Ascension Episcopal Church

Amherst, Virginia


A parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.

All are welcome!

The mission of Ascension Church is to worship God, guided by the Spirit, by the love and teachings of Jesus, and by Episcopal tradition; to love and support one another as Christ loves us; and to support and serve our neighbors in Amherst and beyond.

Join us for in-person worship every Sunday at 11 a.m. 

Live stream every Sunday  on Ascension Episcopal Church Facebook page


Upcoming Events:


HOMECOMING - Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Come celebrate 175 years of serving God and community. Free hot dogs, cake and ice cream. Bingo at 1:30 p.m. Prizes. 50/50 Raffle.


BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. All pets are welcome  and must be in pet crates/carriers or on leashes. First 25 pets will receive a St. Francis Pendant. Blessings performed by The Reverend Jeannette Pillsbury. Partnering with Humane Society of Amherst County. Rain or Shine. Donations of items needed at the animal shelter are welcomed. For a complete list of items, click here.  For more information, please contact the church at ascensionoffice55@gmail.com.

Regular Activities

We are meeting in person, Sundays at 11 a.m. Please join us! 

The Rev. Jeannette Pillsbury,  our priest for pastoral care, is available in the Parish Hall each Tuesday. 

The men’s breakfast meets every Friday morning in the Parish Hall. Coffee call at 7:30 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m. Bible study at 8:30 a.m. Contact Kinny Kinnier for information.

The choir rehearses on Fridays at 1 p.m. 

Our centering prayer group welcomes everyone. We meet virtually on Saturdays at 8 a.m. Contact Dena Lee for information.

Join our Meals On Wheels group! Email John Vandervelde to learn more, or just come to the Parish Hall kitchen every second Friday of the month at 3:15 p.m. to help prepare meals.

Women's Bible Study group will meet on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall starting Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Contact Zoe Rogers.

Sacred Fire: The Music of Harry T. Burleigh

Highlights from the first in a series of musical events commemorating 175 years of service at Ascension Episcopal Church of Amherst, Virginia.

Visit from Jenni Faires

Brooke Vandervelde, Ascension's Music Director, Jenni Faires, DIOSWVA Canon for Evangelism & Youth Ministry, and Dena Lee.