Our annual picnic takes place in the spring under our grand oak trees on our church lawn. The Fellowship Committee provides delicious, crispy fried chicken. Those who attend bring their favorite picnic dish to share. While the adults visit with friends, children enjoy a bouncy house.

Our annual fish fry usually takes place on the first Sunday in November. A dedicated group of men blesses us with perfectly fried fish and hush puppies from their impromptu fish camp on Way of Grace. The Fellowship Committee provides the food. Other volunteers help the committee with setting up seating and tables as well as clean up afterwards.

Our annual meeting takes place in January. The church uses this opportunity to inform the members on the state of our church and presents the newly elected vestry members. The Fellowship Committee organizes the meeting, providing a delicious lunch for the attendees to enjoy while hearing reports and discussing old and new business.

The Episcopal Church celebrates St. Francis Day each year. At Church of the Ascension, we bless animals in a special service. Cats and dogs are in the majority but birds, goldfish, mice, monkeys, and snakes are all welcome.

The Church of the Ascension Book Forum offers an opportunity to gather with fellow parishioners and book lovers throughout our community who share a love of reading. We read a wide variety of books ranging from the classics to national best sellers.

From August through April, we serve a full breakfast in the parish hall after the 8 a.m. service for a donation of 50 cents per item. Volunteers are welcome to help with cooking and clean up afterwards.

Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, and relaxation. We hold classes designed to focus on our relationship with Jesus while developing harmony in the body, mind, and spirit.

Our annual Christmas party, usually held on the second Friday in December, kicks off the Christmas season with its wonderful spirit and warm feelings of good will. The Fellowship Committee organizes this event, providing exquisite decorations, an elegant buffet, and musical entertainment. It takes place in the parish hall.

Church of The Ascension has a strong commitment and diocesan presence in the Cursillo community. Over 60 parishioners have attended this international 3-day weekend retreat to be strengthened spiritually and to be encouraged in their walk with Christ. Each person who has attended this retreat comes back with a renewed faith and increased interest in becoming involved in ministry and leadership at Ascension. If you are interested in attending this weekend retreat, you must make an appointment with one of our clergy. We encourage all baptized members of Ascension to attend this weekend of renewal.

Fall Festival takes place at the end of October in conjunction with Halloween. Families and members gather at Church of the Ascension. Kids enjoy food, a bouncy house, carnival style games, and "trunk or treat" where kids trick-or-treat from the back of parents' Halloween-decorated cars.

Our Foyer Groups offer a way to get to know other members of our parish outside of the church setting. Each fall, groups of seven to nine members gather monthly for dinner and fellowship. They meet over a four- to six-month period, either in member's homes, in restaurants, or in the parish hall. To join a foyer group, complete and email a foyer group form. Forms are available in the church office.

This is a running club for third- to fifth-grade girls. Its purpose is to encourage girls to know their potential, develop self-respect, and build confidence through interactive lessons and running games. It meets Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Middle and high school youth prepare and serve breakfast in the parish hall. There are special games and conversation offering an opportunity to get to know our youth.

We offer over 100 opportunities for members to participate in ministries and activities. Ministries and activities not only support the church but also enhance participants' spiritual growth. In addition, they offer a chance to get to know others. Our Ministry Fair highlights each of the ministries and activities of the church with posters, printed literature, and information about how to participate.

Pilgrim's Way has met weekly on Wednesday nights in the parish hall at 6:30 p.m. Prior to COVID19, Pilgrim's Way had the following format: We have a potluck supper, watch a movie, and share reflections. All are welcome for this time of fellowship and spiritual discussion. Hopefully we will be able to gather again soon!

Play for Preservation raises funds for our Property Preservation Fund, used for the repair and preservation of our historic church and her property. During the day, you can golf or play croquet, pickleball, or bridge. There will be a dinner and auction, so if you don't play, don't stay home!! It's a day and evening of fellowship and fun in October.

This is a 5-K race held in the spring. Beginning at the church, participants run over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway to the Island Estates stop light and then return to the church for a total distance of three miles. Snacks and a bouncy house follow the run. Proceeds benefit the Church of Ascension Day School.

Held in the spring, Trivia Night is a fundraiser for the youth group. It consists of traditional British pub fare and a pub quiz with non-traditional questions. Participants form teams. The competition is fierce and hilarious.