May 2016 4pdf.pub - Church of the Ascension

Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Search
The Results of Special Convention
Bishop-elect Jim Hobby
After a careful discernment process which was several months long, a Special
Convention for the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh took place April 22 – 23 at
St. Stephen’s, Sewickley. All clergy of our parish as well as our 5 lay deputies
(Shirley Kilpatrick, Alan Komm, Stacey Regan, Mary Martha Truschel, Brian
Wortham) were present. We are pleased to announce that the Rev. Jim Hobby was
elected by an overwhelming majority (both clergy and lay deputies). His election
is subject to confirmation by the College of Bishops, which will convene June 20–
23. The Rev. Jim Hobby and his wife, the Rev. Shari Hobby, currently serve as the
rector and associate rector of Trinity Anglican Church in Thomasville, GA.
Graduates of Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, the Hobbys have served
parishes in the Pittsburgh region, Connecticut, Florida, and Georgia. Pending his
confirmation, Bishop-elect Jim Hobby will be consecrated as the next bishop of
Pittsburgh in September.
Farewell to Bishop Robert Duncan: June 18
Archbishop Robert Duncan, our diocesan bishop, retires at the end of June. Please mark your
calendars for the afternoon Saturday, June 18. Church of the Ascension will host a farewell
Service of Evensong for Bishop Duncan followed by an event with him and his wife, Nara, on the
Gateway Clipper Fleet. Please stay tuned for more details!
Consecration of the next Bishop of Pittsburgh: September 10
This event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 10 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oakland. Once again, please
stay tuned for more details!
Archbishop Foley Beach to speak at our Parish Retreat:
September 30 – October 2
We are having a year full of all things related to
bishops! We are very happy to announce that
Archbishop Foley Beach will be our speaker at our
annual retreat at Laurelville Mennonite Church
Center this fall. This is an all ages event (from cradle
to grave… or almost!) Please mark your calendars
and plan on attending.
Located in the beautiful
Laurel Highlands
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Three Special Sundays In May
May 8 – Ascension Sunday
We will celebrate Ascension Sunday with baptisms and
confirmations at the 11am service. We welcome Archbishop
Robert Duncan who will be with us for all services. We will
hold a special cupcake reception after the 11am service. If
you would like yourself or your child baptized, please email
Marilyn Chislaghi or one of the clergy.
The Ascension of Christ is our very name as a parish – but
why does it matter? There are many reasons, but here just
are a few to consider! It is the ascended Jesus who sends the
promised Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49) and it is through the
power of the Holy Spirit that the work of Jesus continues.
The Acts of the Apostles flows seamlessly from the Gospel
chronicles of the life and ministry of Jesus. And, the story of
Jesus continues to this day, with the Holy Spirit working in
and through our own church family.
According to the Apostles’ Creed, Jesus “ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”
His earthly ministry now complete, Jesus is now enthroned as heavenly King and will reign at the right hand of the
Father until all enemies are subdued (Acts 2:34 – 35). He remains engaged in history and in our lives. As members of
the church He established, we can be bold in the proclamation of His message! Tim Keller writes, “He controls all
things for the church, and therefore you can face the world with peace in your heart . . . he’s at the right hand of God as
the executive director of history, directing everything for the benefit of the church. If you belong to him, then everything
that happens ultimately happens for you.”
But, there is more good news! Jesus’ ascension is not only his inauguration as King, but also a return to his loving
Father (John 16:28) where he now advocates and intercedes on our behalf. Jesus now lives beyond the constraints of
space and time, able not only to sympathize with our struggles, but to hear our prayers and respond to them (Hebrews
4:14-16). What comfort! Again, Tim Keller writes, “It doesn’t matter what you have been or what you have done. It
doesn’t matter how flawed and foolish you are. When the eyes of God the Father look at you, they see the ascended
Jesus; when they listen to you, they hear him. When God looks and listens to you, he sees and hears infinite beauty . . .
He sees Jesus not sitting at the right hand but standing on his behalf, advocating for him.”
