Alleluias to Ashes February 17, 2018

True to form and tradition, 300+ Oregon Episcopal School lower school students arrived for Ash Wednesday Chapel this week holding their individually created Alleluias - all of which were placed in a large basket, and hoisted high into the rafters of the OES Chapel.  There they will reside - as a tangible reminder of the season of Lent - until they are brought down for the Easter celebration. Every year I am taken by the seriousness of purpose by which these young people engage Ash Wednesday.  They understand that no one lives forever, that every day is the chance to be thankful, and that we are all beloved by God.  Children from a wide array of faith backgrounds (including none) came by choice and invitation to the altar, to receive ashes on their forehead and hear the familiar words, "and to dust you shall return." The final Lenten charge was a reminder to think about how we act "when no one else is watching." They may not be ready for such a formal word as "piety," but they sure understand showing off.   I appreciated the following contemporary translation of Jesus' teaching, both for those children and for us grownups as well. "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding." Blessings to you during this important and valuable season of reflection and introspection.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your next Senior Warden. AEP has been so well served by its previous Senior Wardens and I hope to do as fine a job. I will take the opportunity to learn from both Terry Horley and Jeff Krum as I begin my term. The vestry this year is made of a group of talented and dedicated of AEP parishioners. I will be also supported by an amazing Junior Warden and long-time experienced Clerk and budgetary wiz Treasurer.

Every Senior Warden brings their own unique style to the position and I certainly will do the same. My focuses will be pastoral and programmatic in nature, with a keen attention to budgetary soundness. The demographics of our parish are changing to some degree. We are getting older and younger! Our mission as a vestry in this next year will be to address the needs that these changes bring to AEP.  

My leadership style is one which begins by gaining a full understanding of the people and programs that currently exist, to build on successes and shore-up or rebuild the areas that are valued but are in need of repair. This personal style is likely formed from an innate love of 'observation'. I am a Geneticist and research scientist on faculty at OHSU and director of a breast cancer research laboratory. This role allows me to seek a better understanding of God's works in our world, to meet and listen to those undergoing cancer treatment and coordinate with teams of people with varying ideas and opinions. 

Also, to maintain my research programs I write grants, fund-raise and juggle very large budgets. I have been doing this for 25 years. The picture in this article was taken on a lovely trip to Charles Darwin's home in Downe, UK.  As some of you know I am also a student of theology. Theology and Science is a wondrous and thoroughly rewarding marriage of God's words and works. Speaking of marriage: I am loved by Rod, my husband, and three adult children. There's a son-in-law and darling granddaughter in that mix too. Our church is led by a fine Rector, who unfailingly demonstrates his love for God, his family and the AEP family. We are so very blessed to have Fr. Phillip at AEP. I am honored and pleased to work at his side as AEP's Senior Warden.

The tremendous amount of creative spirit and love for our church community at AEP is evident everywhere one looks. From the garden to the altar, from the pews to kitchen, from the organ to the choir, from the nursery to the art easel. We pray, we sing, we baptize, we bury our dead, and above all we rejoice in the unfailing faithfulness of a loving God.  

It is an honor to be asked to help guide AEP through the next few years of whatever God's plan holds for us.

Annual Reports and Outreach

On Sunday, February 4, 2018, our out-going senior warden, Jeff Krum, highlighted our parish year in 2017. To view his report, and many of the other ministry reports, click here.  In addition, the Treasurer's Report is hanging on the community bulletin board in the coat closet/counting room.  

A reoccurring idea discussed for the coming year is outreach.  Fr. Phillip wants Ascension to get involved in the greater community that surrounds us.  Jeff Krum invited folks to reach out (and lean in) to take on Ascension roles (contact me!).  I like both of these ideas and I'd like to recognize, in particular, that our parish is doing a fabulous job reaching out to women named JAN.  

We have JAN-ice Stuermer, who many know is on the altar guild and serves as their liaison to the vestry. JAN-et Edwards, whose gifted aesthetic touch decorates our Christmas tree, and irons the altar linens behind the scenes. There's JAN-e Wolfsehr who has such a thoughtful and kind presence here (not to mention killer reading glasses - ask her to read something so you can see just how cool they are). JAN-et Mersereau, Brad's beloved wife, who inspires him and those around her. JAN-et Baker, who brings her Eastern Oregon sensibilities (a true treasure!) to the various committees she's on here. JAN-et Gallagher, who I suspect is very organized as evidenced by her meticulous note-keeping in the historical vestry papers pile-up Kris Vanberg and I have been trying to tame. Finally, there's JAN-et Duffie, a cookie contributor and newest member of our vestry (thank you). So very grateful for all the JAN blessings in our life together at Ascension. Thanks ladies, for being so, well, JAN-tastic!  

Take care,

Last Tuesday, we gathered to celebrate Mardi Gras the Episcopalian way: with pancakes! The A.Men served up a delightful breakfast-for-dinner and our own Brad Mersereau provided live jazz. 

Thanks to all who attended, and all who helped.

Upcoming Events

If you have fun photos of life at Ascension or Parishioner adventures, send them to Emma:  music@ascensionepiscopalparish.org .