From the Rector - Church of The Ascension

From the Rector 9am Worship
Minister:
Youth Minister Search Continues
Chris Massa
After a six month national search we received thirteen applications from all over the It is a joy to welcome Chris
USA and even South Africa! The Search Committee then narrowed the field by seeking Massa as our new Worship
written answers to a series of questions and we conducted a number of interviews via Minister for the 9am ser-
FaceTime before choosing two finalists for two rounds of in-person interviews. We vice. Chris has been a part
offered the position to a highly qualified candidate - a young ordained Anglican Priest. of the music team for this
Last weekend this person, after much prayer and careful deliberation, declined to accept service for the past three
our offer. She firmly believed that God was calling her and her husband to another city years and most recently
to respond to another call. While I am disappointed I trust that God has been, and will served as interim leader.
continue to be, with us in this process and that we can have full confidence that we will Chris comes to us with a
find a really excellent Youth Minister for Ascension. So, to that end, we have already music degree and a wealth
begun to search afresh. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment for all of experience participating
concerned. in and leading worship. He
is a composer, arranger,
Two New Appointments… pianist and percussionist.
Interim Youth Minister: Chris has a deep love for
Christ and His church and
While our search continues, I am delighted to tell you that Megan Trautman is married to Elise, who is
Megan Trautman has agreed to serve as one of our interim herself a talented guitarist,
Youth Ministers. I am hugely grateful to Christie Gagnon singer and songwriter and
who co-led with John Allen last semester. Her regular work member of the 9am
commitments do not permit her to continue this year, but her Worship Team.
love and care for our youth was greatly appreciated by all. Yours in Christ,
Thank you, Christie. John Allen has agreed to continue to
serve along-side Megan, just as soon as he gets back from Jonathan N. Millard
Brazil where he has been busy getting engaged! (Rector)

Megan joins the team with much valuable experience in John Allen with his
youth ministry, college ministry, Alpha ministry and a fiancé Camila Rêgo
Masters degree in Divinity. She also happens to really like
youth and even plays the guitar! Megan also has a lot of
short term missions experience. Some of you may remember
that Megan also served as a youth ministry intern for three
months with Jack Gabig here at Ascension five years ago.
Megan is well known to many of us and is married to David,
our Associate Rector, and they have two children Amanda (3)
and Daniel (9 months).

Page 2 Children’s Stained Glass Window

Carol and Walter Pilant are long- what I was doing. rays come down into the middle
term members of Ascension who panel, some were made to enclose
had a short hiatus in Texas but The window evokes many stories listeners, and we know how all are
returned to Ascension in recent and images. The child holding flow- blessed when Jesus is present. It is
years and are currently living in ers was inserted because of what also a reminder of how one must be
the eastern suburbs. Carol says, Jesus said; how much more beautiful as a child, to enter the kingdom of
“Ascension is our home and we the lilies of the field, than the splen- heaven, and accept Jesus in our hearts
returned because it is a singing dor of the greatest of kings! And I in a way that we become a new
church! Praise and worship are thought this little group of children creation.
given and felt when we are here.” in front of Jesus must be as those
beautiful flowers. There is a child Walter and Carol Pilant
Carol has done much work with holding a bird, another with a fish
stained glass: “The LORD made it on a string around his wrist, another
possible for me to tell stories in with a basket of bread nearby.
stained glass, paint or tapestry to
declare His love.” In the summer If this is a story window, there are
of 2002, Carol worked very hard many stories here about what Jesus
to create and install a very special said or did. Jesus is sitting on a rock
stained glass window in Hunt and we can imagine a story about
Room II. At that time Carol wrote building on a rock, a solid founda-
the following explanation of how tion, rather than sand - the children
the window’s creation came about would understand that. A reclining
and its significance: figure suggests a handicap of some
sort and we can remember the many
This window was made for the times Jesus healed someone in mind
children’s altar and it was de- or body.
signed to be simple, colorful, and
to show Jesus with the children. Cedars are trees found in the area;
It is made of three panels. The scripture speaks of trees a lot. A
lowest panel is at the level of a shepherd and sheep suggest the care
child who can read the word and concern of a compassionate
“COME,” and notice a cup of God. But one sheep is separated
wine, with a broken wafer. It is from the flock and we wonder what
possible for someone else to see happened in this story? There is a
this panel and the word “come” house on a hill, it cannot be hid, a
and think about the cup that holds lake to remind us of fish and fisher-
the life of Jesus, and the wafer is men and we might wonder about
the bread, the word, Jesus, who those rays from above and what they
was broken and given for us. The mean.
middle panel is showing Jesus
sitting on a rock, telling stories. There is glass that looks like a foun-
And the top panel shows the tain of water coming down from
activity of God as suggested in above near an area of flames, and
Scripture. there is glass in the shape of a
trumpet. Some glass is the color of
The Lord was very present in precious stones in those flames
building this window, in the de- above; even a hint of things to come
sign, in choosing glass that looked as other glass has thin streaks of red
interesting, cutting and placing through it. A great wing of iridized
each piece of glass, even making a glass was put here to suggest move-
mistake and discovering it was not ment; to show activity of God’s
really a mistake after all. For this, spirit that is separate yet a part of the
I thank those children who prayed work of God above. How colorful
for me when I visited them in this is and I have to wonder, is God
Sunday School and explained even more colorful? When these

