August 2010.pub - Ascension Episcopal Church

Rector to Retire
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“… however glorious the garden’s display might be,
the true gardener seems always to look behind with
regret at what has passed and ahead with longing at
what is to come. To be squarely anchored in the
moment, to savor just what lies before one and want
nothing more – this must be a great bliss for those
who posses the ability.” (Joe Eck and Wayne
Winterroud, p 153 The Writer in the Garden.)
Dear friends,
This is my last message in Tidings. I will be retiring
as your Rector on August 31, 2010.
In the fall of 2000 the search committee invited me
to be a candidate in their search for your new
Rector. After several visits and meetings and many
prayers the Vestry issued a call for us to join you in
ministry in mission. Susan and I felt that it was
God’s call for us to bring our ministry in League City
to a close after 18 ½ years and join the ministry
team in West Houston. My commitment was to
serve for 5 to 10 years.
As I look back over the last nine years, I realize that
my ministry with you has been ‘bliss’ more often
than not. I have many, many fond memories of
serving with you, of sharing your lives, and a fair
amount of laughter. My ‘wow’ index has been richly
nurtured by you and your ministries.
Ten years ago no one would have predicted that our
country would be drawn into an endless war, our
denomination would be drawn into a devastating
theological war, and our nation would teeter on the
brink of a financial depression. These three shock
waves have assaulted the parish, but they have not
brought her down. By God’s grace Ascension has
survived, remained debt free and continued to
proclaim the power of the Gospel with faith and joy.
I have a strong satisfaction that both the Church and
our School now have Endowment Funds in place.
In spite of the world situation, I look fondly at what
the opportunities for growth that the future holds for
the next generation of leaders for the Church and
the School.
August 2010
When Susan and I moved to Pearland in November
of 2009, we told you that it would be our retirement
home and I expected to retire sometime in 2010.
My decision to retire comes after much prayer,
thoughtful reflection, listening to the experiences of
retired friends, and careful planning. I have a great
feeling of peace about the decision and the future.
Now all of the necessary things have been
completed for my retirement. As Paul said, “I have
fought the good fight. I have finished my course.”
The last thing to accomplish is to tell you that we
love and admire you and say “good by.” August 29
will be my last Sunday at Ascension Episcopal
Church as your Rector.
My soul is filled with gratitude for all those who have
supported me in my ministry with you. I have
considered it a privilege to serve as your Rector and
will always cherish the memories of our time at
Ascension. Be assured that you will remain in our
prayers as we look fondly into the future and take
joy in new glories for the parish. Susan and I will
always hold a special place in our hearts for
Ascension Episcopal Church and all who serve our
Lord through the parish ministries.
Yours in Christ, Walter+

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Ascension Happenings
Alan Burton, Senior Warden
Walter will be leaving for his four week vacation soon and
will return on Sunday, August 29 th to preach his final
sermon before retiring September 1 st . His has served the
Diocese of Texas for thirty-three years and been our
Rector at Ascension since 2001. After the 10:30 service
we will have a luncheon in the Parish Hall to honor Walter
and Susan and send them off on their “golden years”.
Please mark you calendar for August 29 th to attend
services and attend the “bon voyage” party for the Ellis’.
Check your bulletin for more information.
Interim Update
We are waiting for the Diocese to send us the name
and credentials of a Priest to interview for the interim
position. Paul Duncan, Junior Warden, Jack Kennedy,
Treasurer and I will do the initial interview. After the
interview, the Vestry will make the final decision on
hiring. The Interim Priest is devoted to the Worship and
Gospel mission of Ascension plus being a mentor to
Father Doug. The Vestry is responsible for all
business activities and every other aspect of keeping
Ascension moving forward.
Canon Normand is very supportive plus laying out all the
resources available to make the process of calling a new
Priest work. She will meet with the Vestry on August 3rd
to outline the process and answer all questions that will
be asked in regards to the procedures of calling a new
Priest. Then the work begins with the guidance of Mary
MacGregor, Director of Leadership Development. She
will guide and train the Vestry on everything that must be
accomplished before the search begins. We have a lot of
hard work ahead but we are in good hands!
Youth News from Father Doug
Wednesday Bible Study will resume the first Wednesday
in August (4 th ). I will be back on August 1 st and we will
begin to get ready for the Bishops visit. Fr. Doug
Sign Up For Confirmation Classes
Confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, August 1st at
9:30, and will meet in the oratory upstairs in the parish
hall. These classes will meet every Sunday for six
weeks, with the last class meeting on September 5th.
Bishop Rayford High will be at Ascension on Sunday,
September 12 for Confirmation during the 10:30 service.
