidays) and
is led by the Rector.
 EfM Thursdays. If you are interested in knowing
more about this class please contact: Fr. Stephen at
fathersdhood@gmail.com or
Dick Lounsbury rlounsbury6506@bellsouth.net.
The Carter and Fernandes families extend their
gratitude to the Ascension family for the many
kindnesses, prayers and expressions of support
during the illness and loss of Carl's sister, Linda
Carter Gill. We were frankly overwhelmed by the
many ways in which members and staff supported
us. Given our relatively short tenure as members,
we had not anticipated such an outpouring of love.
We thank you.
Proper 22
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Join the Fun
An Episcopal Diocese of Alabama
Happy Birthday!
David Manush, 1st
Ann Van Sise, 3rd
Shirley Womble, 5th
Jean Smith, 6th
William Snoddy, 8th
Charles Fieselman, Sr., 8th
Carolyn Woodson, 9th
Elizabeth Smith, 10th
Matthews Brown, 10th
Glenda Lee, 10th
Katie Vance, 11th
Eileen Epstein, 11th
Dick Evans, 15th
Jackie Clark, 15th
Leslie Sharbel, 18th
Ginger Kemp, 21swt
Nan Mitchell Green, 21st
Jenny Luttrell, 24th
Virginia Creamer, 25th
Virginia Holbrook, 25th
Cheryl Davidson, 27th
John Crawford Hash, 30th
Happy Anniversary!
Sally & Jeff MacDonald, 4th
Clyde & Elizabeth Smith, 10th
John & Olivia Thompson,
17th
George & Glenda Lee, 20th
O God, our times are in your
hand: Look with favor, we
pray, on your servants as they
begin another year. Grant that
they may grow in wisdom and
grace, and strengthen their
trust in your goodness all the
days of their lives; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Family Reunion—October 24-26
Camp Day is a casual weekend in which the whole
diocese is invited to come up and experience Camp
McDowell. It is designed to showcase the wonderful things camp has to offer-especially to those who
have never been before or haven't been in years and
also to those who come up often but love any excuse to spend time in God's backyard. Come for the
weekend or come for a day.
You can call camp at 205-387-1806 to register or
for additional information or
Click here to register online
BCP 830
If we missed someone we apologize and ask that you let us
know, 822-3480.
Blessing of the Pets
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
“O God, you have made us and all living things.
You are even more wonderful than
what you have made. We thank you for giving us
these pets who bring us joy.”
Supper Clubs
Ascension Supper Clubs meet about once a month
or every other month in the homes of the members
for dinner and fellowship. The host(s) usually provide the entrée and members bring a complimentary
covered dish. If you are interested please contact
one of the “Captains” listed below.
Goettge-Davidson Supper Club . For more information contact Cheryl Davidson 981-1589 or
Holly Goettge 970-6384. See page 8 for next
gathering.
Early Bird Club: Nancy Gennari, 988-3484 and
Joy Higgenbotham, 979-2616.
Late Night Club: For more information about
the club contact Fr. Stephen at fathersdhood@gmail.com or Walker Sorrell at walker.sorrell@gmail.com.
Sunday, October 5
5 p.m.
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and in
thanksgiving for the Creation God has so generously given over to our stewardship, we will bless
the creatures of the Creation. Bring your pets to
Ascension and we’ll bless them during the evening
service. The service is open to friends and neighbors and anyone who loves animals.
Refreshments following for both humans and
animals.
▄Second Saturday Supper Club will now be the
Saturday Supper Club (we can't always do the
second and with kids, you gotta be flexible!).
Next get-together: October 25th, noon, at the
home of John and Olivia Thompson email
pres877@aol.com for information and directions.
For more information about the club contact Olivia Thompson pres877@aol.com or Kellet May,
thecarmichael@gmail.com.
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THE 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
THE 17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
October 26, 2014
October 5, 2014
Holy Communion 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion 7:30am and 10:00am
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection” (Philippians 3:10a, NRSV). Help me know you better,
Lord Jesus.
