ASCENSION LUTHERAN MISSION STATEMENT

Statement of Identity

Ascension Lutheran is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. It is intentionally rooted in faithfulness to Word and Sacrament, to the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Creeds, the Lutheran Confessions, the historic liturgy, and the cultural heritage of the Lutheran Church. Ascension is strategically situated at the Crossroads in Calgary, a twelve-minute drive from both the airport and the city center. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city of Calgary. It is located in the midst of the communities of Belfast, Mayland Heights, and Vista Heights, populated by approximately 8500 residents.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Ascension Lutheran Congregation to equip all for witness to the Gospel and service in Christ's name. It is the intention of Ascension, following the model of the ancient cathedral church, to provide multiple opportunities for worship and prayer, biblical and theological instruction for it's membership and associates, it's local community , and the wider Lutheran community of Calgary , the visitors to the city and the larger church.

Worship, Study, Service And Witness Objectives

1. Ascension will provide multiple weekend services of worship with the Eucharist year round, beginning Saturday evening each week. It will also provide a monthly Sunday evening service of healing, a monthly Sunday evening service of vespers and praise in song and at least one midweek Eucharist. It will follow the daily office by providing weekday morning, afternoon and evening prayer. The primary objective of Ascension is to maintain its sanctuary as a house of worship and prayer.

2. Ascension will provide a weekly bible study and continuing Christian Education for adults. Teachers from Ascension and theologians and guest lecturers sponsored by other agencies will provide this biblical and theological instruction. Ascension will provide a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School program, a catechetical program for youth, sacramental instruction for parents and sponsors in preparation for both sacraments, and an extensive adult catechetical program. Next to worship and prayer the program of instruction shall receive the highest priority.

3. Ascension will serve the local community in collaboration with Lutheran, other private and Government agencies, participate in the city center ministries, provide meeting space and support for those recovering from brokenness and addictions. and attend as it is able, to the poor and needy who come to its doors.

4. Ascension will equip its members to bring their friends and acquaintances to the fellowship as well as to speak confidently about the faith in their daily conversation. Fellowship and study groups will focus on bringing the unchurched and currently inactive people into the fellowship. Ascension, building on its strategic location, will find ways to invite and welcome the visitors to the city. Ascension will continue to support the worldwide mission of the Lutheran church and inform its people of the related challenges and strategies for mission work around the world.

CONGREGATIONAL GOALS

1. The congregation will prepare itself for its extended worship and educational service by expanding its sanctuary both internally (removal of the wall) and externally through a extension to the north.

2. The congregation will purchase properties within the block as resources and properties become available.

3. The congregation will establish a small conference center to serve Lutheran conference, synodical, national, and other Christian faith meeting place requirements in the Calgary area.

4. The congregation will initially expand its group of core supporters to 100 people who will tithe or give proportionally to provide the basic resources required for its ministry.

5. The congregation will work with other Lutheran congregations to provide a vital ministry to the Lutheran youth in the city.

6. The congregation will work with other Lutheran congregations to provide counseling and other services to attend to the great variety of needs of the members of our churches.

7. The congregation will strive for quality and excellence in all its programming.

8. The congregation will strive to ensure that genuine hospitality, welcome for the stranger, a spirit of gratitude and benevolence, and speaking the truth in love are the marks of the fellowship.

9. The congregation will maintain ongoing discussions with other local community churches and pursue areas of meaningful cooperation.