Evangelism
Leader Name: Suzan Fenner Contact email: fennersuzan@tx.rr.com Contact Telephone: Contact office for telephone information

"why this is a fantastic ministry": We help welcome people to Ascension so that they can experience Christ's love in a multicultural community of Christians; we help newcomers get to know others in the parish and become a part of the parish family; and we help people learn ways to share their faith with others.

What it involves:

Guest Ministry - Greeters serve before and after each church service to welcome guests, answer their questions, and help them enjoy their visit to Ascension. Greeters are usually scheduled to serve at one worship service per month. The Guest Ministry also offers a Newcomers Tour of the Ascension facilities on the first Sunday of each month immediately after the 10:15 service. If you are friendly and like to help people feel comfortable in new environments, this ministry is for you!

Newcomers Ministry - This ministry is focused on helping newcomers become more fully incorporated into parish life. Activities include periodic dinners for newcomers and smaller group activities designed to help newcomers get to know each other and other members of the parish. We also pair some newcomers with parishioners who will help answer their questions and help them get to know others at Ascension. Participation can be on a one-time or regular basis. If you like to help plan or prepare food for group dinners once or twice a year, or if you like to participate in social events with newcomers, this ministry is for you. If you want to form a relationship with a newcomer to help the newcomer become a part of the parish life, this ministry is for you, too!

Special Events - This ministry plans and implements special events or participation in events sponsored by other community organizations to help raise community awareness of Ascension. Examples are booths at street carnivals or other community events. If you like to have fun and enjoy working with others at fun events, this ministry is for you! Participation can be on a one-time or regular basis.

Communications - This ministry develops brochures and DVDs about Ascension, mailings and other communications to make guests and the community aware of all Ascension has to offer. If you have skills in communications, video, art, or graphics, this ministry can use your skills to help make Ascension better known in the community. Single projects or longer term responsibilities are available.

Sharing Faith with Others - Many people find it difficult to discuss matters of faith with friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We at Ascension do not believe that we are here to "sell Christianity" or to pressure people to make any specific profession of faith. Rather, we believe that we can all learn how to feel comfortable with discussing our faith with others. The Evangelism Team at Ascension offers periodic training on how to tell others about your faith, how to have important conversations in a non-threatening manner on topics that really matter, and how to discuss faith topics with others without shutting down avenues of communication.

Training Provided:
The Evangelism Team offers periodic training for Greeters and others who are interested in making sure that Ascension is a welcoming community. We also offer periodic training on how to share your faith.

Where to go for additional information:
For more information, about becoming a Greeter, please contact Lanny Ross at 214-336-66179 or lannyross@tx.rr.com. For other information on other topics, please contact Suzan Fenner.