Episcopal Church of the Ascension - Vestavia Hills, AL | Podcast on RSS.com

Episcopal Church of the Ascension - Vestavia Hills, AL

Episcopal Church of the Ascension - Vestavia Hills, AL

by Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Christianity Spirituality

Season 4

The Reverend Emily Collette | July 19, 2026 | Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

In Matthew 13;24-30, 36-43, we get a rare glimpse of Jesus explaining his parable to us. Jesus tells the crowd about a farmer sowing wheat, while his enemy follows and sows weeds among the wheat. The Farmer allows both to grow simultaneously, then separates them at harvest time. Have a listen to the Reverend Emily Collette's sermon on God's pursuit of us and invitation to do Holy work with God. Click here for the Sermon transcript

On the Road Again | If I'm already spiritual, then why do I have to show up on Sundays?

On this episode of "On the Road Again," Emily and Jack to discuss the difference between spirituality and religion, and the purpose of being in a Christian community. Jack and Emily suggest that people drift from organized religion due to hypocrisy or institutional harm, but argue that true spirituality still relies on community, as God's own nature (and humanity's design) is inherently communal. Flipping the question, they discuss how religion can lose its spiritual core when it becomes a tool for power and self-righteousness, as seen with the Pharisees. Ultimately, they argue church membership matters because it de-centers the self. Dive in for inspiration and encouragement! On the next episode, Ashley Monachelli with join Emily to discuss the Eucahrist.

The Reverend Jack Alvey | July 12, 2026 | Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Click Here to View the Sermon Transcript Click Here to View the Bulletin & Announcements

The Reverend Jack Alvey | June 28, 2026 | Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The Reverend Jack Alvey | June 28, 2026 | Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Click Here for the Sermon Transcript

On the Road Again | Why did Jesus have to die? And why does it matter?

Jack Alvey is joined by his seminary friend the Reverend Geoff Evans, Rector of St. James Parish in Jackson, Mississippi, for a conversation on one of the most contested questions in Christian theology: why did Jesus have to die, and why does it matter? From a controversial seminary T-shirt to Wendell Berry's Battle of the Bulge, the conversation ranges widely — but keeps returning to the same center: the cross is where God's justice and mercy meet, and where everything gets reorganized.

The Reverend Jack Alvey | June 21, 2026 | Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

"It costs something to follow Jesus...but what we gain is the peace that passes all understanding." Link to Sermon Transcript

The Rev. Emily Collette | June 14, 2026 | Third Sunday after Pentecost

"Like those first few disciples, God calls us by name, too, into work that is wondrous and challenging and far too important to ignore. " The Reverend Emily Collette Link to Sermon Transcript

On the Road Again | Do I have to take the Bible literally? What about the parts that make me wince?

How many books are in the Bible? Depends on who you ask. Jack and Emily explore what it means to take scripture seriously — from the ancient heresy of picking and choosing (looking at you, Marcion and Thomas Jefferson) to the four senses of reading scripture, why Genesis starts with two different creation stories, and what to do when Jesus says things like "gouge out your eye." Along the way: what Episcopalians actually promise about the Bible, why "literal" is the wrong question, and why the parts that make you wince might be exactly where the gospel is working on you. Intro and outro music: "Fiddle String" by Francie Roy Williams, courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

On the Road Again | Why Does God Care the Episcopal Church Exists?

On the Road Again is a summer podcast from Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Each episode, The Rev. Jack Alvey and The Rev. Emily Collette take up one of the big questions of the Christian faith. Wherever you are this summer, we're glad you're with us! Episode 1: Why Does God Care the Episcopal Church Exists? Music Credit Intro and outro music: "Fiddle String" by Francie Roy Williams, courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

The Rev. Jack Alvey - June 7, 2026 - Second Sunday after Pentecost

Click here to view bulletin and announcements for 6.07.26: https://irp.cdn-website.com/16713e9c/files/uploaded/PDF+6+7+26+2nd+Sunday+after+Pent.+1030+Service+Bulletin+copy.pdf

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