Boomers & Elders
Faith Formation for Maturing Adults (FFMA)
Ascension Lutheran Church is invested in attending to the needs unique to maturing adults and their spiritual development. Faith Formation for Maturing Adults (FFMA) is a ministry plan put into place by the trio formerly known as Team Stretch, consisting of Deacon Mary Stoneback, Jim DeLoughry and Dr. Elisa Thompson. The group engaged in a two-year Johnson Certificate Program focused on ministry to Boomers & Elders. The team is now a part of the Board of Lay Ministry and in this shared ministry focuses on building community, supporting faith and connecting generations.
Generation Celebrations
We are a congregation made of different people of all ages. Everyone has something to offer and we can learn from one another as we walk together in this life and faith. At Ascension, one way we do this is by celebrating each generation. We began in August 2018 with the Greatest Generation (1901 – 1928) and this past November with the Silent Generation (1929-1945). Future celebrations include the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) on January 27 and Generation X (1965- 1980), the Millennials (1981-present) and the Post Millennial “I “generation to follow, wrapping up in Spring 2020. The following video features members in the Silent Generation, sharing of their upbringing, significant historical happenings and their faith.
Guest Speakers
In April 2019, Ascension hosted Faith Formation specialists, Rev. Dr. David Anderson. Rev. Dr. David Anderson and his wife, Gloria started Milestone Ministries, based out of Minnesota. Follow this link for more information on Rev. Dr. David Anderson and Gloria’s work in faith formation. https://milestonesministry.org
Grief Support
Thanks to a generous Endowment grant, Ascension was able to purchase the copyright for the acclaimed film, Voices of Grief: Honoring the Sacred Journey. This poignant, 42-minute documentary explores the many normal paths grief takes in our largely grief-avoidant culture. Members Rich Johnson, Dr. Elisa Thompson and Jessica Reyes lead this effort, which also includes the option for ongoing grief support through the Grief Recovery Method. The next showing of Voices of Grief will be May and November 2019. There are also options for private or small group showings at Ascension. If this interests you or a group with which you are involved, please contact Elisa (elisat92@gmail.com) or Rich Johnson (jrajohnson@aol.com).
SUP are held on the third Thursday of each month from 12 pm – 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. The gatherings are meant to deepen one’s faith in Christ and friendships through fellowship, learning and service opportunities. Presenters from the community and congregation engage members in conversations and activities that are relevant to their life and faith. We welcome you to join us and invite a friend!
Abundant Life Ministries is a team of Ascension members dedicated to encouraging the congregation in living abundantly in Christ. The group serves the community in offering various learning opportunities, gatherings, fitness efforts and service projects each aimed to help people of all ages connect their faith and health. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10