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WHAT TO EXPECT ON A SUNDAY VISIT

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are located at 726 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601 Click here to find us on Google Maps. Our parking is located across the street from the church building. Handicap accessible parking is located within the semi-circular driveway leading up to the church building.



Where should I go?

Our current Sunday worship schedule:

  • 8:00 AM Service – Sanctuary (Zone B on the Map)
  • 10:30 AM Service – Memorial Garden (Located between Zones B and E) During inclement weather, this service meets in the Sanctuary (Zone B)
Other Sunday Morning Activities (Not happening During COVID)
  • Nursery Care – Nursery (Zone A)
  • Parish Breakfast – Parish Hall (Zone E)
  • Adult Sunday School – Chapel (Zone C)
  • Children’s Sunday School – Children’s Chapel (Zone A)



What should I wear?

There is no dress code at Ascension. Please come in whatever you are most comfortable wearing. You will find people wearing suits, you will find people wearing shorts and sandals, and everything else in-between. All are welcome in God’s house.



What should I bring?

Bring yourself! You do not need to bring anything to worship with us at Ascension. Our worship bulletin provides all the information you will need to follow along with the service. For outside worship, many people prefer to bring their own lawn chair. We have chairs available for those who need them. If you are able, please bring your own.



What will worship look like?

Worship in the Episcopal Church has a wonderful structure to it, which you may find similar to worship in other Christian denominations - both Catholic and Protestant. While COVID has made some changes to certain aspects, the core of our worship has not changed. There is lots of music, prayer, and silence. We livestream our services, which is a great way to check-out our community before you come. You can find the most recent service on our Worship page. The brief structure below gives a snapshot of our worship.

  • Gather: We come together as individuals for a time of intentional worship as the body of Christ.
  • The Word: We reflect on the Word of God by listening to the Holy Scriptures and listening to a sermon prepared by a member of the clergy. In the light of the Word of God, we pray for the life of the world.
  • The Table: After we reflect on the Word of God, we come to the Table and receive the Holy Communion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bread and Wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ, which we receive as signs of God’s love, grace, and presence in our lives.
  • Dismissal: Having reflected on the Word of God, and having been renewed by receiving Holy Communion, we are sent out to be the Body of Christ working in the world in the diverse and varied contexts from which we came.



Do I need to be an Episcopalian to attend?

Our church is open to all. You do not need to be an Episcopalian to attend worship. All Baptized Christians are welcome to partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion, regardless of denomination.



Have another question not listed here? Our clergy and staff would be happy to meet with you. Feel free to contact us beforehand, or say hello when you come on a Sunday!