Church of the Ascension Parish Profile

Transcription

The Church of the
Ascension
Chicago, Illinois
Parish Profile
2013
1133 N. LaSalle Street • Chicago, Illinois • 60610-2601
www.ascensionchicago.org
Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously on your Church, and
so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for the Church of the
Ascension, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your
people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
–
FROM
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
2
The Church of the Ascension is an historic Anglo-Catholic parish located just north of
downtown Chicago. Founded in 1857 under the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel, for
more than 150 years we have born witness to the full faith of the Catholic church through
our ministries of worship, evangelism, teaching and Christian charity.
We are looking for a new rector to lead us and help us grow and expand our Catholic
witness into a new century of faithful service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This profile tells you more about us—and about who we hope and pray our new rector will
be.
3
Contents
Who We Are
5
Worship
7
Music
9
Christian Education
11
Children’s Ministries
11
Outreach & Evangelism
12
Parish Organizations
13
The Vestry & Committees
14
The Staff
15
The Sisters of St. Anne
15
Our History
16
Our Buildings
21
Our Finances
24
Our Vision
26
Our New Rector
28
The Diocese of Chicago
30
The City of Chicago
31
4
Who We Are
“Ascension is my spiritual
family.”
“Ascension’s connection to
the full Catholic tradition of
Anglican Christianity is
essential to me.”
“Ascension is a holy place—
where we worship God with
reverence and tradition.”
“The service lifts my heart
to heaven.”
“Ascension ties everything
together for me—
intellectually, spiritually
and aesthetically.”
The Church of the Ascension is a diverse
urban parish with members from a wide
variety of backgrounds. Some of our
members live right around the corner, while
others travel long distances to be with us.
We celebrate our diversity as a community
and welcome all people to share our
common commitment to Catholic faith and
practice, ready to engage with the modern
world.
5
Who We Are
We are a small parish, with 138 voting members. Average
attendance at all three Sunday masses is around 120.
Attendance at the 2013 Easter Solemn High Mass was 175.
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Some are “cradle” Episcopalians, but many come from
other denominations. About 60 percent of our parishioners
have been members of Ascension for more than 10 years,
but we eagerly look for and welcome newer members
(several of whom currently occupy leadership positions).
Nearly half of the congregation live more than 10 miles
from the church—but nevertheless make the trip regularly
to attend worship: around 45 percent of our members
attend worship every Sunday, and about 75 percent attend
at least three times a month.
The members of our parish are highly educated—nearly 85
percent have a college degree and nearly 60 percent have
a graduate degree. That is one reason we are looking for
increased opportunities for Christian education and
spiritual development.
Whatever our diverse backgrounds, as a congregation we
are united by the historic Catholic faith and fellowship we
share—expressed in our reverent and solemn worship of
God, in our love for each other, and in our Christian
mission to the world.
6
Who We Are
Worship
Worship lies at the very heart of the identity of Church of
the Ascension. At the forefront of the Anglo-Catholic
movement for well over a century, Ascension places
primary importance on the reverent worship of God.
Our worship includes the services found in the Book of
Common Prayer, as well as the traditional forms of
worship associated with the Anglo-Catholic movement.
DAILY SERVICES
Morning and Evening Prayer are said daily in the church,
led by lay readers, and Low Mass is celebrated on
weekdays at 7:00 am, using Rite II. Additional weekday
masses are also celebrated on Wednesdays and feast days
at 6:20 pm. On Saturdays, a healing mass is celebrated at
10:00 am.
A parishioner sings at the Advent
Festival of Lessons & Carols
SUNDAY WORSHIP
On Sunday, we offer three masses.
An 8:00 am Low Mass follows the 7:30 am service of
Morning Prayer. This mass is said at the High Altar (facing
east) using Rite I from the Book of Common Prayer. This
beautiful, quiet, spoken service is led by a celebrant
assisted by a single altar server. Average attendance for
this mass is fewer than 10 people.
