The Swedish Chef of Muppets fame was one of my favorite characters on the television show. First, because you could not understand a single thing he said because it was in “Swedish,” apparently. Second, because in every sketch where the Swedish chef made an appearance, he also made a mess. One of my favorite moments was when he would use a mixing bowl and add excessive amounts of flour and start stirring and the flour would fly out of the bowl and form clouds of flour dust that often resulted in a fine layer of flour on every surface including the Swedish chef.
As I was reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, I found myself reliving a feeling I often experience at this time each year – overwhelmed. Some might know that word to be frightening as when the world gets to be “too much.” I have known that feeling also. Yet, at Ascension, to use the word “overwhelmed” is to lift up all that God is doing in us and through us in celebration and joy. I am often struck by what God is up to which causes me to marvel at the mission and ministry offered in and through all of you, the people of Ascension.
So perhaps it will come as no surprise that the Stewardship theme for 2026 is: “In the Mix in 2026!” Where are you “in the mix” at Ascension? Oh boy, this will go on for miles. I hope so. We all know ministry is messy. Some of our best ideas arrive in our messiest moments. Just ask anyone who sits too close during the children’s time in worship. As we consider our strategic plan for the next ten years of ministry at Ascension, I wonder where you might see yourself “in the mix?”
An elder member of the church called me the other day to offer some suggestions for the future. What I appreciated about the conversation is that this member offered a great moment of vision, something that will fall right in line with our Arise 2035 vision, and I am not sure they even knew how excited I was to hear the idea. The conversation reminded me that everyone has a voice and a dream, regardless of age, if only, we are reminded that what we dream is worthy of God’s attention. So again, where are you “in the mix in 2026?”
How will God use you in the coming year? As we gather to vote on the budget for 2026 and bless the Arise 2035 vision to guide Ascension for the next ten years of ministry, where will you find a place to serve “in the mix” at Ascension? Worship? Of course. Prayer? Yes, please. Bible Study? I hope so. Communion server? Altar Guild? Choir? Council member? Habitat for Humanity? Hope Center? NAMI? Healing Hearts of Waukesha County? Hawthorne Elementary School tutor? Women’s Retreat? Young Adult ministry? Any one of those opportunities for ministry will answer God’s call on your life to get you “in the mix in 2026.”
We are in celebration mode here at Ascension. A time of thanksgiving for all that God has been up to over the past year, and all that God is preparing for us in the days ahead. The reception of new members on October 19th was a glorious moment in the life and ministry of Ascension – 37 new members – to be encouraged and nurtured in their new spiritual home while inspiring our community with their faithfulness and sharing their gifts for ministry among us all to the glory of God. An increase in giving, beyond imagination, in this moment in time. Where many churches are struggling to afford the basics of ministry, we are celebrating the generosity of this community – as long-time members are providing increases in their regular giving and new members to our community are committing to walk alongside Ascension in time and talent and resource providing for an increase in giving of more than $55,000 in the first three quarters of 2025.
Our budget for 2026 reflects an increase in revenue and expenses of more than 10%, which might cause me to pause in support, except for the fact that almost 7% of that revenue increase has already been realized in 2025 offering so far this year. Which means that our actual budget increase in 2026 is a small but mighty 3.4% or $30,000 give or take. 2026 Proposed budgets will be available beginning on Sunday, October 26th at the Welcome Center in the narthex. Pick one up and reflect with your church council about all the ways in which we serve God and our neighbor. If you have questions, we will gather for a budget listening session on Sunday, November 9th at 9:45 in the Hearth Room to review the line item budget and answer questions before our annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, November 16th at 9:45am where we will also elect new church council members and bless the Arise 2035 Ten Year Vision for our church.
Overwhelmed? Yes! To know this excitement in ministry as one of your pastors is a rare gift in these days of the church. Your generosity and faithfulness provide many opportunities for each of us to find our place “in the mix in 2026” and I cannot wait to see where God leads in the days ahead.
Dear friends, where will you find yourselves “in the mix in 2026?”
I can’t wait to find out! See you in church.
Pastor Chris
