MESSAGE FROM FATHER HAFER REGARDING THE SUNDAY SERVICE:
I hope this finds you safe and well. There is power at the church, so we will be having our regular 10:00 am Eucharist tomorrow (Sunday, September 29). If you can get to church safely, we would love to see you. If not, please join us online https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4rF9w7XNVJKue1n3bRAVw
God bless you!
Joel+
OUR NEW CHURCH SIGN daytime and night time photos
EASTER MORNING - SUNRISE - 7am - MARCH 31, 2024
THE OUTDOOR CHAPEL ALTAR
OUTDOOR CHAPEL ALTAR DEDICATION
JUNE 9, 2024
THE REVEREND DR. JOEL G. HAFER
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension
THE RT. REVEREND DANIEL P. RICHARDS
The Diocese of Upper South Carolina
THE REVEREND DEACON MARY JEFFERS
TRICIA DODGE, Crucifer
Enjoy and scroll through our photos taken at the 140th Birthday Celebration
The Church of the Ascension celebrates 140 Years...Why It Matters
On May 18, 1882 Ascension officially opened for worship in Seneca and on Sunday May 22, 2022 a celebratory 140th birthday lunch was held at the Church. Certainly the members of the Church were happy to mark this occasion, but why should it matter to you?
Over all those years Ascension has been a place of welcoming worship, first at our location on E. South Second Street in Seneca, now The Blue Ridge Arts Center, and beginning in 1983 at our current location on 214 Northampton Road in Seneca. While a foundational value is welcoming all to worship, our actions over the years extend Christian mission out into our community and the world. Today as in the past we strive to fulfill our Mission of being Disciples of Christ Called To Serve Neighbors Near and Far.
In past years Ascension's members have sent countless clothes and needed household products to victims of the Toccoa dam flood, hurricanes and tornadoes across the country. We have packed food for Rise Against Hunger, assisted Cange in Haiti to obtain fresh water, school supplies and educational needs.
Along with the many giving churches in our community, Ascension helped to raise money to build Our Daily Rest homeless shelter, the Oconee Safe Harbor shelter for victims of abuse and participated in the Ministers' Cook-off to support Safe Harbor. Over the years the Church and our members have donated countless time and treasure to charitable organizations across Oconee County.
It hasn't always been easy and at one point consideration was being given to closing Ascension; but thanks to the determination of Mrs. Mary Hines, closing was averted. Later Mrs. Hines' son John would become the Presiding Bishop, head of the Episcopal Church nationally.
Struggle often makes us stronger and our building today provides a place for the Lake and Mountain Quilters Guild to create beautiful fabric art, and for Golden Corner Respite to provide a few hours of relief for caregivers of those with dementia. In front of the Church we maintain a Little Food Pantry stocked with food items for any in need. Our Outdoor Chapel and Labyrinth are always open to all for quiet meditation.
We are blessed to have been able to worship and serve our community for over 140 years and look to extend our blessings well into the future. Please rejoice with us, all are always welcome.
Mission Statement:
"The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Seneca has existed since 1882 as a witness to God's Grace. We believe that through Jesus Christ we are meant to faithfully and joyfully serve God, each other and our neighbors."
10 am Sunday Worship Service:
IN-PERSON:
Masks are not required for vaccinated people, but we do ask that if you are not vaccinated, then please wear a mask. Anyone who still feels safer wearing a mask, for whatever reason, is encouraged to do so.
(masks are provided as you enter and on the back table) Communion will be distributed to you in your folded hands.
Please use the hand sanitizing station when entering.
WE USE YOUTUBE STREAMING SERVICE FOR ALL LIVE AS WELL AS PREVIOUS SERVICES.
PLEASE CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE:
Or Copy and Paste this Link Address below- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4rF9w7XNVJKue1n3bRAVw
If you’re seeking a prayerful spiritual path in your journey of faith...we invite you to walk our outdoor labyrinth.
If you’re seeking opportunities for outreach...we invite you to join us in our ministries serving others.
If you’re seeking a deeper understanding of your faith...we invite you to join us for Christian Formation classes.
If you’re seeking to feed the hungry...then join us in our Community Garden.
If you’re seeking fellowship...so are we...and we invite you to join us in breaking bread together.
We invite you to come and see at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension...where we are seeking you to share in God’s love and hope.
You may make a donation directly to Ascension by using this donate button below- Thank You.
Credit - Debit
Join us for Christian Formation Class
Each Sunday
following the 10AM Service, in the parish hall
Coffee Hour - our gathering fellowship
follows the service
These are unusual times as our nation confronts a deadly pandemic, a troubled economy, racial injustice, and a bitter election season. It’s a lot to take in, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why prayer is needed now more than ever.
Our Biblical Garden; a quiet area for reflection.
Our Memorial Garden; at peace with God.
Our outdoor labyrinth.
Ascension Labyrinth, Outdoor Chapel
and the Spiritual Journey
At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey of life. Joyous or somber, thoughtful or prayerful, a walking meditation.
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Church of the Ascension has installed an eight circuit Chartres Labyrinth
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There is a five foot diameter perimeter in which dedicated, engraved paver bricks can be placed.
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Our Community – Ascension – Seneca – Oconee County – Upstate SC – EVERYONE is invited to walk the Labyrinth - ANYTIME
Our Little Red Box Food Pantry.
Helping to feed our community.
Our outdoor Chapel.