The Passion Deacons chant the
Gospel on Good Friday
The 9:00 am Sung Mass features organ music, a celebrant
assisted by one or two acolytes, incense, congregational
singing and a cantor. It is celebrated from a freestanding
Altar facing the congregation using Rite II from the Book
of Common Prayer and includes a sermon. Average
attendance at this friendly service is fewer than 20
people.
Interim Rector Fr. Milton Williams,
Jr. invites the faithful to
Communion
7
Who We Are
The principal service on Sunday is the Solemn High Mass
celebrated at 11:00 am, according to Rite II. This mass is
celebrated at the High Altar (facing east), and includes
three sacred ministers, many acolytes, incense, and music
provided by a professional choir. The mass includes
processions and other devotions on certain feasts and holy
days.
Average Sunday attendance at Solemn High Mass is
approximately 90 worshippers each week.
SPECIAL LITURGIES AND OBSERVANCES
The thurifer censes the altar during
the Sanctus
The Church of the Ascension holds many special services
throughout the church year, including a Solemn Festival of
Lessons and Carols on the First Sunday of Advent, a
Solemn Procession on Corpus Christi, Solemn High Masses
on Festivals of Our Lord and Our Lady, Requiem Masses on
All Souls’ Day, as well as Stations of the Cross and
Benediction on the Fridays in Lent.
BENEDICTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
The Advent wreath is lighted
Ascension was the first parish church in the Anglican
Communion to offer Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
since the Reformation. Benediction is offered on the first
Sunday of each month after Evensong, from October
through May, as well as on Fridays in Lent following
Stations of the Cross, and at the end of the Corpus Christi
Mass and Procession.
Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament
8
Who We Are
Music
Sacred Music has played a vital role at Church of the Ascension since the late nineteenth
century. The Church has a well-established reputation for upholding the highest standards
of liturgical music. Organist David Schrader, Choirmaster Thomas Wikman, and the Church
of the Ascension Choir contribute to the liturgy, performing sacred compositions from all
eras of church music.
OUR CHOIR
The Church of the Ascension maintains a professional choir of mixed voices including 30
professional singers. Typically, a choir of 17-19 voices sings during Solemn High Masses at
11 a.m. on Sundays and on principal holy days from the Feast of St. Michael until the Feast
of Corpus Christi. Works offered include a choral setting of the mass ordinary, along with
several anthems or motets. At all Solemn High Masses throughout the year, the men of the
choir chant in Latin the minor propers of the Roman Gradual. The Festival of Lessons and
Carols, a highlight of the choral season, takes place on the First Sunday of Advent.
The entire choir is composed of professional musicians with active singing careers:
Members of the choir perform regularly with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago
Symphony Orchestra and Music of the Baroque.
During the summer months, choral music is provided by a schola cantorum of men’s voices
singing the minor propers and additional motets and anthems.
9
Who We Are
OUR CHOIRMASTER
OUR ORGANIST
Choirmaster Thomas Wikman has led the
Church of the Ascension Choir since 1984.
Dr. Wikman has an extensive career as a
choral and orchestral conductor, voice
teacher and organist.
Dr. David Schrader has served as organist
and cantor at the Church of the Ascension
for more than 30 years. A professor of
music at Roosevelt University, with a
doctorate in keyboard performance from
Indiana University, Dr. Schrader is an
internationally known musician who has
performed with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra and other major symphony
orchestras and at music festivals around
the world, and whose performances and
recordings are broadcast frequently.
He is the founder and conductor laureate
of Chicago’s Music of the Baroque, an
organization that specializes in the large
choral works of Bach and Handel. Dr.
Wikman is also the founder of the New
Oratorio Singers, which performs largescale Romantic and 20th-century works.
He has appeared as conductor,
harpsichordist and organist at the Ravinia
and Grand Teton Music Festivals, and
currently serves as the Artistic Director of
the Paul Manz Organ Series for the
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Dr. Schrader performs on our 1964
Schlicker organ (refurbished by Berghaus
in 2001). His repertoire, like the choir’s,
encompasses music from the Renaissance
to the present.
