Our Pastor
Pastor Kayla Hopgood began serving Ascension Lutheran Church in August 2023. She completed her Masters of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and is trained as a spiritual director through Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development. Prior to discerning a call to ministry, she worked as a fundraiser for nonprofits focused on educational equity. Pastor Kayla lives in Ewing, NJ with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Miles Hopgood and their two young children. Together they enjoy caring for their chickens, exploring hiking trails nearby, and hosting dinner parties at their home.
To contact Pastor Kayla, email pastor.kayla.alc@gmail.com.
Our Music Director
Peter de Mets
Peter leads our choir and congregation in song on Sunday mornings and plays the piano. When not at Ascension, he is a freelance composer, tenor soloist, and conductor.
Our Church Administrator
Ginny Kraft lives in Washington Crossing with her husband Mark. She is a graduate of West Chester University (Music) and Liberty Theological Seminary (Theology.) Before coming to Ascension, Ginny spent many years as the Choir and Theatre Director at South Brunswick High School in New Jersey. She has one son, Kyle, who is married.
Our BOOKKEEPER
Beth Peroni retired from her role as bookkeeper for the New Jersey Synod ELCA in 2015. She is a member of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing, NJ where she serves on the Congregational Council and as Chairperson of Christian Education. Beth has two children and five grandchildren. She enjoys camping with family, walking, and reading.
our Bell Choir Director
Risë Kagan-Erickson has been singing sacred music and opera theater since her college days at Montclair State in New Jersey. Handbells were added to the mix while she was living in Germany in the 1990, directing, playing in ensembles and solo ringing. Risë is pleased to come back to Ascension and revitalize the bell choir. She currently lives in Morrisville with her husband, Clipper Erickson.
Our Church Council
2024-2025 Church Council
Mark Schultz, Secretary - Tony Eith, Leslie Gallant, Treasurer - Tom Desmond , The Rev Kayla Hopgood, Vice President - Sheryl White, Eric Stark, President - John Carducci and Monica Orth not pictured