Time Flies

I have heard from more than one of the wiser, experienced members of Ascension that the days go by faster than one expects. Honestly people, how are we already entering the month of August? Easter was just last week, and the last day of school was yesterday, right?

Summer seems to have a mind of its own. In earlier days, summer was rest and restoration. Now, summer feels like a fourth quarter of programming with just a little less ministry at night. My wife and I used to say that Wisconsin had a slower pace of life than California – perhaps that was true when our children were young and uninvolved in anything except running through the sprinklers and chasing the dog. But the times they are a changing. Now, summer just continues a pace of chasing after kids who drive cars and stop in for food before they are off to the races again.

These summer days are my reminder to set time aside to rest the rhythms of my spirit. There is a deep longing for time to breathe, reflect, and savor the longer span of daylight that lets the sun linger on the horizon just long enough to enjoy the breeze and a conversation about the events of the day without gasping for the next breath. I have found a few of the moments in these summer months, granted, they are moments captured between mountain climbing with junior high students and worship preparations for Sunday mornings and last-minute details before our travel to El Salvador. I, sometimes, need to remind myself to enjoy these moments for what they are, “gifts within the gift” of all that God grants me in this life.

Here, at Ascension, the rhythms of life are only a little slower. Our worship life is full of joy with just a seasoning of irreverence at times – especially when the pastors take a jab at each other. We have been the Grateful recipients of the sharing of special musical gifts from a variety of individuals and ensembles. Our Amen ministry completed a summer book study; the Knit Wits continue to work their magic as their hands create offering after offering from balls of yarn; countless members show-up to tend flower beds all over the campus; ashes are scattered in the ash garden thanks to greater access through the gift of the path; small groups continue to study God’s Word and nurture faith; visitors are welcomed again and again and again; coffee is served; companion synod committees continue to meet and plan; meals have been served at the Hope Center; calendars are planned and prepared for the fall; new ministries are preparing to launch; visitors and members alike are inquiring where they might serve in the ministry of this community of faith; our average worship attendance is up over last year at this time; our financial support of the ministry inside and outside our walls has increased; and I believe the Holy Spirit is just preparing us for more to come.

Summer might be a time to find a little rest, but as the psalmist says, “God will not let your foot slip—God who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, God who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” I am grateful for this promise of God’s care and grateful still more for your faithfulness in sharing this journey of life and faith to the glory of God. Blessings on these continued summer days.

See you in church,

Pastor Chris

BLAST Off & JUMP In!

BLAST (K-3rd grade) and JUMP (4-5th grade) Registration is now open! Calling all kids and families — it’s time to get ready for another amazing year of BLAST and our new ministry for our4th and 5th grade students JUMP (Jesus Understands Me Perfectly)! From music to games, and growing in faith, we’ve got an exciting journey ahead — and we want YOU to be part of it!

  • Start Date: Sunday, September 7th
  • Time: Between Services
  • Ages: K-5th Grade

Whether you’re brand new or returning, we can’t wait to welcome your children into a fun, faith-filled environment where they’ll learn about God’s love and grow in their spiritual journey. Register today and let the adventure begin!

👉BLAST & JUMP REGISTRATION FORM

Questions: Contact Sheri Greger or Pastor Tony.

Adventures, Risks & Rewards

If you have been in worship on any Sunday in the month of June, there is no doubt you have heard the pastors talk about preparing for Adventure Camp, praying for Adventure Camp, or giving thanks for returning home from Adventure Camp. It is always a week full of surprises. Junior high students who tell us they are not planning to swim – eventually end up in the water. Students who look up at the height of the zipline towers and tell us they are not going to zipline – eventually find themselves flying down a cable at 30 mph. It is always a surprise to see them rise to the challenge, proving to us and themselves that they can do hard things. To do hard things we often must take risks. Those risks can often be accompanied by a list of questions before we commit:

Am I brave enough? What will happen? Can I do this? Who is watching? What will others say?

Those questions might fly through the thoughts of a junior high student before they take the risk. I find it amusing that many of us probably ask those same questions as we consider stepping out of our comfort zone into something new. For the junior high students there is great reward for their courage. Feelings of satisfaction, accomplishment, pride, validation – all contribute to their next big decision. Usually, the next zipline platform where they must leap into thin air, once again, with only the cable to keep them airborne. What we often witness is the willingness of students to make the leap once again. Once you have decided to leap; once you have taken the first step; once you let go from being completely in control and trust that God’s got you- the journey is usually far beyond what any junior high student or any one of us can imagine.