The church also owns a harpsichord and
has (on loan from Dr. Schrader) a smaller
two-stop cabinet organ, both of which are
also heard in our sacred music.
10
Who We Are
Christian Education
Christian education and spiritual development is an area
in which Ascension is hoping to expand its ministry.
In the past few years, Ascension has offered several
programs:
•
•
•
•
•
A weekly lectionary study and discussion group that
meets Sunday mornings between the 9:00 and 11:00
am masses
A monthly book group that reads both fiction and nonfiction (recent selections include The Towers of
Trebizond by Rose Macaulay and Merrily on High by
Colin Stephenson)
A monthly seminar, led by organist David Schrader, on
The Hymnal 1982
A parish pilgrimage to the American shrine of Our
Lady of Walsingham at Grace Church, Sheboygan
An Advent Quiet Day retreat, led by the assisting
bishop of Chicago, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting
Two of our teenagers at a parish
dinner
The Sunday School hosts a bake sale
Children’s Ministries
Children’s ministry is an area for growth in the parish.
Ascension currently maintains a small Sunday School
(using the Living IN-Formation curriculum). Our Sunday
School has three age groups: St. Anne’s nursery for
preschoolers, a group for grade school children and a
group for teenagers. This year, the Sunday School is
involved in a fundraising project for Heifer International,
an organization that provides farm animals to needy
families around the world.
Ascension also employs a director of Christian Education
and nursery care provider.
Three young volunteers at the food
pantry
11
Who We Are
Outreach & Evangelism
Ascension is committed to reaching out to our
neighborhood, our city and the world—and we are looking
for new ways to expand our witness.
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA FOOD PANTRY
Preparing bags of groceries for the
food pantry
Ascension’s food pantry is a major ministry of the parish.
Every month, more than a dozen volunteers gather to
distribute groceries and sack lunches to the hungry in our
neighborhood. Funded solely through the church budget
and parishioners’ donations, the St. Anthony of Padua
Food Pantry is volunteer-run and, in 2012, distributed
more than 2,000 full bags of groceries.
THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY DINNER
Lining up slices of pie for the
Thanksgiving dinner
Every year, Ascension hosts a turkey dinner for the
community on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Attended
by more than 200 people, the dinner gives those who
otherwise wouldn’t be able to celebrate the holiday an
opportunity to enjoy traditional foods and companionship
in a warm and welcoming environment.
NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN PARTIES
In the summer, Ascension uses its beautiful Our Lady of
Victory garden as the focal point for informal outreach
events to the neighborhood. Sample events have included
dessert buffets, ice cream socials, outdoor concerts, and
even salsa dancing lessons.
TWELVE-STEP PROGRAMS
Ascension has long been the host for many meetings of
Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs.
Parishioners at a garden party
12
Who We Are
Parish Organizations
ACOLYTES
Ascension has a corps of dedicated acolytes who assist at
all liturgical functions, from serving at Low Mass to
serving as subdeacon at Solemn High Mass.
ALTAR GUILD
The altar guild consists of a small group of people who are
responsible for the care of altar linens, vestments and
vessels.
LAY READERS & LECTORS
Our lay readers are a faithful group of laypeople who lead
the public reading of the Daily Office each morning and
evening.
Ascension’s lectors read the First Lesson at Solemn High
Mass and both the First Lesson and Epistle at Sung Mass,
as well as at other special services throughout the year.
Acolytes get ready in the Sacristy
THE SOCIETY OF MARY
The Society of Mary sponsors the public praying of the
Rosary following Solemn High Mass on the first Sunday of
every month.
USHERS
The ushers greet and seat the congregation, distribute
bulletins, select the element bearers, collect the
offerings, keep count of attendance and tidy the church
following services.
A lector at Low Mass
13
Who We Are
The Vestry & Committees
The vestry is made up of the senior warden, the junior
warden and nine vestry members, who are elected at the
parish annual meeting. The wardens each serve one-year
terms, with the junior warden succeeding to the role of
senior warden. Vestry members are elected to three-year
terms.