These classes are open to anyone seeking to be
confirmed, as well as anyone who is interested in
learning more about the Anglican tradition or just wishes
to have a refresher course. All those interested in
Confirmation need to contact Alan Burton as soon as
possible.
Want To Save on Your Energy Bill?
You can now get a bid on your energy cost by going
online or a simple telephone call. As stated before, the
church has authorized TES Energy Services to survey
our energy contracts and needs. Along with this new
association comes with the caveat that our members can
also be part of the process. Here is how to put the
process in action.
Log on www.tesenergyservices.com and at the top, click
on "residential". As that next page appears, fill out the
form. You can disregard "account code" and fill in
Ascension Episcopal Church in the "referred by:" line.
Now choose a date that you want the information and at
the very bottom, choose either no-cost analysis or
change my service. A very simple process. If you do not
want to go online, call 972-447-0447 extension 112 and
ask for Pamela. She will handle everything over the
phone. If you decide to make a change, there are no
forms to fill out and you will be given copies of all
agreements. Why not try it and see the results. Good luck
UPDATE: I just received my first bill after the switch. Not
surprising, it was 30% less than our last bill from Reliant.
Hurricane Season is Approaching
The Disaster Response Committee wishes to remind all
parishioners of the forms now available in the church
narthex:
(1) An Equipment/Service sign-up sheet - will only be
activated for an emergency situation
(2) A Member Assistance Form for those who may
have special needs – due to physical handicaps,
living alone, or a lack of proximity to close friends or
relatives.
Please take one of these forms, fill out as applicable, and
return to the narthex display or the church office.
Remember, this effort is for the benefit of us all. Bob
Harris
Diocese of Texas Website-keep up to date
http://www.epicenter.org/edot/Default.asp
Deadlines to remember
Bulletin: Wednesday, 12 o'clock
Tidings: 15th of each month.

Tidings from Austin
I have made “another trip around the sun,” as
Jimmy Buffett would say. It’s been an amazing
ride and as I write this I am sitting in the library
thinking about the last two years. I could not have
fathomed this journey when I left Houston. It is
nice to sit and write again while listening to a little
Buffett. It feels like this is the first chance I have
really had to relax and reflect with no absolute
purpose in mind. That being said, here’s an
update for what is to come…
I will be entering my senior year in Seminary in the
fall. My class schedule includes; Liturgy II,
Pastoral Care II, History II, The Prophets, Middle
Ages Theology, and Field Education (church
internship). I will continue working at the
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection here in
Austin. Suffice to say it will be a busy schedule.
The Seminary has also changed the Chapel
schedule and so we will have Morning Prayer
every day at 9:30 and Eucharist Daily at 11:15. I
will continue working in the library and in the
Audio Visual department. It is a full schedule
indeed.
Father Walter has always been an advocate for
relaxation, and while that has been a bit harder
concept than some others, I am working on it. I
have been purposeful about taking some time for
fun. What do I do? I play my drums, guitar, and
do some singing. I take my dog Hope for walks. I
play video games. I spend time with the people I
love here in Austin. I play softball. I spend time in
Wimberly with my mom, and watch the deer in her
yard, and eat her food. I spend much of my time
trying to find free things to do and am fairly
successful.
That’s pretty much it for now. I appreciate all your
support and prayers. I miss you all very much and
look forward to visiting Houston at the end of the
summer. Know that you all are in my thoughts
and prayers as well.
Pax Dei
Susan Burnham
Seminary of the Southwest
Dear Parishioners,
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We take the first weeks of August
to prepare our classrooms,
campus, and teachers for the
arrival of our students on Monday,
August 23 rd . We begin our 2010-
11 school year with skilled,
dedicated, teachers and staff, always available to help
our students in all areas of growth.
Our teachers will return the week of August 16 th and
we will join together for an all school chapel service
and breakfast on Wednesday, August 18 th .
An all school Convocation will be on Thursday,
August 26 th . This is a time for all parents to come to
visit the classrooms and see what an exciting year
their student will have in 2010-11. We will have time
for our ECP parents to see classrooms beginning at
6:15 PM and then our parents with children in
Preschool through 5 th grade will meet at 7:00 PM.
We have contracted with a new catering service,
Epicurean Delight to provide healthy, nutritious,
lunches for our students. It is during the school years
that we make the choices that will carry us into our
adult years; we want our student’s food choices to be
balanced and provide energy throughout the day. We
look forward to providing a food selection for our staff
and the church staff as well.