ACOLYTES:
USHERS:
[Reformation Sunday] God, you have reformed the church
countless times. Reform my heart again today so I may live
for you.
ACOLYTES:
USHERS: 10:00-Contact David Snow to volunteer
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
7:30 Chastain
10:00 Wilson,Sparks
ALTAR GUILD: Elizabeth Smith-Nancy Sharp-Paula
Stringfellow-Sally Snoddy-Eileen Epstein
FLOWER GUILD: Paula Vance
The Altar Flowers will be given to the Glory of God by
Nancy Gennari
In Loving Memory of Dino Gennari
And
Joy Higgenbotham
In Loving Memory of John Higgenbotham.
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
7:30 Chastain 10:00 LaGrone—Busbin
ALTAR GUILD: Carolyn Eike–Joy HiggenbothamMelanie Fay Johnson-Kellet May-Jackie Clark-Susan
Higgins
FLOWER GUILD: Jan Ennis-Elaine Graham-Carolyn
Woodson
The Altar Flowers will be given to the Glory of God by
Arnold and Joyce Harrington
In Loving Memory of our Parents.
THE 18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
THE 21st SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
October 12, 2014
Holy Communion 7:30 A.M. and 10:00 A.M.
November 2, 2014
Holy Communion 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M.
“My God, how wonderful thou art, thou everlasting
friend!” (hymn writer Frederick Faber, 1849). Thank you,
Lord, for always being there for me. Amen.
ACOLYTES:
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
7:30 Oyston 10:00 Duke Poehler
ALTAR GUILD: Lynn McGuffey,-Kitty HaberstrohMarcia Poarch-Paula Vance-Lorraine Hartley
FLOWER GUILD: Billye Ann Chase and Holly Goettge
The Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God by
John Wilson
_____________________________________
For all the saints who’ve lived and died in Christian faith
and set us an example to follow, we give you thanks, O God.
ACOLYTES:
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
7:30 Epstein 10:00 Sparks—Duke
ALTAR GUILD: Elizabeth Smith-Nancy Sharp-Paula
Stringfellow-Sally Snoddy-Eileen Epstein
FLOWER GUILD: Paula Stringfellow-Helene GriffithSandra Bernhard
The Altar Flowers are given to the Glory of God by
Jud, Kathryn, Weller and Spencer Bringman
In Loving Memory of Barbara Weller Bringman.
THE 19TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 19, 2014
Holy Communion 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M.
PREPARING FOR WORSHIP. Please observe quiet in
the Nave and Narthex preceding the service.
People will be in prayer and quiet reflection in preparation for the service.
Please silence cell phones before and during the service.
At the beginning of another week, we pause to remember
that God is above all and in all. Thank you, God, for all life
brings!
ACOLYTES:
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:
7:30 Sharp
10:00 Loop—Lambert
ALTAR GUILD: Sue Busbin-Billye Ann Chase- Martha
Oyston-Holly Goettge
FLOWER GUILD: Sharon Stratton-Melanie Fay Johnson-Kellet May
The Altar Flowers will be given to the Glory of God by
Cille Spader
In Loving Memory of Jim.
If you have lost a loved one since November
1, 2013 and would like his/her name remembered in the Sunday bulletin November 2nd,
the Sunday after All Saints’ Day please add
the name to the list in the parish office.
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CHILDREN’S
O
R
N
E
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EYC
O
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All youngsters in grades 6 through 12
Are invited to join us for fun and fellowship. E
R
Matthew 21:33-46
Oct. 4th. Trip to Sawyerville for the 5K. Will
leave the church at 7:00am.
Oct. 12th. Youth after 10
Oct. 19th leave from the church at 2:00pm for
Atrox Factory, Leeds (Haunted House)
Oct. 26th. 4th on 4 (Plus after church the All Hallow’s Eve Party. If anyone would be willing to
help with the games please contact the parish office.
