I can't believe it's November already! Where did the year go? Although, I must say that it was kind of nice to have such a busy October, because November, in comparison, is feeling a lot more relaxed!
As we approach Thanksgiving, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for! God has blessed us in abundance here at Ascension. Every Sunday when I sit down on the steps to the nave for the children's message, I am always amazed by the number of kids we have coming up! I remember my phone interview with Alan Durkee while for this position and he said that the congregation really wanted to bring in more children. Well, God certainly listened to those prayers and has graciously delivered!
God has also blessed us with amazing volunteers and leaders who go above and beyond to get things done. We had the Women of Ascension Christmas Greens fundraiser, the Harvest Dinner, and Trunk-or-Treat all happening this past month and everything went so smoothly! Thank you to everybody who helped with each of those!
And of course we are richly blessed by all of our members. As a pastor, I couldn't ask for a more wonderful congregation. I am so very thankful for each and every one of you!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Sean
The Women of Ascension thank everybody who participated in our Christmas Greens fundraiser! With the money raised, we will be able to provide scholarships for various conferences and mission opportunities!
Our next Mite Box Sunday is November 5th! Be sure to bring in your mite boxes and pick up a new one for November. The Mission focus for this month is the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in North Dakota. The Christ-centered, healing ministry of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch creates an eternal, life-giving impact in the lives of children ages 10 to 18, who have faced heartbreaking abuse, neglect, and trauma. Established in 1952, the Ranch touches the lives of more than 2,000 children and families each year, from all corners of the United States.
Join us on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7pm for our Thanksgiving Eve service! It's an opportunity to celebrate all the abundant blessings from God that we have to be thankful for! Communion will be offered.
Women: November 14 @ 6:30pm
Coral Gables
Men: November 21 @ 6pm
Leo's Lodge
The Mission & Ministry Directors met on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30pm. The topics discussed are presented below. In addition, the following reports were submitted:
Treasurer's Report
Properties Report
Installation: Paul Halbig will install the AED machine in common area outside of nursery. We will make sure it is visible and out of reach of little hands.
Purchase: First aid kit (to be hung near AED machine), LifeVac, AED sign, and first aid sign.
Training: Laura Osminski contacted American Red Cross for an estimate regarding training on the AED. The cost for 12 people to be trained in Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is $1552**; each additional person would cost $107. This total cost includes our $268 onsite delivery fee for one training class; any additional training classes
Reviewed the procedure of the Women of Ascension funeral meals.
Make sure we are IRS compliant when send documents out on behalf of Ascension.
Making sure we have proper communication between special projects, fundraisers, and coffee hour. A weekly email will be sent out to the folks who are signed up for coffee to verify location. If fundraisers, projects, etc. need to be moved, it will be done prior to coffee.
Fall 2023
Winter 2023
Future Projects
Elders are still reviewing the policy that the synod shared. Working on some updates.
Last month Nathan Bultman presented the General Duties for Ushers Job Description. Nathan plans to search for more Ushers who may feel called to serve this position. He will be meeting with the Ushers to go over the job description, create Usher Teams and make a schedule.