:: WORSHIP

Worship is the focus of what brings us together as a community of faith; it also requires the regular efforts of many people, both adults and children, in order to give full voice to our praise of God. At Ascension there are a number of ways in which members may give of themselves to the ministry of our worship life:

• Readers are scheduled on a rotating basis to read the Old and New Testament scripture lessons at our 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday services.
• Chalice Bearers assist with the administration of the consecrated wine at Sunday services.
• St. Anne's Altar Guild is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of all of the vestments, vessels and other items we use in our services, and for setting up for every Sunday and weekday service.
• Choir The volunteer choir of Ascension offers music in the Anglican tradition at every Sunday 10:15 Eucharist from September to June. Those who are interested in offering their vocal or instrumental gifts should speak with Dr. Debora Huffman, our Director of Music.
• Ushers/Greeters assist at both Sunday services by helping our visitors feel welcome and by presenting the bread and wine to be consecrated at the altar.

:: FORMATION

Development in Christian faith and practice is a lifelong process. We are always moving toward becoming the person God calls us to be. Formation is therefore for all ages; it takes place chiefly through education, study, worship and prayer, but is also found through our mutual support of one another.

• Children from about age 3 up to third grade take part in a very hands-on curriculum known as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Children in fourth to sixth grades currently use Living the Good News , a curriculum based on the scripture lessons we hear weekly in church. For more information, see the children's page under the education menu of this website.
• Youth Group All teenagers in grades 7 through 12 are invited to take part in the activities of the Youth Group, which meets every Sunday between the two services for education and fellowship, and at other scheduled times for fun events and service projects. For more information, see the teenagers page under the education menu of this website.
• The Rector's Forum meets every Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Rector's office to discuss a book or topic of current interest.
• Small Groups are lay led gatherings of parishioners (though non-parishioners are also welcome) who meet weekly for various pursuits; some focus on Bible study, others on examination of a topic, others on prayer, others on fellowship and support. They may be open ended or set for a fixed period. See the adults page under the education menu of this website for more information and the current schedule.
• Daughters of the King is a nationwide organization of women in the Episcopal Church who meet regularly for prayer and to plan various forms of service.

:: PASTORAL CARE

Our clergy share responsibility for providing support to those who find themselves going through times of difficulty or crisis. Trained lay members of the parish assist with this ministry.

• Lay Eucharistic Visitors carry Holy Communion to those who are ill or otherwise homebound on an as needed basis.
• Stephen Ministers offer a caring presence to people in various sorts of living situations, such as at the Kensington (Episcopal Home for seniors) in Alhambra

:: OUTREACH

It is part of the mission of the Church in all places to work for the relief of the poor, the sick and the powerless. Ascension does this in a number of ways.

• United Thank Offering provides funding for the worldwide mission of the Episcopal Church. Ascension holds twice yearly Sunday ingatherings for UTO.
• Monrovia Mission Donations of clothing and household items are received at all times in the Parish Hall outside the ladies' room for a local mission which assists the needy.
• Friends Outside Fr. Roger Wood has long been involved in this program which coordinates volunteers to visit prisoners and act as advocates. Lay people are also welcome to participate.
• The Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches Ascension provides support for ECPAC, which assists the homeless and low income people through its oversight of the Pasadena Bad Weather Shelter and Friends In Deed House, which provides groceries and other services. Volunteers are always happily welcomed to assist with the hands-on needs of these efforts.
• Sierra Madre Fire Department Many of our parishioners serve the SMFD, the only volunteer fire department in Los Angeles County .

:: FELLOWSHIP

• St. Mary's Guild invites all women of the parish to join them for monthly for monthly social gatherings held normally in the Parish Hall. St. Mary's also frequently assists with parish social events and periodically raises funds for various causes.
• Coffee Hour Hosts are always needed to provide setup, clean up and simple refreshments at the social time which follows both Sunday morning services. Look for the signup on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
• Event Coordinators & Volunteers Ascension holds a number of special social events throughout the year, for which we rely on the help of dedicated parishioners.

:: PRESENCE

Ascension seeks to be a community which reflects the loving presence of God in Sierra Madre. We do this through the maintenance, enhancement and use of our historic buildings and grounds, and through the welcome we extend to those seeking a place of rest and renewal.

• The Memorial Garden , located just north of the nave of the church, is available to all for the interment of ashes. It is also a favorite stopping point for local residents looking for a place to find a moment of peace.
• Parish Work Days are usually scheduled about twice a year to enlist the aid of members to help with the cleaning and repair of our grounds. Please speak with our Junior Warden if you would like to know when the next one will take place.
• AA and other 12 step groups use space in our Parish House for their meetings most nights of the week.