We Believe

Stewardship is a Christian's fulfillment of the Great Commandment.  It is the recognition that there is spiritual value in a generous life.  It is the joyful response to God's love for us, a means for us to both "love the Lord" and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  It is both our responsibility and our privilege as disciples of Christ.

We recognize that God created this world and all that is in it.  He created us.  He gave us our very lives and our every blessing.  All that we have --- our possessions, our abilities, our freedoms, or very time on this Earth --- are His gifts to us.  We are managers, not owners, of our life's resources.  The uses to which we devote those resources reflect our gratitude to, our love for, our God.

Scripture tells us that  "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48).  The "rich in this present world" are commanded to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."  (1 Timothy 6: 17-19).  We recognize ourselves in these verses.

Thus, surely, Christian stewardship is a call for us to be generous in all ways, just one of which has to do with our finances.  And it is because of the generosity of many that Ascension Lutheran Church is able to minister to young and old, to men and women, to those of both new and mature faith.  Its every sermon, program, activity, class, and members and non-members alike.

Would you like to help Ascension Lutheran Church serve its mission, "Gathered and gifted to celebrate and share the love of Jesus."?  If so, here are some ways for you to help.

 

Ways to Give to the Ministry of Ascension Lutheran Church

1.   A Financial Pledge:  Each fall, Ascension Lutheran Church begins its process of assessing its finances in order to, in turn, assess its ministry abilities for the coming year.  A vital part of that process is its invitation for its members to make a formal pledge of their giving intentions.  Please consider make a formal pledge to Ascension Lutheran Church.  Pledge cards are always available in the church office.

2.  Cash and check:  Gifts by check or cash, or course, continue to be the method most choose to support the ministry of Ascension Lutheran Church.  Financial gifts sent to the church office, or left in the offering plates, are not only appreciated, but are indispensable to the fulfillment of our mission.  Your gifts may be made generally, or as a way to honor or memorialize a family member or friend.

3.  Time and Talents:  Stewardship is not just about money.  It is also about how we live our lives and how we use the talents God has given us.  Do you have a talent (singing, organization, teaching, etc.)?  Participation in the church choir or volunteering to help organize an activity (such as Lenten Soup Suppers) or teaching a Sunday school class are all forms of stewardship.  Contact the pastor or a member of the Congregation Council for information on how you can help.