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.