A vestry meeting
Members of the Children’s Ministry
committee
Each official committee of the parish is chaired by a
member of the vestry. Our vestry committees are:
•
Activities Committee—responsible for planning
receptions and other social activities)
•
Building & Grounds—responsible for the upkeep of our
parish property
•
Children’s Education—responsible for Sunday School,
the Nursery of St. Anne, and other children’s ministries)
•
Christian Education—responsible for educational and
spiritual development programs for adults
•
Evangelism Committee—responsible for outreach
activities
•
Finance Committee—responsible for financial matters
and annual budget planning
•
Stewardship Committee—responsible for the annual
giving campaign
•
Worship Committee—assists the Rector in planning and
budgeting for worship services
Repairs being made to the church
roof
14
Who We Are
The Staff
Under the direction of the Rector, Ascension employs
several additional staff.
ASSISTING PRIEST
Ascension is fortunate to have the Rev. Kurt Olson serve as
an assisting priest. Father Olson assists with the saying of
mass on Sundays and throughout the week, preaching, and
the providing of pastoral care. Fr. Olson recently retired
as a full-time social worker at a local hospital.
Father Olson with Junior Warden
Avril Hector
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Additional staff include:
•
•
•
•
•
Director of Finance and Parish Administrator Charley
Taylor
Organist David Schrader
Choirmaster Thomas Wikman
Director of Education & Nursery Care Provider Arelys
Vásquez-Green
Facilities Manager Krzysztof Sokol
The Sisters of St. Anne
Parish Administrator Charley Taylor
The Sisters of the Order of St. Anne are our next-door
neighbors and partners in ministry. The sisters live in a
convent located between the parish garden and the
rectory. The sisters assist with our Sunday School, nursery
and other activities, along with conducting their own
ministries.
Rev. Mother Judith Marie and Sister
Barbara Louise
15
Our History
Founded in 1857—ironically, as a low-church alternative to the nearby parish of St. James
(now the cathedral)—the Church of the Ascension has a rich and colorful history. A book
about parish history from its founding until 1982 can be found online: History of the
Church of the Ascension, Chicago, Illinois, 1857–1982.
What follows here is a summary.
EARLY DAYS
In its earliest years, the Church of the Ascension faced many challenges: seven rectors in
only a dozen years and moves to several locations. The small congregation struggled to
survive.
In 1869, the Rev. Charles P. Dorset arrived as rector and brought with him the beginnings
of the Anglo-Catholic movement in Chicago.
16
Our history
Before long, Father Dorset and the parish were facing difficulties with other churchmen
and with then-Bishop John Henry Whitehouse. To these problems another soon was added:
the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the church (only a chalice, paten and baptismal
font were saved) and the homes of every parishioner.
Because of difficulties with the bishop, little money was received from the diocese for help
in rebuilding and Ascension had to go it alone. It was not until three years after the Fire
that the stone chapel (now St. Michael’s Hall) was dedicated.
Soon, Father Dorset began introducing candles, vestments, daily mass and the other
elements of the Catholic tradition. The parish flourished, but in the fall of that year, Bishop
Whitehouse ordered the removal of the candles from the altar—and Ascension entered into
one of many controversies to come.
THE “RITUALIST” CONTROVERSY & FR. ARTHUR RITCHIE
The controversies only increased with the arrival of Ascension’s next rector in 1875, the
Rev. Arthur Ritchie. A proponent of what was then called the “Ritualistic Movement,” Fr.
Ritchie soon became embroiled in bitter controversies with the new Bishop of Chicago
William Edward McLaren.
Fr. Ritchie introduced the Solemn
High Mass, colored vestments,
incense and the Sanctus bell. In turn,
Bishop McLaren refused to make
visitations to Ascension or confirm in
the parish.
In 1884, Fr. Ritchie was called to be
rector of St. Ignatius in New York,
but before he left the Church of the
Ascension, he officiated at the first
Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament celebrated in any parish
church in the entire Anglican
Communion since the Reformation.
