We have had a great response to the financial need for our sister parishes in Tanzania where we support the primary schools in Samaria and Savana. The money is used to provide simple lunches of corn and beans, which is often the only meal the children get for the whole day. The price on crops goes up by mid-summer so we want to get the donation to the congregations in time to purchase the food at the best rates. We will be collecting for at least the first two weeks in June to meet our goal of $12,000 to feed all 952 students for the entire 197 days of the school year and an additional $2000 to supply the technology that is needed to help the students be able to complete the required tests to pass their classes. You may give online, through a check or on Sunday mornings at the Welcome Center via credit card. Please help us achieve our goal to support these children not only to eat but to have a better chance at success in life by being successful students.

ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response

“Hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

Ascension is part of a bigger church body through the ELCA and because of that, our efforts can be multiplied as we respond to world issues. The words from Romans are the reminder that in spite of a pandemic that affected the whole world directly and now a war that indirectly affected us all, we have hope through our Almighty God. During the pandemic, the gifts from ELCA congregations to World Hunger grew by 8%, gifts that were greater than hoped for. The response to the war in Ukraine through gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response continues to pour in to  support the disasters that make the headlines, and those that do not. The gifts that were greater than hoped for and the need goes on.

Ending hunger and responding to disaster isn’t just about food and immediate need. It is about access, justice, caring for creation, and to provide for future needs. It is about caring for each other in tangible ways: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. God works through us to provide for each other. Together, we can be part of the solution.  Part of Ascension’s budget is donated to ELCA World Hunger each month and as needs arise, special donations are collected for Disaster Response. 100% of what is donated is given for direct help for those in need.

Donation Center

Our Donation Center has moved to the west coat room to make it more accessible. Bins are clearly marked for the partner we are collecting for and what is needed. Since needs change and requests are often limited, please check with the contact person before bringing in things not on the list. We want to put our efforts into things that are truly needed and not make more work for those who sort and deliver the items. Currently, our biggest needs are for the Blessing Box and the Waukesha Food Pantry. We cannot take things that are expired,  require refrigeration, are in open packages or baked items. As the weather warms up, there will be an increased need for single-serve drinks, snacks, and packaged fruits.  New needs will be updated as identified by our partners. There is also a bin for Lost in Found labeled in red. If you have left things at church, check the bins.

Mission Outreach News

Stay connected to ways to SERVE by following the Mission Outreach on Facebook. 

We update the programs of our global and community partners on a regular basis and also identify ways you can be involved. Often things change more quickly than the newsletter or even weekly announcements can inform the congregation so the Facebook page has become a big part of how we keep everyone informed.

There is also the ability to use photos and even videos which makes the partnership connections especially with our global partners more personal. Please like or share notices that you feel are important. If you would like more information about specific programs, contact Shirley Wehmeier.