ADULT MINISTRIES

Sunday Morning Christian Eucation (September - May)

9:15 - 10:05 AM

The Sunday Morning Christian Education hour

presents an opportunity for adult parishioners whose paths might not other wise cross in the three separate Sunday worship services. Time together is enhanced by our popular Doughnut Ministry, which is followed by the large lecture-style class in the Parish Hall, and other smaller discussion-oriented classes.

Classes are divided by topic so that people of all ages and walks of life have the chance to interact and learn from each other as well as the class facilitator. Some classes are led by clergy, others by parishioners who are experts in particular areas, or by visiting professors or community leaders. Topics have included Bible study, church history, theology, social issues, family concerns, prayer, liturgy, and others.

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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Children, 3 Years Old - 6th Grade

"Jesus said, O Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for

it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

Matthew 19:14

Passing on our faith to children is important to all Christians. At Ascension we have made it a priority in many ways. Our Director of Christian Education oversees staff and volunteers in the nursery, classrooms, KIDS Worship, and events and activities throughout the year.

Sunday Morning Christian Eucation (September - May)

9:15 - 10:05 AM

THE GOALS OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM ARE:

• To lay a spiritual foundation by telling the story of God's action throughout history with His people.

• To build relationships with God through Jesus Christ.

• To nurture a healthy Christian community between adults and children.

• To encourage participation and understanding of communal worship, prayer, and praise.

• To provide opportunities for adults to share their gifts and talents while passing our faith to our children.

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THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION OFFERS "THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD" AS THE SUNDAY MORNING CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN FORMATION PROGRAM:

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori based curriculum developed by Sofia Cavalletti. This is a religious formation experience for children ages 3-12 and is based on the belief that young children can and do experience God.

The aim of the program is to create an environment which supports children's spiritual development. The Gospel is proclaimed through age-appropriate parable lessons, stories of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, prayers, music, sacred art, and liturgical events.

Children are given lessons in small groups with hand-on materials that help the children and adults to reflect on the great mysteries of our faith. An attendance covenant is required for this level since space is limited.

Level 1: ages 3-5; Level 2: ages 6-9; Level 3: ages 9-12

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Kids Worship program is offered throughout the year during the 10:30 a.m. service.

This program caters for children ages 3 years old through 4th grade who are too old for Nursery but not quite ready to stay in church for a complete service. Children go into church with their parents for the beginning of the service and leave before the readings and then return in time to join their parents for Holy Eucharist.

The KIDS Worship is led by a team of two adults and the children participate in scripture reading, a short story based on the Gospel of the day, prayers, and if time permits social activity.

Other special events throughout the year are Vacation Bible School, Christmas Pageant, and Palm Sunday presentation of the Holy Gospel.

Communion Instruction is offered twice each year, before Christmas and Easter. The requirement is that children must be baptized and 6 years or older. This program is led by a priest and the Director of Christian Education.

The Children's Library provides an opportunity for toddlers and children to learn more about their faith as they grow up in the church. Video and audio tapes for children are also available in the main library.

The Nursery is another important part of this Ministry and WE WELCOME CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THREE YEARS OLD. It is important that a child's first experience of church life is positive. The following imformation is provided to help you understand the procedures and policies and to help you and your child feel at home here.

NURSERY HOURS on Sunday:

September through May: 9:00 a.m. - Noon.

Mid May through Labor Day: 10:15 a.m. - Noon.

Nursery Staff (youth, parents, and interested adults) volunteer once every four or five weeks on a rotating basis. Weekday Nursery is sceduled for specific events by advance reservation.

WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR CHILD IN THE NURSERY we have some points we would like parents take into consideration.

• Sign-in child either at the Toddler or Infant window.

• Leave any necessary instructions.

• Tell the staff exactly where you will be on the sign-in form (i.e. Traditonal Service/Nave, Contemporary Service/Parish Hall, Adult Class)

• Place a nametag on your child's diaper bag and on your child's belongings ~ especially sippy cups

• Pick up a Nursery Pager and keep it with you during church

• Include a diaper bag ~ Extra diapers, bottle, pacifier, and changes of clothes (LABEL ALL ITEMS TO INSURE THAT THEY WILL BE RETURNED)

• We use a security system in our Nursery called SAFE CARE (nursery personnel will explain the system). The system uses a simple plan intended to insure that your child is released only to you or another authorized adult.