It is a good reminder for each of us. The adventure is worth the risk. In life, in faith – the actual risk is far less scary than the risk we have built up in our minds before we step off the platform. I have been walking alongside our Monday night Amen group as we have studied the book, “Wild at Heart.” The book invites us to consider what it is to be a man of faith in the world today. It might be a little bit dated in its examples, but the book has provided some incredible moments of risk as men around the table have found themselves brave enough to ask deep questions, share honestly, and risk a moment of vulnerability in a world where vulnerability is often looked upon as weakness. I am grateful for their willingness to dig deep on Monday nights. Grateful they have chosen to take the risk.

We often talk about this life of faith for the ways in which we follow Jesus – gather in worship, kneel in prayer, serve in selflessness. Important attributes of a life of faith. Yet, I recognize that our worship, prayers, and service are not often risky. Sure, come to worship at Ascension and Pastor Chris might call you by name at one time or another during worship. Risky, maybe? Yes, worship at Ascension and you might find someone introducing themselves by name and asking for yours? Risky, maybe. Is the risk worth the reward? It absolutely is. And so is every other part of this journey of faith Jesus invites us to live. 

At one of our AMEN Monday nights, one man asked how we hear the voice of God. I explained that in all my life, I do not know that I have ever heard God speak to me in words. I believe I have felt God’s presence in countless moments of music, times of prayer, reflective pauses where I was able to close off the distractions of this world. One man described the presence of God in his life as that moment when there was an overwhelming sense of peace, almost a warmth, that surrounded him. So often, in our rush to the next adventure, we are often unable or unwilling to pay attention to such fleeting moments and yet , if we are willing to take the risk of being open to what God might be doing, there can be great reward in the risk of letting go of what we know to be wrapped in what we so often can only imagine, namely – the very presence of God. It is risky to let go, to surrender to the presence of God. But my friends, that is often when the adventure begins. Here is to all the adventures ahead – to the glory of God.

See you in Church,

Pastor Chris

Love One Another

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:9-18 (NLT)

Our world, our communities, our families and friends as well as the strangers who we are yet to encounter are all being impacted by so many destructive forces taking place in our world.

Recently I preached a sermon where I referenced a conversation with someone who stated that they were “at their wits end” because of all the heavy things taking place in their life and throughout the world. And lately I’ve been feeling that same tension and I’m guessing many of you are too. In my search for how to make sense of and navigate all the chaotic things that are happening I turned to the only place I know to find unfailing guidance – Scripture. And this particular passage from Romans seems to be a guiding light in the midst of all the darkness.

So, every morning I’ve been meditating on this passage as a reminder of how God calls me to be in the world each day. I pray that you would find comfort in taking time to read and reflect on these holy words and allow them to dwell deeply in your heart. Then, I invite you to consider how God might be speaking to you through this passage? And as you choose to live out these words how might the Holy Spirit be guiding you toward a blessing for your life and the world?

Pastor Tony

New Environments

I’ve slept at my mother’s house in El Salvador on a few visits since moving to Waukesha. On those occasions, I’ve had trouble falling asleep due to the heat, roosters crowing at 3 a.m., cats fighting over girlfriends on the roof of the house, and dogs barking almost all night. Things that didn’t bother me in the past now bother me when I stay at my mother’s house.

Our bodies adapt to new environments, and often returning to our previous surroundings presents some unsuspected challenges. At the end of May, I went to a meeting in El Salvador for a few days and slept at my mother’s house. My wife, as always, told me to be careful with what I eat and drink because my body was not like it used to be. I told her I would be fine.

It turns out my wife was right, and I became a little sick. I didn’t think I needed bottled water. Even my mom and sister told me not to drink too much tap water because it could make me sick, but I told them I would be fine. I was greatly surprised because I had never had this problem in all the trips I had made to my country. I thought my body could still handle it, but the reality is that my body now thinks Wisconsin water is normal and can no longer handle Salvadoran water.

Many of us have probably had similar experiences in our lives, in which our bodies react to environments that were once normal to us, but now they reject them as strange. This makes me reflect on the true change that occurs in our being when we truly follow the call that Jesus makes to all of us. 

