Our staff and parish leadership are available to speak with you about Ascension Church
and learn more about your spiritual and pastoral needs.
Following is a listing of our contact information:
The Rev. Dr. Joan E. Beilstein, Rector
About the Rector....I am a native Washingtonian and cradle Episcopalian. I earned my Masters in Divinity degree (M.Div.) from The General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1993 and my Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.) from The Virginia Theological Seminary in 2007. Other training includes Interim Ministry Specialist and a Cerfiticate in Pastoral Psychotherapy. I have been an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church for over 20 years. During this time, I have served as a chaplain in hospitals, mental health facilities, and senior living centers; as an interim rector assisting churches to move through times of transition when there is change in leadership; and as a rector, with my tenure at Ascension approaching nine years. In addition to parish ministry, I am a seasoned retreat leader, spiritual director, counselor, and mentor. One of my loves is offering my gift of writing and poetry to the church. It is an honor and privilege to serve God's people, do ministry with them, and walk along side them no matter where our spiritual journeys lead us in this life and the next.
David Cato, Director of Music Ministries
About the Minister of Music......David Cato joined Church of the Ascension in July of 2008 as Minister of Music and Organist. With over 35 years experience in church music with various denominations across the country applying a strong expertise in choral music development, he enjoys the ministry of Ascension and the musical ministries it offers its parishioners. At Ascension, David conducts the Summer Music Symposium for all musicians who wish to learn to read music and sing. He also teaches voice and piano at the church and is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, Potomac Chapter.
The Rev. Terri Murphy, Deacon & Director of Religious Education
About our Deacon and Director of Religious Education.......Terri is a native New Englander and single mother of three grown children: Adam of Winston-Salem, NC; Colleen of Silver Spring, MD and Leigh of No. Palm Beach, FL. She resides in Germantown, MD. Terri has had a few different career paths, including educational counselor/psychometrist, hospital chaplain and at-home mom. Terri also practices spiritual direction, having been trained with the Shalem Institute. Terri joined the staff of Ascension in 2009 and now serves as both Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education. She graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with an MTS (Master of Theological Studies) and was ordained in September, 2012 in the first class of Vocational Deacons in the Diocese of Washington.
Vickie Timberlake, Administrative Assistant
Parish office hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
OUR VESTRY
Anne LeVeque, Senior Warden
Dick Marks, Junior Warden
Peter Chang, Assistant Treasurer (non-Vestry)
Diane Martin, Treasurer (non-Vestry)
Mary Fromyer, Secretary (non-Vestry)
Vestry Members
Ed Bordley
Emily Clough
Christopher Hinton
Christine Parker Hunt
Lucio Morales
Carol Schowbel
Andreas Smith
Jacki Smith
Blaise Strandquist
Denise Young
