This Sunday
Services will be held at 8:00 am a nd 10:30 am this coming Sunday with a sermon by The Rev. Patrick Wingo.

There will be nursery care and Children's Church this Sunday. However, there has been a change in the location of one Children's Sunday School class. The Godly Play I class will be located in Room 213 (the children's church room).

Make sure to check out the details about the Sunday School options and upcoming programming below.
Vestry Listening Sessions
After the 8:00 and 10:30 am services,
Sunday February 3, 10, 17, 24

Members of the vestry will be available in each listening session between and after services each Sunday this month. The listening session between services will be held in the Parlor during the Sunday School hour (9:15-10:15 am). The listening sessions after the 10:30 am service will be held in both the Parlor and the Library. Come meet with your vestry members and discuss any concerns you may have.
Service for Jim Bowers
A service for Jim Bowers will be held on Monday, February 4, at 11:00 am in the nave. A reception will follow. Please keep Judy and the rest of the Bowers family in your prayers.
Read All About It
February Parish Paper

The February Parish Paper is on its way to mailboxes. Read it here in digital form.
Adult Sunday School
Options for Adult Sunday School

The open presentation series will continue in the parish hall at 9:15 am with expanded small class study options. Here are the speakers currently lined up for the open presentation series:

Feb. 3 - Glenn Graber on Medical Ethics and Faith
Glenn Graber, PhD will be our guest speaker on Feb. 3. His topic will be Medical Ethics and Faith. An expert in the field of medical ethics and member of Ascension, Glenn is a retired ethicist having served as a professor at UT and at UT Hospital. His presentation will address three important issues: Access to Health Care, End of Life Decisions, and Genetics.

Feb. 10 - Jim Phillips on Seeing Through Ascension's Stained Glass Windows
Exploring the Sacraments
with Rachel Held Evans
Room 102, 9:15 am

The Rev. Patrick Wingo facilitates this compelling immersion into the sacraments. This curriculum gives an alternative way of approaching the sacraments. In these videos, Rachel Held Evans uses the sacraments as a way of talking about her own faith journey. Rather than explaining them, she relates to them and talks about her life through the lens of these ancient Christian practices. This curriculum is designed primarily for small groups who want to follow her lead. The questions prompt participants to engage with their own experiences of both life and sacrament to see—as Rachel has come to believe—how they intersect.

Feb. 3 - Exploring Confirmation: Recognizing the Story
Feb. 10 - Exploring Anointing the Sick: Walking Through Pain
The Forum Class
Room 101, 9:15 am

For January, the Forum Class will be studying the books of Ruth, Esther, and other biblical stories with an emphasis on the insights of feminist scholarship on the Bible. All are welcome to come and join the discussion at any time.
Centering Prayer
Library, 9:15 am

This small group meets together to practice and teach centering prayer, facilitated by Pam and Allan Douglass. Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This discipline emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.
Wednesday Evenings
"Food for Body and Soul"
Parish Supper
Wednesday, 6:00 pm, Parish Hall

Wednesday evenings feature a parish supper prepared by Julie Teglas. The dinner for this coming Wednesday evening is Italian pasta bake, roasted vegetables with pesto, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and pound cake with berries and cream. The pricing is $10/adult and $5/child or $25/max per family. RSVP to announcements@knoxvilleascension.org or by visiting the reception counter in the parish office.
Overview of the Gospels

Our teaching begins at 6:45 pm. This is for those who are new to reading Scripture and those who have been doing so for a long time.  We will be looking at the gospels with a wide angle lens considering this unique genre of literature and the particular perspective of each gospel writer. No preparation is required; but if you have interest, in one sitting try reading through the gospel to be presented each week. 

Feb. 6 - The Rev. Christopher Hogin: The Gospel of John
Feb. 13 - The Rev. Patrick Wingo: summary of the gospels
Concert for Choir and Two Organs
Sunday, February 17, 5:00 pm

The Parish and Boys and Girls’ Choirs have enjoyed preparing some seldom-heard repertoire for a concert to be held Sunday, February 17th, at 5:00 pm. That afternoon the choirs will present two French Masses that employ double organ, the Mass in F-sharp by Charles-Marie Widor and the Messe Solennelle (Solemn Mass) of Louis Vierne. This concert is open to the public and presented free of charge.
Family Ministry News
Save the Date: VBS
June 10-13

Join us for ROAR as we head to the jungles of Africa this summer.
Safeguarding God's Children
March 3, 12:15 pm, Room 209