Finally, the ascended Jesus will someday return as King and Judge (Rev. 19:10 – 16; 22:3), a future prospect which
brings us hope during times of despair. Our ultimate future in Christ is bright with justice, righteousness and love. We
now live in what is partial – incomplete justice, righteousness not fully attained, love that is not full. When the ascended
Jesus returns all will be set right and be made new.
May 15 – The Feast of Pentecost
We celebrate Pentecost Sunday with baptisms at the 9am service. If you would like yourself or your child baptized,
please email Marilyn Chislaghi or one of the clergy.
What is Pentecost? On May 15, many people at Ascension will be decked out in their finest reds and oranges. There will
be a large bird circling above the heads of the gathered congregation. And you will hear more references to the
Holy Spirit than on any other day. What is going on? What are we celebrating?
Pentecost is the principle feast of the Holy Spirit in the Anglican church (as well as the Roman Catholic and Orthodox
churches). By it, we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the 12 apostles. We read about this historical event
in Acts 2: “When the day of Pentecost had come, [the disciples] were all together in one place. And suddenly from
heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire
house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them,
and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” Notice in
this passage that it was already called the day of Pentecost prior to the Holy Spirit
being poured out. That’s because Pentecost was originally a Jewish holiday
called the Festival of Weeks, which occurred seven weeks after Passover. On the
50th day (Pentecost means 50) after Passover, the Jewish people celebrated the
giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It was during this festival in Jerusalem
that the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles in tongues of fire and with the rush
of a violent wind. Just as the descent of God on Mt. Sinai to inscribe the Law on
stone tablets was accompanied by fire and a rushing wind (Exodus 19), the
descent of the Holy Spirit comes with fire and wind to inscribe the Law on the
hearts of His people. On Pentecost, we wear red and orange to remind us of the
fire that God sends to purify His people and light the world. But we also wear red
to remember all of those who shed their blood in witness to the gospel. When the
Holy Spirit filled those early disciples of Jesus, it propelled them (and the gospel)
to the ends of the earth.
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We live as Christians today as a direct result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on those early disciples.
But the Holy Spirit is not finished being poured out. One of the most ancient prayers of the Church is the Veni Creator
Spiritus, which begins “Come Holy Spirit…” When we gather to celebrate Pentecost on May 15, we will remember the
Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove and on his disciples in tongues of fire, and we will join countless
generations who have continued to pray, “Come Holy Spirit!”
May 22 – Trinity Sunday
“I bind unto myself today
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One,
and One in Three.”
The month of May is RICH in theology and worship Trinity Sunday is typically a festival of song and
hymnody at Ascension. We often sing that great hymn
known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate which begins,
“I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the
Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One,
and One in Three.” The lyrics are a translation of a
Gaelic poem called “St. Patrick’s Lorica,” or Breastplate. A “lorica” was a mystical garment that was
supposed to protect the wearer from danger and
illness, and guarantee entry into heaven. Cecil
Alexander penned these words in 1889 at the request
of the Dean of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle.
This hymn can be a challenge to sing without seeing
the words matched to the notes, but it is a masterpiece
nevertheless! Take a look at it on page 370 of our
hymn book.
Trinity Sunday is one of the few celebrations of the Christian Year that commemorates a reality and doctrine rather than
a person or event. On Trinity Sunday, Christians remember and honor the eternal God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. Trinity Sunday is celebrated the Sunday after Pentecost, and lasts only one day, which is symbolic of the unity of
the Trinity. Eastern Churches have no tradition of Trinity Sunday, arguing that they celebrate the Trinity every Sunday.
Westerners also commemorate the Trinity at every Eucharist, although they set aside a special feast day for the purpose
as well.
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Annual Meeting Highlights
The annual meeting was held on Sunday, April 3 after the 11am service. The meeting began
at 12:50pm when the Rector, Jonathan Millard, opened in prayer.
Nominating Committee
Jay Gilmer, chair of the Nominating Committee, put forward the following people for
nomination to vestry: David Crosby, Becky Kennedy and Charity Haubrich. Since there
were no other nominees, the names were accepted by acclamation. The following three persons were accepted by acclamation to the 2017 Nominating Committee: Autumn Ghubril,
Dana Cummings and Joanne Martin.
