WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) is now completing a summary of the focus group discussions. We also have started compiling the feedback gathered so far into a report that clearly defines who we are, what we value, and what our parish life could look with the next rector.

In addition, the Committee has begun addressing the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” This is the same questionnaire that both the parish in search of a rector and all potential rector candidates will answer so that we’ll be able to compare how closely we are aligned with each other. As Parish members, you will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft of the 11 narrative questions before we finalize our responses.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) will conduct the last of five focus group discussions on  November 4.  The purpose of the focus group discussion is to further elaborate on topics, ideas, and issues that were revealed through the parish survey.  After this last Focus Group, the Search Committee will then compile information from the survey and the focus groups to define who we are and what we value. You can view the survey results here but we chose not to include respondents’ typed in comments. 

Then, the Search Committee will begin to work on generating responses to what is known as the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” All potential new rector applicants will answer these same 11 questions, so that we’ll be able to see how closely each candidate is aligned with who we are and what we discern God is calling us to be. Parish members will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft responses.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership, and Collaboration for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, spoke at Ascension’s All-Parish Town Hall today.  Her role includes overseeing what the wider Episcopal Church calls “transitions” – churches looking for clergy and clergy looking for churches.  She walked us through the current Diocesan model for rector searches and the support that the Diocese will provide throughout the process.  Rev. Olson will be working closely with Ascension leadership; her brief slide presentation is here and a video of the town hall can be viewed here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

This summer the Search Committee (consisting of the elected members of the Vestry) has adopted the Search Process schedule found in the blue Resources section above.  It is subject to change as events and accomplishments impact the timing.

In addition, the Search Committee is developing an all-parish survey to be issued in September.  Responses to the survey will provide crucial information on Ascension’s current strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. These aspects all impact the kind of next rector and future we envision for Ascension. The Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffrey, the Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Vitality, is actively supporting the Committee in this process.  For more information about how we’re thinking about parish vitality, please see Vital Signs of Parish Health found in the blue Resources section above.

THURSday, MAY 22, 2025

Rev. Joan announced today that her last Sunday as Rector at Ascension will be May 31, 2026 (Trinity Sunday).  This change is the result of prayerful contemplation and extensive discussions with parish and diocesan leadership and trusted advisors, all of whom fully support this decision.  Ascension’s Search Committee will lead the congregation through the Ascension’s self study (Phase 2 in the graphic above) starting in September 2025. More information will be forthcoming about this process and the clergy’s role in it.

SATURday, APRIL 12, 2025

On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector.  Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.

Sunday, MARCH 2, 2025

Last Thursday, February 27,  Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister.  We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.

The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) is now completing a summary of the focus group discussions. We also have started compiling the feedback gathered so far into a report that clearly defines who we are, what we value, and what our parish life could look with the next rector.

In addition, the Committee has begun addressing the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” This is the same questionnaire that both the parish in search of a rector and all potential rector candidates will answer so that we’ll be able to compare how closely we are aligned with each other. As Parish members, you will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft of the 11 narrative questions before we finalize our responses.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) will conduct the last of five focus group discussions on  November 4.  The purpose of the focus group discussion is to further elaborate on topics, ideas, and issues that were revealed through the parish survey.  After this last Focus Group, the Search Committee will then compile information from the survey and the focus groups to define who we are and what we value. You can view the survey results here but we chose not to include respondents’ typed in comments. 

Then, the Search Committee will begin to work on generating responses to what is known as the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” All potential new rector applicants will answer these same 11 questions, so that we’ll be able to see how closely each candidate is aligned with who we are and what we discern God is calling us to be. Parish members will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft responses.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership, and Collaboration for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, spoke at Ascension’s All-Parish Town Hall today.  Her role includes overseeing what the wider Episcopal Church calls “transitions” – churches looking for clergy and clergy looking for churches.  She walked us through the current Diocesan model for rector searches and the support that the Diocese will provide throughout the process.  Rev. Olson will be working closely with Ascension leadership; her brief slide presentation is here and a video of the town hall can be viewed here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

This summer the Search Committee (consisting of the elected members of the Vestry) has adopted the Search Process schedule found in the blue Resources section above.  It is subject to change as events and accomplishments impact the timing.

In addition, the Search Committee is developing an all-parish survey to be issued in September.  Responses to the survey will provide crucial information on Ascension’s current strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. These aspects all impact the kind of next rector and future we envision for Ascension. The Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffrey, the Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Vitality, is actively supporting the Committee in this process.  For more information about how we’re thinking about parish vitality, please see Vital Signs of Parish Health found in the blue Resources section above.

