Always Thankful

As I sit here staring at a blank document on my computer wondering, “What am I going to write about for the November newsletter?”, I thought, since no new and original idea was coming to mind, I should go back and look at some of my previous articles over the years. I came across one I wrote several years ago about being thankful and even though I was trying to avoid using the ever popular “be thankful” theme, something slightly different came to mind which I think is still applicable to all of us today. So, here we go.

November is a month where people tend to list out the things we’re thankful for, (it’s probably because of that one holiday called “Thanksgiving”). Some will even list something every day on their social media pages (which is not something you’ll never find me doing). Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be thankful, and I am thankful for many different things – I just don’t care to broadcast it all over social media. Besides, many times the things listed after family and friends are all material things which eventually break, get lost, or simply need to be replaced.

But don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be the Scrooge or Grinch of Thanksgiving, it is good to be thankful. The Bible even tells us that. First Thessalonians says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Wait, look closely, did you notice what it says? “Give thanks in all circumstances…”. So, does this mean we’re supposed to give thanks in those times when life isn’t going like we’ve planned or when something bad happens? Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, yes, that’s exactly what it means.

We all know that bad things are going to happen. People will get sick, things will break or be stolen, feelings will be hurt by those we call our friends, and relationships are going to go through tough times and may even come to an end. It may be hard to see these as times to give thanks, but they are. And here’s why…

Notice the word that comes before “all.” What is it? It’s the word in. We’re told to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. The evil, the bad things of life don’t come from God, those are a result of sin being in the world. This is why we’re not thankful for all circumstances. We’re thankful in all circumstances because no matter what we’re facing in life, God is still in control and God’s presence is still with us. This means that his love, mercy, compassion, and all the other wonderful things God is and does are still with us. They are with us because we are his beloved children. And to prove that, God sent Jesus, His only Son, so that anyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

So in this month of reflection on what it is that we’re thankful for…the thing I’m most thankful for is this – the precious gift of Jesus and his victorious resurrection! Because through this we are claimed as God’s children. And I’m thankful that God continues to go with us wherever it is that we go. It’s my constant prayer that no matter what any of us experience in our lives, that we remember that he’s always there with us and we can lean on him all the time. May you have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!

Pastor Tony

All Saints Day

All Saints Day is celebrated this Sunday, Nov. 3, at all services of Ascension.

As is tradition, we will have pictures of those members of our community who have joined the communion of saints in the Kingdom of Heaven. This year, the English-speaking worship services are borrowing a page from our Spanish-speaking members and creating an ofrenda (altar) where anyone can bring a picture of remembered loved ones and place them on the table so that all may share in our memories of loved ones and gather the communion of saints of every time and place. Please bring a framed picture to worship and place it on the table with the orange tablecloth when you arrive. Then after worship, please remember to take your picture home.

Council News & 2024 Annual Meeting

It’s hard to believe we are already talking about November, but Fall is here! The Council met this week to review and discuss Ascension’s budget, as we move into budget season and planning for next year. The Council had a good discussion about all of the incredible things happening inside, and outside, the walls of Ascension and how our budget can continue to support those things in the coming year. The next two steps in the budget process are a budget listening session on Sunday, Nov. 10. This is an opportunity for members of the congregation to ask questions and review the budget in more detail, before it is presented for a vote by the congregation at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, Nov. 17. Both sessions will take place in between services. We hope you can join us.

Amanda Payne, President

Planning for 2025

How will God invite us to celebrate our ministry and prepare for the future in 2025? We invite you to join us in filling out the 2025 commitment card or submit your 2025 commitment online, prayerfully considering what God might be leading you to offer back to God through the mission and ministry of Ascension as we continue to step out in faith in 2025. Please remember, if you give online, please consider increasing your monthly offering if it has been a while since you set-up your online giving.

October Worship News

Worship at the Farm Oct. 6

Just a reminder that on Sunday, Oct. 6, there will be no late service held at Ascension. Everyone is invited to Green Meadows Farm to celebrate worship with our BLAST families and Latino community. Registration is required. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/RSVPgreen. The cost is $15 per person (under 2 free) and includes sandwich, drinks and petting farm. Please also sign-up for a dish to pass, https://tinyurl.com/ALCGreen24. Please register and pay by Sept. 29. Questions? Contact Pastor Tony, tony@ascensionelca.org.

Introducing a New Youth Choir

We’re beginning a new Youth Choir for students in grades 6-8 on Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:45-6:30. This is a short-term commitment with rehearsals on Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5 and 12. The Youth Choir will then sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m. To sign-up, please contact Director of Music Ministries Vicki Taylor, vicki@ascensionelca.org.

