Chuck Colson, Rector
The Rev. Chuck Colson is a native of North Carolina, and a graduate of Furman University and Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando, FL. Before coming to Arlington, Chuck worked with a university-based ministry seeking to present the gospel to students and equip Christians for transformational ministry through the local church. He also served for several years as an assistant pastor at a large church in Memphis, TN. Chuck likes studying the Bible, particularly the apostle Paul, taking a jog, reading good literature, and hanging out with his friends and neighbors. He, and his wife Melissa, have three kids – Sim, Ware, and McKenzie.
Alicia Luschei, Parish Administrator
Born and raised in southern California, Alicia moved eastward following graduation from Wheaton College (IL) to attend the Trinity Forum Academy (TFA) on the Eastern Shore of MD. It was there that she first encountered Anglicanism, old hymns set to new tunes and the beauty of liturgy. Alicia was part of the core group that helped to launch Church of the Ascension in January 2009. Prior to working for Ascension, Alicia worked in the non-profit sector for several years assisting various executives in a myriad of ways. When not working or studying, Alicia enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, hiking, discussing theology, letter writing, baking, traveling, hanging out with friends, and holding little ones.
Rachel Wilhelm, Music Director
Rachel was raised in southern California and met her husband, Joel, in southern Idaho before moving to northern Virginia with three kids – Tim, Liam, and Eden. Rachel and her family were members of The Church of the Resurrection in D.C. during the church’s early days, where she was on the music team. Rachel and her family started attending Ascension in August 2010 and she took on the role of Music Director in January 2011. When she is not leading music and enjoying the congregation singing, she is making soap, re-tuning hymns, teaching literature, tutoring her kids, or sneaking chocolate. She also enjoys telling the long stories over a cup of coffee.
Andrew Litke, Curate
After spending most of his childhood in South Carolina, Andrew graduated from Furman University and Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando, FL. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Semitic Languages and Literature at the Catholic University of America. Andrew and his wife, Dana, started attending Ascension in August 2009, shortly after moving to the DC area. He has participated in short term mission work in Africa and served as a ministry intern at a church in Orlando, FL. Since joining Ascension, Andrew has served on the music team and as a small group facilitator, and after a few years in these roles he decided to get even more involved. He enjoys all things sports related, studying the Old Testament, learning obscure ancient languages, and playing the cello.
The Parish Council is the primary leadership body of our church, composed of both clergy and elected lay members. The lay members serve three-year terms, and take up specific responsibilities for the administration and leadership of Ascension.
David Griffith, Rector’s Warden
David and his wife, Michelle, began attending Church of the Resurrection in 2007. At the time he had no intention of becoming Anglican or of getting involved in church leadership. But when Rez started talking about a church plant in Northern VA, he was the first to sign up! He served as an usher, greeter, chalice bearer, prayer minister, nursery worker, small group leader and husband to the Parish Administrator before becoming Rector’s Warden. David is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia. He and Michelle have two children.
Mari Alexander
Mari and her family have attended Ascension since its beginning in 2009, having moved to Arlington as the church was being planted. After graduating from Wheaton College in 1998, living the fun, single life in Boston for a good many years, and graduating from The University of Michigan Business School in 2004, Mari married Tim Alexander and settled into “adult life” in Boston. About a year later Mari and Tim moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and – six years and three children later – they’re still in Virginia, and enjoying most everything about it. Mari stays home with Simon (5), Calvin (3), and Molly (1) and, in her spare time, helps runs a small monogramming and embroidery business. Mari and Tim are grateful every day for their church home and community at Ascension, and are enthusiastic about raising their children alongside the other crazy (and wonderful!) families at the church.
Elisa Scheuer, Treasurer
Originally from Houston, Elisa landed in the DC area in 2006 because it was the most populous area where she could practice law with a Virginia license. She joined Church of the Resurrection on Capitol Hill, but moved across the river shortly after Ascension was planted in 2009. Elisa didn’t think she’d ever be so involved with a church, but has enjoyed the opportunity to serve as treasurer and be a part of the Ascension community. Elisa and her husband, Scott, spend their time renovating a 70 year old townhouse, but try to regularly clear the dust so they can host their friends and neighbors. The Scheuers live in Alexandria with their son Henry, and Sadie the wonder dog.
Tim Luepke
Tim Luepke is a native of Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Business and has a Master's from Biola University in Intercultural Studies. Tim works in the in hospitality industry as a general manager of conferencing and events, currently at a government agency. Before coming to the DC area, Tim spent a few years as an overseas missionary – serving in the country of China. He also served a few years in a discipleship training school focusing on prayer ministry as an extension of his home church in Wisconsin. In his free time, he helps his wife run a small business, enjoys mountain biking, and playing any competitive sport. He, and his wife Dawn, have three kids – Emma, Aiden & Ethan.
Alicia Luschei, Parish Administrator
Born and raised in southern California, Alicia moved eastward following graduation from Wheaton College (IL) to attend the Trinity Forum Academy (TFA) on the Eastern Shore of MD. It was there that she first encountered Anglicanism, old hymns set to new tunes and the beauty of liturgy. Alicia was part of the core group that helped to launch Church of the Ascension in January 2009. Prior to working for Ascension, Alicia worked in the non-profit sector for several years assisting various executives in a myriad of ways. When not working or studying, Alicia enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, hiking, discussing theology, letter writing, baking, traveling, hanging out with friends, and holding little ones.