Ascension Memorial Church is a parish community small enough to be known by name yet large enough to offer a variety of programs designed to engage and stir hearts and minds of all ages. We are a kind, questioning and inclusive mixture of people seeking to live our lives in wholehearted response to the curious love God has for us in Christ Jesus. Our tradition is Episcopal, which means we are both reformed and catholic. By creatively weaving tradition and change together, we are both grounded in traditional Christianity and open to new ways of discerning, expressing, and practicing our faith. The community is more than receptive to the gifts that newcomers bring to our life together. These gifts are valued and essential in allowing our community to evolve in ever new and unexpected ways, making us fully alive in Christ.
Common Newcomer Questions about Ascension Memorial Church
How do I meet with the Rector, the Senior Warden, the Organist/Choir Director, or the Parish Administrator?
Our Rector, the Rev. Bradford Clark, can be reached at 978-356-2560 or 978-471-9225 (cell phone) or rectoramc@verizon.net. You can also make an appointment to meet with the Rector by contacting the Parish Administrator, Marilyn Hayes at 978-356-2560, or at amcipswich@verizon.net.
Our Senior Warden, or lay leader of the parish, Arthur Kazianis, can be reached at 978-356-5866, or at arthurkazianis@comcast.net.
Our Organist/Choir Director, David Kazimir, can be reached at 978-290-0565 or davidkazimir@comcast.net.
Our Parish Administrator, Marilyn Hayes, can be reached at 978-356-2560, or at amcipswich@verizon.net.
Which service should I attend?
Our 8:00a.m. service of Holy Eucharist is a quiet, reverent liturgy attended mostly by adults, followed by a time of conversation and refreshments in the St. Matthew’s Parlor.
Our 9:00 a.m. children's service of Holy Eucharist is designed to appeal to children and their families, though numerous others attend as well. The service is brief and includes some music and a children’s homily. The Our BEACH rotation model children’s education program (and snack time!) follows the service at 9:45 a.m. and welcomes parents to relax with coffee in the parish library during the morning sessions.
Our 10:15 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist (Morning Prayer on the Third Sunday of the month) offers a more contemporary liturgy supported by the Ascension Church Choir. We especially invite newcomers to attend this service as an introduction to our parish (unless, of course, you wish to learn about our children’s service and education program by attending the 9 a.m. service). Conversation and refreshments in St. Matthew’s Parlor following the service provides members of the parish a chance to introduce themselves to newcomers and field questions.
*Please note: In the summer months, from June through September 20th there will be only one service at 9:00 AM, Holy Eucharist Rite II.
Can I take communion?
As was the practice of Jesus, Ascension Memorial Church practices open table fellowship, offering a place at the table for all who wish to share in the spirit and life of Jesus. If you feel that you want to take communion, by all means, come up.
What do I need to believe in order to attend Ascension Memorial Church?
There is no “litmus test” for coming to Ascension Memorial Church.
How does Ascension Memorial Church fund its operations?
Ascension Memorial Church relies primarily on financial pledges from members to fund its ministries. Our church is financially self-sufficient, and we receive no funding from the Diocese. Our Annual Report with detailed financial information is available to anyone upon request. We conduct an annual financial audit and are fortunate to have highly professional volunteer lay leaders as Treasurer, and as members of our Finance and Endowment Committees.
Will I be asked to donate money?
There are no financial requirements or membership fees for belonging to Ascension Memorial Church.
I consider myself more spiritual than religious. Will I feel comfortable at Ascension Memorial Church?
You will be in good company. AMC offers a variety of ways for deepening the spiritual life. You may want to begin by speaking with the Rector, the Rev. Bradford Clark.
Do I have to volunteer a lot of time in order to attend Ascension Memorial Church?
There are no requirements to volunteer, but there are many opportunities to do so.
Are there special events for Newcomers?
We have Newcomer Dinners several times a year to welcome and help integrate newcomers into the life of the parish. The Rector also offers an “Episcopal Church 101” session as an introduction to the Episcopal Church.
How do I dress?
We are relaxed and informal, especially during the summer. You need not dress up on our account.
Where do I park?
There is a parking lot directly across County St. from the church. We are also handicapped accessible.
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