Author: Amy Gilgenbach

Latino Ministry Back to School

September means back to school. For me, it means back to seminary. As is the case for so many students these days, seminary this year will not be the same as last year. To begin with, my friend and mentor Tony will no longer be a student with me. I’m happy that he is still at Ascension to give me advice about professors and assignments. Classes are one hundred percent distance learning this year, so there will be no beginning of the semester trips to Wartburg. The seminary has also promised to adjust instruction knowing that many of the seminarians will likely be the parent that is helping their children with virtual schooling at some point in the year.

We don’t know what back to school is going to mean for the children in Waukesha, including the families that are part of our Latino ministry. Some families have already decided to keep their children home for the beginning of the year. Others are sending their children to school knowing that there is a chance that all children may be doing virtual school for at least part of the year. As challenging as virtual schooling was for all families in the spring, our Latino families have some additional challenges. Due to violence, war, and poverty in their home countries, some of the parents did not have access to an education. They feel unqualified to teach their children anything academic. That is in addition to the language and technology barriers that have led immigrant parents to feel overwhelmed by the idea of supporting their children in virtual school. In crowded apartments, it can be hard for all of the kids to find quiet corners for their class meetings and homework, not to mention enough Wi-Fi.

In these times of uncertainty, I will be waiting to see how things unfold with the school year. At the same time, we will be working with parents on strategies they can use at home and explore creating learning pods with the families so we can all work together to support students and their parents with these new ways of schooling. When I attended university in El Salvador to get my teaching license, I never thought I would be using it to support students in the USA during a global pandemic! I am grateful for my time as a substitute teacher last school year to help me learn more about the American education system. I am always surprised by God’s path for my life.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

I pray that God is with all families, teachers, school employees, and our entire community as we begin a new school year.

Thank You From Pastor Tony

Dear People of Ascension,

Our journey together began six and a half years ago when you, the faithful people of Ascension called me to serve among you as your Director of Faith Formation. In that time, we have shared many incredible moments of laughter and great joy while also our experiencing our share of painful tears and unimaginable heartache. Yet, through everything that we have encountered, we have continued to walk in faith, together.

And then four years ago when the Holy Spirit was no longer interested in entertaining my excuses for running away from God’s call, this community of faith once again excitedly committed to stand beside me on another venture – this time through seminary. Every step of the way you encouraged, supported, celebrated, and helped me to develop and share my pastoral identity. It would be an understatement to say that I am humbled by your confidence in me, and for the countless ways you have pushed me to endure this journey, all the while affording me opportunity after opportunity to learn and challenge myself in order to be a more faithful servant.

And now, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my heart is filled with unspeakable joy because God has graciously set a new course before us to continue serving God together, grow in our relationship, and further challenge what we have known as we follow the Holy Spirit into new territory. This new adventure is a celebration of our relentless God, the Body of Christ, and all that is possible when faithful people take risks, dare to dream, step up, and face challenges with faith, hope and courage.

So, I wish to take a moment as we begin this new endeavor and say thank you – for your trust, your confidence, your partnership, and for your love; both for myself and my entire family. Please know how grateful I am for every moment of our journey together and for all that is yet to come. I am honored to receive this call and serve alongside you as your new Associate Pastor, and so it is with deep gratitude that I wish to leave you with this prayer from the apostle Paul:

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason. I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. (Ephesians 1:15-19 NRSV)

May this day and every day to come be to the great glory of God…

Pastor Tony

Mission: God’s Work. Our Hands.

Sunday, Sept. 13, ELCA congregations will observe the ELCA’s annual day of service, God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday. This year our church — and our world — are living through the covid-19 pandemic. Physical distancing has forced congregations to cancel in-person worship and move to virtual services and/or outdoor worship. We miss gathering with family and friends to share God’s love in person. But amid this difficult situation, we continue to be church together. Throughout the ELCA, we are witnessing the love and concern God’s people have for one another.

From the ELCA: “During this time, our congregations continue to support ministries that assist vulnerable people in their communities. These acts of service allow us to explore one of our most basic Lutheran convictions: All of life in Jesus Christ — every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. On God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday we come together to restore and reconcile our communities. You do this kind of work every day —loving your neighbors and making your community a better place.”