Fr. Arthur Ritchie, Rector 1875–1884
17
Our history
FR. LARRABEE ARRIVES
Ascension’s next rector, Edward Larrabee, served for 25 years—and while he continued all
of Fr. Ritchie’s practices and even added several more, he maintained better relations
with the bishop.
Under Fr. Larrabee’s leadership, the present church building was completed, the altar
was erected and, when the mortgage was finally paid in 1893, the church was
consecrated by Bishop McLaren, the same prelate who had refused to come for a
visitation only 13 years before.
By the 25th anniversary of Fr. Larrabee’s ordination, the Church of the Ascension was one
of the leading Anglo-Catholic parishes in the nation.
A LASTING LEGACY: FR. WILLIAM BREWSTER STOSKOPF
In 1909, Fr. Larrabee left the parish to
become Dean of Nashotah House and
Fr. William Brewster Stoskopf became
the eleventh rector.
In his more than forty years as rector,
many important events occurred in the
life of the parish—among them the
arrival in 1921 of the Sisters of St.
Anne, the purchase of the Convent,
and, above all, the continuation of the
Catholic Faith and worship which had
been begun by his predecessors.
When Fr. Stoskopf died in 1951, the
rectory (which had been his own home)
became church property and has been
used by successive rectors ever since.
Fr. Stoskopf, along with his sister Alice,
also made significant bequests to the
church which continue to enable our
ministry to this day.
Fr. William Brewster Stoskopf, Rector 1909–1951
18
Our history
CATHOLIC FAITH & PRACTICE ENCOUNTER A CHANGING WORLD
The second half of the 20th century was a time of dramatic change for the Church as a
whole. Under the leadership of its next rectors, Ascension met those challenges while
maintaining its traditions.
Fr. Albert Hillestad (later Bishop of Springfield) led the parish from 1951 to 1957. During Fr.
Hillestad’s rectorate, the parish launched a serious outreach program to the local community,
including a day-care center.
Fr. William Orrick came to Ascension in 1957 as the thirteenth rector—remaining until his
untimely death in 1969. During his leadership, extensive interior changes were made to the
church, including the installation of a Schlicker organ in 1964. The Ascension Parochial
School, staffed by the Sisters of St. Anne, was also launched. (The school has since closed.)
In 1971, Fr. Edwin Norris became Ascension's next rector. A former Benedictine monk at St.
Gregory's Abbey in Michigan, Fr. Norris led Ascension through the turbulent post-Vatican II and
1979 Prayer Book liturgical changes, establishing the parish’s current liturgical pattern.
Fr. Norris also led the parish in an important building program, constructing much-needed
sacristies, a larger kitchen, renovated dining space, restrooms, and other needed spaces.
Additionally Fr. Norris and his curate Fr. John Holleman established an adult education
program entitled The Institute of Christian Studies, patterned on a similar program at All
Saints, Margaret Street. Among the distinguished lecturers featured at the Institute were the
Most Rev. Michael Ramsey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, and Dr. John McQuarrie, an
Anglican theologian from Oxford University. Fr. Norris was also an active member of the
Catholic Clerical Union and a founding member of the Evangelical and Catholic Mission. He
retired from Ascension at the end of December 1993.
ON THE CUSP OF A NEW CENTURY
Our recently retired rector, the Rev. Gary Fertig, came
to Ascension in 1995, after serving many years as the
vicar of St. Thomas Church in New York City and
chaplain to their famous Boys Choir.
Fr. Fertig’s rectorate had many notable achievements.
He is a noted liturgist, who not only upheld the AngloCatholic liturgical traditions of the parish, but
enhanced them as well.
Fr. Gary P. Fertig, Rector, 1995–2012
19
Our history
Fr. Fertig also brought many much-needed repairs to the church’s building and facilities,
including the installation of air conditioning in the church and the beautification of the parish
garden, which he saw as an oasis of calm and respite not only for parishioners, but also for
residents of the nearby high-rise buildings. Under his leadership, the parish endowment fund
also saw significant growth, providing increased financial stability.
One of the major accomplishments of Fr. Fertig’s rectorate was the establishment of the St.