The Spring Safeguarding God’s Children class is required if you work with, or plan to work with, children or youth in the Episcopal Church. Please pre-register for this class at megan@knoxvilleascension.org.
AYG: Ascension Youth Group News
Super Bowl Party @ Monroe Manor
On Sunday, February 3, starting at 6:00 pm

We will have a Super Bowl party for our youth at the home of Graham Monroe (1205 Ryan Place). Teens should bring a snack to share. Friends welcome! 
KEY
Sunday, February 10, 5:30 pm

For our February KEY (Knoxville Episcopal Youth) event, please plan to join us on Sunday, February 10th, when we go to Tyson House, the UTK Episcopal/Lutheran Campus Ministry for their dinner and weekly worship service at 6:04 pm. We will carpool from Ascension, departing at 5:30 pm.
Outreach Projects

This month we have two community outreach opportunities for our youth. Those wishing to participate should contact GiGi (gigi@knoxvilleascension.org) to sign up:

VMC: On Tuesday, February 5, at 4:00 pm, we will serve dinner to those that are hungry at the Volunteer Ministry Center. Space is limited to 3-4 youth.

FISH Pantry: On Saturday, February 23, from 9:30-11:30 am, we will distribute food to those at the FISH Pantry. Space is limited to 10-12 youth.
Dinner Angels

We need Dinner angels for Winter! Dinner Angels is a program in which parents and other parishioners are invited to sign up and share in this service and fellowship opportunity to serve dinners to our youth. Want to try out a new recipe? Have a flair in the kitchen? Just willing to feed a small crowd? We welcome home-cooked meals and catered meals. We welcome and encourage our dinner angels to attend youth with us after serving. Our sign-ups, details, and schedule are available online:

Middle School Dinners (Especially 2/13, 2/20, and 2/27): http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4dada922a5ff2-middle
High School Dinners (Especially 2/10 and 2/24): http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E4DADA922A5FF2-high
The TEA with GiGi and Andrew
The TEA at Three is a Facebook Live show put on by GiGi and Andrew that peruses the weekly announcements and includes a little light-hearted chit chat about all things Ascension. You can tune in at 3:00 pm on our Facebook page or find a copy here in the weekly email.
A direct and compelling headline
Episcopal Church Women
All women in the church are welcome!!

The Episcopal Church Women will meet on February 12 at 11:30 at Pat Rutenberg’s home. Address is: 3663 Woodland Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. We’ll be discussing more about how we can be involved with the Change Center, starting our overview of the he Book of Common Prayer and deciding how we can help with Mardi Gras. Please let Karen McKinney know if you’ll be able to attend. Contact info. is: karen.mckinney7@icloud.com, 865-548-7429.
The Sisterhood: The Chop House
Monday, February 18, 6:00 pm,
The Chop House, 9700 Kingston Pike

We will have our February Ladies Night Out at The Chop House. We had a great group in January for Ladies Night Out and we look forward to seeing everyone in February. Please RSVP by February 14, to Charlotte Wood, seebyrdfly@aol.com, or call 615-594-1781.
Save the Date: Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras will be on Tuesday, March 5

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Tuesday, March 5th, 6:00 pm, and plan to join us for a festive Mardi Gras meal and auction to support Ascension’s Bolivian and domestic missions. The cost is $15 per person for ages 12 and up. Child care will be available for children under 12, and pizza will be provided for a suggested donation of $5 per child. Sign up at the table in the narthex before and after the 10:30 am service starting Sunday, February 3rd, or look for the online sign-up in your inbox.


DONATIONS NEEDED Mardi Gras is fast approaching, and along with it our annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser to support Ascension missions in Bolivia and beyond. Just as in years past, to make this year’s Mardi Gras a success, we’re looking for donations for our silent and live auction. You can help by considering the following types of donations:

  • Experiences (a special luncheon or dinner, a boat ride, a behind-the-scenes tour, tickets to sporting event, etc.)
  • Getaways (cabins, condos, vacation homes, etc.)
  • Themed Gift Baskets (such as Movie Night, UT Vols, a Pet Basket, etc.)
  • Art Work (pottery, photography, drawings, etc.)
  • Services (tutoring, pressure washing, lawn mowing, consulting , etc.)
  • Food/Wine/Liquor
  • Cash Donations

If you would like to donate any of these needed items or you have other ideas for donations, please contact janevridge@gmail.com. Donation forms can be obtained in the narthex or the office. Donations deadline: February 27.
Thank you for considering how you can help!
Parish Retreat to Kanuga
April 26-28, 2019

This year we are hoping for an even larger crowd for the annual parish retreat! Established in 1928 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Kanuga is a conference, retreat and camp center serving 25,000 guests annually. Nestled on 1,400 peaceful acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, NC, Kanuga’s historic setting features a 30 acre lake with 20 miles of hiking. 

