Church of the Ascension Unanimously Approves “More than Stones” Capital Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2019

Pittsburgh, PA – After four weeks of Readiness Assessment, including 13 Listening Group meetings where feedback from the congregation was sought, the Vestry has voted unanimously to immediately begin the Advanced Phase of the “More than Stones” Capital Campaign and form a Steering Committee to organize and guide the congregation through a process over the next number of months.  The capital needs required to see this new vision take shape are significant but as one member said, The time is now for this effort and the proposals are thought through with our mission in mind.”

The dreaming and planning for this project has been ongoing for many years; however, only recently has the church been released to seriously consider addressing the longstanding issues of maintaining the aging, century-old buildings.  Repointing the failing mortar, cleaning decades of soot from the stone façade, repairing the many historic stained glass works of art, replacing many wooden window frames and repairing the roof are some needs to address.

Additionally, expanding the Parish Hall to further the ministry and mission of Ascension is a growing priority.  The Parish Hall is currently at, and often beyond capacity.  Enlarging the space will provide opportunity to hold larger church-wide events and extend hospitality to the neighborhood.  The image of light bursting forth from this space has been alluded to by many during this listening phase.

But what binds these two priorities together?  God’s call to Mission!  There is a recognition that buildings, properly conceived, possess the ability to enhance ministry and expand the resources to promote mission.  “The nations now live here among us,” said the Rev. Canon Jonathan Millard, Rector at Ascension. “What better way to reach them with the hope and love of Jesus Christ, then to welcome them with hospitality and proclaim Christ faithfully to the nations.”

Church of the Ascension is a charter member of the ACNA denomination and is located in the historic Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA.  Established in 1889, they are “A Worshipping Community; Equipping God’s people; Sharing Christ’s healing with a broken world.”

Due to the scope of these proposals, the Vestry at Ascension has asked James D. Klote & Associates to assist and guide their efforts through this “More than Stones” Capital Campaign initiative.

James D. Klote & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in capital funding projects for non-profit organizations, is providing full-time, resident counsel.  Consultant, Dan Reese, is representing the firm.

“It is a privilege to work alongside a group of believers who, at their core, are so committed to carrying out the Great Commission in the neighborhoods around them,” said Reese.  “They have fully embraced God’s call to mission.  I am extremely grateful for the very high level of attendance at our Listening Group sessions which shows a great underlying support for the project.”

To learn more about Church of the Ascension and this project, please visit their website at: www.ascensionpittsburgh.org.

With offices in Falls Church, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, James D. Klote & Associates is the largest full-time, on-site stewardship consulting firm in North America.  For additional information, please contact the firm at www.jdklote.com or (800)-360-2315.

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