THURSday, MAY 22, 2025

Rev. Joan announced today that her last Sunday as Rector at Ascension will be May 31, 2026 (Trinity Sunday).  This change is the result of prayerful contemplation and extensive discussions with parish and diocesan leadership and trusted advisors, all of whom fully support this decision.  Ascension’s Search Committee will lead the congregation through the Ascension’s self study (Phase 2 in the graphic above) starting in September 2025. More information will be forthcoming about this process and the clergy’s role in it.

SATURday, APRIL 12, 2025

On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector.  Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.

Sunday, MARCH 2, 2025

Last Thursday, February 27,  Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister.  We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.

The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) is now completing a summary of the focus group discussions. We also have started compiling the feedback gathered so far into a report that clearly defines who we are, what we value, and what our parish life could look with the next rector.

In addition, the Committee has begun addressing the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” This is the same questionnaire that both the parish in search of a rector and all potential rector candidates will answer so that we’ll be able to compare how closely we are aligned with each other. As Parish members, you will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft of the 11 narrative questions before we finalize our responses.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) will conduct the last of five focus group discussions on  November 4.  The purpose of the focus group discussion is to further elaborate on topics, ideas, and issues that were revealed through the parish survey.  After this last Focus Group, the Search Committee will then compile information from the survey and the focus groups to define who we are and what we value. You can view the survey results here but we chose not to include respondents’ typed in comments. 

Then, the Search Committee will begin to work on generating responses to what is known as the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” All potential new rector applicants will answer these same 11 questions, so that we’ll be able to see how closely each candidate is aligned with who we are and what we discern God is calling us to be. Parish members will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft responses.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership, and Collaboration for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, spoke at Ascension’s All-Parish Town Hall today.  Her role includes overseeing what the wider Episcopal Church calls “transitions” – churches looking for clergy and clergy looking for churches.  She walked us through the current Diocesan model for rector searches and the support that the Diocese will provide throughout the process.  Rev. Olson will be working closely with Ascension leadership; her brief slide presentation is here and a video of the town hall can be viewed here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

This summer the Search Committee (consisting of the elected members of the Vestry) has adopted the Search Process schedule found in the blue Resources section above.  It is subject to change as events and accomplishments impact the timing.

In addition, the Search Committee is developing an all-parish survey to be issued in September.  Responses to the survey will provide crucial information on Ascension’s current strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. These aspects all impact the kind of next rector and future we envision for Ascension. The Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffrey, the Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Vitality, is actively supporting the Committee in this process.  For more information about how we’re thinking about parish vitality, please see Vital Signs of Parish Health found in the blue Resources section above.

THURSday, MAY 22, 2025

Rev. Joan announced today that her last Sunday as Rector at Ascension will be May 31, 2026 (Trinity Sunday).  This change is the result of prayerful contemplation and extensive discussions with parish and diocesan leadership and trusted advisors, all of whom fully support this decision.  Ascension’s Search Committee will lead the congregation through the Ascension’s self study (Phase 2 in the graphic above) starting in September 2025. More information will be forthcoming about this process and the clergy’s role in it.

SATURday, APRIL 12, 2025

On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector.  Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.

Sunday, MARCH 2, 2025

Last Thursday, February 27,  Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister.  We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.

The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) is now completing a summary of the focus group discussions. We also have started compiling the feedback gathered so far into a report that clearly defines who we are, what we value, and what our parish life could look with the next rector.

In addition, the Committee has begun addressing the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” This is the same questionnaire that both the parish in search of a rector and all potential rector candidates will answer so that we’ll be able to compare how closely we are aligned with each other. As Parish members, you will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft of the 11 narrative questions before we finalize our responses.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) will conduct the last of five focus group discussions on  November 4.  The purpose of the focus group discussion is to further elaborate on topics, ideas, and issues that were revealed through the parish survey.  After this last Focus Group, the Search Committee will then compile information from the survey and the focus groups to define who we are and what we value. You can view the survey results here but we chose not to include respondents’ typed in comments. 

Then, the Search Committee will begin to work on generating responses to what is known as the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” All potential new rector applicants will answer these same 11 questions, so that we’ll be able to see how closely each candidate is aligned with who we are and what we discern God is calling us to be. Parish members will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft responses.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership, and Collaboration for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, spoke at Ascension’s All-Parish Town Hall today.  Her role includes overseeing what the wider Episcopal Church calls “transitions” – churches looking for clergy and clergy looking for churches.  She walked us through the current Diocesan model for rector searches and the support that the Diocese will provide throughout the process.  Rev. Olson will be working closely with Ascension leadership; her brief slide presentation is here and a video of the town hall can be viewed here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

This summer the Search Committee (consisting of the elected members of the Vestry) has adopted the Search Process schedule found in the blue Resources section above.  It is subject to change as events and accomplishments impact the timing.