Soaking Prayer Family Page 3
News
On the last Sunday of each month and between services from 10:15 to 10:50am,
people are invited to come to the Prayer Chapel on the second floor of the January Anniversaries
Parish Hall and join us for a time of prayer. There is a sign outside the door.
On that last Sunday, signs are always posted to notify Ascension worshippers 7. David and Jennifer Crosby
of the time and place. You may come and go as you please during this time. 13. Travis and Katie Timmons
You are welcome to stay for the whole time or just spend a few minutes. Baxter and Margaret Peffer
15. Walter and Carol Pilant
Rather than being a time to pray, the experience of Soaking Prayer is a time to 22. James and Allyson Entner
rest in God’s presence and allow others to pray for you – without a word being 25. Gary and Alyson Holt
spoken! Prayer ministers are always present and they are there to silently stand
by your side listening to the Lord on your behalf and praying for you as they January Birthdays
listen. If you have a specific prayer request, note paper and a pencil are provid-
ed and you can hand the note to the prayer minister. Confidentiality is respect- 1. Jeremy Acker
ed. If you have nothing to share you can simply sit quietly and allow the Holy 2. Anna Ruhl
Spirit to be with you in a time of soaking in God’s presence. 3. Mari Stout, Ava Conlon
4. Suzie Hall, George Smith
Two testimonies of Soaking Prayer: Claire Bouffard
Ben Cummings
1. I was feeling anxious about all I had to do. I knew I needed to rest in Ruah Scandrett
5. Catherine Crotty
God’s presence so I went upstairs to sit for a while during the Soaking Sadie Arango, Asher Bernardi
Prayer time. As soon as I entered and sat down I felt God’s peace come 6. Mary Meyers
on me and I relaxed and closed my eyes to rest in His presence. Soon 8. Barbara Baur
someone came up next to me and gently laid a hand on my shoulder. Wendy LeMarquand
They stood there for a while. They didn’t say anything. I didn’t either, 10. Maria Wahrenberger
but I knew God was loving me through them. I didn’t stay the whole 11. Thomas Fuener
time, but those few minutes were such a blessing and God’s peace was 12. Teddy Ritts
with me throughout the day. Thanks Ascension for Soaking Prayer! 13. Jim Franzen, Ron Yadrick
Amina Bernardi
2. I was struggling with so much. I needed God’s wisdom, his guid- 15. John Allen
Oyinkan Adebajo
ance. I remembered it was Soaking Prayer Sunday so I left the Parish 17. Mary Martha Truschel
Hall and went upstairs. As the prayer minister stood beside me I knew Pamela Meeks, Val Schalm
he/she was praying for me and I began to have a sense of going into 19. Lara Scandrett
deep waters where the root is nourished by the underground rivers of Zach Forrest
God’s Spirit. I felt that I was drinking deeply from these waters and 21. Kate George
I had peace and the knowledge that He was with me. That was enough. Susannah Davenport
I have been blessed on several occasions by the ministry of Soaking 22. Billy Rogerson
Prayer and recommend it to others. Marian Kreithen
Benjamin Rocke
The last Sunday Holden Gerlach
of each month, Mason Hillegass
10:15 to 10:50am 23. Kristie Mertz, Nate Barrett
in the Prayer Chapel 24. Baxter Peffer
David Trautman, Dan Tickner
(second oor of the Luke Maddalena
Parish Hall building) 25. Jim Foster
26. Rebekkah Ranallo
27. Dan Hickey, Ed Fleming
Laura Irvine, Nate Twichell
Mark Hottel, Elias Bernardi
29. Nancy Drew, Nora Woon
30. Marc Miller, Owen George
31. Gayle McDonough
Megan Foxwell

