Announcements - September 6

Journey Through Isaiah - Hebrew Bible Study

Tuesday, September 8, 12noon 

The Hebrew Bible Study will begin an exciting new exploration of the Book of Isaiah — one of the most powerful, poetic, and profound books in all of Scripture. Isaiah speaks of judgment and hope, exile and restoration, suffering and salvation. Its words echo throughout the New Testament and point us again and again toward the promises of God fulfilled in Christ. 

Whether you are new to Bible study or have studied Scripture for years, there is a place for you in this welcoming and thoughtful group. So grab your Bible, your lunch, and your curiosity — and join us on Zoom as we journey into one of the Bible’s most beautiful and transformative books. 

No reading ahead is required! You can find the Zoom link here.

Theo of Golden Book Study

Tuesday, September 8, 5pm 

You’re invited to journey together through the deeply moving novel Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Part mystery, part love story, part spiritual reflection, Theo of Golden is a beautifully written novel about grief, healing, friendship, faith, and the unexpected ways God works through ordinary people. 

Set in a small Southern town filled with unforgettable characters, the story invites readers to slow down, listen deeply, and consider the grace hidden within everyday life. This is more than a book club — it is an opportunity for meaningful conversation, spiritual reflection, laughter, and community. Whether you are an avid reader or simply curious, you are warmly invited to join us as we explore this compelling and hope-filled story together. 

We’re suggesting you start with the first ten chapters, but please join us whether or not you manage to get through them! You can find the Zoom link here.

Women's Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark

Thursday, September 10, 9am 

Women of all ages are warmly invited to gather each Thursday morning in the Library/Youth Room for prayer, conversation, fellowship, and the study of Scripture as we journey together through the Gospels of Mark and Matthew this fall as part of our Faith Formation Project. 

Sound Baths at Ascension

Friday, September 11, 5:30-6:30pm 

Saturday, September 12, 9-10am

Step away from the busyness of daily life and join us for Ascension Sound Baths, a peaceful and restorative experience designed to help you slow down, quiet the mind, and reconnect with yourself and with God. These gentle sound experiences support relaxation, grounding, emotional restoration, and spiritual renewal. Youth who are comfortable with stillness for 45-minutes are welcome to attend with an adult. For Friday evening, register here. For Saturday morning, register here.

Homecoming & Grandparents' Sunday

Sunday, September 13

This Homecoming Sunday, September 13, we're celebrating and honoring the grandparents who've helped to shape our lives; those still with us, and those in heaven. Parents, please send the names of your children's grandparents - living or deceased - to tina@ascensiondenver.org so we can recognize and honor them. Be sure to invite the grandparents in your family to join us for the 10 am service and a festive reception afterward. We look forward to filling the pews with generations of faith, love, and joy!

Women's Fall Retreat - Sacred Rhythms: Making Space for God

Friday, October 23|9am-2pm

In a world that often leaves us hurried, distracted, and weary, Jesus gently invites us to "come away" and be renewed in God's presence. Join the women of Ascension for a day of rest, prayer, reflection, and fellowship as we explore what it means to create sacred rhythms that nourish our lives and deepen our relationship with Christ. Using Ruth Haley Barton's beloved book, Sacred Rhythms, we will discover practical spiritual practices that help us slow down, listen for God's voice, and live with greater peace and purpose. Inspired by the stories of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42) and the invitation of Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God," this retreat will offer space to step away from life's demands and be refreshed by God's grace. Register here.

Fall Coffee Hour is Back!!

It's that time of year when regular Coffee Hour Hosts are needed! And that means....WE NEED YOU! Please click on the link below to sign up and help support this important weekly ministry. Thank you and please contact Amy Leonard with any questions.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845A4A72CA3F8C34-50989672-fall#/

Parents' Morning at Ascension Begins 

Thursday, September 10, 8:30-10:30 am

Children ages 3 and under will enjoy friendship and age-appropriate Christian formation with our professional teaching staff while parents take a couple of hours to themselves for spiritual and personal renewal. Moms are warmly invited to join the Women's Bible Study from 9-10, and all parents are welcome for a time of reflection, prayer, or conversation - at the church or across the street at Novo. Registration is required; click here or see Tina Clark for more information or to register your child.

Collecting Donations for St. Francis Center

Now through Sunday, September 13

Our outreach team is collecting donations for the St. Francis Center, a nonprofit with Episcopal roots that helps people transition out of homelessness, through September 13. The key needs are men's underwear, boxers and briefs; jeans, waist measurement 32 - 36; and toiletries: soap, body wash, shaving cream, razors, and deodorant. Please place your gifts in our bins at church. 

