Care Ministries
As we cross over into fall, the trees are changing colors, the air is brisk, and we are getting ready for the harvest. Autumn is often a more reflective time, and perhaps we can begin to “harvest” some of the lessons of the past year. Life provides us a process for exploring our lives and finding wholeness. Experiences in our lives helps us to expand our consciousness by looking at the meaning in events, repair our relationships by re-examining past hurts, guilt and regrets. It is important to discover the gifts of a long life by finding purpose in service to others, or create a legacy by sharing our life lessons. We need to accept our current condition by viewing life in a greater context and embrace our mortality by helping us achieve our integrity and self-esteem. People and opportunities come in and out of our lives throughout our life, often for very short periods of time. We can either choose to resent the fact that they are gone, or we can savor the blessing that we experienced when they were with us.
Socrates is credited with saying: “The unexamined life is not a life worth living.” In whatever way you choose to review your life, I encourage you to do so. You will achieve a greater sense of well-being, and will contribute to the growth of the coming generations.
Brenda Lytle, RN, Director of Care Ministries
Be the Village
Chosen In Love is a non-profit organization that assists families in the foster system here in Waukesha. They are hosting their Open Hearts, Open Homes Gala on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Radisson Hotel.
Ascension’s Be the Village Ministry is helping them with this fundraiser by providing gifts for their silent auction. Our ministry provided four baskets and guitar lessons from Praise Band leader Ben Janzow. Thanks to Ben and this ministry for making a difference in the lives of foster families!
Young at Heart Potluck and Info Session on Senior Scams
Senior Eras Senior Network will be presenting S.T.O.P. Senior Frauds & Scams on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 1-2 p.m. in East Hall following the Young at Heart potluck.
Blessing Tree
The Friday Women’s Nurture Group is collecting gift cards for three Ascension ministries this Thanksgiving and Christmas season — the Burmese refugees, the Hispanic Ministry, and Be the Village. Take a leaf for the ministry of your choice from the tree, attach it to the gift card and turn it in to the box under the tree or in the office by Nov. 19.
ToyPalooza Collection
Be the Village will have a collection in November called “ToyPalooza” to collect NEW toy donations for foster children. The need we are fulfilling will be for toys 0-24 months, preferably non-battery-operated. We hope to stimulate imaginations not necessarily senses because sometimes there are concerns in foster children with sensory overload. Examples of great toys to donate may be Duplos, nesting cups, blocks, wooden puzzles, quiet toddler or baby toys. These toys will be given to children for the holidays and distributed by Chosen. Donation collection will be in the yellow bins in the narthex Sundays Nov. 7 – 21. Thank you for making a difference in our community!
Waukesha Wellness Clinic
Ascension will be hosting a Waukesha Wellness Clinic on Nov. 20 from 12-3 p.m. Children’s covid vaccines, adult covid boosters, flu shots and blood pressure checks will be offered. Schedule online https://hayatcovidvaccine.as.me/Waukesha. Walk-ins welcome. A second clinic will be held at Ascension on Dec. 11 from 12-3 p.m.
GriefShare
Have you suffered loss and are concerned about how you will survive the holidays? Come and join us 6-8 p.m. in the Youth Room on Tuesday, Nov. 30. We will host a Grief Share video and discussion about ways to cope this time of year. Hope to see you there!