Anthony of Padua Food Pantry—a significant source of help to the hungry and needy in our
neighborhood. Fr. Fertig also reactivated the parish Sunday School after several years of
dormancy.
In 2007, the Church of the Ascension celebrated its 150th birthday, with a year-long
celebration, starting with the visitation on Ascension Day of Bishop William Persell (11th
Bishop of Chicago). On Michaelmas, the celebrant was Bishop James Winchester Montgomery
(9th Bishop of Chicago). On Ascension Day, 2008, we celebrated with the new Bishop of
Chicago, Jeffrey D. Lee, and on the Day of Pentecost 2008 the 25th Presiding Bishop of the
Episcopal Church, Frank Griswold (10th Bishop of Chicago) celebrated Solemn High Mass. The
Presiding Bishop also blessed the Sesquicentennial Cross in the Our Lady of Victory Garden, as
well as the refurbished Stations of the Cross in the Church.
In 2012, upon the retirement of our rector Fr. Fertig, the vestry called Fr. Milton Williams, Jr.
to serve as our spiritual leader and interim rector.
For a century and half, Ascension has been a leading parish in the Catholic movement in the
Episcopal Church. We are proud of our history and look forward to starting another chapter in
it under the leadership of our new rector.
20
Our buildings
21
Our buildings
THE CHURCH
Dates of Construction: 1882–1887
Architects: Albert Wilcox & John Tilton
The original frame church was destroyed by the Chicago
Fire of 1871—only the stone baptismal font survived.
Rebuilding began in 1881 with a design by Albert Wilcox
using Lemont limestone. After several years’ delay, the
structure was completed in 1887 under the design of John
Tilton.
In 1892, the present high altar (composed of American
statuary marble) was installed, along with the delicate
iron rood screen designed by John Stout. The front of the
altar contains replicas of the mosaics of the high altar of
St. Mary’s Church in Cologne, Germany. The designs
represent the Four Gospels.
The wall behind the altar is a royal blue with gilt designs.
The ceiling rises steeply to a height of 70 feet on open
hammer-beam trusses. The ceiling’s beautiful polychrome
decoration was completed in the 1960s.
The Rood Screen and High Altar
The floor of deep red tile, the dark oak wainscoting, the
red brick walls and the dark Georgia pine ceiling all
contrast dramatically with the color and majesty of the
altar and stained glass windows.
The stained glass windows on the north side of the nave
were designed by two different studios: Reynolds, Francis
and Rohnstock of Boston and Willet of Philadelphia. The
north windows depict the mysteries of the rosary. The
windows on the south side are more contemporary,
designed by the Chicago firm of Giannini and Hilgart and
completed in 1992. These windows chronicle the Apostles.
The clerestory windows in the chancel date from the 19th
century and depict the sacraments.
The large bas-relief plaster Stations of the Cross that line
the walls of the nave date to the 19th century, and were
restored in 2007.
The Tabernacle
22
Our buildings
Two shrines are located near the front of the Nave: on the
north side stands a shrine of Our Lady, placed in the
church by Fr. Larrabee in 1922. On the south side stands
the Shrine of St. Michael, dedicated to the memory of Fr.
Larrabee upon his death in 1928.
In addition to the sanctuary, the church building also holds
the parish offices, community spaces, a large reception
hall and kitchen.
St. Francis and the Parish
Columbarium
OUR LADY OF VICTORY GARDEN
The Our Lady of Victory Garden provides a beautiful,
peaceful space in the midst of a busy city neighborhood—
and is enjoyed by parishioners and neighbors alike. The
garden contains an outdoor altar and the parish
columbarium.
THE CONVENT OF ST. ANNE
The garden and convent
The parish provides the Convent to the Sisters of St. Anne
for their residence. It is an historic row house next to the
parish garden.
THE RECTORY
The Ascension rectory is a spacious three bedroom row
house two doors down from the church building. The third
floor of the rectory is currently maintained as a separate
apartment, but could be combined with the rectory to add
additional bedrooms and other space if needed.