Page 4 Seasons With The Lord

Property An Epiphany Devotional by Jolene Belferman
Committee
As a relatively new Anglican I am learning that Epiphany is a time to remember
Thank you to Glenn Corliss the story of the Magi who represent the gentile nations coming to Christ. These
for his faithful work as chair Kings believed the prophecy and so they came bearing gifts. And when they found
of Ascension’s property him – the promised one - they bowed to worship the King of Kings. In this season
committee. Glenn, who has of Epiphany we worship Jesus as the light of the world. The prophet Isaiah had
retired from this position, foretold of a time when even the gentile nations would see and know the truth.
oversaw many capital projects In Matthew the prophecy is fulfilled:
including the Nave HVAC
project, the Parish Hall Matthew 4:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
refurbishment, and the 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the
restoration of the Mazzolini Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a
painting which happened this great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a
past summer. We are very light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for
happy to welcome Guy the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Tomcik as the new chair of
our property committee. Epiphany Prayer
Guy has done much work
behind the scenes to refurbish Oh Lord of heaven and earth. There is none like you. With hearts of wonder and
many of our aging pews and awe we give you thanks and offer ourselves afresh as a living sacrifice. This is our
is ready for additional respon- gift to you. We bow to you to worship you – the promised savior and King. We
sibilities. We need ‘project love you Jesus. During this season especially we remember your goodness and
managers’ to come alongside your mercy. Give us grace-to-grace daily that we might live for you. Amen.
Guy to oversee small, limited
duration projects. Interested? Epiphany Haiku
Email the Parish Administra-
tor, Marilyn Chislaghi. She A great light shines forth
will get you connected. Kings from the East with gifts bow

Come to A season to remember…
Dessert
Lenten Dinner Course
Saturday, January 24 at 7pm
Lent is the liturgical season that follows Epiphany. It is a time Dr. Peter Walker
Dave and Debbie Kornfield for reflection and repentance. Ash Wednesday, February 18,
marks the first day of Lent. In our services on that day ashes
are dearly loved friends and are placed on the foreheads of believers as a sign of repentance.
It has become our custom at Ascension to host a dinner teaching
receive support for their series during Lent. This year our guest speaker for the Lenten
Dinner Series will be Dr. Peter Walker of Trinity School for
ministry through Ascension’s Ministry. Over the course of four Fridays he invites us to Jour-
ney with Jesus to the Desert, to Galilee, to Jerusalem and
mission budget. You are finally to the Cross during the last week of his life.

invited to a time of mission Please reserve the following Fridays for our dinner series: February 26, March 6,
20 and 27 (note: we will not meet March 13). We will begin at 6:30pm and end at
sharing, prayer, and dessert at 8:30pm. We will enjoy a buffet dinner in the parish hall, catered by Denise Bozich.
Suggested donations for the dinner are as follows: $7/adult, $3/child, $20 family
their home on Saturday, maximum.

January 24 at 7pm. Their The dinner series is an all family event. While adults enjoy the talks by Dr. Walker,
there will be childcare and programming for children that follows the same theme.
address is 1038 McCabe St. There will also be a program for the youth. We hope you will plan on joining us!

15201. RSVP appreciated:

412-996-6856 or

[email protected].

Women’s Winter Retreat Ugandan Page 5
Gold
Date: Saturday, January 31 Coffee
Time: 8:30am – 4pm; a continental breakfast and a light lunch will be served.
Registration: A Registration Table will be available between services Purchase Ugandan Gold Coffee
January 11, 18, and 25. Please pay in advance by no later than January 25th. in the Parish Hall after services!
Cost: $16 which includes continental breakfast and lunch. All proceeds from the sale of
Ugandan Gold Coffee go back to
More info: Contact Ellen Meadows at [email protected] or 412-486-2854 Uganda and are used to dig water
Speaker: Debbie Kornfield wells, start other economic enti-
ties and equip medical facilities.
Summary: Our winter women’s retreat gives us a
chance to come away from our busy Martha lives to Photo
enjoy some Mary moments at Jesus’ feet. Come to be Directory
refreshed through nurture of our bodies, souls, and spir-
its as we feast both through Scripture and prayer and Will you send us a picture?
through the culinary talents of our caterer. During the
day there will be individual retreat time (choose art,
individual or shared prayer, and/or journaling) as well
as shared study sessions, worship and reflection.