Here at Ascension, while we have had to change how we serve others, we still have places to make an impact and be the hands of God, doing God’s work. Watch the announcements and Mission Outreach Facebook page for ways to serve in the community. There are options for service and ways to donate to help others. As the needs emerge, we will update the list.

Volunteer at the Food Pantry in a covid-safe environment
Provide food and household needs to the Food Pantry
Fill the Blessing Box
Participate in Outreach for Hope Bike/Ride/Walk or donate for a participant
Provide financial support to our partners at Cross, Tanzania or El Salvador
Support Latino Ministry Outreach
Participate in fund raisers for our Community Partners

Together in Jesus Christ we are freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly and serve joyfully.

Shirley Wehmeier
Mission Outreach Wing Leader

Donations Needed

Donation bins will be available at the Welcome Tent on Sunday mornings.

We continue to collect items for the Waukesha Food Pantry and the Blessing Box. We are especially in need of food items for the Blessing Box.

We also are collecting bottled water for Hope Center and NAMI who provide water for the homeless people in Waukesha. If you would rather donate toward purchasing water, designate your donation to “water” and we will purchase the water and deliver it.

Cross Food Pantry is in need of paper grocery bags for their Parking Lot Pantry. Place the bags in the Cross Bin. These are all great ways to be the church in the community.

Shirley Wehmeier
Mission Outreach

Joyous News!

What joy it brings to write this letter to you.

We are a community of faith looking to the future God has in store for us in the midst of this pandemic journey. The pandemic will not last forever. However, the prophet Isaiah tells us that “the Word of God will last forever.” With that promise ringing in our ears, we are preparing for a new chapter in the mission and ministry of Ascension. Our former Director of Faith Formation, Tony Acompanado, is about to become our new Associate Pastor. After a congregational meeting on August 2 with a call vote result of 103 votes out of a total 108 votes in favor of extending a call to pastoral ministry, Tony is ready to join our staff as our Associate Pastor.

You are invited to join in worship and celebration as Tony is ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and installed as Associate Pastor at Ascension on Sunday, August 16, at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Gardens. We will have one service on Sunday, August 16, with Bishop Paul Erickson of the Greater Milwaukee Synod presiding at worship.

As usual, physical distancing and masks will be expected as we gather for worship and you will need to register beginning Aug. 9 online or by phone to the church office to reserve your spot. The only change is that you will not need to bring a chair for worship – they will be provided.

From the rite of ordination: “Care for God’s people, bear their burdens and do not betray their confidence. So discipline yourself in life and teaching that you preserve the truth, giving no occasion for false security or illusory hope. Witness faithfully in word and deed to all people. Give and receive comfort as you serve within the Church. And be of good courage, for God has called you, and your labor is not in vain.”

It is an incredible moment in the life of Ascension. If you are unable to be present with our faith community on August 16, we ask for your prayers to surround our time of worship and Tony’s new ministry as pastor among us.

Finally, it is appropriate, and you are invited to consider sharing in the joy of our congregation by giving gifts in celebration of Tony’s ordination. A card of congratulations would be a wonderful affirmation for Tony. You may also consider giving a financial gift to Ascension marked “ordination” by placing the gift in the offering box on Sunday, August 9, or mailing a check to the church or giving online and marking “ordination” in the Memorial Gifts line – to help fund the congregational gifts to celebrate Tony’s ordination and welcome him to his new role as Associate Pastor.

In peace and great joy,

Karen Simington, Church Council President

Mulch Needed

As I walk around our campus, I am in awe of the beautiful our flower beds and new plantings! Thank you to all who help make our grounds beautiful and inviting. The flower beds around our church are now in need of a fresh layer of mulch.

We are asking each family to donate three bags of BROWN mulch. Please drop off your bags of BROWN mulch at church anytime now until Aug. 15. Please place them in the flower beds beginning in the front of church and work around to the rear beds in back of church. Try to distribute the bags evenly along the beds to make it easier to spread. Cut a slit in the side of each bag to discourage theft.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like to volunteer to help with spreading mulch sometime in late August or early September. If you’re physically unable to donate bags of mulch, just ask Steve Boyer and he will be glad to purchase for you.

Thank you for your help!

