COVID-19 and Faithful Community

Posted on April 14, 2020 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

Greetings,

In this time of pandemic, life has changed dramatically for Ascension Lutheran, but our mission has not.  We continue to create faithful community, just in new ways.

Following Bishop Jim Gonia’s decision, the earliest in person worship and activities will begin is May 31. In the meantime, we have moved all church activities online. Visit http://www.ascensioncos.org/engage/calendar/ for the church calendar. Only church staff and a few volunteers needed to keep the church running are coming into the church.  All other work and leadership is being done from home and online.  Our office assistant will be in the office from 9-noon, Monday-Friday, but we encourage you to call or email with questions, not drop by.

Worship has moved online.  Each Sunday, at 9:15 am we are streaming our services on our YouTube Channel.  The easiest way to watch is to go to our Online Worship page, which will have links to current and past services, as well as downloadable bulletins. You can find this page at: http://www.ascensioncos.org/online-worship/?preview_id=1828&preview_nonce=124c16eeab&preview=true  We also celebrate communion during these services.  Please have bread and wine or grape juice ready.  We’ll lead you through the service.

We are also continuing Wednesday evening worship with a Bible Study and Prayer service at 7pm. You can join via zoom at: (password: 800068): https://zoom.us/j/298020347?pwd=dmF3dW8yY1Y2MkxjQzd1QlJpOXQ2QT09 We don’t yet know when in person worship will resume, but in the meantime we still gather together.

We’ve set up a phone tree to keep everyone connected.  If you haven’t received a call and would like one, please call our office at 719-634-1694.  In this time of isolation, keeping the community going is key.

As you can imagine, this crisis is leaving many in need.  We’ve been supporting CLC families and others with food, and we’ve been supporting Family Promise families with gift cards and donations.  The ways we care for our neighbor will likely evolve through this crisis, so stay tuned for how you can help.

Our Children’s Learning Center (CLC) is open and serving families who are essential workers. We’ve adopted health department guidelines to keep our youth and staff safe. We are thankful that we can serve those who are serving the community in this way.

Finally, moving to a mostly online community is a challenge financially as we aren’t passing the plate anymore.  If you are able to support the ministry of Ascension, please mail in a check to the office, or give online at www.ascensioncos.org/give.  You can set up recurring giving there as well.

It is tempting to give in to fear and anxiety in this time.  It is tempting to turn inward.  But we believe God has called us to join together and care for our neighbor.  And we believe God has given us what we need to heed that call – unending grace and the supportive community.  Join us in this ministry.

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 15:5-6

God bless,

Ascension’s Executive Committee

Donna Crump, President, John Hayes, Vice-President, Russell Johnson, Treasurer, Gabrielle Brown, Secretary, Pastor Dan Holt, Pastor Daniel Smith

4/29/2020