As we inch closer and closer toward the waning days of the pandemic, I’m recognizing more and more that there are many in the church, and throughout the world who continue to struggle with a pessimistic outlook about these days and the foreseeable future.

It is easy to understand though why such a Pollyanna attitude can arise in us and take over our thoughts of hopefulness or joy or happiness when the past year has been filled with a series of cancellations, disappointments, separation, uncertainty, illness, and death. Sadly, none of us can fast forward through these difficult times, but rest assured, God is up to something good in our lives – even if we have trouble seeing it.

And that’s a good thing, because I’ve never been a glass half empty kind of person anyways, and I tend to be overly optimistic to a fault – or so I’m told by my friends and family. So, seeing as how I’m cursed with this “character flaw,” I’d like to challenge you to instead consider looking upward and forward with me because I think in these Easter days, we are surrounded by an abundance of reasons to be optimistic.

Optimism has a way of blooming a little easier when we can once again see renewed signs of life – spring flowers, green grass, warmer weather, widespread vaccine distribution, and increasing opportunities to break from our separation. And while the optimism that these things offer is no doubt wonderful, I believe we have the reassurance in something more powerful than optimism, and that is hope – a living hope grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

I am also reminded of this unimaginable hope which the apostle Paul proclaims in his letter to the Ephesians, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  ~Eph. 3:20-21

So, what are we to do then?  Well, I propose that we maintain a courageous spirit as we cling to our hope in the risen Christ.  As people of the resurrection, I pray that along our journey we don’t lose faith – faith that God is always and forever with us and for us.  The signs of hope are closer than you think.

People of God, there is hope – sometimes it surrounds us and sometimes we are called and sent to be that hope for others. We are all in this together, and together we can help each other. Whether it is helping someone with food, financial assistance, or simply giving them a phone number to call for help.  Reach out, lend a hand, volunteer.  Be more appreciative, polite, kind.  Check in on one another, don’t take a smile or a wave or a phone call for granted. Be a good neighbor, call someone just to cheer them up, offer to go to the store for someone. One of the best things we can do during this time is also very simple – be the sign of hope for one another.

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Pastor Tony

(Reprinted from the May 2021 newsletter)

 

With the end of the pandemic in sight in the US, everyone is beginning to talk about life after the pandemic. This restart is a good time to decide what from our pre-pandemic life is worth returning to, what can be left in the past, and what new things can we expect.

We are grateful that this year we were able to return to many of our Semana Santa (Holy Week) traditions that are such a meaningful way of expressing our faith. While I know we should be appreciative of the fact that we had technology that allowed us to experience Holy Week virtually last year, it isn’t an adequate substitute for face to face worship.

In the Latino ministry world, we are purchasing another pig, thanks to a grant. These purchases of pigs have supported local farmers while providing much needed support to our families. With this next pig, our families will receive a box of meat to keep for themselves and a box to give to a friend who could benefit from it in a beautiful moment of evangelism.

Our families are busy planning for summer activities. After the death of Fabricio from drowning, all of the Spanish-speaking families are eager to enroll their children in swimming lessons. And after a year of virtual school, many of the families would like their children in summer school to prepare them to return to face to face school in the fall. Many of the families shared their conflicted feelings with me about these summer programs. They know it is best for the children, but they do not always have the means to provide their children with transportation to these classes. I told them to enroll their children in the activities that they felt were best for their children and that I have faith that the people of Ascension will help out with rides. If you are able to help with rides, please let me know.

May also means transitions in my day to day life. I will be changing my side job from substitute teacher to landscaper now that the weather will allow for that. I complete my second year of seminary on May 15 and begin my internship. For some of my fellow seminarians, this is a big change. For me, I will continue the work I have been doing as Spanish language minister, plus beginning to do some preaching and pastoral visits in English. While I have the smallest adjustment of my classmates going into my internship, I might be the most nervous. I hope all of you will be patient with me and my accent as I begin to preach in English.

