Fifteen Years of Grace, Gratitude, and Growth

Posted on June 29, 2025 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

A note from Deacon Mary Stoneback following today’s farewell and blessing from her call with Ascension Lutheran Church.

Dear Ascension Lutheran Church,

This weekend, I had the joy of celebrating 15 years in ministry with you. It’s hard to put into words what these years have meant—walking alongside youth and families, and all ages dreaming up ways we can work together and share God’s love, and sharing in laughter, tears, coffee, and deep conversations about faith and life. A special thank you to Jim Deloughry and team for their incredible Saturday night celebration and all who shared in person and by video. It was a joy to be together!

You have shaped my call in ways I’ll carry with me always. Together, we’ve experienced the Spirit at work—in worship, in community, in service and yes… even in livestream hiccups and do overs.

As I now step into full-time ministry with the Rocky Mountain Synod as Synod Minister for Communications and Events, I carry this truth with me: ministry begins with God, is sustained in relationship, and is always shared.

To my incredible colleagues—Pastor Dan, Daniel, Keith, and the entire Ascension staff—thank you. Your partnership, encouragement, and heart for ministry have been such a gift to me. I’ve learned so much from each of you, and it’s been a joy to serve alongside you.

A heartfelt thank-you as well to Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni for taking the time to be with us for Sunday’s service—to celebrate, to bless this time of farewell and transition, and to affirm the call we all share to walk together in Christ’s love.

Thank you, Ascension, for trusting me, supporting me, and helping me grow. I’m deeply grateful for each of you and excited for how God will continue to work through all of us—in new ways, new places, and the same abiding love.

As we each go forward, may we do so with open hearts and bold confidence in grace—ready to share the good news of Christ’s love, in word and in action, for the sake of the world.

With love and deep gratitude always,
Deacon Mary Stoneback