Nursery

Sunday, September 13, 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Beginning next Sunday, September 13, we will offer our nursery from 8:30 to 11:30, during formation and our 10am service.  Children of all ages are ALWAYS welcome in worship at Ascension. Children older than 3 are welcome in the nursery by arrangement with Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Tina Clark, space allowing.

Ascension Choirs Resume 

Any and all are welcome to sing or ring in Ascension’s choirs. We always welcome new members any time during the year, and now is the perfect time to join!

Parish Choir is open to high school students and adults. We rehearse Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm. The first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 10th.

Ascension Ringers (handbells) is open to high school students and adults. We rehearse on Sunday mornings after church from 11:30-12:30. Basic music reading skills are preferred. The first rehearsal will be Sunday, September 13th.

SONshine Singers (grades K-5) will resume this season with four opportunities to sing in 2026-2027. The first opportunity for children interested in singing is on All Saints Sunday (November 1). Mark your calendars for these rehearsals (5:00-5:30 p.m.) – October 7, 14, 21, and 28. 

If interested and for more information, please contact Cindy Lindeen-Martin at cindy@ascensiondenver.org or come up to the organ and visit with her after the church service some morning! 

Sunday Morning Gospel Study

Sunday, September 13, 9am

This fall, parishioners are warmly invited to gather each Sunday morning for Gospel Study as we journey together through the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. In the company of fellow seekers, we will explore the life, teachings, miracles, and ministry of Jesus through thoughtful conversation, prayer, and reflection. Mark’s Gospel invites us into the urgency and wonder of discipleship, while Matthew’s Gospel reveals Christ as teacher, healer, and fulfillment of God’s promises. This class offers a welcoming space to ask questions, deepen faith, and discover fresh insight into the Gospel story. 

Sunday School for All Ages Resumes

Sunday, September 13, 9am

Godly Play for Preschool and Kindergarten will meet downstairs. Godly Play for 1st & 2nd Grade and for 3rd-5th Grades will meet upstairs. Youth Group for Middle School will meet upstairs and High School will meet in the Library/ Youth Room. NEW THIS YEAR: Our Nursery Staff will do light, age appropriate Christian Education for our youngest parishioners, using Story Bibles, music, and a variety of activities. 

Lunch-Making for Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness

Sunday, September 13, 11am 

Help make lunches for the Women’s Homelessness Initiative, a ministry of Capitol Hill United Ministries. Ascension gathers one Sunday each month to prepare lunches for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Donations are also needed: 

  • waters 

  • salty snacks

  • sweet snacks

  • bread

  • clementines

Please place donations in the bin at the back of the church. Thank you!

Serve at Urban Peak

Sunday, September 13, 4-7pm

Join us in serving at Urban Peak on September 13. Urban Peak is a Denver-based shelter serving young people ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness, offering safety, support, and pathways toward stability and hope. Donations to support this outreach are welcome—checks payable to Church of the Ascension with “Outreach” in the memo (place in the plate, bring to the parish office, or mail). 

Volunteers must be 18 or older. To serve or learn more, contact Ellen Putze, ellenputze@comcast.net or sign up below.

Sign up to serve at Urban Peak here.

Friday Night Youth is Going Climbing at Übergrippen!

Friday, September 18, 5-7 pm

All youth in 6th through 12th grades join us at Ubergrippen Climbing Crag for a great climbing session! Whether you're an experienced or novice climber, or somewhere in between, you'll have a blast climbing with friends, supervised by Übergrippen staff. Youth are welcome to bring a friend. Rev Emily will be there to show us her climbing skills as well! Drop off and pick up will be at Übergrippen (in Central Park). For more information and to register, please click here.

Announcements - August 30

New Rector's Assistant begins Monday!

Monday, August 31

We are excited to welcome our new Rector's Assistant, Gwen Maynard, to the office beginning on Monday. Please stop by in the coming days and weeks, introduce yourself, and make her feel welcome.

Thank you all for your patience during this transition, and thank you to Christian Hawley, Carol Bradsen, and Alicia Peters for filling in at the office. They've worked really hard to fill in the gaps while we've been down a staff member.

With Gwen in place, our office hours are returning to our typical 9am-3pm, Monday through Thursday.

Collecting Donations for St. Francis Center

Now through Sunday, September 13

Our outreach team is collecting donations for the St. Francis Center, a nonprofit with Episcopal roots that helps people transition out of homelessness, through September 13. The key needs are men's underwear, boxers and briefs; jeans, waist measurement 32 - 36; and toiletries: soap, body wash, shaving cream, razors, and deodorant. Please place your gifts in our bins at church.

