Outreach...

Dear Friends in Christ,

Ascension's Outreach Ministry meets quarterly to give updates on our partner agencies (Interbay Tiny Cabin Village, Operation Nightwatch, Mission to Seafarers, Ballard Food Bank, Queen Anne Helpline and Camp Huston). As we further our relationships with these agencies, events in Haiti and Afghanistan and the spread of COVID are challenging too. "How can we respond?", a committee member asked.

I've heard people say, "There's nothing I can do." Perhaps it's tru that no one of us can single-handedly solve any of these global problems. but it's just not true that there's nothing to do. Prayer is a good act. Church involvement is another concrete act. Ascension is committed to housing our neighbors, befriending and welcoming strangers, feeding the hungry, nurturing our children in faith. Regarding the spread of COVID, there are steps we can take.

The Episcopal Relief & Development has a COVID Relief Fund that will be especially important for developing nations where a lack of resources may make vaccine campaigns challenging. the Episcopal Office of Government Relations has a Vaccine Toolkit to support your work in encouraging vaccination among those who are hesitant. We, the Church of Ascension, can encourage people to get vaccinated (booster shot too.)! Let us never cease to pray.

Almighty God our Heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God for ever and ever. Amen.

Interbay Tiny Cabin Village: The Episcopal Church of the Ascension is in partnership with LIHI (Low Income Housing Institute) as advocates for and neighbors to the residents of Interbay Village. We cook and serve them a monthly Sunday meal and provide clothing, and household items as needed. We are part of a network of advocates including other churches, nonprofits and governmental organizations who have joined together to provide support in their transition to permanent housing. Jan Monti leads this initiative for COA.
Operation Nightwatch: This is a street ministry in downtown Seattle. We support this ministry by providing and serving dinner 7 times a year, on the 31st of each month that has 31 days, as well as collecting needed toiletry and clothing items.
Mission to Seafarers: This is an ecumenical and international ministry supported by our diocese to serve those on board merchant marine and cruise ships that come to the port of Seattle. We support this ministry through on-board visits, driving seamen to local shops, knitting caps, collecting supplies for and stuffing ditty bags, and prayer.
Ballard Food Bank: The members of the Church of the Ascension provide food to the Ballard Food Bank with monthly drives that generate up to hundreds of pounds of food for our neighbors. Marie Cain and Dottie McCain have organized this for several years and are committed stewards of this work.
Queen Anne Helpline: The mission of Queen Anne Helpline is to “To prevent homelessness and stabilize the lives of neighbors in need through financial and supportive services.” Prevention is one of the most effective ways to mitigate our city’s housing and affordability crisis. Queen Anne Helpline provides supportive services including basic needs provisions such as food, clothing, bus tickets, and hygiene items. Last year they prevented over 500 evictions with financial support. They provide assistance to over 1,100 people, as well as assistance to keep their utilities connected. The Church of the Ascension provides provisions and donations to this important community effort which is led by Melinda Schiering.
Camp Huston: Camp Huston is part of the missionary and educational outreach of the Diocese of Olympia. It is an Episcopal summer camp and conference center in the Cascade foothills with facilities available to rent for religious, non profit and educational groups for conferences, retreats and events. The Church of the Ascension provides an annual gift to support their mission.
Fundraisers: Annual Book Sales and Second Hand Sales.