Finally, in May we will have our first Spanish language wedding. We are excited that our faith community can be a part of the beginning of this new family. May God guide you in your journey to decide what your new post-pandemic life will be like.

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish Language Minister

(Reprinted from the May 2021 newsletter)

Thirty-five years ago members of Ascension sacrificed time and treasure to make our magnificent pipe organ a reality. We have had more than 32 glorious years of leading worship with this beautiful instrument of praise, and anticipate many more to come, as a well-built and appropriately maintained pipe organ is designed to last for centuries.

The organ was designed and built by the Berghaus Organ Company located in Bellwood, Illinois specifically to meet the worship and music needs of Ascension. It was originally installed in late 1988 in what is now known as East Hall. Several years later, as the current sanctuary was under construction, the organ was dismantled and placed in storage while new construction and renovations to the building took place. The instrument was subsequently moved to its current location and voiced for the new space. The complicated process of voicing an organ takes into account the specific acoustical environment, and ensures all the pipes sound balanced and blended when played together, allowing the instrument to “speak” appropriately in the room. The mechanical key and stop action of our instrument employs the same basic principles used by organ builders for over 400 years; in other words, there are no electronics involved. The keys are connected mechanically to the sliders that open to allow wind to enter the pipes. The blower, which forces air into the pipes, runs on electricity.

The organ consists of two manuals, or keyboards, plus pedals. The manual natural keys and pedal sharp keys are made of rosewood. Boxwood provides the contrasting material for the manual sharp keys, and maple for the pedal natural keys. The organ includes pipes made of copper, wood, and other metals; most all of the pipes were built in Germany. There are a total of 18 stops (knobs used to activate a rank, or set of pipes that create a specific sound, i.e. flute, reed, etc.), 22 ranks, and 1,098 pipes. Think of it as 18 musicians playing 22 different instruments with 1,098 valves or positions on the instruments to create varying pitches and timbres.

While our organ is relatively young, it does require an extensive cleaning and minor restoration approximately every 25 years to keep it in shape and maintain its longevity. This process includes the removal, cleaning, and minor repair of the pipework, which will improve tuning stability and tonal clarity; polishing the facade pipes; cleaning, adjusting, and lubricating all moving parts; cleaning the interior of the case of more than 30 years of built up dust and dirt; repairing the wind supply bellows. The cleaning and restoration process will take place off-site in the Berghaus shop. Once the organ has been reassembled, Berghaus artisans will spend a week on-site in the sanctuary working with every pipe to ensure proper tone and timbre throughout the instrument. The project is estimated to take 6-8 weeks, during which time the instrument will not be playable.

The estimated replacement value of our organ today is between $650,000 and $700,000, making it the largest resource of the church outside the building and property. The cost of the essential cleaning and restoration is $64,000.

We hope to be able to accomplish the renewal of the organ this summer. To that end, the church leadership is currently in discussion about the best way to move ahead with raising the funds to support the project. If you feel so moved to help reach this goal, or if you have questions, please contact Pastor Chris or Vicki Taylor. We are always happy to talk about this magnificent instrument of praise.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” –Psalm 100:1-2

Vicki Taylor, Director of Music

(Reprinted from the May 2021 newsletter)

 

Over the past few weeks our son who is a high school senior has been showing more and more signs of “senioritis” as his final year draws closer and closer to an end. You know this as that supposed affliction of students in their final year of school and characterized by a sharp decline in motivation and sometimes academic performance. The days seem to drag on as he and many others long for this phase of life to wrap up so they can move on to the next. I am well aware of this phenomenon, after having finished seminary only 10 months earlier; understanding the deep desire to be done with what currently seems to drag on for an eternity.

Now maybe most of you aren’t currently feeling senioritis per se but I have no doubt you have had these moments and completely understand the feeling. The feeling you get on a Friday afternoon at work when your mind is just wandering, and you are most definitely done with the tedious tasks keeping you from moving on to something more enjoyable.

