This page has been developed to help you make your first visit to Church of the Ascension a great experience.

What's happening on Sunday mornings at Church of the Ascension.

The 8:00 a.m. Service
A communion service (Rite I Holy Eucharist) for those who love the great traditions of the church. It includes announcements at the beginning of the service, traditional hymns, a homily, the prayer of humble access, and a silent procession to end the service. This is a service for those who enjoy the solemnity of worship in the early hours of Sunday morning, or who would like to experience something new and ancient. In either case, you will be warmly welcomed and invited to breakfast following the service.

The 8:45 a.m. Breakfast
Our talented chefs make a hot breakfast ($3.00) each week for the community. Come and enjoy this great food served buffet style in the Parish Hall (our common room located behind the church). Many of those who are a part of the Ascension community begin their Sunday morning with breakfast and then take part in the activities that follow.

The 9:15 a.m. Adult Education Hour
Located above the Parish Hall, the Adult Education Hour features topics like “How to Pray,” “How to Reach the City,” and “Discovering Ascension,.” These classes allow committed believers to grow and those who are seeking to continue to find answers in their desire to know God.

The 10:30 a.m. Service
A communion service (Rite II Holy Eucharist) that includes a wonderfully eclectic group of singers and musicians that use traditional hymns, choral music, solos, original music, guitars, piano, an organ, conga’s, and an occasional harp. Like the music the dress varies from t-shirts to ties, flip flops to high heels. This service begins with a procession from a robed choir, readers, and priests and others who are formally serving in worship. With everyone standing, the congregation navigates the service using a hymnal, a song book, and an enclosed bulletin. Shortly into the service, the children are asked to come forward for a children’s message. After the children’s message, kids take part in age-specific “Sunday School” classes lead by Ascensions well dedicated volunteers and staff. The service continues with readings from Scripture, dynamic preaching, prayers lead from the center aisle and written by members of the congregation. Powerful words are spoken that lead us through a communion service where we eat bread and drink communion wine together from a common cup. The children return for communion to join their families and the service ends with a final song as the robed choir and company process out. The service is followed by the congregation enjoying refreshments in the “Parish Hall” or lemonade on the lawn (weather permitting).

Getting Directions and Parking 
Directions: If you know your way around Pittsburgh, Church of the Ascension is located on the corner of Neville and Ellsworth in Oakland (4729 Ellsworth Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15213). If you are new to the area, check out our Map and Directions Page. 
Parking: Parking is conveniently located in the following places: 1st choice- The Oakland Catholic High School’s parking lot on Neville (next to the large green tiled building) across from Church. 2nd choice- Behind the Shady Oak Apartments on Clyde Street located off Ellsworth Avenue (where green grass and sidewalks border the church). 3rd choice- Central Catholic High School (access to parking is off of Neville on the other side of Fifth Ave.) 4th choice- At WQED located on 5th Ave.

Where Will I Find a Seat?
When you first arrive you will find us to be a friendly, welcoming group of people. If you enter from Ellsworth Avenue, just look for the red doors. If you enter from Neville Street, look for the glass doorways. They will lead you down a beautiful glass hallway to the churches sanctuary. A greeter will welcome you and an usher stationed will provide you with a bulletin.

Bring the Kids
For both our 9:15a.m.Adult Education and our 10:30 a.m. service, we provide fully-staffed childcare for children who are Infant to Kindergarten. You will soon see that we honor children and consider it a privilege to be able to be able to show them how much God loves them through the care and instruction that we provide.

Dress Casual or…
The first thing you’ll notice about us is that we are by no means strictly a suit and tie church. Sure, some folks feel more comfortable dressing in a more formal manner, and that’s great. But you’ll see people in shorts, sandals, and jeans; you name it, we have it. At Church of the Ascension, we are not concerned with how you dress, we are concerned that you belong.

What About Money?
For a while, let the collection plate pass you by… We believe that an important part of our worship (as well as our own provision) is joyfully giving to the Church. For your first few visits, however, we invite you to let the plate pass you by and enjoy your stay with us as our gift. Part of the joy of giving for us is knowing that you will receive something this morning without having to worry about anything in return. If you choose to join our Church Family (or become a regular attendee), you can join us in the joy of giving back to God a small part of the time, talent and treasure that He has given us. But, for your first few visits, feel free to let the plate pass you by.

What About Communion?
Holy Eucharist (also called Communion or the Lord’s Supper) is an integral part of our worship services and is offered to all baptized Christians who have repented of their sins and are in love and a right relationship with God and their neighbors are welcomed to receive Communion. If you don’t want to receive Communion, we still invite you to come forward with the people around you and receive an assurance of God's blessing from one of our priests. Simply cross your arms over your chest to let us know you will not be partaking of the Communion bread and wine.  

God is doing great things here at Church of the Ascension, and we hope, after you have spent some time in our midst, that you will come back and worship with us again and again!

If you have any questions, please ask someone, or call the Church offices at (412) 621-4361.