WELCOME The Ascension Sanctuary A Look at Our Ministries
February 7, 2003
Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ,
If you feel as though you have seen this booklet before, you are correct! What is
presented here is a summary of the 2003 budget adopted at our November
congregational meeting. As you may recall this programmatic budget more clearly
reflects our mission as God's people at Ascension Lutheran Church-Called to proclaim God's
Love as we worship and learn, support one another
and our neighbor, share our gifts and welcome all in Christ's name.
In the pages that follow you will find descriptions of eight different ministry areas, a statement of purpose for each, a description of the specific tasks associated with them along with the cost of carrying out these ministries in 2003, in terms of dollars as well as in time and talent.
Working with a budget like this calls us to think in new ways about how we accomplish our mission as a congregation, as committees and church council as well as the role that each of us plays individually.
Back in November, I invited each of us to review the budget and then consider our individual response to God's blessings through the sharing of our gifts of time, talent and treasure including money. At that time, I asked you to consider this question, "What do you desire to offer back to God in support of our ministry and mission at Ascension Lutheran Church?"
Two and a half months later, I pose the same question to you again. To that end, I draw your attention
at the of this booklet. There you will find "Call To Commitment". Please take some time to carefully read through it. Then, prayerfully consider the ways the Holy Spirit is calling forth your gifts of time, talent and treasure through the ministry God has given us at Ascension.
In a little over a week each of us will receive a commitment card that will allow us the opportunity to offer our commitment of time, talent and treasure in the coming year. Let me be clear though. Whatever response you choose to make is your choice. No one has to do anything. Your participation is entirely optional. That being said, I invite and encourage all of us, young people and adults, to consider our response to God's grace in our lives.
In so doing, may we with the Apostle Paul come to see more clearly the hand of Him who provides us with every blessing in abundance, "that by having enough of everything, we may share abundantly in every good work."
Yours In Christ,
Pastor Brian Peterson
Return to A Look at Our Ministries