Coming up: Ascension Families at Chatfield Lake
Monday, August 18 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Cheryl and Tina for a day of swimming, splashing, boating, and tubing at Chatfield Lake. We will meet at Chatfield Swim Beach (click for directions), on the south side of the reservoir, where there are restrooms, a snack bar, and a roped-off swimming area. Cheryl will have her boat, and take all willing participants for a spin on the lake, including tubing for those who can swim (life jackets in various sizes provided). Bring a picnic, plenty of water, sunscreen, towels, sun shirts, swim shoes, and hats/tents/umbrellas for shade, and join us for a fun late-summer day on the water! Please RSVP with Tina if you plan to attend.
Youth Ministry
For youth in grades 6-12, we are building a youth group where tweens and teens come together in an inclusive and supportive environment to pray, play, and grow together. Youth group will explore God’s place in our lives and our place in God’s world through scripture and prayer with a lot of time for the big conversations, and plenty of time to unwind and play, too.
As our youth group grows, Confirmation Class for High School youth will be offered yearly as an opportunity for teens to explore and embrace their maturing faith alongside adult mentors from our parish community.
Fall 2025 Youth Programming and Events
Middle School Youth Group, Sundays beginning September 7, 9-9:55 a.m.
All youth in 6th-8th grades are invited to come together in a supportive and accepting community to pray, play, and grow together. Bible study will revolve around how these stories of them, there, then relate to us, here, now in the 21st century. Questions are not only welcome, they are encouraged.
High School Ministry, Sundays beginning September 7, 9-9:55 a.m.
High School youth are encouraged to find a ministry that speaks to their hearts and spirits during the 9 am formation hour. Telling stories to younger kids in Godly Play? Helping in the Nursery with our youngest children? Helping our greeters, ushers, or altar guild before the service begins? Talk to Tina and Cheryl for more information and to help in discerning where you might feel called!
High School Youth Group Meetings, Monthly Sundays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
All youth in 9th-12th grades are invited to come together in a place where there is no homework and no essay required to participate. Teens will explore God’s place in their lives and their own place in God’s world through scripture and prayer. There will be a lot of time for the big conversations, and plenty of time to unwind and play, too. High school youth will meet on the following dates, while families are invited to stay for coffee hour and outreach projects in the parish hall:
• Sunday, September 14 - High School Youth Walk and Talk
We will make our way to Little Cheesman for some relaxed time to chat and get to know each other. No ice breakers, I promise, but real conversation about what matters to you!
• Sunday, October 12 - High School Bagels and the Bible
We'll meet in the Ascension Library for a relaxed conversation about what the Bible is, what it isn't, and where it might fit in our modern lives.
• Sunday, November 9 - High School Coffee and Conversation
We'll head across the street to Novo Coffee for a warm drink and some time to connect over whatever feels important right now.
Super Sundays
Everyone in the family is invited to stay after church once a month for parents’ brunch while kids have lunch and playtime. Youth will have lunch and help with the younger kids before their own youth group outing in the afternoon with Tina and Cheryl. The first Super Sunday is September 28; please watch for details to come!
Pastoral Care to Youth and Families
Growing up and parenting are among the most complex and challenging parts of our lives, and I'm humbled to walk this sacred journey alongside Ascension families. Please reach out anytime with questions, suggestions, or to set up a chance to talk. I'd love to meet you here at the church or for a walk or a cup of coffee or tea. We can talk about parenting challenges, faith at home, grief and children, or whatever is on your heart.
Tina Clark, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries