When sunlight streams through the stained glass windows at Ascension, the room sparkles in a way that makes anything seem possible. We feel energized. We believe that maybe we can change the world, after all.

With this sense of purpose, we are launching the 2007 Capital Campaign and Annual Stewardship Campaign. These twin campaigns each serve a critical function. The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise funds to pay off the building's mortgage and eliminate the stranglehold this debt has on Ascension's operating budget. The goal of the Stewardship Campaign is to raise the funds needed to pay for the programs and services in place at Ascension. Together, the campaigns - if they are successful - will allow us to devote our funds toward uses aligned with Ascension's ministry and the needs of parishioners.

Many parishioners contribute their time to the church. Those contributions are valuable because they help Ascension to fulfill its mission. However, contributions of time do not pay the bills. The twin campaigns are asking for a financial commitment from each and every member of Ascension to help the church gain financial stability.

You might venture to think that your pledge for either of the campaigns won't matter, that other members of the parish will make up the difference. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Every pledge adds up to a greater whole. Each pledge is as vital as each piece of glass, each burst of color, in Ascension's Tiffany windows.

We know that asking each member to contribute to the Capital Campaign and the Stewardship Campaign is asking a lot. Sustaining this spiritual home, where many of us find great comfort, will require a sacrifice that may feel uncomfortable. In time, however, the reward for such commitment will become clear. The gift we receive by being members of Ascension - by partaking in all this parish has to offer - will be returned in a meaningful way.

The information in your pledge packet will help you understand why pledging is important, where your money is going, and what Ascension Church is doing to resolve a budget deficit. Also enclosed is a survey. Your opinion and your pledges are vital for determining the future direction of Ascension. Please take time to read the enclosed information and respond thoughtfully. We can accomplish the goals of both the Capital Campaign and the Stewardship Campaigns. But only if we do it together.