THE HEALTH OF YOUR CHILD AND ALL THE NURSERY IS IMPORTANT.

If your child is sick, please keep he/she at home. IF YOUR CHILD EXHIBITS SYMPTON OF ILLNESS (fever, vomiting, congestion) HE/SHE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAY in the Nursery that day, but will be welcome to return when the symptoms are gone. We appreciate your co-operation in this issue.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Cathy Wadley, 588-0589, ext. 224.

OUR AMBITION AS CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS IS:

• To nurture the child.

• To treasure each child as a gift from God.

• To recognize and foster children's spiritual and unique gifts.

• To appreciate children's abilities and readiness to represent Christ and His Church.

• Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.

If you have any questions, or are interested in any aspect of this Ministry or would like to offer to teach or assist in any way please contact the Parish Office, 588-0589. You are welcome in this ministry whether or not you have children.

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YOUTH MINISTRIES

Youth, 7th - 12th Grade

Youth Mission Statement

To provide a Christ-centered, friendly atmosphere for spiritual growth in which Youth have the opportunity to explore life issues within the context of the Christian faith.

Youth at Ascension Learn

Sunday School is offered Sundays at 9:15 AM - 10:05 AM (September - May)

Our Sunday School is using Living the Good News curriculum which follows the lectionary used in our church Sunday by Sunday. This curriculum allows for all ages to participate and experience the scriptures in new ways by providing outstanding literature in each session and opening fresh windows onto the Sunday readings.

Our teachers will use Understanding The Sunday Scriptures to guide them in their discussions with the youth.

Our 10th grade class is marked by choosing a pilgrimage for year end. They have followed the footsteps of Paul on a pilgrimage to Greece, studied Martin Luther and his journeys through Germany and stayed in a working monastery in Taize, France. Funds are raised throughout the year with car washes, chili sales, Mardi Gras and numerous other activities.

7th-8th grade ~ Room 101 (lower level)

9th grade ~ Room 106 (lower level)

10th, 11th grade ~ Room 104 (lower level)

12th grade ~ Youth Room (lower level)

Youth at Ascension Serve

We raise money to help our missionaries in Kenya and help send children to school and provide room & board.

Every summer we go on a Mission Trip. We have built additions onto homes, painted, cleared land, held Christian Day Camps for children and worked with underpriviledged children.

Our youth also help with the families that stay at the Harley House.

Youth at Ascension Raise Funds

We raise money for our 10th Grade annual Holy Pilgrimage by hosting a Mardi Gras Dinner, carwashes, dinners, auctions, and a variety of other projects.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact the Parish Office, (865) 588-0589.

Also, if you have any questions or would like more information on how to become involved in Youth Ministries

either as a participant or a volunteer, please call the Parish Office, (865) 588-0589.

ON-GOING ADULT PROGRAMS 

Wednesday Evenings: Evening Prayer at 5:45 PM; Dinner at 6:00 PM; Wednesday Evening Offerings at 7:00 PM.

A Call To Discipleship is a personal and indepth study of scriptures from Genesis through Revelation. The emphasis of this study is to show its relevance to our lives and how it applies to our everyday living. (Series schdule to be announced.)

Mother's of Young Children group meets Thursdays from 10:30 AM to NOON. This is a support and encouragement group. Childcare is provided.

Men's Thursday Morning Bible Study at 7:00 AM. They have breakfast and discuss the daily office readings. This group is led by Hank Bahr.

The Library provides resources for additional research in an atmosphere conducive to study or meditation. It features current items as well as historical documents, fiction, reference, meditation materials and guides to Christian living in many areas. Books, magazines, and video and audio tapes are also available for children, youth, and adults.

A Tract Rack containing various topics pertaining to the life of a Christian is located in the lobby by the elevator. some of the topics include: Baptism, Confirmation, marriage, Eucharist, prayer, and personal crises, as well as seasonal topics and Forward Day by Day. If you are able, a donation of 10 or 25 cents is requested for each piece of literature.