THE COACH HOUSE
Recently rehabbed, a three bedroom coach house is
located at the rear of our property.
The rectory
23
Our Finances
2013 Operating Budget: $752,560
Average Pledge: $1,594
Number of Pledges: 102
Parish Endowment (as of 12/31/12): $3,427,641
We are fortunate to be the major beneficiary of the Stoskopf Trusts, established by
Father William Brewster Stoskopf and his sister Alice Louise Stoskopf upon their deaths in
the early 1950s. Although the trusts are managed independently of the parish, we are
the sole beneficiary of the William Stoskopf Trust and, together with the Order of St.
Anne and the St. Andrew’s—Sewanee School in Tennessee, are the shared beneficiaries of
the Alice Stoskopf Trust. Taken together, these trusts provide us with an annual income
of several hundred thousand dollars.
In addition, our own endowment fund has grown over recent years, and now provides us
with significant additional funds each year.
This is a blessing to the parish—but also a challenge as we attempt to invigorate our
stewardship program.
24
Our finances
Annual Receipts
$400,000
Stoskopf Trust Income
$332,000
$350,000
$300,000
$286,512
$250,000
$200,000
$175,747
Congregational Giving
$142,918
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$0
$138,819
Parish Endowment Income
$68,705
$96,838
Other Income
$39,874
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Other Measures
155
152
145
149
138
135
125
115
120
119
105
100
95
2003
2004
2005
Voting Members
2006
2007
2008
2009
Average Sunday Attendance
2010
2011
2012
Number of Pledges
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Our Vision
“I see our parish as a
leading center for teaching
the Anglo-Catholic tradition
by word and example.”
“We need to be more
creative in inviting guests to
visit—those who like what
they see will stay.”
“Our Catholic witness is a
powerful one—we need to
share it more widely.”
“To connect more deeply
with the lives of those who
worship here”
We are deeply committed to our AngloCatholic heritage and are looking for a new
rector who will guide us in our mission—
strengthening what has already been built
and leading us forward, expanding our
outreach, education and children’s
ministries.
Together, we look forward to a new chapter
of growth in the life and calling of the
Church of the Ascension.
26
Our Vision
Sharing our Gifts, Expanding our Mission
Our recent parish survey shows that the members of the
Church of the Ascension treasure our Anglo-Catholic
heritage and our historical commitment to reverent,
traditional worship and music.
At the same time, as a community of faith we are eager
to build on those strengths and expand into new areas of
ministry to become more faithful servants of Christ.
The choir
In particular, our parish survey identified several priorities
for growth:
• Evangelism and Outreach: We are looking for new
ways to engage with our community and the world, to
reach farther and broader than we have in the past.
• Christian Education & Spiritual Development: Our
survey shows that we are a highly educated
congregation and have relatively high levels of spiritual
commitment, but we are looking for ways to deepen
our understanding of the faith and our sense of the
presence of God in our lives.
Three little acolytes
• Children’s & Family Ministry: We want to better
minister to our families with children, supporting them
in their growth in the faith. This means both improving
the programs we offer families and children, and
attracting more families to the parish.
• Meaningful Community and Support: As in many urban
parishes, many of our members are looking for a place
of community and support.
• Empowerment for Ministry: Our members are looking
for ways they can personally contribute to the Church’s
work in the world.
A baptism
• Ministry beyond our Parish: We are looking for greater
connection to the Diocese of Chicago and the church as
a whole; perhaps in shared ministries or programs with
neighboring parishes.
27
Our New Rector
“Our next rector should be
firmly spiritually grounded,
a good teacher of the faith,
a good liturgist and a caring
pastor.”
“… a priest who is ‘in love’
with the Catholic life—
deeply learned in liturgy
and theology”
“… a powerful and talented
preacher who proclaims
God’s Word in meaningful
ways”
“…an experienced leader
with a track record of
success”
“… a good listener and
pastor”
We believe and trust that the Holy Spirit is
already at work, calling our new rector to
come and minister among us.