We are looking forward to the 2010-11 school year
and keeping you informed of all our activities,
programs, and chapels. Please join us on any
Tuesday or Friday morning for a chapel service. The
times are 8:30 AM for grades 1-5, and 9:00 AM for
preschool through kindergarten. It will truly make
your day brighter to see our worship time.
In Peace,
Nancy Clausey
Head of School
Tidings by E-mail…
Would you prefer receiving your Tidings by
e-mail? Please notify the church office
(secretary@ascensionhouston.org)
and include your current e-mail address.
It is also available on the
Ascension website. Check it out.

Page 4
Save the Dates…
Cathy Hollowell
Sunday August 22 nd is an
important date for all of us to
remember. It is the day we are
holding a Ministry Fair at Ascension
and having a scrumptious Pot Luck Lunch where we
can show of those recipes we have sent in for the
Cook Book.
Every Ministry is going to have a stall which will
encourage others in the parish to join in and become
more involved. To bring more excitement to the idea
of visiting the stall, Fr Doug has come up with a
brilliant scheme….. each stall will have a pie! So
that we have lots of different flavors please let Claire
know your stall choice!
Pot Luck Lunch is always a huge success and a
great chance to invite your neighbors and friends.
Remember to make enough for more than six not
just enough for yourself! Unless you are on a special
diet and then we understand yours will be a separate
deal.
Parish Life will furnish the bread, tea, lemonade and
coffee. Please remember to bring your food before
the 10:30 AM service as we need time to do set up.
Sometimes latecomers are still wandering in with
delicious food when the majority have gone through
the line – we have plenty of fridge and warming
space so don’t be shy, bring it early.
Calendar Date: Sunday, August 22 nd . Ministry
Fair. Pies and Pot Luck.
Then we have the next Sunday…. August 29 th . We
cannot let that date go without gathering together as
a family for one last time with Walter and Susan Ellis.
We will have a “bon voyage” party …( I do so hate
goodbyes)…. And Parish Life will do the food. We
have not decided what we will be serving yet…so
watch the bulletins for more info.
Calendar Date: Walter Retirement Lunch: Sunday
August 29 th .
**Calendar Date: Sunday: September 12 th .
Confirmation Celebration Lunch with The Bishop.
Very important we have a big attendance, mark your
Calendar.
A Chance To Say Thank You!
EVERYONE -- would you like to honor a special
someone or a special group in the beautiful
cookbook that is being published for our 50 th
Anniversary Celebration?
• A thank you to the Parish Life volunteers
• A thank you to the Breakfast Teams or a
Ministry special to you
• A thank you to our Church Staff, School
Staff , etc.
• A thank you to our ever-faithful Choir
• A great big thank you to someone
special
• A remembrance of the Gourmet Guild
• Other recognitions, such as a memorial for
a loved one
Your expressions of gratitude will be a lasting
remembrance as many years as the Cookbook is
enjoyed by all. What a way to reminisce!
The honorariums, payable to Ascension Church,
are:
$25 for 1/4 page
$50 for 1/2 page
$100 for full page
Please contact Diane Baker at cbaker@hal-pc.org,
or 281-497-4222, and she will be happy to process
your information. This would add so much
meaning to our Cookbook. Please submit by
August 23, 2010.
Cookbook Committee

Out-to-Lunch-Bunch Outing
Monday, August 9th
Out-to-Lunch will meet at Café Pita, located west of Beltway 8
on the north side of Westheimer in the Lakeside Estate strip
shopping center on Walnut Bend Lane. We will try out Bosnian
cuisine this month on August 9 at 11:30 AM. Plan to attend,
meet some new friends, visit with those that you don’t get to see
often, or bring a friend along and enjoy food and fellowship with
the Second Monday Out-To-Lunch-Bunch. Should you have any
questions please phone Carol Smith (713-784-5033) or call
Café Pita at 713-953-7237.
Senior Bus Trip
Wednesday, August 25
Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Episcopal Christ Church Cathedral
We will meet at the Ascension parking lot 8:30-8:50
AM and leave at 9:00 AM. The charge for the day is
$12.00 which includes donations to both churches,
bus fee and lunch for the driver plus any parking fees
we incur. Lunch will be on your own at Treebeards.
Make your check payable to Ascension Episcopal
Church and mail it to Janet Schuck, 9663 Longmont,
Houston, TX 77063-1028 or drop it off at the church office. Your
money is due by Friday, April 13.
Our September 29 trip will be to Bryan-College Station for tours
of the Messina Hof Winery and the Bush Presidential Library.
Kay Wallin, Coordinator
New in the Parish Library …
Men of Ascension
Page 5
The monthly meeting
of Men of Ascension
is on Saturday,
August 14th at 8:30
AM at LaMadeleine
on Westheimer. John Graves will talk on
“Highlights of the Acts of the Apostles.”