Steve Boyer

Welcome Back to Worship

Peace to you this day! We have been waiting and hoping to write this letter to you. Although our journey through this pandemic experience is far from over, the leadership of Ascension has been praying and preparing for our community to return to some form of in-person worship. After months of pondering and waiting and reflecting and evaluating, the Church Council, in partnership with our staff, has come to the decision to begin gathering for in-person worship on July 12th. This decision comes with cautious optimism and a considerable amount of concern about the days ahead. However, we are also confident in our preparation and expectation of those who will choose to gather for worship on July 12th and the Sundays that follow.

We have been following CDC guidelines, the Greater Milwaukee Synod guidelines, the guidelines of Waukesha County, and the recommendations of our church insurance company. The guidelines often share some of the same information and sometimes overlap with conflicting recommendations. Our Church Council and staff have given great consideration for the process forward desiring to be proactive instead of reactive. Reminding ourselves now, and in the days ahead, that the decisions we make – are for now, and not for forever.

The Church Council continues to stay informed on the current and ever-changing landscape that is the Coronavirus pandemic to offer a way forward while the staff continues to provide detailed direction on how we can all walk together while respecting the needs of each member of our faith community with regard to health, wellness, and safety. If you believe yourself to be in a more high-risk category, we ask you to please stay home. If you are not feeling well or have symptoms of a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, we ask you to stay home. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, we invite you to stay home. If you are unable to honor these expectations, out of concern for other members of the body of Christ, we ask you to please stay home until a later date when fewer precautions are necessary. The recorded video worship will be available, as it is now, each Sunday at 8 a.m.

Here is the process we will follow as we move towards and gather on Sunday, July 12th:

We will ask you to sign-up for a specific worship time in order that we will keep track of who is at which time of worship. We will offer the exact same worship service at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 (if needed.)
The worship style will be much like what you have seen on our video worship with a blending of music from both Vicki and Ben.
You will be able to sign-up online or by calling the church office – reserving enough space for your family (i.e. A family of four is four spaces to sign-up for online or over the phone.)
We will only be outside at this time. We will ask you to bring your own seating – though we will have a few chairs available for those with limited strength or unable to find their chairs at home.
In the event of a weather-related cancelation, you will be notified Sunday morning by email or by phone call depending on how you registered for the worship service.
You may park in any open parking lot, not blocked off by cones, but will need to walk outside to the back of the church by the kitchen for the worship service.
Spanish worship will be held on the front lawn. More information about this will be sent to our Spanish-speaking families.
We will limit each worship service to 75 people (excluding staff/volunteers) and 40 minutes (including communion.)
You will check-in at one of two stations where you will be asked to sanitize your hands and wear a mask throughout the entire worship experience. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you.
We will ask you to sit in a specific area and ask you to stay in that area except for use of the restroom and during communion – though we know some may need to step to the side to stand or stretch as needed.
Restrooms will be available inside the building but entrance to the building will be limited to those needing to take advantage of the restrooms. The restrooms will be single-use only – meaning one person at a time.
We will also ask you not to shake hands or hug anyone throughout your time on the church campus.
Communion will be offered during the service and instructions will be given before you receive.
We will ask you to share in the spoken responses but we will ask you not to sing – even outside.
At the end of the service, we will invite you to return to your vehicles and depart promptly to allow for sanitizing and preparation for next worship service– no coffee will be served.

We expect to continue to offer worship each Sunday by video and outdoors until church leadership determines we are safe to return to inside in-person worship. It is our hope that the congregation will be respectful of the procedures and policies put in place to protect all of us. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Karen Simington, Congregational President, or Pastor Chris.

We are so grateful to God to be able to move in this direction and excited to see you on July 12th and the Sundays that follow.