Jonathan Millard,
Rector
Financial Stewardship
Jim Foster, chair of the Finance Committee, gave a presentation on the financial stewardship
of the congregation. He discussed long-term operating performance of the endowment,
spending and endowment trends, and concluded with a call to faithful and obedient financial
stewardship. Details of his analysis are available upon request and a summary of 2015
Income and Expenses is on page 6. He offered the following Insights and Actions:
• Spending still exceeds regular giving/pledging
• Great progress has been achieved and continues to be made in giving/pledging
• The endowment has provided tremendous support over the past several years
• Capital claims, however, are substantial
(in excess of $5.5 million; details available upon request)
• Pledge growth must assume the full balance of our operating expenses
• Moving to multi-year plan solely funded by giving/pledging is essential
Jay Gilmer, chair of the
Nominating Committee
He concluded with a call to Faithful and Obedient Stewardship:
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Commitment to Pledging
Commitment to Tithing
Retention of Existing Members
Increase in New Members
Provision for Future Generations
Senior Warden and Rector Reports
Brian Wortham gave the Senior Warden’s report. He thanked all lay and clergy ministry
teams. He focused his presentation on the time needed to prepare for and lead worship on
Sunday. He estimated that it takes at least 350+ hours by over 100 different people for
worship to take place each week!
Jim Foster, chair of the
Finance Committee
Jonathan Millard gave the Rector’s report, highlighting highs and lows for parishioners,
attendance statistics, thanking paid and volunteer ministers. In his presentation he pointed out
several highlights of the 2016 operating budget:
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$10,000 dedicated to a new initiative
8.5% increase in mission giving
Increased hours for Chris Massa, assistant music minister
Salaries flat
New eye care benefit for all full-time employees
10% increase in taxable health benefit for full-time employees
Controlled expenses
Program budget requests were honored
Declining endowment draw (down $10K to $80K)
Brian Wortham,
Senior Warden
Amendments to the bylaws
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The meeting concluded with a presentation by Mary Martha Truschel on proposed amendments
to our bylaws. The most significant changes included:
• Qualification to serve on Vestry: Confirmed or received or
will be within one year of becoming a Vestry member
• Process for identifying and electing members to the Nominating Committee
to allow for review of eligibility
• Appointment by the Rector to Standing Committees of the Vestry and other Committees and
Task Groups
• Change to the process for amendment of the By Laws, so that Standing Committee approval
precedes consideration at a meeting of the Congregation
• Creation of a new Article II on Membership which is included immediately to follow.
Proposed changes to Article II on Membership
2.1 To be an Adult member of the Congregation (hereinafter referred to as “Member”),
a person must:
(i) Be baptized, a communicant, eighteen (18) years of age or older, recognized by the Rector and Wardens as a regular attendee at services, and on the Treasurer’s records as a
regular subscriber to the revenues of the Congregation; and
(ii) Affirm his or her personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Nicene Creed
as a sufficient statement of that faith, with the expectation that he or she will make, or
have made, an adult affirmation of faith through Confirmation with the laying on of
hands by a bishop; and
(iii) Declare that, with God’s help, he or she will seek to live his or her life under the authority of the Scriptures and the Constitution and Canons of the Anglican Church in North
America; and
(iv) If seeking to become a member, complete a membership process as affirmed by the
Rector and the Vestry.
2.2 Each current Member shall be listed on the Membership Roll of the Congregation as long as
he or she continues to meet the qualifications set forth in Subparagraphs 2.1(i), (ii) and (iii),
above.
2.3 Membership may be terminated in the manner set forth in the membership process affirmed
by the Rector and Vestry for any of the following reasons:
(i) In the event of a Member’s death or upon a Member’s written request to have his or her
name removed from the membership roll;
(ii) In the event that a Member ceases to meet the qualifications set out in Subparagraph 2.1
(i), above, for a period of one year or more, unless prevented by illness, infirmity, or
some other reason accepted by the Rector.
