ASCENSION
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE
Rev. Jenny Newman
Rector
Jenny began as our Priest-in-Charge and USM Chaplain after graduating Seminary of the Southwest in June 2021 and was called as Rector in September 2023. She believes the gifts of our congregation – hospitality and compassion in particular – offer just what the world needs most. After all, who isn’t longing for true community? There is no greater joy for Jenny than to see others recognize their belovedness and belonging.
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As the chaplain for Canterbury: The Episcopal Church at the University of Southern Mississippi, Jenny enjoys meeting students and walking alongside them as they continue to discover who and whose they are and what they want to do in their one wild and precious life. She also forms half of the duo behind Little Coracles, LLC, a ministry dedicated to holy adventure. In that work, she and Rev. Jennifer Deaton lead pilgrims to thin places like Iona and Ireland.​ Previously, she worked in neurocognitive research at UMMC in Jackson, MS, and also taught psychology and counseling at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS and Belhaven University in Jackson, MS.
Jenny’s best mate is Bailey, her 12 year old Westie, who has become the unofficial greeter at the church office. Bailey warmly welcomes all who enter, and she often charges them a tax comprised totally of attentive petting. In her downtime, Jenny finds inspiration with her nephews and niece in her kayak or while hiking.
The Rev. Deacon Jan Moore
Jan Is a graduate of the A.C. Marble School for Theological Formation. She was ordained in 2018 and has served as deacon at Trinity Episcopal Church, Hattiesburg, and at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Columbia, prior to being assigned to Church of the Ascension. As coordinator of outreach, Jan brings the needs of the world to the church and works with members to serve the hungry, lonely, sick and poor in our community. She also serves as acolyte master and coordinator of our lay Eucharistic visitor ministry. Outside of church, Jan is a licensed professional counselor and has her own private practice in Hattiesburg.