Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm
Please join the clergy and staff at Ascension for this important meeting looking at plans for 2014. “Delicious December Desserts” will be served! Childcare will be available. On the agenda will be plans for discipleship and evangelism as well as upcoming events in 2014. Here’s a sample:
- A three-week Epiphany Dinner Course on Fridays in January (10, 17 and 24)
- A winter Alpha Course beginning on February 7
- An Adult Education Module on Sundays in Lent
- A vision for the reshaping of small groups at Ascension.
- Plans to celebrate Ascension’s 125th Anniversary
- A service of worship for the College of Bishops in June
- The shape of summer worship in July and August
- The theme and speaker of the fall parish weekend away in October
Come explore the big questions with us
Join us for an evening of music, great food, and a laid-back Christmas-focused talk. This is a great opportunity to give Alpha a test-drive while also getting into the holiday spirit. Members of Church of the Ascension are encouraged to invite a friend, colleague, or family member who they think might benefit from an introduction to the Christian faith. Guests will have the opportunity to register for the next Alpha Course, which will kick off February 7, 2014. Please RSVP for yourself and your guest(s) so that we may prepare the best meal possible.
When and Where? Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6pm – 8:30pm Church of the Ascension Parish Hall 4729 Ellsworth Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213
RSVP here or join the event on our Facebook page (facebook.com/AscensionPittsburgh). Questions? Contact David Trautman.
Advent and Christmas Services
Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation of the coming of Jesus. We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 7:30am, 9am and 11am. At 10am we have a special time of fellowship in our parish hall featuring bagels, quiche, and other great food. Please join us! During Advent we also prepare for Christmas with special gatherings to make gifts for our home bound, to rehearse for nativity dramas and to decorate for Christmas. A full listing and description of events at Church of the Ascension can be found in our monthly newsletter which is attached here.
Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 22 at 11am
On Sunday, December 22 we will have our usual 7:30am and 9am services of worship. At 11am we will have a very special Service of Lessons and Carols. Ascension traditionally celebrates Lessons and Carols on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The service weaves together a progression of scripture readings along with carols sung by the congregation and choirs that carry us from Old Testament prophecy to fulfillment in the Christ child. Childcare is provided for those aged 4 and younger. They should go directly to their classrooms when they get to church as there is no children’s talk at this service. Children age 5 and older with be with us for the service.
Family Christmas Eve Service at 4pm
All are invited to this warm service which will feature a children’s pageant entitled, Bright Star, Bright Star, What Do You See? The play re-tells the nativity story, and invites all of us to consider how we can see and welcome Jesus. We will also sing the great carols of Christmas. David Trautman will preach. Childcare for infants and toddlers will be provided.
Festival Christmas Eve Eucharist at 10pm
Our late Christmas Eve service will feature a drama, Festival Procession, incense, candles and the great music of the season in celebration of the birth of the Christ child. Jonathan Millard will preach. Childcare is not provided.
Christmas Day Eucharist at 10:30am
The lessons are different from Christmas Eve so that those who wish to make this their second service of Christmas may join those who prefer this quiet one to the festival celebrations on Christmas Eve. We will celebrate together with a Rite 2 Eucharist. Jack Gabig will preach. Child care is not provided.
Sunday Services:
Our 7:30am service uses the more traditional liturgy of Rite 1. It is a small and intimate service that meets in a chapel. All are welcome, although there is no provision for childcare. Following the service bagels and pastries, juice and coffee are served in the Parish Hall.
.
Our 9am service uses the more contemporary liturgy of Rite 2. The musical part of our worship is led by a worship band. Childcare and Sunday School are provided. Our special needs program runs concurrent with this service.
.
Our 11am service also uses the more contemporary liturgy of Rite 2. The musical part of our worship incorporates an adult choir, a praise group called Resounding Grace and hymnody accompanied by the organ. Childcare and Sunday School are provided.
.
In between the two main services, from approximately 10 – 11am, we host a Hospitality Hour in the Parish Hall. You are welcome to join us for good food and fantastic fellowship!
.
If you would like information about our Wednesday morning service, click here.
