As a new programming year begins, we are once again reflecting on what it means to be a church and a community in these challenging times. Some things feel as if they have gone back to almost pre-pandemic normal: we have been gathering, worshiping, and being together in full capacity and we look back from where we have come with gratitude. But old challenges persist, and new challenges arise. Covid-19, while presenting less of a danger, still disrupts our lives and communities, and the climate crisis continues to intensify and reminds us of the dire need to both combat it and prepare for what is to come. A migrant crisis has descended upon the city, which has challenged our faith communities across New York to respond in new ways.
The Ascension Community is not immune to these challenges, especially on the financial front. While our Vestry and Budget Task Force have been exploring and implementing new strategies to open new revenue streams that will hopefully begin to bear fruit, we continue to operate in a deficit. We thank you for your continued faithful and generous support of our church and community.
Every year, we must re-discern where God calls us to act and be in our churches, communities, and in the world. Most of all, we need your presence and prayers, while your pledges help us plan our budget for the upcoming year, which keeps our worship inspiring, our ministries impactful, and our buildings open and beautiful.
This page provides more details about our needs and goals for the upcoming year. It also includes instructions on how to pledge, including by check, credit card, or online, along with details about the Harvest Dinner on November 9th.
Please pledge as generously as you can to support our church and to enrich our mission and ministry in the world which is in such deep need.
Through the month of October, several gatherings will be hosted in parishioners’ homes and in the church to discuss stewardship and its role in our community. We encourage you to go as it is a chance to reflect on what this community means to you with fellow parishioners, but also a chance to voice your own visions of what it can be in the future. The Vestry, Wardens, and Stewardship Committee are happy to address any questions you may have.
In gratitude,
The Church of the Ascension Stewardship Committee
- Peter Clark
- Rachel Sedor
- Linda Stormes
- Eric Achacoso
- Elizabeth Adams
Why does Ascension need my pledge?
“Being church” is invaluable, but it costs about $3,800 a day to keep Ascension open. Our clergy and staff work hard to provide all that you love about Ascension including our inspiring worship, music, and programming. Behind the scenes, our clergy provide pastoral care and our staff manages our buildings and day-to-day operations.
- Our buildings are very beautiful and very old. Keeping them both functional and beautiful requires constant maintenance and renovation, some of which is very expensive, such as our current bell tower repair.
- We need to increase our pledge income to secure our financial future. Currently, a substantial drawdown of income from our endowment is necessary to meet our annual budget. Generally, this draw is limited to 5%for non-profits. We cannot and should not be relying on it to cover our expenses.
- Are you donating frequently by plate but haven’t pledged? While we welcome plate offerings, they vary, and Ascension cannot plan a budget based on them. Pledging provides our Finance Committee and Vestry with solid numbers to budget and support all activities for the upcoming year including our regular worship, education programs and community service as we witness God’s love in changing times.
Let’s teach each other to not count the cost
- If you worship with us in person or online, you are invited to join us in supporting our communal life at Ascension.
- The Covid-19 pandemic has had wide ranging consequences for all, including our members’ finances in differing ways. Please consider supporting Ascension according to your means.
- Your support is not limited to financial contributions. We welcome your talents and participation in our ongoing activities. (Call the Parish Office at 212-254-8620 to learn of opportunities for participation).
Payment options:
- You can pay online right here on our website! Just go to ascensionnyc.org/give. You can also pay online via the Abundant platform. Visit abundant.co/ascensionnyc/give. Or download the Abundant app for iPhone or Android. Whichever route you choose, set up an account with an e-mail and password, then select an amount, frequency, and “Stewardship Pledge 2024” as the fund to contribute to.
OR
- Pay your pledge by check placed in traditional weekly envelopes that will be mailed to you if you check that box on the Pledge Form.
OR
- Pay your pledge with your credit or debit card by checking the box to have the bookkeeper contact you for your credit card information, so that your card can be charged at regular intervals throughout the year.
Pledge Form for 2024
Stewardship Calendar
Distribution of Pledge Cards:
October 2, 2023
You will receive a pledge card and information in the mail.
Harvest Dinner:
November 9, 2023
We will celebrate our life together at a community. In addition to a fabulous dinner, there will be a speaker about belonging. Save the date; there is no charge.
Blessing of Pledges:
November 19, 2023
We aim to gather pledges from everyone by this date for blessing at the 11 am service.
