In the middle of June, I shared these words: “No, it is no longer true, if it has ever been true, that the summer seasons of Ascension are a slower pace – after several summers – the anticipation tells us that there is great adventure for the people of God – it just comes to us in different forms and rhythms in these summer months.”
As I write this article for the July newsletter, those words are even more true. Our JOLT students were swimmers, climbers, water-sliders, zip-liners, card players, and all-around good humans and faithful Christians as they were “challenged by choice” at Adventure Camp. At the same time, in the Wisconsin Dells, our Young at Heart crew was tackling their own fear and faith by trusting boat captains and bus drivers and the cooks at Cracker Barrel as they made their way through the waterways of the Wisconsin Dells. A glorious week.
World Refugee Day was June 20th. Our first “Walk in Solidarity” was a wonderful moment of learning and accompaniment with refugees across the world. Ascension has a long history of supporting, sponsoring, tending, and celebrating refugees. I am glad to see this ministry find new moments of life and faithfulness to the glory of God. We, so often, take for granted this country, our freedoms, and the sacrifice of countless individuals in this country for the rights we enjoy. As we look to the celebrations of the semiquincentennial of our country, we are excited to share our plans for Sunday, July 5th.
On the first Sunday of July, we will gather for worship at our usual times of 8:30 and 10 a.m. Our English services are being led by an ensemble of Jazz musicians with our Director of Music Ministry tending the planning. The services are exactly the same providing the opportunity for you to adjust your schedule to time instead of musical style. In an effort to lift up the unique character of Jazz music, born in this country, we have crafted worship in way that brings glory to God and shares a different feel for the joy of praising God. It will be a wonderful celebration.
Finally, as you read this article, Pastor Tony will have just stepped foot into his sabbatical. This is your reminder that he steps away from Ascension and this community of believers he treasures. It is practice on sabbatical to not reply to emails, voicemails, or text messages. You will note the presence of Pastor Tony’s stole on the baptismal font throughout the three months of his sabbatical. A reminder that he is still under call at Ascension, but in the midst of a restful and purposeful time away. We give thanks to God for his ministry among us and the gift of sabbatical.
Friends, let summer be a time of shift in your rhythms if only for a brief time each day. Sunday, July 19, will be our only outdoor worship in July at 10 a.m. with a potluck BBQ to follow at 11 a.m. And then our mission delegation leaves for Tanzania to renew our friendships and partnership with our siblings at Samaria Parish in Usa River, Tanzania and Samaria’s preaching points of Neema, Galilaya, and Kijenge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
See you in church,
Pastor Chris
(Reprinted from the June 2026 newsletter.)
