Why White?

White is the liturgical color for the Easter season,

which runs from Easter Day until the Day of Pentecost, May 19.

Also taking place until Pentecost is The Cross Project, a display of 37 handcrafted crosses made by parishioners. Look for them on the church windowsills.

Thank you for nourishing our spiritual life thru your art!

THIS COMING SUNDAY MAY 5

Check the Box

Ascension’s Check the Box campaign helps feed hungry families by “checking the box” --- writing a check on the first of the month to Hope Villages of America. Please make checks payable to HOVA. Cash is also gratefully accepted! Please deposit your check in the little wooden church (modeled on the original wooden Ascension church of 100 years ago!)

9am Rector's Forum with Father Jim:

Transhumanism, Artificial Intellience, and the Image of God --- Final Week!

Transhumanism is a movement advocating the enhancement of the human condition by developing and making widely available sophisticated technologies that can greatly enhance longevity, cognition, and well-being. Where do faith and ethics fit in?

Watch this thought provoking series by clicking here



2pm Free Concert

Premiering the original choral works of a young Clearwater composer, Jen Renfroe: "Requiem for Our Loves: of A Harmonious Celebration Life for the Living and the Dead" and "Pathways: A Journey to Find Peace."

"What's the name of that nice person I see at church every week?"

Our new membership directory will answer that question!

• We're growing and there are lots of new faces!
• Here's an opportunity to have a professional portrait made at no cost to you! The family pet is welcome too!
• It's an opportunity to get to know each other better!
• Your participation will help to make our directory complete!

Every participating family or household receives a complimentary 8x10 professional portrait and a printed directory, with an opportunity to purchase additional photos if you wish.

PHOTO DATES & TIMES

Thursday, May 30 & Friday, May 31 --- 1-8pm

Saturday, June 1 --- 10am-6pm

Sunday, June 2 --- 11:30-5pm

For appointments, call The Portrait Cafe: 1-877-896-9667 ext. 360

or click on the link below! All appointments must be made, or canceled, through The Portrait Cafe.

What is "Beating the Bounds"?

Ascension Day, Thursday, May 9

at 6pm with Holy Eucharist

Beating the Bounds is a medieval tradition of marking the boundary lines of a church parish. Today, we walk the boundaries of the property as a community, praying and blessing our sacred ground with Holy Water and Incense. By doing this, we annually reclaim our property for God’s purposes and “set His angels” at every point of the compass. We hope that you will join us as we celebrate our namesake day.

Be advised, a good amount of walking will take place as we sojourn around the four corners of our property. If that is an issue, you are welcome to come, remain in the church, and pray for those who are walking. We end in the church with a celebration of Holy Eucharist.

I look forward to seeing you! ---- Father Jim

Vacation Bible School

July 8-12 at 9am-1pm

For children currently in grades K-5

Big thank you to the generous donors who have sponsored our entire week of VBS! There is no longer a fee for children to attend and we still have spots open.

The Chapel in the church provides some wiggle room with a play area, changing table, and snacks. Coloring book totes (in the Chapel window) offer something to do while sitting in the pew. Help yourself!

Kids Church is a program for children in K-5^th grade. It takes place during the 10am service.

Children will connect with their faith through lessons, discussions, music, and crafts!

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for Kids Church, please contact Abby Talbot at abbyt@churchofascension.org or call/text 727-316-1279.

Outreach Ministries: Laundry Love

Wednesday, May 15     

This program offers homeless/displaced people a chance to wash

their clothes for free at Happy Bubbles Laundromat, 412 South

Missouri Avenue , Clearwater, 3:30–7pm, on the 3rd Wednesday

of each month. Contact pilatotalma@gmail.com to volunteer.

Father Leo's Bible Study 10am Tuesdays

The Book of Revelation: Father Leo leads the discussion of these prophetic visions that speak of God's sovereignty over human history and a future for a renewed and peaceful earth. 

Christian Yoga

10am Wednesdays only

A Christ-centered program in the church, with Scripture and prayer. $5 per class. Tuesday classes are canceled for the summer.

Ascension Book Club

1pm Tuesday, May 14

Join fellow book lovers for lively and interesting discussions of current reads and timeless classics! May's book is The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger.

St. Theresa's Guild

1pm Monday, May 20

St. Theresa's Guild cares for our homebound members, keeping them in touch by calling, sending cards, delivering bouquets, and bringing home communion. If this a ministry that touches your heart, please contact Anne Jones at AnneJones@fisglobal.com

Summer Choir

9am Sundays May 26-Sept. 1

Our summer pickup choir will be in session soon. Rehearsal takes place in the church before the 10am service. Simple anthems, no robes (just white top, black pants/skirt). Contact Matt Estes at MusicDirector@churchofascension.org

The Overcomer

I cannnot bring about solutions for the havoc wrought,

By grief sustained, for trials and pain, from loss in battles fought.

Yet in His presence, all is well . The face of God is clear

Though winds of life are raging on, His peace can stop our fear.

When waves of anger cover us, from wounds we have within,

It is forgiveness through His Word that helps us love again.

God is our refuge in the storm, the place our soul abides.

We shelter from the threatening winds, where we can always hide.

Tribulation will be ours, great sorrow may unfurl,

Yet God says, "Child of Mine, take heart. I've overcome the world!"

----Sharon Chenoweth