Above all, we look for a faithful and
committed priest, dedicated to the love
and service of Christ and to the Sacred
Ministry of Word and Sacrament.
We look forward to greeting our new pastor
and walking together in faith.
28
Our New Rector
Our recent parish survey indicated that we are looking for
a new rector with the following qualities, skills and
abilities:
Censing the altar
•
A committed and faithful Anglo-Catholic: Our
historic Anglo-Catholic identity is at the core of our
parish’s mission. Our next rector should share that
deep commitment.
•
A graceful and reverent liturgist: Our tradition of
solemn and beautiful music and worship is an
essential part of our identity. We are looking for a
rector steeped in that tradition, who values the
profound power of the liturgy and can lead our
worship in a graceful and sensitive way.
•
A skillful and inspiring preacher: Just as we look for
excellence in worship and music, we are seeking a
talented preacher who can proclaim God’s message in
a meaningful and memorable way—touching our lives
with the power of God’s Word.
•
A caring and loving pastor: We look for a priest who
will love us, care for us and guide us in the path of
the Good Shepherd.
•
A creative and energetic evangelist: Our next rector
should have a proven track record of leading
successful outreach efforts. We want to grow and
minister to our community in new ways.
•
A wise and thoughtful teacher: We are looking for a
priest who can enrich the Christian education and
spiritual development of all members of the parish,
young and old.
•
An effective and visionary leader: We are looking for
a priest who can inspire, empower and lead us in
making a difference in the world through the power of
the Holy Spirit.
Good Friday liturgy
A Gospel procession
29
The Diocese of Chicago
The Church of the Ascension is a part of the Diocese of
Chicago. With 124 parishes and 40,000 members located
in northern Illinois, the Diocese of Chicago is the twelfth
largest diocese in The Episcopal Church.
Founded in 1834 and historically rooted in the Church’s
Anglo-Catholic tradition, the Chicago Diocese now
expresses a diversity of cultural, liturgical and theological
approaches.
Our Diocese is led by the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, who was
consecrated the 12th Bishop of Chicago in February 2008.
Bishop Lee is a graduate of the University of Michigan and
Nashotah House Seminary and served as a curate, canon
to the ordinary and church developer in the Diocese of
Northern Indiana, and rector of parishes in Wisconsin and
Washington before being elected bishop. He is the author
of Opening the Prayer Book and a member of the faculty
of the CREDO Institute.
Bishop Lee visits the parish on St.
Michael’s feast day
Bishop Lee is assisted by the Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting,
the retired Bishop of Iowa, who most recently served as
ecumenical officer for The Episcopal Church.
The diocesan offices are located on the campus of St.
James’ Cathedral in downtown Chicago, just a short walk
from Ascension.
For more information, visit www.episcopalchicago.org.
CHICAGO-NORTH DEANERY
The Church of the Ascension is one of nine churches in the
Chicago-North Deanery, which seeks to promote unity and
cooperation among clergy and congregations. The clergy
from the Deanery meet monthly for fellowship and
support. Occasionally, the Deanery sponsors events for
member parishes.
The Cathedral of St. James
30
The City of Chicago
The Church of the Ascension is located just north of
downtown Chicago, Illinois—the third largest city in the
U.S. and one of the great cities of the world.
More than two and a half million people call the city of
Chicago home—with several more million in our
metropolitan area. Famous for the Cubs and the White
Sox, the Bears and the Bulls, the Lyric Opera and the
Chicago Symphony, deep-dish pizza and world-class
architecture, Chicago has something to offer everyone.
Within walking distance of our parish, you will find the
towering skyscrapers of the Loop, the famous
“Magnificent Mile” shopping area on Michigan Avenue, the
parks and beaches of Lake Michigan, three-star
restaurants, award-winning theater, galleries, museums,
and parks.
31
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels,
may the Lord give us perseverance in faith.”
– from THE CHAPLET OF ST. MICHAEL
PATRON SAINT OF CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
Church of the Ascension
Parish Profile 2013

Church of the Ascension Parish Profile

Transcription

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