If you have any questions please contact Will at
willchsparks@gmail
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
 Fall schedule: Preschoolers gather in the last
classroom on the left and K-5through 5th grade
gather in the Merrie Player Room beginning at
9:50 on Sunday mornings
Bible Lesson, craft, followed by chapel. After
chapel the children join their parents for
Communion.
Fall Schedule:Middle School and High School to
be announced.
KNITWITS
Friday afternoons at 1:00 the Knitwits
gather to work on the sweaters for our
Teddy Bear Christmas Outreach and to
crochet lap afghans for wheel chair
patients. Newcomers to knitting and crocheting or
“old hands” at the craft are welcome to join us.
NURSERY NOTES
The nursery is for infants to three years of age
staffed by adults.
The nursery is open at 9:15 A.M. and ends immediately following the family service.
CHOIR NOTES
Calling all singers! Ascension Choir has resumed regular Wednesday rehearsals as of September 10th. Volunteers are needed!
mike.sparks@ascensionepiscopal.org
.
USHER MINISTRY
Please contact David Snow, 970-4181
or
dmsnow1@charter.net if you are interested in serving
the church as an Usher for the Family service and/or
other services of the church? Ladies, gentlemen and
young people are welcome
ACOLYTES
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us
rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24, ESV)
Nancy Caltrider, Acolyte Master is always on the
lookout for youngsters (3rd grade and above) and
adults who would like to serve as acolytes.
Contact Nancy at ncaltrider@charter.net or
823-5345 if you or your child would like to be a part of
this ministry.
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For Kids of All Ages
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Cursillo 2014
Cursillo is a worldwide movement of the Christian
Church. Over 7000 Episcopalians in the Diocese of Alabama have completed a Cursillo weekend. Local parishes
are strengthened and participants are more spiritually
grounded. If you are interested or would like more information contact
Sam and Sharon Linton slinton@otelco.net
Or Martha and Bill Oyston oyston@aol.com,
Or Jeannie Duke and Jim Loop jj2xs@aol.com
or David david.hall@ascensionepiscopal.org
or Stephen fathersdhood@gmail.com
Potpourri!!
PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK to the circle in front of the church or the
Porte cochere at Terrill Foyer for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
If you do need to stay there longer please pull forward and to the side
enough to allow another vehicle room if needed to park long enough to
make a delivery and then to pass by your vehicle.
PARISH EMAIL LIST: If you would like to be notified via email
when there is a death or birth in our parish family, or a request for prayer,
please contact the parish office, 822-3480, so your email address may be
added to the Christian Service List, or contact
ascenbham@ascensionepiscopal.org.
WORSHIP SERVICE CD . Copies of our worship services are provided by request. The Sunday 10:00 service and other special services
during the year are usually recorded. Please contact Elizabeth Tanner,
982-1831 or the church office 822-3480.
UPDATE THE DIRECTORY IF YOU HAVE CHANGES IN YOUR
ADDRESS, IN YOUR PHONE NUMBER. please contact the parish
office, 822-3480 or ascenbham@ascensionepiscopal.org
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRANSFER YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO
THE ASCENSION? Please call the parish office @ 822-3480. We will
be happy to help. We can email a form to you or we can fill one out
while we talk on the phone. We would need your full name and the name
of the church where your Membership Letter resides. Ladies, we may
need your maiden name also.
MASTER CALENDAR. Please be sure to check it before scheduling a
meeting or event. If date available add your meeting/event, time and contact person, and let the Rector or secretary know you’ve added it.
Reminder to all
The Freezer Ministry is an important ministry of the parish providing
frozen casseroles, desserts, soups for shut-ins, people with extended
illnesses, new babies, death in a family. Sign up on the freezer in
Ware Hall or in the Welcome Center or just double your next recipe,
freeze half of it, date it and put in the Church Freezer.
