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Transform Lives
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November 10, 2004 Dear Ascension Family: As 2004 draws to a close, we reflect on the many blessings at Ascension. We celebrate the renovations to the sanctuary; the construction of our pipe organ; the development of adult education classes; our sexton, Ben Benham and our youth minister, Simon Dixon; and the Saturday @ Six worship service. We are excited about Ascension Outbound helping us to go out to make a bigger difference in our neighborhood. Our children have been touched by the addition of outdoor education to the Sunday School program – using our wonderful property to learn about God’s creation. We are grateful for our continuing ministries – Feed the Homeless at the Austin Street Center; the Dinka worship and Igbo study; music program, EYC, Wednesday Night Community Dinner; Stephen Ministry; African Night; Theater Guild; Altar Guild; Children’s Chapel; pastoral care; Newcomers Ministry; ushers, acolytes, lay eucharistic ministers, and all the many other ministries. We head into 2005 with excitement about the work God will do among and through Ascension. In 2005, we will worship in a renewed sanctuary with the new organ. We will work to deepen relationships within the parish. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to making Christ’s love and compassion known within the parish in order that we might be strengthened to show forth that love in the world. We want you to be part of this wonderful work! In the days before Multicultural Thanksgiving and In-Gathering of Pledges on November 21, 2004, we ask you to consider your blessings from God, say your prayers, and out of this gratitude - make your pledge. Our ministries are made possible by the pledges and gifts of members of the Ascension family – you! Your gift enables Ascension to do the work God has given us to do in 2005. Each gift is vital. Your vestry is in the process of evaluating budget requests and needs to prepare the 2005 budget. The vestry relies on your pledge and gifts to the church. Your written pledge to contribute a specific amount for the year 2005 to fund God’s work in and through Ascension allows the vestry and staff to estimate what our parish will be able to accomplish in 2005. If we cannot estimate our income, then we cannot discern which ministries we will be able to fund. Your pledge is an estimate of giving that enables us to plan effectively for the coming year. These are exciting days at Ascension. We have the chance to share the gift of a strong church with others and to build a legacy for future generations. With your commitment and support, you will be reaching out to transform the lives of others. With your generosity and faith, the life you transform will be your own. Please return your 2005 pledge card to worship on November 20 (Saturday @ Six) or November 21 (8 a.m. or 10 a.m.), you may also mail or email it to the parish office. Click here for a copy of the 2005 pledge card.
Yours in Christ, |
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