On a global scale, I think it’s safe to assume most people could relate to something similar in what I would call, “pandemic-itis.” Tired of being isolated, of repetitively using hand sanitizer, of wearing masks, of not seeing family and friends, of video conference calls, of not being able to eat at our favorite restaurants, of not worshipping with our whole faith community, of hearing about more and more people who have become sick or died, and so on.

To our son we keep reminding him that things will be better soon, to enjoy what he can, to be patient, to continue learning, to be challenged, motivated, and even inspired by all the opportunities ahead of him. Interestingly, I think we could all apply this advice to our feelings around our own “pandemic-itis.”

As I’ve tried to be supportive, both as a dad and as a pastor, the more I’ve found it necessary to reflect on the words of the angel whom the women encounter at the tomb of Jesus. The angel told them, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

Too often, I think we miss the power of this heavenly messengers’ words, but also the grace and faithfulness of God wrapped in these words of promise. A reminder that Jesus has not abandoned them, but rather is going ahead of them and awaiting their arrival with a promise of his glorious and victorious presence. And it is in these often-overlooked words that a hope filled reassurance of better days to come is gifted to them and to us.

We all long for better days, and in the midst of terrifying, unexpected, uncertain, and challenging circumstances, God has sent not only the ultimate savior in Jesus, but so too a messenger of hope to remind us that we are not alone, that Jesus has triumphantly risen victorious over the power of death, and in doing so, God has fulfilled God’s promises.

These hopeful words of a promise fulfilled come to us from the angel and the Resurrection hope of Jesus carries with it not only the power to sustain us through these days, but it is a promise that is ours to claim into eternity. Dear friends, there are no greater words of hope and promise than these and I invite you to cling to them today and always, ”Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!

 Pastor Tony

(Reprinted from the April 2021 newsletter.)

 

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! (ALMOST)

When you read this newsletter, we will be days away from celebrating the resurrection of our Savior and the promise of eternal life. Everyone seems to be marking the year anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic. For me, the pandemic carried the most power when we realized that we would not be able to gather for worship on Easter last year. Disbelief and fear of the unknown seemed to be the emotions that carried us along in those first months. It amuses me, now, that those same emotions carried the disciples through Palm Sunday processions and a Maundy Thursday supper in an upper room and the betrayal, arrest and crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. And then Easter.

Yet even the news and events of Easter morning carried the same storm of disbelief and fear for the disciples – though there were a brave few who were willing to believe what their Savior had promised before he died – that on the third day he would rise again. Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome had been up early that first Easter, long before sunrise. They made their way to the freshly carved tomb only to find the stone rolled away and angels waiting to greet them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen even as he said.” I imagine those words were spoken with confident proclamation by the angels who had witnessed the event firsthand. I also believe those three women, when they ran to tell the disciples, did not whisper the news of the empty tomb but instead shouted, pleaded, begged, and celebrated when they told the disciples the glorious news. Thanks be to God!

If there has ever been a year where we have needed word of the news of the resurrection to ring in our ears, IT IS THIS YEAR. We have need of the news of the resurrection for the countless number of those who have died from the coronavirus. We have need of the news of the resurrection for those who have died this year when we had little time to tend them in their dying. We have need of the news of the resurrection for those who have suffered loneliness, isolation, and the absence of loved ones. We have need of the news of the resurrection because such news brings us hope to trust that the Word of God has indeed overcome the power of death.

In every corner of the world the power of death brings grief, overwhelms courage, and causes deep and lasting pain. And in every corner of the world, there is hunger for the promise of God’s resurrection hope and joy. Yes! It is this year that each of us and all the world has great need of the news of the resurrection. And so, People of God, hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

See you in church,

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the April 2021 newsletter)

Are You Vaccinated? Why You Still Should Exercise Caution

People should be careful if a vaccinated grandparent or other individual is visiting an unvaccinated family, because Grandma could still get or carry the virus in her nasopharynx, even though the vaccine is preventing her from getting physically ill, and then she potentially could pass the virus along to unvaccinated people.

