Music & Worship Arts
At Church of the Ascension, we believe that artists of all disciplines are called to use the gifts they have been given to bless the world, edify the church, and give a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. As a music and worship arts ministry, our hope is to provide resources that will draw all people, artists and non-artists alike, closer to the Triune God - - - Creator, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
Ways to Serve
Choirs
Our church hosts two choirs, adult and childrens (Pre-K through 5th grade). Adult choir rehearses Thursday nights (7pm) for the 11am service. New members welcome! Email Chris Massa for more info.
Music Team
The Music Team is a blend of vocalists and various instrumentalists (piano, guitar, bass, cello, etc.). We rehearse Wednesday nights, and help lead music during the 9am and 11am services. Masking currently required. Contact Chris Massa for more info.
Tech Team
Video and sound techs are integral members of our worship services. Training occurs alongside more tenured techs across multiple services. To serve on the sound team, contact John Dellape. To serve with our video/livestream, contact Benn Wilson.
Bulletin Covers
Visual artists are invited to submit artwork in high-resolution digital format for consideration for our weekly church bulletin covers. These bulletin covers not only provide visual framework for our services, but can also be taken home as a form of Visio Divina (similar to Lectio Divina). Email Stacey Regan for more information.
Seasonal Initiatives
The Holy Spirit continues to pour out inspiration for new projects. Visit Ascension's announcement page for more info or email Elise Massa if you'd like to be added to our artists' email blast which alerts artists to upcoming projects.
Prelude Music
The preludes during our 10am livestream services are an opportunity to help worshippers calm their hearts and minds, and redirect their focus on Christ's love. Contact Chris Massa if interested.
Current & Upcoming Events
The Sounds of Easter
Listen to the sounds of the Easter season featuring songs from our repertoire and others that may be formative this season. From chant to folk to gospel to choral, these songs are meant to be a companion to all of us as we seek to follow Jesus in the way of the cross. Click the image on the left to be directed to our Easter playlist.
Glass Hallway Gallery
Each year, artists from our congregation design our Good Friday Stations of the Cross (click here to see this year's stations). In addition to these pieces, members of our congregation submitted additional works for our Glass Hallway Gallery. These art pieces will remain available for viewing throughout Eastertide. May walking The Way of the Cross be a physical practice to remember that, like Jesus, we must walk our own road of suffering before entering into glory.
What is Knotweed?
Artist Nathan Van Patter creates art that reflects the grit and dignity of the people and landscape around him. His piece "Knotweed" is our Lenten art installment which you can find in the Nave. This piece is part of an upcoming gallery show that features 40 other pieces inspired by Nathan's neighborhood of Braddock. Read more about this piece and other artwork at his website.
Holy Week Art Series
Amy Foster has created a Holy Week series which also incorporates botany in its figures. Regarding her artistic process, Amy says, “ I am not an iconographer in the strict sense of the word, but I am inspired by the way that icon writing brings spiritual meaning into every part of the process. For example, when placing gold leaf, the sizing (glue) is applied very thinly and dries quickly. Before applying the leaf one must draw near to the painting and breathe on it… the moisture is enough to activate the glue again. Underneath that bodily act is a spiritual parallel of God breathing life into us, which we pass onto our own creative work.” See more of Amy's work by clicking the picture (left).
Discipleship Through the Arts
Interested in learning more about the stories and histories associated with the songs that we use in worship? Check out our page, "Song Stories."
United Adoration
United Adoration is a global non-profit with the mission to "revitalize the creativity of the local church by empowering artists to write music & create art in their own language, culture, and context." As partners with UA, we invite all Ascension artists to engage in regular online Creative Sessions, Worship Art Shares, or occasional in-person retreat days to connect & collaborate with our Creator and local artist community in making beautiful art. Register here! It's free!