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
