This has been an extraordinary year for this church and for the Church Council of Ascension Lutheran Church. We have lost many wonderful individuals this year, who have been called home to be with their God; finances remain paramount for this Congregation and we were sad to see Pastor Nesmith leave, due to our financial restraints; and finally, we continue to pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are ill and undergoing treatment for various conditions.
Even with the difficult situations that we continue to face, there is a spirit at Ascension Lutheran Church that is strong and ready to move forward to meet these challenges. As a Council we can lay the ground work, but it is the wonderful volunteer spirit and individuals of this church, who carry out the plan.
We want to thank the many people who have gone that extra mile each and every day, making sure this church operates with a sense of God’s purpose.
We want to thank our wonderful staff, Pastor Barry, Kevin Calloway, Kaye Tornabell and Julie Hansen. 1 Thessalonians verse 5:11, says “-encourage each other and give each other strength.” This is done by each of you on a daily basis and as Council Members, it has been our pleasure to work side by side with all of these individuals.
The volunteer spirit at Ascension Lutheran Church is so evident with our wonderful Property Committee. We are so blessed having this dedicated group of men and women taking excellent care of this beautiful property. You truly serve our God in so many special ways.
We thank the many volunteers who work each week in the office, offering their help and assistance to Kaye Tornabell. The work load in the office has increased tremendously and we are so very appreciative of the wonderful volunteer help.
I Corinthians 12:7 says “-a spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.“ This is evident and alive in the Committees and Commissions serving Ascension Lutheran Church. The Church Council recognizes many wonderful things taking place, through the volunteers serving these groups. Please know how much we appreciate what you have accomplished and all that you continue to do.
We as Church Council members recognize how important the music program is to any church. The “Christmas To Classics” Concert was spectacular with over 175 people in attendance. A special thank you to Kevin Calloway and the choir members for filling this church with wonderful and special music each Sunday, and on all those other special occasions.
The Christmas Tea served during intermission was special and appreciated by all. We are so very proud of our youth and young adults at Ascension Lutheran Church. You filled our hearts with special love during the Children’s program. A very special thank you to Pastor Barry, Tana Ewing and all the parents and others for their help in putting the program together.
Our Youth and Family Minister Pastor Barry, has done incredible things with our Youth this year, as well as the very successful VBS program. We thank the parents for coming together and helping to revitalize our Youth Program at Ascension Lutheran Church.
There are so many individuals to thank and we would love to list all the names, however, we only have limited space to write this article. We do want to mention two special individuals that have done so much all year and continue to work silently behind the scenes. Elfriede Mott and Madeleine Ehrhardt can usually be found each day, doing something at the church, that many of us take for granted will always be done. They both do that and so much more. 1 Samuel 12 says, “-serve the Lord with all your heart.” Marie Gantner and Ellie Jarovitzky come weekly to the office to prepare the bulletin for each Sunday’s service and are always ready and willing to drop everything and come and assist in preparing special mailings as needed. On behalf of the Church Council, a very special thank you for their service.
The Council wishes to acknowledge the tremendous job undertaken by Janet Dicks, Lois Horky and Kim Barnes in organizing, altering and refitting the new choir robes.
Another thank you goes to Betty Cerreto and the faithful women of the Altar Guild, who prepare the church for our worship experience each and every week. We also thank the Assisting Ministers and the dedicated Lay Eucharistic Ministers under the direction of Lil Nicke, for their special assistance during the services and to our homebound congregational members.
This Church Council is blessed to have such dedicated and talented individuals as part of Ascension Lutheran Church’s congregation.
As Council Members, we wanted to take this time to personally thank each of you, who have helped the church council, be able to serve you better.
Volunteerism is alive and well at Ascension Lutheran Church. There is something for everyone here in which to be involved. Don’t ignore your interests or passion but rather consider how they might be used for God’s glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things. Proverbs 27: 19, “-as a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.”
May God’s blessings continue to shine on each of you today, tomorrow and always. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
CAROLE GREENICH
COUNCIL PRESIDENT