Tuesday, 01 December 2009 21:23

Monthly Mission Projects

Every month Ascension selects a special mission project.  These cover a wide range of needs from domestic to international hunger, from local to foreign mission projects.

“One Congregation”

Ascension is a “One Lutheran Congregation” meaning we have participated in the “One Campaign” to reduce hunger worldwide through contributions for hunger relief and development as well as education and advocacy.

B.E.D.S ("Building Ecumenical Discipleship through Sheltering") PLUS

B.E.D.S. PLUS assists the West Suburban Cook County homeless by providing overnight shelter, meals and linkage to community resources. People of Ascension help with B.E.D.S. by preparing meals and delivering them to the host church on fifth Fridays and volunteering to staff several of the shelter sites. http://www.bedsonline.org/

Appalachian Service Project (ASP)

Each summer several of our high school youth and their advisors participate in ASP, traveling to some part of Appalachia (Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia) to help residents build or remodel their homes, making them “warmer, safer, drier.“ http://www.asphome.org/

PeopleCare

PeopleCare is a visiting and caring agency serving Riverside, Brookfield, LaGrange Park, Lyons, and North Riverside.  Its mission is to assist and support the involuntarily homebound by providing socialization, emotional support and access to service providers.  In addition to giving financial support, Ascension members serve as volunteers and Advisory Board members. http://www.peoplecareinc.org/

Stephen Ministry

Ascension is a “Stephen Ministry” congregation. Stephen Ministry is a program of Christian caregiving provided by lay people trained extensively in skills for compassionate listening. Once trained, Stephen Ministers meet regularly with those in need to help them work through crisis situations. http://www.stephenministries.org/

Angels in Blue Jeans

Several of Ascension members are skilled in the trades and offer low or no cost minor home improvements or task assistance to the elderly, disabled, or single parent families. In addition to helping others, these “Angels” provide on the job training to younger members.

Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries (IRIM)

Ascension has worked with IRIM to help resettle a refugee family from Iraq, providing both financial support and furnishings for their apartment. http://www.irim.org/

Zion Cristo Rey Lutheran Church

We have a partner relationship with Zion Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, serving the Latino community in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Ascension provides financial and prayer support and works on common projects, such as providing backpacks for schoolchildren in their neighborhood.

Riverside/North Riverside Covenant of Churches

Each year we help organize and participate in the blood drive, sponsored by our community's Covenant of Churches. We also take part in the “CROP Walk,” which raises money to alleviate world and local hunger. Ascension was the host church this past year for the communitywide Vacation Bible School and participates in many special services including Blessing of Animals and the Good Friday Service.