Share a story
Ascension’s history began in 1956, with the purchase of 10 acres of land near the intersection of Westheimer and Seagler roads, in west Houston. A petition to organize our church was signed by 17 founders in April 1961, and a mission was established on May 11, 1961 – Ascension Day. The Rev. Hubert Palmer from Holy Spirit provided pastoral care and served as Interim Rector until a rector was called. The new church initially met in a cemetery chapel while a small sanctuary and classrooms were built. The Rev. A.W. Rollins became the rector of Ascension in 1963. Diocesan council granted our petition for parish status in 1965. A new parish hall and education building were built in 1966 and a new rector, Carl S. Shannon, Jr. presided as rector. Under the leadership of the Rev. Sidney J. Gervais, the parish day school opened in 1972. With the Rev. Albert S. Lawrence Jr. serving as rector in 1981, we constructed a 10,700 square-foot, 320 seat sanctuary. A 16,000 square-foot parish hall was dedicated in 1988. During the tenure of the Rev. Dr. Walter Ellis two generous gifts provided a passenger elevator (installed in 2001), and a covered walkway from the parking lot to the church to the Parish Life Building, which was completed in 2009. A two-tiered fountain was built in the courtyard area. A Memorial walkway was installed commemorating the Church of the Ascension’s 50th Anniversary. The Rev. Todd Bryant was called to Ascension in 2011. He and his family bring a missionary zeal to reach out in the name of Christ to the neighborhoods surrounding Ascension. He looks forward to leading the church into a new era of growth in worship and engagement with the needs of our community. In 2019, the Rev. Mark W. McDonald was called as their rector and is engaged actively in spreading the kingdom of God through Ascension Episcopal Church.
Worship times
Ministries
Outreach
Quarterly Mission Trips
Several times throughout the year we engage in local mission trips to help our neighbors. They include making hygiene kits, feeding the homeless, and day mission trips to the Mission of Yahweh. Ascension communicants are involved with the Church Under the Bridge, (www.1000hills.org), CanCare, (www.cancare.org) and Mission of Yahweh (www.missionofyahweh.org) . Check the calendar for specific volunteer opportunities that Ascension is doing throughout the year and check the Quarterly Mission Trips on the "I want to learn more" page.
West Houston Assistance Ministry (WHAM)
The West Houston Assistance Ministry is a multi-denominational agency serving over 16,000 West Houstonians. They do this through their food pantry; which is restocked by placing food in the large box in the narthex; resale shop, which thrives on community donations, such as your hand-me-down clothing, extra home goods, and furniture you no longer need; and client services which is oriented to increasing individual self-sufficiency. Ascension Episcopal Church is one of many sponsoring churches for WHAM and nominates two persons to the governing Board of Directors. These Board members help guide the mission and vision of WHAM. There are three ways in which you can support WHAM: the giving of food for their pantries; the giving of your time as you volunteer to help sort clothing; and financial donations to assist others in need. If you would like to assist, please give them a call to schedule a shift.
Boy Scouts
The Ascension Episcopal Church chartered Boy Scout Troop 1836 (“The Texas Troop”) who meet each Monday at 7:00 pm in the parish hall. The members of the troop are boys 10 to 18 with adult supervision of Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters. Cub Scouts: meet here during the week as well in the Junior High room, second floor on Tuesdays.
Parents' Night Out (PNO)
This ministry is open for all children ages 6 months through 5th Grade and is held usually on the second Saturday of each month during the school year. The time for the PNO is from 5pm to 9 pm. Since space is limited, reservations are required and walk-ins are not allowed Angel
Tree Program
We participate in the Angel Tree Program, which gathers gifts for area children and elderly who would otherwise not receive Christmas presents. Known to Ascensionites as the “Forgotten Seniors,” we concentrate on those elderly who are without. The wish lists are given to parishioners, who go out and purchase the items. The gifts are then given to the Salvation Army, which in turn distributes them to the needy. If not for this ministry of gift gathering, there are many who would not experience Christmas.
