Visitation: Church of the Ascension in Dallas
Bishop Rob Price visited the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Dallas on Sunday where he confirmed eight youth.
This church was full of children on Sunday morning with several serving in the acolyte corps. Many of them chatted with the bishop after the service before running off to other activities. Both youth and adults asked the bishop questions about his pontificalia and he was happy to provide the history and meaning.
During the service members of this parish were enthusiastic about their new bishop, applauded him twice and provided a huge reception of wonderful food and community. Cookies, cake and a catered buffet of rice, vegetables fish and beef filled the parish hall as folks gathered, ate and visited with the bishop and one another.
“I was moved by the welcome I received and the joy I experienced at Ascension,” Bishop Price said. “Their service music was especially impressive, with a full choir and gifted organist. Even more winsome was the engagement and friendliness of the parish, children and youth confirmands. I am grateful for Father Oliver Butler’s stewardship of the parish during the interim period, and look forward to Ascension's flourishing with Mother Rebecca Tankersley’s leadership.”
This church is abuzz with mission work, evangelism and all good things. While these believers want the world to know about Jesus, they are also passionate about making sure people have the physical sustenance of life - food and water. They routinely provide water for the neighborhood Sand Branch in Dallas County where there is no potable water. They raise money, haul heavy cases of water and build relationships in that community that has been long neglected and marginalized.
The parish also grows a garden where some of the proceeds go to the parish food pantry. On Sunday it was full of vegetables and herbs. The garden recently provided leafy greens to the bags of food given away to those in need. The church also purchases from wholesale dealers with parish funds, and procures more items from regional charity sources. This food ministry is operated with love by volunteers including Janice Truitt who said it changed her life. She started volunteering to run the ministry two years ago. "All people need love," she said. "This is what I could do to help others." Truitt and her husband lost their son a few years ago and were going to church while grieving their loss. Two years ago she thought she was finally in a place to help others. "For my husband and I, it gave us great purpose," Truitt said. "It increased our own meaning of life, and it brought healing."
There is not shortage of wonderful stories and ministries at this parish. These followers of Christ love others with their whole hearts and live that out daily. The Diocese is grateful for all of the spiritual gifts they bring to each other and their community.