Plan now to attend, bring a friend and
join in the fellowship. Questions? Call
Ray Valenti at 281-568-8129.
Daughters of the King
The next meeting of the
Ascension Chapter of the
Daughters of the King will
take place in the church
library on August 14th at
10:00 AM. All ladies are
invited to attend. A part of the program
will be one of sharing. If you are so
called, come prepared to share
something about yourself that others
may not know about you. This is a great
way to get to know each other and to
bond. Another part of the program will
be called this and that. There will be
something for everyone. See you in
August.
Sammie Valenti, President
Finding Sanctuary. Monastic Steps in Everyday Life. by Abbot Christopher Jamison Publisher: Liturgical
Press (October 20, 2006) ISBN-10: 0814631681 ISBN-13: 978-0814631683
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation. by Martin Laird. Publisher: Oxford
University Press, USA (July 1, 2006) ISBN-10: 0195307607 ISBN-13: 978-0195307603
A Monk’s Alphabet: Moments of Stillness in a Turning World. by Jeremy Driscoll. Publisher: New Seeds
(2006) ISBN 1-59030-373-3
Wisdom from the Monastery: A Program of Spiritual Healing. by Peter Sewald, Editor. Publisher: Konecky &
Konecky (November 1, 2004) ISBN-10: 1568524803 ISBN-13: 978-1568524801

Page 6
Paver Purchase
Form
Ascension
Episcopal Church
Memorial Walkway
A Memorial Walkway is
being planned for an area between the Sanctuary and
the Parish Life Bldg. It will be constructed of engraved
pavers and completed by the 50 th Anniversary
Celebration. These pavers can honor someone special
in your life, your family, or pay a tribute to someone with
a relationship to Church of the Ascension. If you would
like to order a Memorial Walkway paver, please
complete the form below.
4 x 8 Paver - $100.00
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Name: __________________________
Address: ________________________
City: _________________________ __
State: ______________________ ____
Home Phone: _________________ ___
Work Phone: _____________________
Email: _________________________ _
□ I would like more information
regarding the columbarium
Andy Smith, Coordinator
A Prayer for the Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in
heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish
family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless,
and restore the penitent. Grant us all things
necessary for our common life, and bring us all to
be of one heart and mind within your holy Church;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Memorial Walkway Pavers
Thus far the following pavers have been purchase
to form a Memorial Walkway on the campus near
the fountain. If you would like to be included by
adding a paver in recognition of your time at
Ascension or in honor or memory of someone that
was significant in your life, please complete the
form and mail it to the church. This project is in
preparation for our 50 th Anniversary celebration
beginning June 2, 2011.
Subscribers to Date
The Agboola Family 2000
Letty and Steve Allen
Marcus Allen Class of 1992
The Jon Benson Family 1980-2000
The Buckleys
Patti Burnham Memorial
The Alan Burton Family
John and Kit Calaway
The Davies Family
Mr and Mrs J E Dinn (Jim and Mary)
The DiPuma Family
Walter and Susan Ellis 2001-2010
Van and Pam Greene
T.C. & Elinor Hornbuckle
In Memory of Greg Johnson 6-18-95
The Kingdon Family 1982-2008
David and Courtney Klager (2)
Toni and Gary Look Marlo Look Gooch
The Lydick Family
Barbara N. Morgan 2001
Jim and June Muncie 1987-2008
Joseph Wesley Murphy 1932-2006
Melissa Frances Murphy 1963-1980
The Paulus Family
John and Linda Pipkin 1977-2010
Giles Rayburn Family
In Memory of Jim Schuck 5-1-80
The Schwabrow Family
In Memory of Don Sears
The Carl Shannons 1966-1970
Andy & Carol Smith Rms. 12:9-13
Sally Steinburger
Keisha and Chelsea Tanner 2010
Elizabeth Till
The Varghese Family 2002-2007
Brooks & Janette Williford

This Month in the Life of Our Parish
Date Time Event Name
8/1/10
10th Sunday after Pentecost
8/2 7:30 PM Men’s Bible Study
8/3 1:00 PM Women’s Bible Study
8/4 5:30 PM Healing Prayer Meeting
6:30 PM Youth Bible Study
7:00 PM Order of St. Luke
7:15 PM Adult Choir
8/5 7:30 PM Lifeline
8/8 11th Sunday after Pentecost
8/9 11:30 AM Out-to-Lunch-Bunch