Seafarers Christmas Ministry
The Seafarers Christmas Ministry helps bring a meaningful Christmas to foreign seafarers who are no longer able to leave the ships. In years past they would dock, and be transported to various stores to purchase needed items. Due to changes in policy, these ocean travelers are no longer allowed to leave the ships when they dock. So around Christmas, parishioners collect items such as toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shave cream, razors, etc), pens and pencils, paper, playing cards, calendars, and Texas souvenirs. The youth of the Church and School then pack these items into shoe boxes on Community Service Day, which are wrapped in Christmas paper and taken to the Seafarer’s Center at the Port of Houston. Puzzles, books, magazines, videos, and video games are also collected year round for distribution at the Seafarer’s Center. There are little to no women or children on these boats, so please make sure your donations are for men. To get the full list of items to be donated or if you have questions, please click on Seafarer's box on the "I want to learn more" page.
Angel Flight
The Angel Flight ministry is for transporting patients by plane from their home town to M.D. Anderson. Volunteers are needed to be ground angels to transport the patients from the local airports to the treatment facility and/or their motels and then return them to the airports to return home.
Hospitality
Evangelism Committee
The Evangelism Committee developed their mission in accordance with the biblical charge of Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. Their major activities include coordination of the Sunday Greeters, implementing a systematic welcome for newcomers, creating evangelistic opportunities, and developing customized advertising of our church community. The committee meets monthly to equip our parishioners in their evangelism outreach, finding a place for everyone. They focus on newcomers and integrating them in the Ascension family.
Sunday Breakfast Teams
Each Sunday, starting at 7:30am, one of five rotating breakfast teams prepares breakfast for the parish life ready to serve at 9:00am. The members of the Breakfast Team get to choose what to serve. There are groups whose specialties vary from pancakes, to casserole, to hash brown bites. Post Service Coffee From fresh fruit to home baked muffins to mini cinnamon rolls, the Post Service Coffee ministry provides refreshments following the 10:30 service. This much appreciated snack with coffee and drinks is set-up under the bell on the walkway near the fish pond. Many mill about after the service to enjoy the food and fellowship. Parishioners sign up for this ministry and work on a rotating basis, bringing refreshments, setting up, and cleaning up when it’s done. Carolyn Paul has taken charge of this ministry and would love to have you create a new team or sign-up to join the existing rotation. For information, please select the Post Coffee Service box on the "I want to learn more" page.
Senior Bus Trips
Our parishioners over age 50 take advantage of the Harris County Bus service on their Senior Bus Trips. This monthly outing of men and women has taken them to such places as Goliad Texas, to visit a Spanish Mission, the Houston Art Car Museum, to League City’s, Butler Longhorn Museum, and to Varner Hogg Historical Park, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch. Texas has many wonders to explore within 100 miles of Houston.
Parish Life
The Parish Life Activities Ministry, under the direction of the Vestry, has dedicated members who organize all of our food oriented events. They ensure that the Parish Hall is set up for upcoming events and plan the menu. Then come the day of the activity, they provide the food, through catering, baking, or potluck, and drinks, such as refreshing lemonade, coffee, water, and secret recipe homemade punch. This Ministry makes fellowship comfortable and enjoyable, by making things run smoothly, and taking care of us.
SERVING IN SUNDAY WORSHIP
Alter Guild
The main job of the Altar Guild is to prepare the church for worship services, by to taking care of the vessels, linens, candles, and other appointments that are used in these services. We are team oriented here at Ascension. We have five rotating teams, each on duty once every five weeks. Most teams meet on Saturday in order to set up for Sunday services, which takes about an hour, and the same team cleans up after the Sunday services. This includes breaking down the altar flowers into smaller arrangements as requested, for parishioners to take to the ill or home bound. Each team is on duty for the whole week, so any extra services during the week, are the responsibility of the team on duty. Twice a year everyone is invited to help; when we decorate the church for Christmas, and just before Palm Sunday, to make palm crosses.