Book and Bible Studies Resume Week of Sept 8th

Journey Through Isaiah, a new Hebrew Bible Study, begins at 12noon, Tuesday, Sept. 8th, on Zoom.

Theo of Golden Book Study begins at 5pm, Tuesday, Sept 8th, on Zoom.

Women’s Bible Study begins 9am, Thursday, Sept. 10th, in the Library / Youth Room.

Sunday Morning Gospel Study begins 9am, Sunday, Sept. 13th, in Classroom B – Parish Hall.

Ascension Choirs Resume Week of Sept. 8th 

Any and all are welcome to sing or ring in Ascension’s choirs. We always welcome new members any time during the year, and now is the perfect time to join!

Parish Choir is open to high school students and adults. We rehearse Thursday evenings from 7-9 pm. The first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 10th.

Ascension Ringers (handbells) is open to high school students and adults. We rehearse on Sunday mornings after church from 11:30-12:30. Basic music reading skills are preferred. The first rehearsal will be Sunday, September 13th.

SONshine Singers (grades K-5) will resume this season with four opportunities to sing in 2026-2027. The first opportunity for children interested in singing is on All Saints Sunday (November 1). Mark your calendars for these rehearsals (5:00-5:30 p.m.) – October 7, 14, 21, and 28. 

If interested and for more information, please contact Cindy Lindeen-Martin at cindy@ascensiondenver.org or come up to the organ and visit with her after the church service some morning! 

Sound Baths at Ascension

Friday, September 11, 5:30-6:30pm

Saturday, September 12, 9-10am

Step away from the busyness of daily life and join us for Ascension Sound Baths, a peaceful and restorative experience designed to help you slow down, quiet the mind, and reconnect with yourself and with God. These gentle sound experiences support relaxation, grounding, emotional restoration, and spiritual renewal. Youth who are comfortable with stillness for 45-minutes are welcome to attend with an adult. For Friday evening, register here. For Saturday morning, register here.

Homecoming & Grandparents' Sunday

Sunday, September 13

Celebrate Grandparents with Us! This Homecoming Sunday, September 13, we’re celebrating the grandparents who mean so much to our children and our parish family! Parents, please send the names of your children’s grandparents to tina@ascensiondenver.org so we can recognize and honor them. And be sure to invite the grandparents in your family to join us for the 10:00 a.m. service and a festive reception afterward. I hope you’ll help us fill Ascension with generations of faith, love, and joy!

Sunday School for All Ages Resumes

Sunday, September 13, 9am

Godly Play for Preschool and Kindergarten will meet downstairs. Godly Play for 1st & 2nd Grade and for 3rd-5th Grades will meet upstairs. Youth Group for Middle and High School will meet in the Library/ Youth Room. NEW THIS YEAR: Our Nursery Staff will do light, age appropriate Christian Education for our youngest parishioners, using Story Bibles, music, and a variety of activities. 

Serve at Urban Peak

Sunday, September 13, 4-7pm

Join us in serving at Urban Peak on September 13. Urban Peak is a Denver-based shelter serving young people ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness, offering safety, support, and pathways toward stability and hope. Donations to support this outreach are welcome—checks payable to Church of the Ascension with “Outreach” in the memo (place in the plate, bring to the parish office, or mail). 

Volunteers must be 18 or older. To serve or learn more, contact Ellen Putze, ellenputze@comcast.net or sign up below.

Sign up to serve at Urban Peak here.

Calling all Texans (and Texas lovers)!

Do you hail from the Lone Star State or simply have a special place in your heart for Texas? We'd love to hear from you!

We're planning a fun Texan BBQ for our parish community and want to be sure we invite everyone with Texas roots or Texas spirit. Whether you were born in Texas, lived there for a time, or just can't resist good barbecue and Southern hospitality, you're welcome!

Please contact our parish administrator at parishadmin@ascensiondenver.org so we can add you to the guest list. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Y'all come!

Sign up to help lead worship

Every Sunday liturgy is a work of the people. We need readers, ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, torchbearers, and livestream assistants. Children are especially encouraged to sign up as acolytes and readers! Training provided. Sign up here.