There is not a guide to what it’s safe for vaccinated people to do. When deciding what you can and can’t do, you should think less about your own vaccination status, and more about whether your unvaccinated neighbors, family, grocery clerks, delivery drivers, and friends are still vulnerable to the virus. Continue to exercise caution! Until we have a cap on this pandemic and can be safe for all, please remember to mask and social distance!

County Resources for Those in Need During Covid-19

Our County continues to provide essential services for local seniors and adults with disabilities living in Waukesha County. They are incredibly grateful for current and new volunteers who help people meet their basic needs. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin, they have recruited, screened, trained, and brought onboard 221 new volunteers to help. During this time, they are providing the following services:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Grocery shopping for clients and delivery of groceries or food pantry stock boxes
• Weekly wellness calls
• New-client assessments over the phone
• Seasonal yard clean up services

How to Request Help or Volunteer

• Waukesha County seniors (60 and older) and adults with disabilities (18 to 59) can call (262) 549-3348
• Sign-up to volunteer by calling (262) 549-3348 to volunteer in Waukesha County.

Brenda Lytle, RN
Director of Care Ministries

Adopt a Drain

We are called to care for the Earth that God created and ensure that the environmental resources we rely on are available and safe for future generations. One way we can do that is to take care of our local waterways! This time of year it’s essential to keep the storm drains in our communities clear of debris as the snow melts and we experience spring showers. It’s a great activity to do as a family – Kids of all ages can be a part of it, and feel good about having a clean community and healthy rivers and waterways nearby! Please consider being a part of this important effort in Waukesha County. Visit Waukesha County’s website to learn more.

Creation Care Ministry

Thank you to all who dropped off old/unused holiday lights in January! We are happy to say that four large delivery boxes and three additional shopping bags of lights were able to be recycled in an environmentally safe way and escaped the fate of the landfill! Contact Lynn Parkhurst or Mary Ellen Comp at with your Creation Care Ministry questions.

Food, Faith and Farming Network

Winter Farmers Markets have been suspended for Spring 2021, leaving many of us even more excited to see what markets will look like this summer. Would you like to get fresh produce from a local farmer throughout the upcoming season? Try a CSA! CSA is short for Community Supported Agriculture, which is a weekly delivery of fresh seasonal produce harvested from a local farm! Here is a flyer that has a list of local Farms and CSA options, should you wish to find a delivery on your own. Questions about CSAs or market vendors? Please contact Lynn Parkhurst.

Habitat for Humanity Waukesha

Their mission is: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Their vision is: A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County builds decent, affordable homes for families who are unable to purchase a home through traditional methods. They do not give houses away, based on the belief of giving a hand up, not a handout. By providing a home with an affordable mortgage, homeowners obtain self-sufficiency and overall improved family health and neighborhood pride.

Homeowners spend time and effort into making their dream of homeownership a reality. Sweat Equity is their version of a down payment. Each adult must contribute time volunteering at the ReStore or working on the job site to build their home. Not only does each homeowner gain skills and meet new people in this process but they get the satisfaction of playing a key role in improving their own circumstance. A recent homeowner Noel said, “you take pride in something you personally own” especially when you have built it by hand.

Habitat of Waukesha has made affordable housing a reality for over 30 families in 30 years. In 2015, they tripled the yearly number of homes built from an average of one home per year to three per year. In addition to building homes, they educate the community on affordable housing and how they are a part of supporting the mission. The ReStore is a retail location that collects and sells donated home goods and building materials at a discounted price. Profits from the ReStore are used to fund the builds while community members take advantage of the lower price.

How can you help?

• Donate to ReStore
• Volunteer at ReStore
• Provide hands on help in building or remodeling or help with preparation for the new family
• Participate in the Women Build coming up in May by joining the build or donating financially

For more information go their website or contact Ascension member Nick Wagner.