Acolytes
An Acolyte is an assistant to the priest in worship. Examples of acolyting can be found in the Old Testament and the practice was adopted by early Christians to add to the dignity of the worship service. Acolytes are needed at most church celebrations. Members of this ministry are 3rd grade and older, who attend faithfully. They show thoughtful commitment to service of the Lord's through attentiveness and cooperation and are interested in the order of service. Acolyte training is provided as needed and Pastor Todd is always willing to provide instruction as required by the order of service. Junior Acolytes Performing as Junior Acolyte is a great stepping stone for children, between Kindergarten and second grade who wish to become acolytes. They assist Fr. Todd with the entrance procession, the gospel procession and participate with all the children in the congregation at the dismissal. Children's Chapel During the sermon at the 10:30 am service, two volunteers lead children 3 years to 5th grade to the Children’s Chapel, which is the room across from the nursery on the first floor of the Parish Life Building. Here the leaders conduct a mini-liturgy and teaching that is geared to elementary children, giving them an age appropriate understanding to the Bible.
Greeters
The Greeters Ministry is a vital arm of evangelism. Members of this ministry actively work with Reverend Bryant in identifying and welcoming newcomers. Greeters currently have a dozen or so volunteers, who are trained to meet and greet visitors before and after Sunday services. They gather important contact information from our newcomers, so we may be sure to follow-up and invite them back to church or to a special event. The greeters are scheduled on a rotating basis and are asked to serve once every five or six weeks.
Lay Readers and Chalice Bearers
Lay Readers and Chalice Bearers are individuals licensed by the Bishop at the request of the Rector to read during Worship services. The Lector reads the Old and New Testament scriptures and the Intercessor reads the Prayers of the People, which follow the congregational recitation of the Nicene Creed. These men and women also assist the Clergy in the administration of Holy Communion by carrying the chalice. In addition, at the 8 am service they serve as acolytes, by bearing the cross as they process in, helping to set the table, and processing out of the church at the end of the service.
Sound System
The Sound System ministry is vital to Sunday Worship. This ministry consists of volunteers who operate and maintain the sound system in the sanctuary during worship services. This involves everything from Pastor Todd’s microphone and sermon recording to the battery replacement for the listening devices that enable the hearing impaired to hear.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
The Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) are licensed individuals who bring Communion to any person who is unable to attend church services. Each Sunday a prayer is said for the LEV of the week, to bless them in the administration of their duties.
Ushers
Ushers are a vital part of the worship experience. The ushers are among the first church members to greet worshippers as they enter the church. They are also among the first people called upon to help if worshippers have questions or if problems arise during the service. It's the usher's job to be pleasant, patient and helpful at all times. We are the face of Christ for those walking through the doors of Ascension.
Music
Adult Choir
The choir consists of all types, from professionally-trained singers to people who can't read music (you do need to be able to match pitch). If you have a passion for helping others worship God through music, and if you are willing to work and play and grow, the choir is for you. The choir helps the congregation sing with feeling, energy, and fervor. Songs are selected with regard to the season of the church year and the biblical readings at each week. The choir sings at the 10:30 am service on Sundays with a brief warm up beforehand, and on specific holy days. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings 7:15–9:15 pm in the church.
Music Planning and Education
The Music Ministry assists the Music Leaders in the selection of sacred music to be used in the Sunday services. The hymns and anthems are selected with regard to the seasons of the church year and the biblical readings. They encourage soloists and musicians of various instruments.
Children's Choir
The Children’s Choir is for children 4 years old (in September) through 5th grade. It is dependent on parents who are committed to having their children participate. The choir practices after the 10:30 am service. This choir is unique in its ability to teach our younger members the importance and beauty of music.
Education and Christian Formation
Children's Sunday School
Starting as young as birth and continuing to five years old, our Nursery Ministry provides for the care of small children during the Church services and Sunday School. Two safeguarded adults lead activities that are centered on providing care and education for even the youngest among us. As your children grow, Ascension grows with them. The Children's Education Ministry is guided by a group of volunteers who lead and teach children from age 3 through high school in Christian studies using scripture and other age appropriate materials. Classes meet from 9:30 am to 10:15 am on 2nd Floor of the Parish Life Building and are combined as high-energy large group with relationship-building small group learning. Children gather in a multi-age group for an interactive Bible story, and music before breaking into smaller age-appropriate groups to dig deeper and apply the story to their daily lives. We have a wonderful staff of volunteers who facilitate the smooth running of these course, but are always in need of more.