Announcements - August 16

Lunch-Making for Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness

Sunday, August 16 | After the 9am Service

Help make lunches for the Women’s Homelessness Initiative, a ministry of Capitol Hill United Ministries. Ascension gathers one Sunday each month to prepare lunches for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Boating at Chatfield for Families

Monday, August 17

See the new date! Please join us Monday, August 17, for a day of play in the sun and water at Chatfield Lake! There will be boat rides, tubing, wakeboarding*, swimming, games, snacks, and lots of laughter. Parents or their childcare providers must accompany their children. Life jackets are provided and will be required at all times while on the boat, tubing, or wakeboarding. *Wakeboarders must have experience and be able to ride independently. Please register your family at the link in the eNews. We can't wait to spend a day on the water with you!

Blessing of the Backpacks & Student Send-off

Sunday, August 23

Join us in church on Sunday, August 23, as we celebrate our community members embarking on a new academic year. Bring backpacks to have them blessed toward the end of our service. We'll also offer a special prayer for our young learners heading off to boarding school!

Homecoming & Grandparents' Sunday

Sunday, September 13

Celebrate Grandparents with Us! This Homecoming Sunday, September 13, we’re celebrating the grandparents who mean so much to our children and our parish family! Parents, please send the names of your children’s grandparents to tina@ascensiondenver.org so we can recognize and honor them. And be sure to invite the grandparents in your family to join us for the 10:00 a.m. service and a festive reception afterward. I hope you’ll help us fill Ascension with generations of faith, love, and joy!

Calling all Texans (and Texas lovers)!

Do you hail from the Lone Star State or simply have a special place in your heart for Texas? We'd love to hear from you!

We're planning a fun Texan BBQ for our parish community and want to be sure we invite everyone with Texas roots or Texas spirit. Whether you were born in Texas, lived there for a time, or just can't resist good barbecue and Southern hospitality, you're welcome!

Please contact our parish administrator at parishadmin@ascensiondenver.org so we can add you to the guest list. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Y'all come!

Sign up to help lead worship

Every Sunday liturgy is a work of the people. We need readers, ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, torchbearers, and livestream assistants. Children are especially encouraged to sign up as acolytes and readers! Training provided. Sign up here.

Announcements - August 9

Calling all Texans (and Texas lovers)!

Do you hail from the Lone Star State or simply have a special place in your heart for Texas? We'd love to hear from you!

We're planning a fun Texan BBQ for our parish community and want to be sure we invite everyone with Texas roots or Texas spirit. Whether you were born in Texas, lived there for a time, or just can't resist good barbecue and Southern hospitality, you're welcome!

Please contact our parish administrator at parishadmin@ascensiondenver.org so we can add you to the guest list. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Y'all come!

Sign up to help lead worship

Every Sunday liturgy is a work of the people. We need readers, ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, torchbearers, and livestream assistants. Children are especially encouraged to sign up as acolytes and readers! Training provided. Sign up here.

 

Second Sunday Summer Singers

Sunday, August 9, 8 am

Mark your calendars now for August 9, which will be your last opportunity to join the Summer Singers. Come as you are at 8 am to learn an easy hymn or anthem and sing it during the 9 am worship service. Director of Music and Organist, Cindy Lindeen-Martin, welcomes all ages. No need to reserve a space. Simply drop in!

 

Messiah Rehearsals

Sunday, August 9, 10 am

Come sing Handel's Messiah! Offered to all those singing Messiah in London this fall and open to anyone who would simply enjoy singing along. Please come to the Church after the 9 am service on August 9. Enjoy a cup of coffee and snack in Parish Hall first and we'll begin shortly after some fellowship.

Serve at Urban Peak

Sunday, August 16

Join us in serving at Urban Peak on August 16. Urban Peak is a Denver-based shelter serving young people ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness, offering safety, support, and pathways toward stability and hope. Donations to support this outreach are welcome—checks payable to Church of the Ascension with “Outreach” in the memo (place in the plate, bring to the parish office, or mail). Volunteers must be 18 or older. To serve or learn more, contact Ellen Putze, ellenputze@comcast.net or sign up to serve here.

Announcements - August 2

Sign up to help lead worship

Every Sunday liturgy is a work of the people. We need readers, ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, torchbearers, and livestream assistants. Children are especially encouraged to sign up as acolytes and readers! Training provided. Sign up here.

 

Second Sunday Summer Singers

Sunday, August 9, 8 am

Mark your calendars now for August 9, which will be your last opportunity to join the Summer Singers. Come as you are at 8 am to learn an easy hymn or anthem and sing it during the 9 am worship service. Director of Music and Organist, Cindy Lindeen-Martin, welcomes all ages. No need to reserve a space. Simply drop in!

