Near and Far: A Season of Blessings

The story is told of a third amigo who left the fold to go and explore the world away from Ascension. He flew like a bird and rode like the wind. He almost qualified for the Tour de France. And now the third amigo is coming home. We will celebrate Pastor Tony’s homecoming on Sunday, Oct. 4, at all three services and at receptions after each service. It will be a glorious celebration to welcome Pastor Tony home! To the glory of God.

Even as we welcome Pastor Tony back to Ascension, we are fully engaged in our fall programming. BLAST, JUMP, JAM, JOLT, and CRASH have all kicked off with the energy and enthusiasm we expect at Ascension. Our “Welcome Home” Sunday gathered the community of Ascension together in worship and service as we also celebrated God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday. Five hundred newborn kits will travel to Minneapolis to be packed and shipped with thousands of other kits to Liberia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Tanzania. 400 people. 500 kits. 3 hours. 1 day. To the glory of God.

The Church Council met to prepare a budget for 2027 as the community of Ascension gathered more than $24,000 to support school lunches and food storage in Tanzania. In just three weeks, you stepped up, showed up, and showered God’s rich blessings on our sisters and brothers in Tanzania. To the glory of God.

We finished September with our Kindergarten Bible Stepping Stone class. Legos, and Playdough, and paint, oh my! To the glory of God.

See you in church,
Pastor Chris

Letting Go This Autumn

The changing of the seasons invites us to immerse ourselves in a new time. Just a few months ago, we left winter behind to welcome summer. Now, after a wonderful summer, we find ourselves immersed in autumn. It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians (5:17): “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!”

Paul reminded the Corinthian community of the vital importance of renewal. When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they experience a profound and ongoing spiritual transformation. The old truly has passed away. Guilt, past mistakes, and shame no longer define our journey; faith in Jesus frees us from those heavy burdens.

We are now in autumn—a season when trees and shrubs shed their leaves to prepare for winter. In the same way, we are called to let go of the old, leave the past behind, and embrace a fresh beginning.

Brothers and sisters, autumn teaches us a powerful lesson. Throughout life’s journey, we must learn to release past pains and bygone moments. That intentional release is the key that allows us to be renewed as we walk toward new stages in our lives.

Every year here at Ascension, we prepare to launch our ministry programs—something many of you witnessed just recently! But I am sure this time of year also marks the beginning of a new season in your personal lives.

We must always remember that every season brings unique lessons and experiences. Life has its highs and lows, and as Christians, we recognize that our earthly journey is filled with different moments. As Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us, there is a time for everything:

A time to be born and a time to die
A time to plant and a time to harvest
A time to weep and a time to laugh
A time to mourn and a time to dance
A time to embrace and a time to refrain

Wherever you find yourself today, I want to encourage you this fall to remember the importance of renewal—season after season, day after day. As we watch the leaves fall this October, let us reflect on the beauty of letting go, leaving behind the old, and opening the door to the renewal that Jesus Christ offers us.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

What aspect of this autumn season are you most hoping to bring before God in prayer this month?

Pastor Edwin

Grow with Ascension

Finding Your Faith Witness

Beginning on Monday, Oct. 5, and continuing on Oct. 12 and 26, we will gather at either 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to invite you to craft your own faith witness to share with others and possibly in worship as you might choose. It is the same event at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Life events, favorite bible verses, family member faith influencers, and Holy Spirit inspiration will guide your creative writing and faith witness development. Bring yourself and an openness to conversation. Questions, contact Pastor Chris.

October Book Discussion

Join us for a book study of “An Altar in the World” by Barbara Brown Taylor. Led by Teri Quam, this discussion group will read and think about how practices help us walk with God and others on our journey of life. We will meet in the Hearth Room on Mondays in October from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Books are available on Amazon or Half-Price books. The library might also have a copy. Please contact Teri with questions.

“In a world where faith is often construed as a way of thinking, bodily practices remind the willing, that faith is a way of life.”

Young at Heart Autumn Concert and Potluck

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., Young at Heart is hosting the Les Paul Middle School 8th Grade Band and Orchestra. Their concert Fests, Frights, & Fiestas: A Celebration of Autumn Traditions will feature music from a variety of fall celebrations including Dia de los Muertos, Diwali, Oktoberfest, and of course — Halloween. Our very own Vicki Taylor will be joining the concert on pipe organ!

Young at Heart will gather in West Hall for a potluck lunch after the concert. Bring a dish to pass if you are able. Ascension thanks Young at Heart for creating this opportunity for young people in our community!

Fall Children’s & Youth Ministries

JAM, BLAST & JUMP

October ~ Happy Fall, y’all! We are underway with these fun, faith-building activities, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for our kids! See you Sundays at 9:45 a.m. for Children’s Ministry. Check the calendar for meeting dates.

Donation request: misc. household items — cardboard tubes, egg cartons, plastic spoons, rubber bands, craft sticks, bottle caps, tissue boxes, pipe cleaners, etc. Drop off by Oct. 15th in the Children’s Ministry box in the Narthex. Thanks!

  • Sunday, Oct. 4: JAM, BLAST, JUMP, 3rd Grade Stepping Stone 
  • Sunday, Oct. 11: JAM, BLAST, JUMP. 3rd graders receive Bibles in worship
  • Sunday, Oct. 18: Family event & fall potluck, 9:45 a.m. in West Hall 
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: No ministry 

Any questions? Reach out to: Sheri Greger or Amy Koenig.

JOLT ~ Confirmation Ministry

Ascension’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade confirmation ministry launched on Thursday, Sept. 17, with 34 students and their parents. We are excited to continue the journey in October. We meet on the following Thursdays in October:

  • Oct. 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Pastor Tony is back!
  • Oct.15, 6-7:30 p.m. Funeral home visit – PC needs drivers!
  • Oct. 22 , No JOLT (School break)
  • Oct. 29, 6-7:30 p.m.

CRASH: Christians Reaching & Sharing Hope (9th through 12th gr)

CRASH will meet on Sundays, Oct. 4 and 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m. On Oct. 18, we are doing a service project. We will prepare a 500 birthday cup for all students at Lowell Elementary School. The Lowell principal will join us to prepare all the birthday cups!

A reminder, priority registration for the Youth Gathering 2027 begins on Oct. 21 and closed on Nov. 11. We want to register our group at the beginning of this window. Please let Pastor Edwin know if your students will participate. He will register all the students. A $200 deposit is required to do the registration. If financial assistance would be helpful, please let Pastor Edwin know.