Plan Your Visit

Welcome to the Church of the Ascension in Knoxville!
Located at 800 S. Northshore Dr., we’re an inclusive Episcopal community inviting you to join us in worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Our Sunday services are at 8:00am and 10:30am (10:00 in the Summer), with Christian formation for all ages beginning at 9:15am. Whether you’re new to church or looking for a new spiritual home, you’ll find a warm, welcoming place to explore faith, ask questions, and connect with others.

Faith is something we live together here. Our ministries support children, youth, adults, and families, offering meaningful ways to get involved through worship, music, service, study, and prayer. We encourage you to come as you are—bringing your story, your questions, and your hopes—and discover a community ready to walk alongside you as you grow in your spiritual journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

865.588.0589

Info@knoxvilleascension.org

We understand that it can feel awkward to go somewhere new, to be uncertain of the local traditions, to be unsure what to do and when to do it. We hope you’ll find the answers below help you enjoy your visit to Ascension with a calm heart, but if if you have any questions before you visit us, we invite you to call or email the office. Our greeters and ushers are also happy to assist you when you arrive.

What is the Sunday Schedule?

Our general Sunday Schedule:
Rite I Holy Eucharist (no music), 8:00am, Nave (Sanctuary)
Godly Play, K-2nd grade, 9:15am, Room 203
Tween Sunday School, Grades 3-5, 9:15am, Room 209
Youth Sunday School, Grades 6-12, 9:15am, Room 107
Adult Formation, 9:15am, Parish Hall and various rooms
Rite II Holy Eucharist (with music), 10:30am (10:00 in the summer), Nave (Sanctuary)
Children’s Church, 10:45am, Room 211

What is the difference between the two services?

There are two Sunday services -- a smaller, quiet, Rite I service at 8:00am and a larger Rite II service with choir and congregational hymns at 10:30am (In the summer the late service is earlier, at 10:00am). Both services include readings from holy scripture, a sermon, prayers, and Holy Eucharist (communion).

What should I wear?

Dress varies at Ascension. You will see some folks in dresses and suits and others dressed more casually. From business casual to your “Sunday Best,” all are equally welcome. You are welcome here no matter what you wear, so wear whatever lets you worship comfortably!

Where do I park?

From Northshore Drive, follow the curved drive around to the “back” of the building where our main building entrances are. There are parking lots at the back and to the side of the building. View our campus map here.

What happens when I arrive?

Take the sidewalks to the main entrance - look for the three glass doors at the circular drive. View our campus map here.

Whether you’re attending the 8:00am service or the 10:30am service in the nave (sanctuary), an usher will greet you near the door and offer you a worship bulletin that includes all of the details of the service: the prayers, responses, scripture lessons, hymns, etc. and when we sit or stand. Find a seat anywhere you are comfortable and prepare for worship to begin. The bulletin is all you need to follow along and join in worship, and we worship as a community!

What about my kids?

Children are always welcome in worship, but should you want it, we also have a nursery available for children ages four and under, beginning at 9:00am. We share a Bible story, a craft, play time and a snack.

From September through May we offer Sunday school at 9:15am for youth and children ages 3 and up.

During the 10:30am service, Children’s Church is offered for children age five through 5th grade. After the Collect of the Day in worship, one of our junior acolytes will guide the children out of the worship service to the Children’s Church room. If you or your child would prefer, please feel free to walk your child from worship to Children’s Church. We value your child’s comfort and safety. Kids rejoin their families just before communion.

Am I expected to do all the bowing and gestures, etc?

No. You don’t have to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you're not accustomed to bowing, making the sign of the cross, etc., don’t feel you must (some Episcopalians don’t). No one will be keeping score. In fact, we take great pride in the freedom of expression allowed in the Episcopal Church. You are welcome to either stand or kneel when it is indicated - you will see people doing both.

May I receive Holy Communion?

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the consecrated bread and wine with us from the Lordʼs Table. At the altar rail, place one hand over the other palm – palms up. The Host (wafer) will be placed in your hand. To receive the consecrated Wine, grasp the base of the Eucharistic cup with one hand when it is presented to you, helping the minister to guide it to your lips. If you are not comfortable receiving communion, or would prefer to receive a blessing, simply cross your arms across your chest when you come to the altar rail, and one of our clergy will offer a blessing instead of bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sunday Schedule?

What is the difference between the two services?

What should I wear?

Where do I park?

What happens when I arrive?

What about my kids?

Am I expected to do all the bowing and gestures, etc?

May I receive Holy Communion?

Parking & Directions

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