8AM Holy Eucharist Rite I: This quiet, more contemplative, early morning service offers the spirit and character of the early church. The beloved language and phrasing of the spoken King James English shapes a liturgy which reflects, as well, the more penitential piety of the early church. All present are invited to receive the love of God in Christ by sharing the blessed bread and cup of the Holy Eucharist.

9AM Family Eucharist Rite II ~ with Youth Choiristers: This special service is specifically designed with young families and children in mind.   Parents can relax and let their children be children.  The service is informal and fun, consisting of a scripture reading, a brief homily geared to children, some singing, prayers and a welcome to all to receive the love of God in Christ by sharing the blessed bread and cup of the Holy Eucharist. Following the service, from September to June, the Our BEACH Sunday School Program offers theatre, art workshops and storytelling as fun and engaging ways for children to learn the practice of Christianity.

10:15AM Holy Eucharist Rite II ~ with Choral Music: This third liturgy on Sunday mornings reflects a tradition of musical excellence at Ascension Church thanks to a talented, well-trained Adult Choir, as well as Youth Choristers, directed by Organist-Choral Master, David S.G. Kazimir.  The service offers a balance of music, thoughtful and engaging preaching, and the invitation to all present to join in receiving the gift of God’s love through the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Friends, parishioners and guests gather for refreshments and conversation in the newly renovated St. Matthew’s Parlor at the conclusion of the service.

Weekday Services of Holy Silence ~ Holy Communion with Healing Rite
Mondays 7:30AM, Tuesdays 12 PM, Wednesdays 5:30PM: These brief, one half hour, weekday services provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the refreshing stillness of the present. Participants may depart after the observance of a Holy Silence or are welcome to stay for Holy Communion. The healing rite known as “The Laying on of Hands” may be received at the altar rail as a simple prayer of healing and the anointing of one’s forehead with blessed oil.

On The Observance of a Holy Silence
The wisdom of the Psalmist (46:10) tells us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” If there is a God and the presence of God in our lives is not simply a wishful notion, an empty promise, then it is within our reach to know for ourselves, first hand, the experience of dwelling in the very presence of God, to feel with heart, mind and soul the joy of resting in the embrace of God.

Holy Silence is nothing more, yet nothing less, than the practice of stilling the mind, of watching and observing how our busy minds so hold our attention that we forget to notice a simple, profound truth: namely, that though we have thoughts and feelings, we are more than our thoughts and feelings.  We exist apart from them, we are alive in God, there we abide before, during and after every thought and every feeling that passes through our awareness.

The more we practice observing a Holy Silence, the more we learn again and again and again to let go gently and kindly to our thoughts and feelings and to rest again in the very presence of God.

Baptisms: Baptisms normally take place within one of the Sunday services except during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent, with the 9:00 Family Eucharist being the most typical hour of choice. Other times and occasions are always available by conferring with the Rector. (Back to top of page)

Holy Matrimony or Weddings: Holy Matrimony or Weddings are available to parishioners and the children of parishioners at no charge for the Rector, his pre-marital counseling, and the use of the church. Non-members may also be married here, and the Vestry has set a fee for them. There is a separate charge for the services of the organist. (Back to top of page)

Funerals: Funerals are likewise available to parishioners at no charge, and the Rector is always willing to provide the final blessing of the Church for non-parishioners as well. There is a separate charge for the services of the organist. (Back to top of page)