7:30 AM Men’s Bible Study
8/10 1:00 PM Women’s Bible Study
8/11 5:30 PM Healing Prayer Meeting
6:30 PM Youth Bible Study
7:15 PM Adult Choir
8/14 8:30 AM Breakfast of Champions
10:00 AM Daughter’s of the King
8/15 12th Sunday after Pentecost
8/16 7:30 PM Men’s Bible Study
8/17 1:00 PM Women’s Bible Study
8/18 5:30 PM Healing Prayer Meeting
6:30 PM Youth Bible Study
7:00 PM Order of St. Luke
7:15 PM Adult Choir
13th Sunday after Pentecost
8/22
Ministry Fair & Pot Luck
8/23 7:30 PM Men’s Bible Study
8/24 1:00 PM Women’s Bible Study
8/25 9:00 AM Senior Bus Trip
5:30 PM Healing Prayer Meeting
6:30 PM Youth Bible Study
7:15 PM Adult Choir
14th Sunday after Pentecost
8/29
Walter Retirement Luncheon
8/30 7:30 PM Men’s Bible Study
8/31 1:00 PM Women’s Bible Study
Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:30 AM
Christian Formation for all ages 9:30 AM
**Evening Prayer: Suspended for the summer.**
Coming in September
Bethel Series
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The Old Testament Bethel class will begin
Sunday, September 19, during our Sunday
school hour. This course will consist of twenty
consecutive classes with breaks for
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“The Bethel Series has a unique overview
approach to the Old and New Testaments that
immerses the student in the Bible. It provides
the tool to help establish a biblical knowledge
base; and in the process of the study, the
student lifts from the pages of Scripture the
wonderful story of how God has moved through
history to bring about his plan for salvation.
Herein lies the groundwork for a student’s firm
foundation of faith. The Bethel Series is the
best first step.”
If you would like to register, or would like more
information, please contact Everett Baker (281)
497-4222 or the church office (713)781-1330.
Sunday Morning Opportunities
Adult Christian Formation
Oratory PLB The Gospel according to Matthew
Patrick Schwabrow
Library PLB Breaking the Code
Understanding the Book of Revelation
Van Greene
WHAM Food Drive: We now receive
nonperishable food items for distribution to
those in need in our community every Sunday.
These donated items are moved to the West
Houston Assistance Ministry facility for
distribution by volunteers.
Lifeline is a nondenominational social and
support group for widows and widowers.
Meetings are the first Thursday of each month in
the Parish Hall at 7:30 PM. Please contact
Evelyn at 281-752-8061 for more information.

Church of the Ascension
2525 Seagler
Houston TX 77042-3119
713-781-1330
Fax 713-781-3207
www.ascensionhouston.org
The Vestry
The Rector (Chairman), Alan Burton (Sr. Warden), Paul
Duncan (Jr. Warden), Camilla Nichols (Clerk), Jack
Kennedy (Treasurer), David Bergquist, Van Greene, Bob
Harris, Cathy Hollowell, Jim Jackson, Barbara Morgan,
Lee Nirider, Elizabeth Till, and Brooks Williford
The School Board
The Rector (Chairman), Bob Egan (President), Gemma
Williams (Treasurer), Cindy Cadle, Jim Drake, Kathleen
Hannah, Terry Kahn, Beatriz Menendez, Frank
Schageman, Pamela Schwabrow, Carol Smith, Mike
Smith, David Wilhelm, and Ex–officio members: The Sr.
Warden, The Jr. Warden, Head of School.
Remember Ascension Episcopal
Church and School
in your will.
Staff
The Rev. Dr. Walter L. Ellis, Rector; The
Rev. Douglas Lasiter, Curate; Charles
Jordan, Organist-Choirmaster; Claire
Leeftink, Parish Secretary; Leslie Nirider,
Membership Secretary; Reginald
Johnson, Sexton; John Calaway,
Bookkeeper.
Non-Profit. org
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Houston, TX
Permit # 8112
Our Community Participation
∗ Briar Forest Super Neighborhood
∗ Church Supplies and Services (Houston
Church Co-Op)
∗ Houston Westchase District
∗ West Houston Assistance Ministries
(WHAM)
∗ West Houston Chamber of Commerce
Ascension Disaster Response Committee
Bob Harris 713-443-6567
John Coppock 281-293-0888
Suzanne McMath 832-687-0864
Jim Jackson 713-416-9431
Next Tidings Deadline—
August 15th
Our Vision Statement
Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will grow as a Christcentered,
biblically oriented, Anglican congregation. We will reach
out:
∗ to nurture and care for our parishioners of all ages,
∗ to compassionately serve the community and
∗ to support, strengthen and enlarge Ascension Episcopal School