In order to follow Jesus, we need to be intentional about living in an environment that lifts up Christ-like values. And not just the friends and family we engage with, but the media we choose to follow. Computer-generated algorithms have become a frighteningly powerful tool of controlling our environments in many ways. 

Following Jesus means that the things that were once normal and that damaged our being and our relationships with others are now strange and painful for us because we live under a new way of seeing life in Jesus. Injustice, lack of compassion, hatred, jealousy, resentment, persecution, war are and should be strange things for every true Christian. The Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

In a world struggling in the shadows of despair, division, and doubt, Christians are called to be a light that resonates with profound urgency wherever we stand. We are not called to exist passively, but to illuminate, guide, and bring hope to a world desperately in need of actively embracing and utilizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which empower us to manifest God’s character and love to those around us. God calls us to work to create an environment that lifts up these values, not just for ourselves, but for those that share our environment with us.

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to enjoy the beauty of summer in a struggling world, let us exercise the fruits of the spirit to create both an internal and external environment where hatred, war, division, jealousy, and resentment find little fertile ground to take root and flourish. Let us surround ourselves with these.

Pastor Edwin

Serving and Growing With Ascension This Summer

Read all about our activities this summer!

Community Partner: SOPHIA

This month’s Ascension’s Community Partner focus is SOPHIA (Stewards of Prophetic Hopeful Intentional Action). SOPHIA is made up of people of faith united by a passion for justice, a commitment to community and a practice of hope. SOPHIA builds relationships in the public and private sectors, uniting people with common values to have a powerful voice; to stand together to change injustices affecting those who are marginalized. Together, this group can make our communities places where everyone has a chance to succeed.

Currently, there are three task forces working for change: Housing Task Force, Criminal Justice Task Force, and Immigration Task Force. Each task force meets monthly to identify how to have an impact in their specific area. SOPHIA is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates. SOPHIA is part of Wisdom, the statewide organization working for justice. Micah 6:8 states, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
 
Ascension hosts the Immigration Task Force on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30. If this topic is something you are interested in, please join the group. If you would like more information about the other task forces, see the SOPHIA website at: https://www.sophiawaukesha.org/. For specific information on Ascension’s role in SOPHIA, contact Joan Mikecz at: jdmikecz@gmail.com.

Sunday Morning Coffee

Coffee hour between services is enjoyed by many members and is a great way to engage visitors. During the summer, it is hard to get volunteers to be coffee hosts. Please let Al Gilgenbach know if you would be willing to take a Sunday. It is an easy way to get involved. Meru coffee is always for sale for you to enjoy at home. Check out the coffee cabinet by the glass doors in the Hearth Room or ask the coffee host. Purchasing coffee helps the farmers in the Meru Diocese of Tanzania to be able to support their families.

Hope Center Golf Outing

The 17th annual Tee Up for Hope Golf Outing is July 14 and Hope Center is hoping that YOU will join the fun this year. You can look forward to the usual on-course fun events including prizes, a putting contest and raffles, along with a post-golf program with appetizers! The event will be at Broadlands Golf Club to raise funds that will allow Hope Center to continue to help people of Waukesha County meet their basic needs. Get a group of golfing friends together or register on your own for this special event. Visit their website to register and for sponsorship information.

Support Hawthorne Elementary School

Show our support for the students and teachers at Hawthorne by helping to ensure that the teachers have all of the supplies they need for a successful school year. You can purchase the items from their Amazon Wishlist and have them delivered directly to Hawthorne. The school office is closed from July 11- August 4, so deliveries outside of that window would be greatly appreciated.