Children’s Choir

Children’s Choir for children in grades K-5 returns on Thursday, Nov. 7, 5 to 5:40 p.m. Children’s choir will rehearse on Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5 and 12 and will sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m. Email vicki@ascensionelca.org to join. 

Sing for a Season

Love to sing but not sure about a year-long commitment? Sing with the Ascension Choir for the Advent/Christmas season. Rehearsals are from 7:15-8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov 6; Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and 20; Tuesday, Nov. 26; Wednesdays, Dec. 4 and 11. The choir will sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Please contact Director of Music Ministries Vicki Taylor, vicki@ascensionelca.org, with questions or to join!

Serving in October

El Salvador / Tanzania Partnership Meeting

Are you considering traveling to El Salvador or Tanzania with Ascension in the next summer or two? International travel not your thing, but you want to be a part of our partnership? Have you previously traveled with us?

We are meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. A few things on the agenda include: Rick Frowein’s upcoming trip to Tanzania with the coffee project, discussing financial requests from Pastora Blanca in El Salvador, making initial plans for our next trips and hosting, and hearing the latest on our exploration to begin a chocolate project in El Salvador. Contact Sarah Wehmeier Aparicio if you have any questions, or you are interested but you can’t make the meeting, sarah@ascensionelca.org.

Who Is My Neighbor?

Ascension had good participation in the Greater Milwaukee Synod Immigration and Refugee Task Force event in early September. The response was NOW WHAT? Ascension’s SOPHIA leadership team is taking on the challenge since the topic so closely links to SOPHIA’s goals. Join us on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at church if you have questions about immigration and refugee resettlement and how to live out your faith in response. You are invited to attend whether you were at the synod event or not. We will learn together and prayerfully discuss our next steps. Contact Joan Mikecz, joanmikecz@sbcglobal.net, with questions.  

There will be a series of Did You Know? questions and answers on the Mission Outreach Facebook page beginning on October 1 to help us all have a clear understanding of terms and the myths and misunderstandings of the many aspects that impact refugees and immigration. The synod taskforce has provided some good resources that will guide us. Please follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Ascension.ELCA.MO.

Walk for NAMI Oct. 5 

This annual event helps to end the stigma surrounding mental health and to help achieve the goal of mental health for all. NAMI has been an Ascension Community partner for many years. We support their work in areas that impact all of us at some point in life. 

Join Ascension’s team on Saturday, Oct. 5, to walk for NAMI at the Milwaukee County Zoo beginning at 9:30. Sign-up online https://www.namiwalks.org/team/68935 or https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/teamascensionchurch.

Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger

Are you aware that Ascension supports the ELCA World Hunger program each month as a part of our budget? When we work with the larger church body, so much more can be done than if we tried to conquer hunger on our own. Through ELCA World Hunger, 66 countries and 41states and territories received support in 2023. Here are ways you can participate in the celebration via the ELCA announcement.

  • World Food Day Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger
  • When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. Central time
  • Where: Zoom webinar. Register online.

Savor

Recently a friend who I haven’t seen in many years reached out wanting to reconnect. I was thrilled when he called, and it was so great to hear his voice. I’ve missed him a lot over the years. Then, just last week I spent some time away with my four siblings to celebrate my 50th birthday. We’re spread out around the country, so we aren’t all together regularly. But the days and nights together around the table, at the pool, on the couch, and out hiking were filled with great food, sharing stories, laughter, and reconnection and they were glorious.

Time is fleeting, or so I’ve heard from countless people over the past few weeks. But this old adage feels suffocating. I’m sure most of you can relate to life being busy, hurried, overstimulated, and overscheduled.

For quite some time I’ve been fascinated by the concept of savoring and it’s something I’ve been working on. This one word is changing me – more than I expected. To savor something means to taste it, to enjoy or appreciate it completely, especially by dwelling on it and being fully present to whatever is.

I want to do all these things, admittedly though I don’t always do it all that well. Like so many others I find myself multitasking or continually filling my schedule with more and more. I think most of us would say that we are rarely idle.  And I think herein lies the problem.

For many of us the daily norm is centered around productivity and trying to cram as much as we can into every minute until there’s nothing to spare.  But sometimes this makes it hard to even breathe. Savoring on the other hand involves delight, pleasure, relishing. There’s no hint of duty in savoring.

At times my life tends to be much more focused on duty than on savoring. My schedule revolves around “ought to do” more than “want to do.” And in these times duty looms large in the choices I make.

Of course, duty is important. But when life is all about duty, there is little room for delight. When a good day is defined by getting everything done on my to-do list, I leave little room for the important things – things that can’t be jotted down and crossed off a list. And this was never more evident than recently when my friend unexpectedly called and when I spent time away with my siblings.