 

Messiah Rehearsals

Sunday, August 9, 10 am

Come sing Handel's Messiah! Offered to all those singing Messiah in London this fall and open to anyone who would simply enjoy singing along. Please come to the Church after the 9 am service on August 9. Enjoy a cup of coffee and snack in Parish Hall first and we'll begin shortly after some fellowship.

Serve at Urban Peak

Sunday, August 16

Join us in serving at Urban Peak on August 16. Urban Peak is a Denver-based shelter serving young people ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness, offering safety, support, and pathways toward stability and hope. Donations to support this outreach are welcome—checks payable to Church of the Ascension with “Outreach” in the memo (place in the plate, bring to the parish office, or mail). Volunteers must be 18 or older. To serve or learn more, contact Ellen Putze, ellenputze@comcast.net or sign up to serve here.

Blessing of the Bikes

JUNE 24, 7-10 AM, 700 HIGH ST

All children, youth, and families are invited to ride to the corner of 7th Ave and High St the morning of June 24 to have your bikes blessed for the year. We will have water, fruit, snacks, and coffee for parents, and Cheryl will offer you and your bike a blessing for the year. See you there!

8 High School Students confirmed Saturday

We were delighted to have eight high school students from Ascension confirmed on Saturday at Saint John’s Cathedral by Bishop Kym. Please join us in congratulating the confirmands, along with their parents and grandparents.

Each of them was beaming with joy following the ceremony, making it a truly memorable day for all involved. Their smiles were magnificent. 

Scarlet Banks, Oliver and Teddy Hatzidakis, Pierson and Beatrix Weidenmayer, Joseph Elliott, Leighton O’Shaughnessy, and Kaitlyn Smith.

Introducing our new Associate Rector

The Rev. Emily Carter

The Rev. Emily Carter comes to Ascension from the Hudson Valley, where she served as Curate at Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, and as a chaplain at Vassar College.

Emily grew up on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula before moving to the East Coast for college.

 She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with majors in government and classical studies and a minor in biology. Raised in the evangelical tradition, Emily found her way to the Episcopal Church through campus ministry. After serving with the Episcopal Service Corps in New Haven, she attended Berkeley Divinity School at Yale and was ordained through the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

 Emily looks forward to serving among Ascension’s warm and growing community and helping parishioners of all ages find and deepen their faith in Jesus.

 In her free time, Emily enjoys trail running, rock climbing, reading widely, and caring for chickens, which she believes make the best pets. She is excited for Denver sunshine and expects Colorado may yet turn her into a skier.

 Emily will move to Denver this summer and begin at Ascension July 1. Please help us give her a warm welcome!

Building Survey Results

Parish Building Use Survey – Parish Summary

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. Your responses are incredibly helpful as we think about the future of our building.

We Love Our Church

  • The vast majority feel the church is attractive and welcoming

  • The parish hall is widely appreciated

Focus on Practical Improvements

  • Interest in updating heating, cooling, and electrical systems

  • Preference for thoughtful improvements rather than major changes

Entrance Experience

  • Desire for a more welcoming and easier-to-navigate entrance

Kitchen & Gathering Spaces

  • Interest in updating the kitchen to support parish life and events

Supporting Parish Life

  • Interest in youth and children’s spaces and community-building programs

Music & Technology

  • Most feel these are working well; modest improvements may help

Use of the Building

  • Some openness to sharing or renting space; others prefer parish-focused use

Supporting the Future

  • Many would consider contributing to a campaign, especially if spread over time

  • Strong interest in supporting both improvements and long-term sustainability

What Happens Next

The Vestry will review feedback and explore options. No decisions have been made yet.

Thank You

Your input is helping shape the future of our church home. Thank you.

Keeping our directory up to date

Have You Updated Your Realm Account Lately? 
On February 22, after the 10 am service, Tina Clark will be available to help any parishioner with their Realm account. Realm is our parish online directory, parish database, birthday calendar and more. If you’ve had a baby, moved, or want to add your birthday to be recognized in your birthday month, please create or update your profile today, and consider adding a photo too. Your participation helps build community. For more, see: www.ascensiondenver.org/realm

Baptisms

We would be delighted to baptize any family member who has not yet received the rite of Holy Baptism at another church. If you would like to discuss baptism for your child or yourself, please email Tina Clark, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries.

 
Our 2026 Baptism dates are: 

April 4 – Easter Vigil
April 5 – Easter Sunday, 7:30 am or 11 am
May 24 – Pentecost Sunday
May 31 – Trinity Sunday       
September 13 – Homecoming Sunday
November 1 – All Saints’ Day