As you enter our church, you will find an atmosphere of worship and reverence. Large or small, grand or humble, the focus of worship in the Episcopal Church is the altar or holy table, and the cross. So our thoughts are drawn immediately to Christ and to God whose house the church is.
On and near the altar you will find candles to remind us that Christ is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). Other than in the season of Lent, flowers often adorn the altar, bringing beauty to God's house and recalling the resurrection of Jesus.
On both sides at the front of our church, your will see a lectern or a pulpit. On your right is the lectern where you will see and hear members of our congregation come forward and read from the Scriptures chosen for the service. They will also ask you to join them in reading from the Psalms, and read the Prayers of the People from the Book of Common Prayer, the red book found in your pew. At the pulpit on your left, the sermon is usually preached though our priests/rectors sometimes choose to stand and deliver their sermon more informally between the two lecterns.
People need to know what is expected of them. People who are members of the congregation, those in process of becoming Episcopalians, and those checking us out on our web site need to know about membership requirements. For example, if one wishes to become a member of a civic or fraternal organization, there are clearly stated requirements; the requirements for being in good standing are clear, too.
To become a member of the Episcopal Church one must be Baptized and then Confirmed and/or Received by the bishop. But more is expected beyond those two basic requirements in order for us to enter into the fuller life of the congregation and to grow in our faith. It is our duty to come together week by week for corporate worship, and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God. (BCP 856)
Ascension's vision statement is, "In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world." For us to bring about that vision, our expectations are that each of us will commit to a life of Worship, Service, Prayer and Sacrifice.
In other words, we are expected to worship in community on a weekly basis. We are to serve each other and the church in its reconciling mission to the world. We are to pray daily for God's transformation of us so that we may become more Godly servants. And, finally, we are to give of our time, talent and treasure for the spread of kingdom of God.