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"Rekindle the gift of God that is within you…." 2 Timothy 1:6
In his second letter to Timothy, St. Paul urges his friend to continue exercising his God-given abilities for the service of God. His concern is that Timothy will not be effective in his ministry if he does not make an effort to keep active. General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once wrote to those under him: "The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.... Anyone who has tended a fireplace fire knows that it needs to be stirred up occasionally."
Summer days are winding down and fall approaches. Children are back in school and adults are refocusing their energy on the holiday activities ahead. And, once again here at Ascension, we begin our fall commitment program providing an excellent opportunity to "rekindle" all the gifts of God that are within each of us. Committing ourselves, spiritually, emotionally, and financially, to the service of God nurtures our relationship with Him and with our community.
Rally Day, scheduled for September 12 in the Parish Hall, will begin our commitment program with opportunities for service in the various guilds and ministries of Ascension. We hope to see you there. Please refer to church bulletins for information about the pledge campaign and Every Member Canvas during September and October. The Stewardship Committee invites you to join in these community activities and to help us stir up the "fire" of commitment.
Stewardship Prayer
O Lord, giver of life, we know that it is from your hand that we have received all we have, and are, and will be. We understand that You call us to be the stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us always to use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives. Amen.
Linda S.
Click here to read from past Son Rises.
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