Church of the Ascension

Churchwarden

We continue today with our stewardship campaign in support of the budget passed at the annual Vestry meeting earlier this month.

We are asking for Commitment Cards to be returned by Sunday, March 17.They may be placed on the collection plate so that they can be blessed along with the other monetary gifts to the church.

We are asking that you fill out the total amount that you wish to give, not just the increase. Those who give by envelopes would likely check the “per week” box. Those who are on pre-authorized givings would check the “per month” box.

If you would like to change your pre-authorized givings, you can go to our church’s website and click the box on the right-hand side that mentions pre-authorized givings. You’ll be taken to instructions on how to make that change.

And if you would like to begin pre-authorized givings, please speak to our treasurer, Bill McKinstry, and he will help you through the process for arranging that with the Diocese.

As you probably know by now, the theme of this campaign is Gratitude. We are grateful for the ministries that you offer and the financial support you give to your church. And we are grateful to God for the many gifts he has given us. The operations of this church are an expression of our love and service to our God.

In that vein, we have asked some people to speak to us about why they are grateful that Ascension exists. Today, we’ll hear from John Cuddie.

John Cuddie, member, Church of the Ascension

Just over five years ago, Michelle Roberts, whom I worked with at the time, sold me a ticket to a Mark Payne concert. Mark was (and still is) amazing, but I also liked all the accessible parking and the accessible washroom. OK, some of us get excited about weird things.

So a few months later when I was looking for a new church, I came to try Church of the Ascension. I remember Donna Thompson coming right over to say hello and my life at Church of the Ascension began.

June talked last week about community.

Definition of community: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

I am truly grateful for the sense of community I feel at this church.

As I look around the Sanctuary, I see so many friends in this community.

• Betty White keeps my attendance records and approves any vacation.
• I expressed an interest in Malta, and Joe and Kay Ellul brought me information about Malta. They are my travel agents.
• Nancy, Jasmin, Brian, Steve, Lenora, and Karen are a few of many Community Breakfast friends.
• Gwen and Sandra are my theatre critics.
• Mary Holmes once gave me such a big hug we almost ended up on the ground.
• Marg Trussler was looking for a walker and I lent her one of mine to test-drive.
• And there’s the ongoing sparring between JW and JC — John White and John Cuddie.

I could go one, but I think you can feel my deep gratitude for this wonderful community.

Churchwarden:

Last week, we launched the stewardship campaign for the operating expenses of our church, as outlined in the budget passed at the annual Vestry meeting earlier this month.

We continue to run the Capital Campaign for Our Church Home to pay for repairs and upgrades to the building. But this campaign focuses on everyday expenses such as salaries, programs, utilities, and our share of the expenses of the Diocese of Huron.

There are still packages to pick up in the Gathering Space. If you can deliver to someone near you, please take theirs as well. The remaining packages will be mailed out this week.

As you bring in your commitment cards, you may place them on the collection plate where they will be blessed, along with the other monetary gifts to the church. Please fill out the card with the total amount you plan to give, not just the increase. For those who donate weekly with their collection envelope, check the Per Week box; those who donate monthly through pre-authorized givings, click the Per Month box.

If you want to increase your pre-authorized givings, there is a form on our website in the sidebar on the right.

This is an important campaign, made more so by the fact that January was not a good start to the year. We’re approximately $2,000 short on envelope givings.

We have chosen the theme of Gratitude for this campaign. We are grateful for the ministries that you offer and the financial support you give to your church. And we are grateful to God for the many gifts he has given us. The operations of this church are an expression of our love and service to our God.

Over the next few weeks, you will hear short talks from people who are grateful that Church of the Ascension exists. Today we welcome Joyce Larsh, one of our close neighbours and a member of the Argyle Seniors. Thank you for coming today, Joyce.

Christopher Berry/Flickr

Joyce Larsh, Elder States Person, Argyle Seniors:

The Church of the Ascension is community.

The Church of the Ascension is family.

From the very first day I walked thru the front door, I felt welcomed, acceptance, kindness, understanding and that first person you meet has a smile, a hello and a come on in.

The Church of the Ascension is very busy connecting people in the Argyle area with various activities inside the church.

Just try and rent one of the several meeting spaces!!

May I invite those of you who only attend Sunday worship to volunteer and participate in at least 2 activities your church offers.

The Church of the Ascension is a very important part of the city of London.

The Church of the Ascension means a big hug to me.

The Church of the Ascension means sharing in the caring to me.

Thank you for this opportunity to tell you what your church means to me.