Outreach Ministries

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8

The Community Garden

Ascension’s Community Garden was established in 2012 to provide a place of gathering, space for gardening and food for the hungry. This is a free program for individuals and families in our community. Currently we have 36 plots with neighbors, refugee families and parishioners participating in this project. Applications for garden space are available in early spring and acceptance notification is sent out by early May of each year. Returning families are given priority but it is our desire to provide space for as many applicants as possible. Prior to the pandemic, each year we started with a pre-planting work party and ended with the fall clean-up and Harvest Potluck Dinner. The garden is located behind the Sanctuary, for those who would like to see it.

Neighbors In Need (NIN)

Neighbors in Need is designed to assist those in our community struggling to meet basic needs such as food, housing, and medical bills. A food pantry located in the church stores food boxes which are distributed through local social service agencies. Cash donations from parishioners at Ascension, area churches, community members and local service clubs allow NIN to help with shelter, utility bills, and medical costs in emergency situations. Close coordination with South Central Community Action Agency prevents duplication of services. A committee of Ascension parishioners shops for food, packs the food boxes and administers the cash disbursements.

Knit Us Together (KNUTS)

Ascension’s prayer shawl ministry, affectionately known as KNUTS, meets on Wednesdays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm in the small Meeting Room. While our primary ministry is to make prayer shawls for "those who suffer from any grief or trouble," we also make preemie hats for St. Luke’s, scarves and hats for CASA and the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas at Sea project. Some members have worked on needlepoint kneelers for the altar. 

If you have an interest in handwork, we encourage you to join us. Several articles in the Times News have brought new members from the greater community. There are no requirements as to style, method or product.   All ages and skill levels are welcome. If you are interested in learning to knit or crochet, we welcome you and can give a lesson or two to get you started. 

Ingatherings

Ascension's Outreach Committee plans month-long ingatherings throughout the year for organizations and programs in the Twin Falls area which serve a variety of community needs (e.g. Twin Falls School District food programs and school supplies, Safe House, Valley House, TF Animal Shelter). In addition to providing financial and in-kind support for the organizations, parishioners are made aware of various needs in the community. Ingathering donations are blessed at worship services prior to distribution.