El Salvador Mission Trip

From July 29 to August 6, Ascension’s largest delegation yet is headed to El Salvador to visit our sister parish, San Jorge. We have a full schedule as our delegation of twenty-four strives to fulfill the agreements in our partnership covenant. We will be celebrating our 15th anniversary of partnership and the 10th anniversary of the signing of our original covenant. We will gather in homes, visit the sister parish school, meet with church leaders, do a beach clean of a sea turtle sanctuary, lead a field day for the children of the community while their teachers are at professional development, and worship together. We will continue to dream and plan for a chocolate project that will be both an economic development project as well as a way to lift up the Lutheran church in the eyes of the community. We will be the first church that brings in the artists from the Fernanado Llort studio in the capital to our rural sister parish community for the people to learn about their national artist as together we fulfill Llort’s vision of community art created for and by the common people. If the land cooperates, some in our group will climb Chaparrastique, also known as the San Miguel Volcano, while others in our group explore a monkey sanctuary and Jiquilisco Bay. In San Salvador, we will learn about the ministries of the national church as well as more about the history and current events shaping the lives of our brothers and sisters in El Salvador. Our mission is to leave with strengthened bonds of Christian brotherhood and a greater understanding of the human experience in other parts of the world. Please keep our delegates in your prayers as we travel.

Soul Sisters at the Beer Garden

Soul Sisters will be hosting a summer get together at the Tap Yard Beer Garden at Minooka Park on Thursday, July 10th. We plan to meet at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a lawn chair and an appetizer to share. Benets BBQ will be onsite and free trivia begins at 6 p.m. 

Who are the Soul Sisters? The Soul Sisters is our rebrand of Super Moms to be more inclusive of women in the under 60 age group, regardless of whether or not they are a parent. Sign up is not required for this event. If you do not have an annual park membership, you can purchase a daily park entrance pass up to 5 days prior to the event. You can purchase your pass online or in-person at Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., or the Waukesha County Courthouse – Park System Main Office, 515 W Moreland Blvd AC 260. Please reach out to Lori, Sarah, or Ileen with any questions.

Young at Heart

On July 16, Young at Heart will have a band “A Little Bit of Heaven” playing at Ascension. They play 50’s and 60’s music, polkas and gospel. Anyone 55+ is invited to attend and bring a friend! We will start with a potluck lunch at noon. The band will play from 1-2 pm. Hope to see you there!

The Joy of Summer

Well, my friends, May’s gray days are slowly moving out of the way. Hopefully! There were long stretches of days that were gray and cooler than I might enjoy in the season of Spring. With the arrival of seventy degrees, sitting outside during the workday or in the evening for dinner is as close to heaven on earth as we might find ourselves until we set foot in the Kingdom of God.

Today, on the campus of Ascension, the sun is shining. It is beautiful. The leaves move just enough to tell us a breeze is blowing. The Memorial Gardens, flowerbeds, and butterfly garden are alive with blossoms and fresh, tender green leaves. I am grateful for countless hands with dirt under their fingernails that have tended our garden beds and renewed this house of God in spectacular ways as a sign of hope within the community of Waukesha. We give thanks to God for the countless hours that many of you have offered to bless this house of worship with grounds that give glory to God.

Although our regular ministry programming slows down in the summer months, it is always a good time to enjoy the gift of God’s creation. Our 10:45am service moves to 10:00am and is outside in the Memorial Gardens behind the church on June 1st, 15th, and 29th. The Praise Band provides the music and we still do all the things – music, prayer, children’s time, reading, sermon, and communion. It is BYOC (bring your own chair) and the new sidewalk all the way through the Memorial Garden will allow those of us with mobility issues an easier opportunity to share in a community of worship.

On Sunday, June 8, we will celebrate the season of Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us. We will also participate in the ritual of toweling for our graduating seniors. Prayers will be prayed as we wrap a towel around the shoulders of each graduating senior. The towel is a symbol of service reminding us of how Jesus washed the feet of the disciples at the last supper. John writes in chapter13, verse 14: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” It is a helpful reminder for all of God’s people that we are called to serve our neighbor.

JOLT leaves for Adventure Camp in the Wisconsin Dells area on Monday, June 16th for three days of adventure and “challenge by choice.” Your prayers are appreciated. The goal is to show up all the junior high students by still climbing to the top of the mountain cliff. I only need to do it once and then all is right with the world for another year. 

In other news, I want to take a moment to say thank you for your generosity as we have raised all the funds needed for both the Memorial Gardens sidewalk and the new six-foot grand piano to help lead worship and ministry in East Hall for both our lively Spanish language ministry and other moments of mission and fellowship to the glory of God.