Theme: Be Still and Know that I am God Debbie Kornfield

How does your garden grow? We are called to bear fruit, but just as there are

rhythms and seasons in nature, our Gardener sometimes takes our heart-gardens

into periods of dormancy. Despite the barrenness of this “winter” landscape,

there’s a lot going on beneath the surface, preparing for the lovely fruits and

flowers of the seasons to come. Consider with us the wisdom of our Gardener in

providing rest and repairs from the wear and tear of daily life, as well as from

particular stresses and storms. Allow our Lord to care for you, however your

garden is growing. The retreat will include a reprise of teaching from the sum-

mer retreat that many women attended, followed by two new talks.

What: A luncheon invitation to Seniors Ascension’s pictorial directory is
When: Sunday, January 25 after the 11am service located on our church website. It
Where: Hunt Rooms is password protected and is super
RSVP: The Rev. Ann Tefft at 412-526-1107 or email ann.tefft@ascension easy to update with current
pittsburgh.org (This helps greatly with provision of food) photos. It is also a great way to
Our first meeting on December 7th offered a wonderful time to get to know one match names with faces of people
another and share life stories with each other. This coming meeting will further at Ascension. You can email a
define where we want to go from here and offer another opportunity for more to good quality digital photo to our
attend. church secretary, Judy Yadrick,
or you can call Judy and she will
Ascension has a rich treasury of knowledge in our seniors who are eager to meet you on Sunday and take
share their spiritual journeys and expertise in a variety of fields as well as enjoy your picture. We’d love to see
one another’s company. more photos on the directory,
so will you consider participat-
If you missed the first meeting, please make it a priority to attend this meeting. ing? Ask any member of staff for
If you made the first meeting, please come again with your further refined the password!
thoughts and ideas. I want to hear from every senior citizen of Ascension! No
exceptions!

For Your Calendar Worship
Services
Martin Luther King Celebration
Sunday
All are invited to the 31st annual Martin Luther King
Celebration, offered jointly by East End Cooperative 7:30 a.m.
Ministry and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This year’s Holy Eucharist Rite I
event will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, January 18, 2015,
at St. Paul Baptist Church, 6701 Penn Avenue at the corner 9:00 a.m.
of Penn and 5th Avenues. Parking is available behind the Holy Eucharist Rite II
Chatham University building across 5th Ave. from the
church. The keynote speaker will be Cecile M. Springer, who 11:00 a.m.
has devoted her life and career to social and economic justice, Holy Eucharist Rite II
ethical leadership, and community service. Among many other roles, she has
been a planner with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commis- Wednesday
sion and is the former president of the Westinghouse Foundation. There will
readings from Scripture and musical performances, as well as a Q&A session 7:00 a.m.
with Ms. Springer. This is the only annual event to which all EECM member Holy Eucharist Rite II
congregations are invited. Admission is free; food donations for EECM's Food in the Gordon Chapel
Panty are encouraged. For more information, please contact Jonathan Sewall, followed by breakfast
412-268-7185 (work), 412-621-0809 (home) or [email protected].
Address
Jubilee Conference “This Changes Everything”
4729 Ellsworth Ave.
February 20 - 22 Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-621-4361
The Jubilee Conference is a fantastic opportunity for college students and it Fax: 412-621-5746
happens here in Pittsburgh. “Jubilee is the CCO's annual college student
conference. Jubilee is a catalytic event created to provide ‘a vision of and for Website
life’ to help followers of Jesus grow in living out their faith in every area of life.
It encourages students to consider the public implications of their own personal www.ascensionpittsburgh.org
transformation and what it means to be faithful to God in their university years
and their vocational pursuits that will follow.” (www.jubileeconference.com) The Ascent

Students: This conference is a life-changing event where you get to look into Published monthly by the
connecting your faith, study, and living. Early registration means money saved. Church of the Ascension.
Scholarships are available. Marilyn Clifton Chislaghi, Editor
Parishioners: Would you like to help a student to go? We are looking for Judy Yadrick, Publisher
scholarship gifts that would make it easier for students to afford this great
conference. Ascent Deadline

Articles for the February Ascent are
due January 15 and will be
available February 1.