March 2021 Youth & Young Adult Engagement

Beloved Fellow Ascension Parishioners,

We want to start off by wishing you all a Blessed Lent ("Καλή Σαρακοστή!") and a Happy 200th Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence ("Ζήτω η Ελλάς! Χρόνια Πολλα!").

This past few weeks, our Stewardship Committee has been focussing on our Youth Stewardship, with a special emphasis on our young adults currently in their twenties. We met with Dr. Ann Mitsakos Bezzerides (Director of the Office of Vocation & Ministry at Hellenic College Holy Cross) and Jenny Haddad Mosher (Director of the Telos Project at Holy Cross) to learn more about the Telos Project (www.teloscommunity.org), a grassroots program that has been partnering with parishes across the country to help communities engage our young adults.

Some of the key insights from the Telos Project have been the importance of giving our young adults a stronger voice and an opportunity to share their knowledge and engage within their areas of expertise. This provides an opportunity to involve them in the decision-making in our community, provide a seat for them at the table, and integrate them into community leadership roles. This is important not only to recognize, empower, and energize our young adults but also for our entire community, to continue to cultivate understanding, gratitude, and empathy for our clergy and our community, and to foster an appreciation for what it takes to keep a parish operating and successful.

As the Stewardship Committee explores further how we pursue our outreach and engagement of our young adults, rest assured that you will each have a vital role to play and that we will be including not only our young adults, but parents, the Parish Council, and people in our community who have held leadership and foundational roles over the years, so that we can learn from as many of you as possible. We will be reaching out to you with a formal announcement in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, looking ahead to the month of April, we will start collaborating on a structured mentorship program led by Father Nick Mueller and Dr. Maria Woods targeting youth and young professionals. We are also continuing with our Prayer Team Ministry and welcome you to join us to pray for our community on selected days by emailing ascensionprayers4700@gmail.com. Please also email the Prayer Team to submit the names of those living and departed who you would like to include in our prayers.

Finally, as we end the first quarter, we would like to thank all of you who have made pledges this year. With the help of your generous donations received to date, we are very near our March 30th target of $164,012. If you haven't had the opportunity yet to make your pledge this month, please contact the church office or donate online at www.ascensioncathedral.com/stewardship.

With deep gratitude,

Efthalia

Allen, Stewardship Committee Member

Junior Stewards Initiative

Beloved fellow Ascension Parishioners,

It was great to see everyone in Church last Sunday! After hearing the Gospel according to Matthew and the Parable of the Talents, It is my duty to reach out to everyone to use their talents to glorify God and this holy house of worship. Cherish the day the Lord tells you “Well Done! Come and share your master’s happiness!” It is truly amazing what is happening at Ascension. There are so many new opportunities starting to develop and as we begin to “open up,” we look forward to the return of all of the parish ministries coupled with new and exciting ways to share your time, talents and treasures.

In January we introduced the Stewardship Prayer and the Ascension Prayer Team. Now we are blessed to begin a series of stewardship opportunities for our youth. The first will lay the ground work and emphasize the importance of financial giving to the Church. This Fall, a Youth Council dedicated to the mission of Christ will take on leadership roles that mirror the Parish Council, including a formal swearing in service at Church, regular Youth Council meetings, and participating in the decision making processes at the Cathedral. 

After all, they are the future Stewards! Consider having your children, Godchildren, grandchildren, nieces and nephews become “Junior Stewards” by making a pledge to the church in the suggested amount of $1 per day and recite the Stewardship Prayer. Then join the prayer team with them as your “special time together,” just as you would watch them play at baseball or soccer games. With God’s blessing, your stewardship will help support the following youth programs in some capacity in 2021: Serving in the altar; Sunday School; summer camp; GOYA; HOPE; JOY; basketball and athletics; prayer team; Greek dance; junior choir; Greek school; and meal ministry.

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our offerings as You have accepted the gifts of Your people throughout the ages. We offer these gifts to Your glory, for the support of the ministries of Your holy Church, for the alleviation of suffering and hunger, and for the proclamation of Your Gospel to the whole world.

Grant us Your blessing, Lord our Savior, that we may always be faithful stewards, continuing to share the gifts You have given us, by the power of Your grace, mercy and love. May Your name be glorified forever. Amen.

Additionally, in February we will begin in-person and video testimonials of parishioners describing “What Stewardship means to me.” All of our time, talent and treasures will be honored throughout the year with opportunities to glorify God with beautification projects at Ascension, a focus on family wellness, and leaving a legacy for the next generation of Orthodox Christians at Ascension.

In the spirit of genuine love,

JD Woods

Stewardship Chair, Parish Council 2021