Finally, let me share with you the joy of summer worship at Ascension. Life continues to happen, and I wonder how you might consider giving thanks to God for the blessings you enjoy – family, friends, lakes, pools, sprinklers, and time to refresh? How will you ask God to tend the challenges in your life that we all face at one time or another? Certainly, your prayers can be spoken on the trail, in the kayak, on the airplane, and at the cabin. Yet, I would invite you to consider finding your way to church. In the summer, worship rhythms move and shape themselves in different ways. For the summer, we plan to return to kneeling at the communion railing to receive bread and wine knowing all too well that some of us have knees that do not bend like they used to. You will be invited to kneel or stand to receive as you are comfortable. The railing offers a different invitation as we come to the table. Still, the welcome is the same: from God, for all, always.

People of God be blessed, be well, be hopeful – the promise of God is alive and well at Ascension.

See you in church.

Pastor Chris

Every Sunday Is a First Sunday for Someone

Do you remember the first time you were a visitor at Ascension? Did you walk in not knowing anybody? Did you encounter unfamiliar faces, practices, music, and traditions? What made you feel welcome? What brought you back?

Consider this – every Sunday could be someone’s first Sunday. At one time or another all of us have been visitors here – at some point we are all visitors somewhere, and how we experience welcome, comfort, and inclusion can significantly impact our decision to return or want to get more involved. For someone walking through the doors of Ascension, this may very well be the first time they’ve stepped into a church in years – or ever. It may have taken courage, hope, or even desperation to come. And what they experience when they arrive can speak louder than any sermon or song. 

Ascension is a congregation built on profound relationships with God and each other. I know this to be true, not simply because I’m one of your pastors, but because at one time I too was a visitor here. In fact, the very first time I visited Ascension it was with my family to see if this was a place I wanted to serve. And although I don’t recall the names or faces of the people we encountered that day, what I can tell you is that we felt a deep sense of welcome from the moment we walked in the door. I felt it then and I continue to feel it today – there is something special about Ascension. And what’s special about Ascension is YOU.

My friends, it doesn’t matter if you are a longtime member or someone who recently started to worship or serve with us, we are all called to be part of something greater – to participate and contribute as each of us are able – to be involved rather than stand on the sidelines as spectators – to be a family rather than an audience. We are called to share joys and concerns, successes and struggles, faith and doubt. And ultimately, our greatest coordinated efforts are to serve others in the name of Jesus rather than satisfy our own selfish wants and needs. These are marks of the body of Christ. This is what it means to be the family of God.

God invites all of us to welcome and walk alongside people to take part in what God is doing in and through us. Relationships don’t grow by accident and neither do churches. Signs, websites, social media posts, special events, and ministry programs all have their place but if openness and connection aren’t distinguishing marks of this congregation then we will never become the reflection of God’s kingdom we’ve been created to be.

When we are committed to being a reflection of Jesus’ radical welcome to our neighbors, coworkers, friends and more importantly to the strangers and onlookers with whom we cross paths, that spoken and often unspoken invitation is far more welcoming to visitors and newcomers than any fancy brochure, expensive advertising campaign, sermon, or song.

My ongoing prayer is that all of us would dedicate ourselves again to welcoming anyone who hears the Holy Spirit’s call to come into our doors on a Sunday morning or cross our path at other times. Here are a few easy ways you can be a glimpse of God’s love in action:

  • Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. If you forgot someone’s name ask.
  • Try sitting in different places, staying longer or arriving earlier so you can meet different people.
  • Invite a visitor or someone you don’t know to sit with you.
  • Say hello to a few people you don’t know before spending time with the people you know well.
  • If someone appears confused or lost take a moment to help them find their way.

So let us commit together to being an even more welcoming church than we already are, and not just in theory, but in practice. Let us pray for eyes to see the stranger, courage to start conversations, and hearts ready to listen. Let us invite, include, and involve our visitors. And if someone decides to return, not because of our building or programs, but because they felt seen and valued, then we’re being the church God calls us to be.

Pastor Tony

Matthew 25

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)

This month it was very difficult to narrow down which verses to use for my article because in the Bible, God constantly calls us throughout all generations to practice love and hospitality toward immigrants. We follow a savior that began his life as an undocumented immigrant as the Christmas story ends with Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt to protect Jesus. The command to care for the immigrant is one of most written about topics in the Bible, so I had literally pages of Bible verses to choose from.