In addition, the Search Committee is developing an all-parish survey to be issued in September.  Responses to the survey will provide crucial information on Ascension’s current strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. These aspects all impact the kind of next rector and future we envision for Ascension. The Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffrey, the Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Vitality, is actively supporting the Committee in this process.  For more information about how we’re thinking about parish vitality, please see Vital Signs of Parish Health found in the blue Resources section above.

THURSday, MAY 22, 2025

Rev. Joan announced today that her last Sunday as Rector at Ascension will be May 31, 2026 (Trinity Sunday).  This change is the result of prayerful contemplation and extensive discussions with parish and diocesan leadership and trusted advisors, all of whom fully support this decision.  Ascension’s Search Committee will lead the congregation through the Ascension’s self study (Phase 2 in the graphic above) starting in September 2025. More information will be forthcoming about this process and the clergy’s role in it.

SATURday, APRIL 12, 2025

On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector.  Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.

Sunday, MARCH 2, 2025

Last Thursday, February 27,  Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister.  We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.

The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) is now completing a summary of the focus group discussions. We also have started compiling the feedback gathered so far into a report that clearly defines who we are, what we value, and what our parish life could look with the next rector.

In addition, the Committee has begun addressing the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” This is the same questionnaire that both the parish in search of a rector and all potential rector candidates will answer so that we’ll be able to compare how closely we are aligned with each other. As Parish members, you will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft of the 11 narrative questions before we finalize our responses.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

The Search Committee (consisting of elected members of the vestry) will conduct the last of five focus group discussions on  November 4.  The purpose of the focus group discussion is to further elaborate on topics, ideas, and issues that were revealed through the parish survey.  After this last Focus Group, the Search Committee will then compile information from the survey and the focus groups to define who we are and what we value. You can view the survey results here but we chose not to include respondents’ typed in comments. 

Then, the Search Committee will begin to work on generating responses to what is known as the Diocese’s “11 Narrative Questions.” All potential new rector applicants will answer these same 11 questions, so that we’ll be able to see how closely each candidate is aligned with who we are and what we discern God is calling us to be. Parish members will have an opportunity to offer feedback on the draft responses.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The Rev. Anna Olson, Canon for Faith, Leadership, and Collaboration for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, spoke at Ascension’s All-Parish Town Hall today.  Her role includes overseeing what the wider Episcopal Church calls “transitions” – churches looking for clergy and clergy looking for churches.  She walked us through the current Diocesan model for rector searches and the support that the Diocese will provide throughout the process.  Rev. Olson will be working closely with Ascension leadership; her brief slide presentation is here and a video of the town hall can be viewed here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

This summer the Search Committee (consisting of the elected members of the Vestry) has adopted the Search Process schedule found in the blue Resources section above.  It is subject to change as events and accomplishments impact the timing.

In addition, the Search Committee is developing an all-parish survey to be issued in September.  Responses to the survey will provide crucial information on Ascension’s current strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. These aspects all impact the kind of next rector and future we envision for Ascension. The Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffrey, the Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Vitality, is actively supporting the Committee in this process.  For more information about how we’re thinking about parish vitality, please see Vital Signs of Parish Health found in the blue Resources section above.

THURSday, MAY 22, 2025

Rev. Joan announced today that her last Sunday as Rector at Ascension will be May 31, 2026 (Trinity Sunday).  This change is the result of prayerful contemplation and extensive discussions with parish and diocesan leadership and trusted advisors, all of whom fully support this decision.  Ascension’s Search Committee will lead the congregation through the Ascension’s self study (Phase 2 in the graphic above) starting in September 2025. More information will be forthcoming about this process and the clergy’s role in it.

SATURday, APRIL 12, 2025

On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector.  Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.

Sunday, MARCH 2, 2025

Last Thursday, February 27,  Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister.  We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.

The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.

Sunday, FEBRUARY 23, 2025

Your wardens will be meeting with The Reverend Stuart Wright, EDOW Transition Minister, on February 27 to receive support and guidance for our rector search process. We will be guided by the  EDOW Transition Model document which provides that the vestry is the “search committee.”  Check this webpage for updates.

Sunday, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 – SEE MAY 22 ENTRY FOR UPDATE

Our beloved rector and deacon have announced their retirement at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 2, 2025. They both have written heartfelt letters to our parish.  They will be with us through the end of the summer. We know you will join your wardens and vestry as we say “Congratulations and thank you on your creative and wonderful service here at Ascension!”

The week of February 3, 2025, your wardens will contact the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) to receive support and guidance for our upcoming rector search process. We will be guided by the  EDOW Transition Model document which provides that the vestry is the “search committee.”