Adult Sunday School
The Adult Sunday School offerings begin every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM and are taught by experienced volunteers. There are smaller group studies, such as Bethel, Genesis, and a running multi-course Parents of Ascension group, as well as a lectionary style class given throughout most of the school year. The rector teaches several series in the Children's Chapel, ranging from what are considered “Hot Button” topics, to his latest course on freeing yourself from guilt and shame. Guest speakers have been invited to share their stories, and parishioners have taught 12-week courses. If there is something you are passionate about, please share it with us.
The Bethel Series
As part of the Adult Christian Formation, the Bethel series is an in-depth study of the Bible at 9:30am on Sunday morning in the school library. Led by parishioners, it gives a great framework to understand the Bible as a whole. There is homework and regular attendance is expected. Most importantly it is a disciplined study that points to an encounter with the Living Christ. This Series fosters scriptural literacy, spiritual growth, renewal, and development of individuals, couples, and lay leaders in the Church. If you are new to Bethel, you should enroll in the Old Testament class. If you have completed the Old Testament class, you should enroll in the New Testament class.
Women's Bible Study - Tuesday Afternoon
Bible Study
This ministry consists of a group of Ascension ladies and their invited guests who meet in the Parish Hall Library each Tuesday at 1:00pm to share Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.
Daughter's of the King
This group of Laywomen of the Parish meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month to fulfill their commitment of prayer, service, and evangelism in order to strengthen the spiritual life of the Parish. The members are committed to pray daily for individuals in the Parish family whose needs are known.
Men's Bible Study
Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study meets during the school year at 6:30am on Thursdays mornings. Led by our Rector, The Rev. Todd Bryant, they take an in-depth look at an individual of book of the Bible. You may bring friends and meet in the parish library with your breakfast, if you choose. Coffee is always available!
Campus Upkeep and Pastoral Care
Alter Flowers
The beautiful flowers you see every Sunday at the Altar are provided by YOU and the Altar Flower Ministry. Headed by Mrs. Ann Burton, this ministry is responsible for ensuring that the flowers are ordered and placed on the altar for each worship service. At the end of the service with the help of Altar Guild, these flowers are broken into smaller arrangements and taken to the sick and homebound. Flowers are donated by our parishioners and an acknowledgement for each donation is included in the Sunday bulletin. These dedications can be made in honor or, in thanksgiving for, or in memory of someone.
Fish Pond
The Fish Ministry cares for the pond with its multitude of brightly colored fish, flowering plants, seating and multi-tiered fountain. This little oasis provides a pleasant refuge on the Ascension campus for children and adults through out the day. Volunteers ensure a safe and environ-mentally friendly habitat for learning and self reflection, and their principle responsibilities are to care for the fish, water lilies, water composition and clarity. The fish are fed every day by a campus volunteer or member of the Fish Ministry. The Junior Warden currently oversees these responsibilities, but we would love for you to step up and lead this ministry.
Landscaping
Who maintains and enhances the flowers and shrubbery on campus? The Landscape Ministry! Those who volunteer come whenever their schedules permit to help plant flowers, trim bushes, or spruce up a space that needs a little attention. Large projects can be done on Ascension workdays. We are currently searching for a volunteer to act as coordinator and contact person for this ministry.
Property and Grounds
The Property & Grounds Ministry is responsible for maintenance and repair of the church and school buildings, machinery and grounds and services utilized by the complex. This group of dedicated people work in conjunction with our sexton to perform various maintenance and repair tasks, as well as interact with third party contractors, ensuring a positive and conducive environment in support of the learning and worship process. They make sure that the A/C is running in summer, heat in winter, that fish fountain works, and keep the buildings running very efficiently. The Junior Warden leads this standing Vestry committee and can be personally contacted through email or through the church office.
2525 Seagler Rd
Houston, TX 77042-3119
United States