(iii) In the event that a Member ceases to be willing to meet the qualifications set forth in
Subparagraphs 2.1 (ii), (iii), above.
2.4 In the event of any dispute as to membership status, the matter shall be referred to the
Rector, Wardens and Vestry for resolution.
2.5 Section 2.1 of this Article shall be read at the Annual Meeting and any Special Meeting, or
posted in the Church no later than two (2) Sundays preceding the Annual Meeting or any
Special Meeting.
The bylaws amendments were approved and the meeting was concluded.
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2015 Income and Expense Summary
The following summaries were distributed at the annual meeting.
2015 Income
Total: $1,368,711
Giving 91% $1,251,005
(pledgers, regular givers, special offerings,
plate giving, includes major maintenance giving)
Room Fees 2% $27,704
(Jonah’s Call, Saltworks, other groups)
Endowment 7% $90,002
2015 Expenses
Total: $1,365,542
Facility Expense 15% $206,717
(utilities, property insurance, equipment
expenses, major maintenance of $51,000)
Outside Ascension 17% $234,932
(Diocesan Assessment, Missions, Pub Club,
Campus Ministry)
Clergy Expense 17% $226,015
(salary, pension, professional expenses,
discretionary)
Lay Employee Expense 30% $414,768
(salary, pension)
Employee Insurance 9% $122,274
(social security, worker’s comp, health, life,
disability)
Office Expense 4% $54,688
(office supplies, copiers, phone, audit)
Program costs 8% $106,148
(music, children, youth, pastoral care,
community life, discipleship)
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Tom Hillman
Thursday, May 12 from 12:30 – 2:30pm
Our 2016 Luncheon Series continues with Game Day! In an article on the history of games, Wikipedia states,
“Games are an integral part of all cultures and are one of the oldest forms of human social interaction.
Games capture the ideas and worldviews of their cultures and pass them on to the next generation.
Games were important as cultural and social bonding events, as teaching tools and as markers of social status.”
Join OWLS as Tom Hillman leads us in exploring our “playful” side while we get to know each other better by
sharing in some games. Come prepared to enjoy yourself – prizes will be given! Also, come prepared to share your
thoughts on our meetings: What have you enjoyed? What would you like to do next year? Prompting questions will
be provided.
We will meet on Thursday, May12 from 12:30 -2:30 pm. OWLS meetings take place on the second Thursday of each
month in the Hunt Room. (Parking restrictions will be lifted for people to park on the streets.) There is a $10 charge
for lunch, but first time friends are free! Please RSVP Ann Tefft at 412-621-4361, ext. 208 or
[email protected].
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Women’s Retreat—BELLS, A New Set of Habits
Location: Parish Hall 8:30am to 3pm
Women of all ages are invited to a day of reflection on an easy and natural way to live out the Christian walk which will
be fashioned around the theme of BELLS: Bless, Eat, Listen, Learn, Sent. The hope is that we adopt a set of habits that
can be transformational to our own faith and naturally attractive to others. You are invited to think together with others
on what it is to be a godly, intriguing, socially adventurous, joyous presence in the lives of others! The retreat will be
taught and facilitated by Timmy Podnar, Marilyn Chislaghi and Rachel Becker. A registration table will be available in
the Parish Hall every Sunday from June 18 to July 16..The retreat will start with breakfast in the Parish Hall at 8:30am
and will conclude at 3pm. Lunch will be provided.
Investment: $20/person (scholarships are available upon request).
For more information: Rachel, [email protected], 412-979-6368 or
Timmy, [email protected], 412-303-9696
Children’s Vacation Bible School (VBS):
Location: Hunt Room & courtyard
Children ages 4 and up are invited to spend the day in the Hunt Rooms and adjacent courtyard in Bible-based ageappropriate learning and fun based on “BELLS” (Bless, Eat, Listen, Learn, Sent). The day will be led by the Children’s
Ministry and a youth leadership team. Parents are requested to make sure children have breakfast before arriving and
bring a brown bag lunch. Activities will end with Eucharist in the Parish Hall, concluding by 3pm.
