February 2021 Update
Beloved Fellow Ascension Parishioners,
On Monday I was blessed to be one of the presenters during a Youth Stewardship Town Hall with the Metropolis of San Francisco. Efthalia Allen and Michael Evans (both current PC members and part of the Stewardship Ministry Team) were also on the call. We heard from Dr. Ann Mitsakos Bezzerides, the Director of the Office of Vocation & Ministry at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology. Dr. Ann introduced many of us to the Telos Group, a project that helps assist with technology, finance, and Stewardship in addressing an ongoing problem. A recurring theme at the center of the town hall meeting was a disturbing study that revealed our young adults leaving the Church at a rate of over 65% after they leave for college. The Hierarchs, Clergy and parishioners on the call are committed to continued focus on retaining young professionals who can help our parishes get to the next level in a variety of ways. This population has so much to offer and it is sad to see the trend that continues to hurt the Greek Orthodox Church in America. I introduced the projects we are kicking off at Ascension and how we are starting to look at Stewardship in a variety of new and different ways. Our Stewardship team will immediately begin to target and show love to our youth through adulthood, provide them with a “guardian angel,” and invite them to have a “seat at the table” from a place of gratitude that will help our community grow with them.
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During the second quarter of 2021, we will look to amplify the meal ministry program which was started by Father Tom and Michael Delvizis, and has now grown to multiple dedicated families. Soliciting young adult professionals to assist with the expansion of this ministry can help us spread the Gospel by giving ‘alms’ and other acts of charity during Lent. Additionally we will look to take our charitable efforts on an international level by bringing attention to initiatives focused on stopping human trafficking, modern slavery and humanitarian aid to Greece, England, Syria, and Mexico. This will help our youth become more compassionate toward others and be the voice of Christ in the modern world by selecting specific charities they are passionate about. Be on the lookout for a survey asking polling our youth for ideas on how they would like to contribute.
Parents and Godparents please begin to share the importance of financial giving to the church and join the prayer team with that special person in your life. Get them involved early! I hope you enjoy the ongoing video testimonials at the end of the Liturgy (live stream broadcast only) and in church sermons from faithful parishioners.
In the spirit of genuine love,
JD Woods
Stewardship Chair