Savoring means being fully present, and this can be in all areas of our lives not just in relationships. We can delight even in mundane things like fresh laundry, unexpected laughter, a delicious sandwich, or a sunset. There are so many things in life to savor, to delight in – if we’re willing to take the time to notice. I don’t necessarily live slow…but I’m learning.  And I wonder if you would like to as well.

Savoring, living slow, delighting – they’re all part of a conscious mindset. And truthfully, it all begins by taking time to savor God.  Taking time to recognize, dwell, and appreciate all that God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives is the first step. Savoring God involves being fully present and dwelling in his sacred presence. And when we lean in to God, practice his presence, pay attention to his voice, only then are we able to taste and savor the goodness God offers. And when we savor Jesus in our lives, we delight in God’s presence.

Jesus is not something we need to check off on our to-do-list and go on with our day. He is not an obligation; He is life. And the more time we spend with Him, the more spacious our life feels. Sitting unhurried with God, letting Him fill us, is the best way to savor Him. And I always find it interesting that when I am filled in this way, I also have more space than ever before.

Take a moment to reflect on the people and things in your life. Consider what it would be like if this were the last moment you had with them. If you knew this was the last time, would you appreciate them more, be more fully present in the moment, listen to them more intently, savor them more? I’m working on it, and I hope you will to. Both with God and with all that God has so graciously gifted to us.

Pastor Tony

Jello and Posole

In September, we celebrated our 75th anniversary. It was a wonderful weekend celebration. On Friday, I had a lot of fun cooking carne asada and dancing with many of you. I like to dance! On Sunday, we had a beautiful bilingual worship where everyone sang in Spanish and English. You also had three sermons from your three pastors. I shared my sermon in Spanish and it was in English on the screen. I know it was a challenge to follow. For that reason, I decided to include my entire sermon in my article for this month.

In 1949, twenty-four disciples guided by the Holy Spirit took a leap of faith and decided to begin a new church. Seventy-five years later, I spend most of my Sunday morning at 8:30 worship with a couple hundred members. But then at 10:45, I move to the Spanish sanctuary where we are still in double digits for attendance. As we planned for today’s event, I have been inspired by imagining those original twenty-four  Ascension members meeting the Spanish-speaking members of our congregation. New Lutherans who were willing to take a risk by becoming part of a new church. History is repeating itself. 

I wonder if among the dreams of those 24 disciples was that this church would cross borders in its journey of hearing the call of God through our companions in faith. I wonder if any of them imagined that 60 some years in the future, a member of Ascension would travel to El Salvador on a synod trip and two years later, that member and I would be married and I would be moving to Waukesha and joining Ascension, eventually becoming a pastor and leading Spanish language worship. I left behind everything, including my home church. But God found me and many of you and led us to this new home of Spanish worship. I wonder if they could imagine that by 2024, Ascension would have sent multiple delegations to El Salvador.

I wonder if any of them would have been able to imagine the technology that would allow a group of Ascension members to gather at church to have breakfast while praying together over a tv screen with our brothers and sisters from Tanzania. Time spent connecting with friends Ascension has built in Tanzania over the past nine years.  

I wonder if they could imagine our high school crossing state lines to travel to other states for service trips and youth gatherings and that they would return to help lead worship and children’s sermons.

I am sure that they never imagined that the place where they met to worship God in one language, is now a Holy place where the message of love, joy, peace and above all hope is proclaimed in two languages ​​at the same time, in their own sanctuaries and with a blend of traditions. Traditions that help us see our own faith in a new way: the celebration of Las Posadas in which we meet to remember the journey of the Holy Family, the making of the alfombras for Holy Week, remembering our loved ones on the Day of the Dead, celebrating the gift of the Jesus, the light of the world on Three Kings’ Day. If they could imagine a Lutheran potluck where posole and jello molds sat side by side on the serving table.

Ascension’s founding members had no idea about the future of the church they started, but God knew the fruits that this community of faith would have over the years. God knew that this community of faith over the years would become a multicultural community, where children, youth, and adults celebrate, learn, and walk in this ongoing journey of learning about God’s calling, here at home and afar.

Brothers and sisters, Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Together we rise, Juntos nos levantamos!

Pastor Edwin

75th Anniversary Events

Anniversary Weekend Schedule

· Friday, Sept. 13: Free concert and appetizer event, 6 p.m. Please bring an appetizer to share.

· Saturday, Sept. 14: Tanzania Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Coffee and other breakfast treats will be provided.

· Sunday, Sept. 15: Celebration Worship, 10 a.m. followed by catered brunch.

Don’t forget to RSVP and buy your tickets for the catered anniversary brunch on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Consider digging out old photos to share for the special weekend. You can bring framed and labeled pictures to the church office starting next week. Volunteers will set-up the display.