Children’s registration will happen at the Women’s Ministry registration table in June or July.
Investment: $10/family (scholarships are available upon request)
For more information: Christy, [email protected], 518-817-3301
Youth Service Day
Teenagers are invited to help with preparation for the VBS and mentoring the children throughout the day. Interested
teens should contact Alex Banfield Hicks. Teens are requested to bring brown bag lunches and arrive in the Hunt Rooms
by 9am on July 23. Youth will participate in a closing Eucharist with the children and women in the Parish Hall and then
return to the Hunt Rooms to help with cleanup, ending by 3:30pm.
Investment: Your time and energy!
For more information: Alex, [email protected], 412-657-3137
Men’s Breakfast
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Saturday, June 11 at 8:30am
All men of the parish are invited to a breakfast on Saturday, June 11 at 8:30am in the Parish Hall.
This is a time to be encouraged in your faith walk along with other brothers in Christ. Our speaker will be our Rector,
Jonathan Millard, on the theme of Facing Failure and Disappointment. The cost for the breakfast is $10. Reservations in
advance are helpful. To register, send in a check to the church office with “Men’s Breakfast” on the memo line. If registering for someone other than yourself, please put names on the memo line as well. You can also place checks in the
offering plate with the appropriate memo. Got questions? David Trautman has answers! Email him at
[email protected].
Youth Ministry
Stressed? Enjoy Sabbath rest! Both middle and high
school youth groups are gathering together for three
Sundays in May to help each other learn to do just
that. Can we have profound peace when facing peerpressure? Can we feel free from ‘crushing social
anxiety’? The principles and practice of Sabbath
point us in the right direction. By joining together on
a Sunday we are also signaling a move away from
stressful fragmented lives and towards integration.
Eating together after the 11am service integrates our
experience of youth group with the Sunday service,
integrates our relationships across the ages, and frees
us to integrate with our friends on Friday and Saturday nights. Pray the LORD would use our three Sabbath sessions to
grow us together with Him.
Summer Campus Ministry
Common Ground: Summer Campus Ministry
During the summer, Ascension’s Campus Ministry partners
with CCO campus ministries from the Oakland/Shadyside
area for combined fellowship. We will gather on Wednesday Nights at 6:30pm in June and July at Church of the
Ascension for games, food, and a chance to engage life
topics and scripture in small groups. These evenings provide
a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet other
college students. Also, Flagstaff Hill, in Schenley Park has
movies at dusk that people often go to afterwards. If you are
a student who will be around, or if you know a student who
will be in Pittsburgh for the summer, please contact Jonny.
Check the church website for more info.
Summer Small Groups
Are you a college student in town for the summer? Consider joining one of our college student small groups. Contact
Jonny for more details.
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Children’s Ministry
2016 Baby Bottle Campaign
May 8 (Mother's Day) - June 19 (Father’ Day)
Once again, Ascension's Children's Ministry will be encouraging support of our local pregnancy center at
Women’s Choice Network. The Baby Bottle Campaign is a simple and creative way for us to partner in
mission with this center which offers free assistance for pregnancy tests, ultrasound exams, medical
consultations, parenting, and adoption preparation, STD testing and educational outreach in local schools.
Statistics show that when a woman who is considering abortion visits a crisis center, she will choose life for
her unborn child 85% of the time! Please pick up a baby bottle today (located by the Parish Hall and
Children’s Wing doors), fill it with change, currency or a check made out to Women’s Choice
Network, and return it in the drop-off basket, located in the Children's Ministry office.
The campaign begins on Mother’s Day and concludes on Father’s Day.
The Parenting Children Course
5 Wednesdays (May 4 – June 1)
Family life is under great pressure today and parents face bewildering choices about how
to parent effectively. Children do not arrive with an instruction manual. Discovering we
are not alone in the challenges we face and picking up ideas from other parents can make
a huge difference. We can all learn and grow to make even the happiest family life better.
