Among churches of the world-wide Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church is unique in its Baptismal Covenant.  This Sunday, we will be renewing the baptismal promises of this covenant.    Learn more about this covenant and a summary of the Episcopal Church's teachings with an excellent look at the Bible, the sacraments and more.

 Mission: the guiding force in the Episcopal Church

from the Episcopal Church website:

~ To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

~ To teach, baptize and nurture new believers

~ To respond to human need by loving service

~ To seek to transform unjust structures of society

~ To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

We recognize with gratitude that the Five Marks of Mission, developed by the Anglican Consultative Council between 1984 and 1990, have won wide acceptance among Anglicans, and have given parishes and dioceses around the world a practical and memorable "checklist" for mission activities.

'La Nuevo cara de Guatemala' is what it says 

 on their t-shirts........'The New face of Guatemala'!

The 5 Sr. High Students that were transformed to do mission in the world: Jake Doneux, Ellie Hands, Our guide: Alejandro, Zoe Wichser, Ivy Thompson & Hannah Keller. Frank Langer in background.

 

.....and from the Last Sunday Supper on August 26, 2012....

 Serve the Homeless: Volunteer September 19th

On Wednesday, September 19, I will be working an overnight shift at a new homeless shelter* in Washington County, the only homeless shelter in the county in fact.  We will begin our work at 8:30 p.m. by cleaning up dinner (provided by another church) and helping residents get settled.  We sleep there "on call" in case there are any needs during the night, and we set out a continental breakfast in the morning to finish our shift.  If you are interested, please email me at: rectorbuff@aechurch.org or speak to me on Sunday.  Overnight volunteers are required to be of the same gender, so the volunteer must be male this time around.

Thanks,
Buff+

In the early years of the 1900's, the Parish Aid Society continued their devoted attention to keeping the church building clean and in good repair and to raise money to maintain it's mission. In 1917, they contributed $400, in yearly payments, toward the Episcopal Church Pension Fund. They also provided bedding and equipment for a hospital room. In the 30's, the name was changed to "Women's Auxiliary", though the work was unchanged- they served parish dinners, held rummage and craft sales, and contributed the proceeds to the parish. In the 50's  and 60's, four guilds were formed: St. Matthew's, St. Mark's, St. Luke's and St. John's. However, at this time many women were entering the work world, and were ultimately unable to maintain their memberships. In the 70's, the "Auxiliary" became "Women of the Church", and all women were automatically members. The guilds that have survived are the Altar Guild, the Julian Guild (Garden Guild 1981), and the Kitchen Guild, formed in the 80's, to provide for receptions and parish meals, etc. The Altar Guild was organized in 1891, and as in its earliest days, serves in preparation of the altar for all services. In 1922, the Rev. Thomas Dewhurst became rector of Ascension Church, his wife, Alice, known by everyone as "Nanny", became active in women's work in the church, and after his death in 1938, she continued to contribute her expertise as director of the Altar Guild for many years, into the 80's. She died in 1989, several days before her 105th birthday!

To be continued....

By Betty Erickson

 

Valley Outreach relies heavily upon generous and dedicated volunteers to sort and stock donations and serve clients at the Food Shelf. Four times a year, Ascension Church is asked to provide volunteers to help with this important work.  Become a welcome volunteer.

The next time Ascension will be providing volunteers is November 26, 28 & 30th from 9:30 - 12:30. Help one day, or all three. Stay for the whole shift or just an hour or two. Bring a friend! Please consider joining this very important and rewarding mission.

In conjunction with our volunteer opportunity at Valley Outreach, we will be holding a food drive at Ascension.  This allows all parishioners a chance to contribute their support to Valley Outreach.  

Watch the Font for notices of upcoming opportunities.

Contact Frank Langer at 651-245-5432 or email: fslanvel@hotmail.com   Thank You!

Voices 4 Libya:

One of our Speaker Series

If you have an idea for an author or speaker who might fit with our Community Speaker Series, please contact Bob Bylik at: bob.bilyk@lodestarlearning.com