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Senior Warden
David Snow
970-4181
Junior Warden
Brice Johnston
470-0742
Organist-Choir Director
Michael G. Sparks … 870-8103
Christian Formation Director
Amanda Austin ….. 822-3480
Youth Ministries
Will Sparks, 822-3480
Nursery
822-3480
Kimberly Dunleavy,
Samantha Baldwin
Treasurer
Len Skelton … 541-0741
Assistant Treasurer
Laurie Tanner … 982-1116
Members of Vestry
Meredith Lees, Len Skelton,
David Snow, Walker Sorrell.
Amanda Austin, Jim Busbin,
Martha Oyston, Elizabeth Tanner,
Kathryn Bringman, Mary Beth
Mann, Brice Johnston, Brian Powers,
John Wilson
Clerk of the Vestry
Lee Ann Fieselman
EPISCOPAL
Church of the Ascension
1912 Canyon Road
Birmingham, AL 35216-1799
(205) 822-3480
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Birmingham, AL
PERMIT 1571
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Davidson-Goettge Supper Club. The Skeltons will co
-host Supper Club on Oct. 11th at Paula & Carl’s. Call
or email and let us know what you will be bringing.
Len & Annie : 822-7415 annshelton@gmail.com
Paula & Carl: 937-5107 paula@stringprop.com
Our address:
2301 Pinebrook Cir
Vestavia 35226
Interested in becoming a puppeteer or hosting a birthday party.
Merrie Players, an outreach arm of the ECW is always on the
lookout for new members.
Our show this season is Rumperstiltskin. First one this fall is
scheduled for October 15th. Players and guests arrive at or about
3:45. Show begins at 4:00 or shortly thereafter. If enough folks
are interested there is a possibility of having shows on Saturdays.
Contact Mary Beth Mann mbhmann@gmail.com or the parish
office 822-3480.
NOTE THESE DATES: 2014
Deadline for Newsletters: 25th of month, 10:00am
Deadline-Sunday bulletins: Wednesdays, 10:00am
Re-occurring events:
Sunday School & Chapel for 3years-5th grade. 9:45am
Sunday School for 6th-8th.
Sunday Adult Class. 9:00am
Spiritual-pathology
Brown Bag Bible Study, Mondays, 11:00am.
Wednesday noonday Holy Communion service.
Ascension Choir Wednesday rehearsal 7:00pm
Thursday Bible Study. 8:00am
National • World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2014
• Columbus Day Observance, October 13, 2014
• Reformation Sunday, October 26, 2014
• Reformation Day, October 31, 2014
Ascension
Oct. 4 EYC Sawyerville 5K Run.
Oct. 5 Blessings of the Pets, 5:00pm
Oct. 8 Summer Camp Coordinating Comm. 12:30-3:00
Ware Hall and Sunshine Room
Oct. 11 DSA. 8:30-11:00am
Oct. 12 Youth after 10
Oct. 12 DSA. Terrill Foyer, Sunshine Rm., Nurserry
Oct. 19. EYC Atrox Factory, Leeds 2:00pm
Oct. 25 Saturday Supper Club . Thompsons Noon
Oct. 26 All Hallow’s Eve Party. 11:15. Ware Hall/Foyer
Oct. 26 EYC 4th on 4
Oct. 27. Vestry Meeting
Ascension Office Opens
Mondays-Friday 9:00am
Food for Urban
Thank you to everyone for your donations of canned food for Urban Ministry every month. Please keep up this good work.
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto
you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40 KJV
Collect for The Ascension
Almighty and Eternal God, you call us together as the Ascension
family and bind us in Christian love and witness. So focus our
hearts and minds upon Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and
guide us to know your Holy Spirit in the life of our parish, that we
may realize that our similarities are greater than our differences.
Help us to recognize your image in all people as we work together
as one body in Christ to the glory of your Kingdom now and forever. Amen.
All Federal holidays the offices will be closed.
Follow The Link To
www.ascensionepiscopal.org/
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