Over five weekly sessions you will discover practical tools to help you:
• Build a strong family, centered on love
• Meet your children’s needs
• Set effective boundaries
• Teach healthy relationships
• Pass on the values you hold to be important
The Parenting Children Course is for any parents, step-parents, prospective parents or caregivers of children aged 0 – 10
years old. There are small groups based on the age of your oldest child so that you can meet other parents/caregivers who
have lots in common with you. Every part of the course is optional, including contributing to the small group discussion.
Come join David & Megan Trautman for five Wednesday evenings beginning May 4. You are welcome to come for a
pizza dinner at 6pm or just come for the program at 6:30 pm. We will end promptly at 8pm. Childcare will be provided.
To register for the course, email [email protected]. If you can’t make all the sessions, that’s
OK. Just come as you are able.
Communion Preparation
Sunday, May 29th
Do you have a child who is ready to begin receiving communion? Or would you
like to provide a “refresher” with your family on the meaning behind communion
as Anglican followers of Christ? Children's Ministry will offer communion
preparation on Sunday May 29. Interactive communion teaching will happen from
10:20 – 10:50am in Room 103. Children who have attended the communion
preparation meetings, together with a parent, are invited to come for an up close
and personal view of the altar and the administration of communion during the
11am service. Please let Christy ([email protected]) know by
May 16 if you and your child(ren) plan to attend. Thanks!
Family News
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May Birthdays
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School will begin the first week of July (July 3) and
end the last week of August (August 28). The following is a breakdown
of classrooms by age offered at both services:
• Nursery (Room 101)
This warm and comfy space is for babies -18 month olds.
• Toddlers (Room 102)
This fun learning environment is for children 18 months - 3 years
old. A simple Bible story is presented each week. Snack is served
weekly.
• PreK-1st Grade Class (Room 104)
Prekindergarten to first graders will learn using the Jesus Storybook
Bible curriculum. Snack is served weekly.
• 2nd-5th Grade Class (Hunt Rooms)
These second to fifth graders will learn using the Jesus Storybook
Bible curriculum. Snack is enjoyed weekly.
Please note: Due to a severe nut allergy, our Nursery and Toddler
Rooms are completely nut-free. For safety reasons, please do not bring
anything into these areas containing nuts!
5th Sunday Worship
Sunday, May 29
Our next 5th Sunday Worship is on Sunday,
May 29. On 5th Sundays children are with
adults for the duration of the service and are
welcome to participate in our worship ministries.
If your children would like to participate as
greeters, ushers, readers, music leaders, bulletin
content art providers, acolytes, etc., please let
Christy or Christina know and we’ll connect
you with the appropriate ministry contact!
Operation Christmas Child Follow up!
We are pleased
to report that all
of Children’s
Ministry
shoeboxes as
part of Operation
Christmas Child
were given to
children in
Honduras! For
more information, you can visit the following website: http://www.samaritans
purse.org/operation-christmas-child-countries/honduras/. We so
appreciate everyone who participated in this year’s event!