In addition, Kanuga offers fitness swimming, boating, paddle boarding, and fishing, hiking, basketball, volleyball, and ping-pong, indoor and outdoor climbing (fees apply), a lit playing field, high and low ropes (fees apply), labyrinth and meditation garden, and much more.

The pricing is $216.71 per double and $299.97 per single. This price includes lodging and 5 meals and full use of facilities. 

Janet Slabbekorn will still be in the Foyer answering questions and providing helpful information booklets and registration fliers. If you are ready to register for the Kanuga Retreat weekend, you can head to


Please register each person attending either as a single or as a double. Families will register all family members attending. You will not be charged fees for the children as the church will cover their cost. Kanuga accepts all major credit cards. If you have an interest in sharing a cabin with another family, you can indicate this during registration. Please register as soon as possible so that housing and planning can be refined.

For more information, email Janet Slabbekorn at jslabbekorn@gmail.com
On Wednesday, Feb 6, we’ll drive to the Wartburg area to the Obed Wild and Scenic National Park to hike Obed Point Trail which affords beautiful views. This is a four-mile trail, rated moderate difficulty with includes a short spot of tricky climbing...not difficult but needs focus and sure footedness. RSVP to Emily Vreeland at emilyvree@aol.com or 865-470-2518.

There are three exciting outings planned for February so stay alert to details in future announcements and notify Andrew Morehead at andrew@knoxvilleascension.org if you would like to be on the Ascension Trekker email list.
Brotherhood Retreat to Lake Logan
The Brotherhood Heads to Lake Logan
May 10-12

The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew retreat to Lake Logan is open to any men in the parish who may be interested in joining the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew. This retreat is a great way to get away from the city and experience the fellowship of the many facets of men’s ministry at Ascension. This year’s presenter/leader is Bishop Brian Cole. Many recreational activities are also available at Lake Logan. The deposit is $100 and the overall cost is $280. If you know you would like to attend the retreat, email Ed Lester at tallman601@gmail.com.
Brotherhood Social
Friday, February 22, 5:30 pm, Parish Hall

The Brotherhood of Saint Andrew is holding a social dinner gathering for all men interested in the work and fellowship of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew. We will gather in the parish hall at 5:30 pm for drinks and appetizers followed by dinner around 6:30 pm. The price is $10/person. Bring your own beverage and an appetizer or dessert to share. You can email Ed Lester at tallman601@gmail.com to RSVP.
Michael Battle
Church of the Ascension is hosting The Very Rev. Michael Battle for a Lenten workshop weekend on March 30-31 called “Following Jesus in a 21st Century Wilderness.” Battle’s book Ubuntu: I in You and You in Me will be a focus of the weekend. Two main events will be open to the public, the Saturday workshop and the Sunday School presentation. Below are details about the Saturday workshop that promises to be highly engaging and enlightening.

Saturday Workshop Details // Saturday, March 30th, 9:00 am // The focus of the workshop will be the book  Ubuntu: I in You and You in Me. “Ubuntu” is an African concept of personhood which emphasizes the communal and spiritual dimension of human identity, which of necessity poses a challenge to persons thinking of themselves as individuals. Dr. Battle will use this concept to talk about ways of cultivating this concept in our daily Christian lives. For more information and to purchase your lunch tickets at www.knoxvilleascension.org/battle

Lunch and Refreshments // Lunch will feature a boxed lunch from Honey Baked Ham. When purchasing your ticket, you can choose either the ham, turkey, or vegetarian option. Light breakfast and afternoon refreshments will be available throughout the day in addition to lunch. The ticket price, which includes the workshop, lunch, and refreshments, is $10. You can purchase tickets online, in the parish office, and at the door.

Childcare // Childcare will be available to those who pre-register with the nursery at nursery16@knoxvilleascension.org. No walk-ins are available. Pizza will be served for lunch.

Sunday School // Sunday, March 31st, 9:15 am // Dr. Battle will also speak and answer questions in an Adult Sunday School Forum on March 31st at 9:15 am, and preach at both services.
Hurting Parents
Weekly Support Meetings
Wednesday, 5:00 pm, Library

Our group encourages everyone having troubles coping with drug and alcohol addiction, mental health or financial problems in adult children to attend these meetings. We meet each Wednesday at 5:00 pm in the Library. Please feel free to join this group and to refer anyone who might need help.