Dear People of the Church of the Ascension:

I am delighted to greet you as your incoming Priest-in-Charge! Over the past months of prayer, conversation, and discernment, it has become clear to me that the Holy Spirit is indeed alive and moving among you. I am honored to walk alongside you in this next chapter of faithful ministry.

A bit about me: I spent 30 years as a touring musician, during which time I met and married my wife, Cristin; our two grown children live in the Edgewater neighborhood. I studied at General Seminary in New York City, and was ordained in our Diocese in 2009. My first call was to St. Patrick in Brunswick for 3 years as Priest-in-Charge. After two more years of full-time touring, I accepted a call as Rector to St. Timothy’s in Massillon, where I’ve served for the past 10 years. I currently serve on the Standing Committee, am secretary of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, and was elected Deputy for next year’s General Convention.

What I love about Ascension is your ongoing unconditional welcome, your deep regard for caring for people of all abilities and ages, and your desire to reconnect with the local community. I admire your passion to grow more fully into the community God is calling you to be, and I am eager to join you as we follow Jesus and listen for that call, responding together with courage and joy.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be saying farewell to my current community and preparing for our new beginning. I look forward to meeting you all—through worship, conversation, and shared ministry—and discovering all that God has in store for us.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Faithfully,

The Rev. George R. Baum

Incoming Priest-in-Charge