1. Ellen Holt, Jolie Kilpatrick
2. Meagan Budzowski, Zoe Woon
Daniel Trautman
4. Lydia Banfield Hicks, Ella Rose Fuener
Jewel Anita Hendrix
5. Jessica Rudmin
6. Allyson Entner
7. Noel Collins Pfeifer, Sarah Ito
Melissa Johnson, Sara Pope, Diane Stadelmeier
8. Rachel Priselac
9. Bill Campbell, Bethany Pullen
Angie Van Every
10. Jake Bell, Midori Hasegawa
11. Michael Fuener, Brenda Harger, Ben Wulpi
12. Sebastien Janaszek, Ella Jane Newhouse
13. Jocelyn Emrock, Brianna Meeks
Tracy Medrano Gonzalez
15. Walter Pilant, Karen Rutter
16. Chris Carlson, Sue Gibbon, Petra Obley
17. Daniel Block, Lucia Campbell
Mary Headen, Renee Smith
18. Missy Haught
19. Sam Wilson
21. Scott Bowles, Joanne Spence
22. Alexis Kinson, Joy Sato
23. Allen Burnett, Luke Cummings
Pam Kuhns, Abby Stemler
24. Bob Frederking, Adam Gernhard
Josh Miser, Tina Lockett, Matt Turpin
25. Austin Guenther
26. Gretchen Barrett, Logan Shirk
27. Chris Antis, Emma Harger, Elise Massa
Nip Wilson
28. Reeny Davison, Kye Jackson
29. Robin Capcara, Amy Foster
Jessica Pearcey
31. Shirley Kilpatrick, Steve Sharratt
Corinne Walker
May Anniversaries
1. Barbara Zimmerly & Fran Pionati
5. Paul & Linda Von Bloch
6. David & Kristin Love
8. Brian & Nicole Mack
9. Jack & Marcia Walsh
Chris & Mae Carlson
11. David & Pam Kuhns
12. Baba & Abi Fapohunda
17. Dave & Ginger Weeber
21. Fred & Chris Thieman
Jack & Lori Porter
22. Ron & Judy Yadrick
24. Tom & Marcine Hillman
26. Cliff & Kathy Hartle
27. Matt & Aarika Turpin
29. Jonathan & Christy Deal
31. Patrick & Stacey Regan
Ministry Needs
New Team members needed
It takes the work of many people for our
Sunday worship services to happen.
Will you consider getting involved in an
Ascension ministry? If you would like
to participate, please email
[email protected].
We need additional members in the following areas:
• 9am and 11am ushers, greeters and welcome table hosts
(serve with a team one month per quarter)
• Altar Guild ministry (9:30 – 11am Saturdays and after the 9am or 11am
service Sundays; serve with a team one month per quarter)
• Guitarist for 11am Resounding Grace ministry
• Summer Sunday School teachers at both the 9am and 11am services
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Altar Flowers individually funded
Once common knowledge, it may not be well known now that
the beautiful flowers and greenery that adorn our altars week
after week are not covered by the church budget. They are
funded by individual members and usually in memory of
deceased loved ones, although they may be given to celebrate
birthdays, anniversaries and other thanksgivings to the Lord.
Many who have funded our altar flowers for decades have died
and there is a real need for new donors. Cut flowers are ordered from a florist and
arranged by members of the Altar Guild. Gifts of $60 can cover the high altars and
gifts of $30 can cover the side chapels, although any amount is welcome and
multiple donors may be listed if several people desire the same specific Sunday.
Flowers from the high altar may be picked up in the sacristy after the 11am service.
Won’t you consider making altar flowers part of your special giving? Contact
Melita Carter at [email protected] or 412-736-3540 for further inquiries or to
schedule a memorial or thanksgiving.
Ascension Library
The Ascension library is doing an inventory of lost books, and we could use your
help! We currently have over 180 books and videos that are more than four months
overdue. If you receive a notice asking about any of these books, could you let us
know its status? We don’t charge for overdue books, but it would help us to know
which of these books need to be replaced. To help us keep better track of books and
videos that are checked out in the future, we will be implementing a new system of
notices for overdue books. We appreciate your patience as we switch to the new
system. Contact Ruth Hartling at [email protected].
Caring for the Acolytes
We require a person who will ‘love on’ the acolytes. We
have a team set up to schedule and train acolytes. However,
every so often a new acolyte needs a robe that fits…or
outgrows an old robe…. robes also get dirty and need to be
laundered. There is room to move in this position – from
becoming personally acquainted with all acolytes to more
simply onboarding new acolytes and making sure their
vestments are clean. If you are interested in this ministry of
practical help and encouragement, email Marilyn at the
above address.
Worship
Services
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
11:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday
Noon
Holy Eucharist
in the Gordon Chapel
Address
4729 Ellsworth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-621-4361
Fax:
412-621-5746
Website
www.ascensionpittsburgh.org
The Ascent
Published monthly by the
Church of the Ascension.
Marilyn Clifton Chislaghi, Editor
Judy Yadrick, Publisher
Ascent Deadline
Articles for the June Ascent
are due May 15 and will be
available May 29.