Many member and non-member families come to Ascension for help. They know that Ascension is a faith community that welcomes, supports, walks with, and identifies in many ways with immigrants. One of those identifications was experienced last month when we celebrated Pupusa Fest. The cold weather and wind were no obstacle. Many visitors came to buy pupusas and see the facilities. Many were surprised to see that we have two sanctuaries and were impressed to learn that worship is held at the same time.

Sadly, three days after the festival, just as I was waking up, I received a call that ICE was arresting a member of our ministry who is of Salvadoran origin. I immediately went to his home to accompany the family and, above all, prevent intimidation. When I arrived, the officers had already entered the apartment without a warrant and were preparing to take our member away. Ultimately, our member had the luck that many immigrants don’t have. He was temporarily freed and released under surveillance. You can imagine the pain felt by many in our community. In a three day period, Salvadoran food was celebrated by the same city that cheered the suffering inflicted on a Salvadoran father who just wanted to keep his family safe.

Many immigrants do not believe those who say they welcome immigrants who come here as long as they do so legally. We see that the people who pledge to support only legal immigrants are the same people who also oppose immigration reform that would allow us to be here fully documented. We watch immigrants that are going through the process to be here legally getting deported when they show up for their appointments at immigration offices. A person can not truthfully say they support legal immigrants if they also prevent the possibility of legal migration.

I have the advantage that other immigrant pastors don’t have in this journey of persecution and intimidation. I am very grateful that Pastor Tony and Pastor Chris are walking hand in hand with me, supporting and spiritually assisting immigrant families as we fulfill Jesus’s calling. I know that there are some of you reading this article that are unhappy with me. I want to remind you of what Jesus tells us in Matthew 25.

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

If Matthew 25 is not enough, Jesus also tells us in John 13, “A new command I give you: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” If my words bother you, I can not say sorry, because that would be rejecting Jesus’s message. As a pastor and a Christian, I will never apologize for doing what Jesus commands us to do, even if God’s word makes some church members unhappy. What I will do is pray for you. I humbly ask you all to pray for all immigrant families and for your pastors as we continue walking in this journey.

May the peace of Christ be with you all,

Pastor Edwin

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord, All the Earth

Ascension choir

Faith Sharing: Linda Elder

Music has always been a part of my life. I sang my first solo at my church when I was 6 years old. Every church where I’ve been a member, I have been in the choir or praise group. When I walked into Ascension in 2007, my heart was overjoyed to hear all the music and singing, praising our God. I knew I was “Home” once more.

Attending church has always been a huge part of my life. I truly believe that God has a plan for each of our individual talents to be shared with praise and thanksgiving to Him who created each of us. Have you really looked at the words of some of our well-known hymns? They each have a message for us in our individual walks of faith. Does singing bring joy to your heart?

Being a member of Ascension’s adult choir is an honor and a blessing. I have such wonderful memories of some of the numerous songs of praise that we’ve lifted to our God and Savior. Truth be told, I wake up each morning with a song in my head. That’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. While walking my dog, I sing songs of faith, all while enjoying God’s beautiful creation surrounding me with His love.

If you have been looking for a way to use your God-given talents, maybe He’s leading you to “make a joyful noise to the Lord.” Blessings to you on your journey!

~ Linda Elder

Sing for a Sunday June 29

Intergenerational Choir will sing on Sunday, June 29, and singers of all ages are invited to join us! We will meet for one rehearsal on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 6:30 pm and sing for 8:30 worship on Sunday, June 29. The song can be easily learned by listening and all are welcome! Email Vicki Taylor and say you’ll join us!

Music Reading Boot Camp June 25

Have you ever wondered how to interpret music notation? What do all those signs and squiggly lines mean? What is a time signature? How can I ever learn to read music? If these or other questions have crossed your mind, this session on Wednesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m. is for you! Ascension member and school music teacher Scott Greger will have you reading rhythmic notation in one short session, and will answer any questions you may have. Additional sessions will be offered if there is interest. Email Vicki Taylor to sign-up.

Summer Worship at Ascension

Summer worship began on May 25th: 8:30 English and 10 a.m. English & Spanish worship

Important Dates

  • Senior Toweling: Sunday, June 8, 8:30 & 10 a.m.
  • 10a Outdoor Worship
    • Sunday, June 1, 15, 29
    • Sunday, July 6, 27
    • Sunday, August 17, 31
  • Blessings and sending of El Salvador Delegation, Sunday, July 27