Each Advent, we engage one of our primary ministry partners in providing tangible and financial support for their work. 

This Advent, we are partnering with The Night Ministry, in support of their Pathways Transitional Living Program. As is our practice, we offer opportunities to Advocate, Education and Participate with partners whose work multiplies our own.

Advocate

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. With an open heart, they compassionately accept each individual as they are and work alongside them to advocate for their immediate physical, 

emotional, and social needs while affirming our shared humanity.

At Ascension, when we see need or opportunity, we engage it. To receive regular news and information about The Night Ministry, sign-up for their e-newsletter at thenightministry.org. 

Educate

We offer two learning opportunities with this Advent Challenge. On Sunday, November 24, The Night Ministry CEO and President Carol J. Sharp will join us for worship and for coffee hour. She will describe the mission of The Night Ministry and launch the Advent Challenge.

On Sunday, December 1, Kristen Schneider, The Night Ministry Vice President of Finance and Operations, will describe the Advent Challenge in greater detail and invite your participation.

Participate

We offer three ways to provide tangible support for the Pathways program:

Gift Tags

The Advent Tree will be festooned with gift tags for specific items which you may purchase and deliver to Ascension during Advent. 

The Big Ask—(with a Big Reach)

We are challenging ourselves to provide receive financial gifts totaling $10,000 to meet the following needs for Pathways participants:

Life Skill Courses 

Pathways participants who have experienced homelessness will learn how to manage a home with skills including financial management, housekeeping and cleaning, and meal preparation.

Drivers Training Courses 

Learning to drive is crucial skill for young people who desire to live independently. Drivers training courses are expensive, beyond the reach of Pathways participants.

Wish List

As Pathways participants learn life skills, such as cooking, small appliances like microwaves and air fryers are deeply desired, but are unaffordable. 

Supply Closet 

Young people new to caring for a home often forget to purchase ongoing cleaning and laundry supplies. The Supply Closet will provide paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other items they will need on an ongoing basis.