To God be the glory,

Karen Simington
Council President

Rev. Christian W. Marien
Senior Pastor

On-Site Small Group Meetings

Ascension is opening parts of our building for Ascension small group meetings with the following requirements to better ensure the safety of our congregation during the coronavirus pandemic:

Reservations are required through the church office.
People meeting in small groups are required to wear masks and maintain 6 feet of distancing from others whenever possible. Space will be allocated based on your group size.
People should stay home if they: are in a more high-risk category; are not feeling well or have symptoms of a cough, fever, or shortness of breath; or if they have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask. People should also stay home and self-quarantine if they’ve been exposed to someone close with coronavirus.
No serving of food or drink during the meeting to prevent possible spread of the coronavirus. Individual meals/drinks are fine as long as you’re distanced.
The available spaces are East Hall, West Hall, Hearth Room and Memorial Gardens because of the size of the space needed to appropriately distance from others. Groups may meet only in their assigned location.
There is no entry to the building through Spiritual Growth.
Groups are required to clean-up after meetings.
As soon as possible after the meeting, the group leader is required to email or call the church office with a list of people who attended.
The church office will help you with the video carts and screens. If you anticipate the need, please let us know.
If you need copies of handouts for your group, please email or give them to the church office. We’ll happily make the copies for you.
The church is offering the use of Zoom for its small groups. Please contact Director of Administration Amy Gilgenbach for information.

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

I have read these words of Jesus more in the last two weeks than any other verse in the Bible. I know some of you will say that Pastor Chris always tells us in sermons that he is preaching on his favorite Scripture, sometimes, speaking of his favorites week after week. But in these last days of June, since the 18th (when we gave my mother back to God) and really since the 12th (when I began to fear that the stroke that kept my mom from waking up from surgery would keep her from ever waking up), I have come to find comfort in this simple, ten-word promise of Jesus.

Author Vicki Harrison wrote these words,

“Grief is like the ocean. It comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

Never in our imagination did we expect that my mom would not survive the triple bypass surgery scheduled for June 10th. The night before her surgery we gathered together at my parent’s home to pray and have communion together. There was laughter, a few tears, bread and wine, and a prayer for God’s tending and protection. And my youngest daughter – the one who honors her Norwegian roots better than the rest of us – the child who runs from hugs and slips out of handholds faster than we can hold on to her – took my mother’s hand in the middle of the prayer circle and held on tightly throughout the entire prayer. I did not know she had done this, but my mother was so caught by the out-of-character moment for our daughter that she shared the moment in a final conversation with my wife before we said our goodbyes and gave our hugs and spoke words of love one last time. The moment of our goodbye at their house is imprinted on my memory with all the vivid colors of my mom’s sweater – a lingering smile on her face. And when surgery was complete, the surgeon shared words of hope and good news that all had gone exactly as expected. It would only be later in the evening, after they began the process of removing her sedation and beginning to remove the vent that we would find the first signs of a stroke. Over the next few days, the blood clot that caused her first stroke would split into three separate clots and cause a massive stroke. One my mother would not wake up from in the days ahead.

I share all this to give thanks to God for your care – even in our physical distance and separation. We are broken. Shattered for a loss we did not expect. In the days of waiting, before our worst fears were confirmed, I was afraid for the presence of the power of death I could not shake from my thoughts. I have felt the power of death. I have been close to this power that tears away life more times than I want to remember. And yet, in sharing the journey with my dad and my sister, I have never felt so powerless in the waiting. My dad and I were allowed in just briefly after her surgery – and when we entered her room – we held hands – told her we were there – prayed and told her we would see her the next morning. My dad kept vigil by my mother’s bedside. My sister and I were not allowed to go into the ICU. On the day we transitioned to palliative care – my sister and I walked with my father down a long hallway to tend this woman we had loved in this life. A woman who called us “sweetheart” and “honey.” A woman who used our full names when she was frustrated with us. A woman who always looked at my father with love – even when she was angry. We knew it would not last – her anger. Forgiveness came easy to this wife and mother. Now we begin the search for pictures to remind us of younger days. We laugh at our how much better I have aged. Lord I was chunky in earlier days! And my thinning hair before I began to shave my head. Yes, my friends there will be pictures when we celebrate her life. And celebrate her, we will. In whatever way this pandemic will allow – we will celebrate her and give thanks to God for her.

And in these moments of remembering her, I again find myself coming back to the words of our Savior: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

To God be the glory. Thanks for sharing this journey of life and faith with your pastor, who in these long days does his best to honor the title of son to a father who is grieving and a mother who now stands in the presence of our God. Peace be with you.

Pastor Chris

Reprinted from the July 2020 newsletter