Grow With Us This Fall

Young at Heart (55+)

Young at Heart will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at noon for a potluck lunch followed by cards, games and fellowship! Please come and bring a friend! If you don’t feel like cooking, come anyway!

The Young at Heart October 25 trip to the Schauer Center to hear the “Tribute to the Everley Brothers” is full with a waitlist. The money needs to be turned in by Sunday, Sept. 13, so we know how many people can be moved from the waitlist to the bus!

Women’s Gathering at the Pizza Farm

We will be hosting a get-together for women of all ages on Friday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. at Grassway Organics Pizza Farm, W2716 Friemoth Road, East Troy. Sign-up is not required. The cost is $15 paid upon arrival, which covers your pizza meal. You will be responsible for purchasing your own beverages. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any food allergies. Tables are provided onsite, but you will need to bring your own chair. Please keep in mind that the event is entirely outdoors with a slightly rugged environment, so be sure to dress comfortably for the weather. In case of rain, watch the church Facebook page for cancellation. Due to limited parking at the farm, carpooling is highly recommended. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ileen Marien or Sarah Aparicio.

AMEN Book Study

AMEN, Ascension’s men’s ministry, will be starting a study this fall on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book titled “Life Together,” the classic exploration of Christian in community. This group of AMEN generally meets biweekly Tuesdays at 10: 30 a.m. However, the study starts Thursday, Sept. 24, at 10:30 a.m. It’s a short, four-chapter book but packed with lots of wisdom. The book can be ordered on Amazon for under $10. Please contact Steve Boyer through the church office if you’re interested in joining us.

October Book Discussion

Join us for a book study of “An Altar in the World” by Barbara Brown Taylor. Led by Teri Quam, this discussion group will read and think about how practices help us walk with God and others on our journey of life. We will meet in the Hearth Room on Mondays in October from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Books are available on Amazon or Half-Price books. The library might also have a copy. Please contact Teri with questions.

Programs Resume!

Children’s Ministry Resumes

  •  JAM (Jesus And Me, birth – 4K)
  • BLAST (Believing, Learning, And Sharing Together, 5K – 3rd grade)
  • JUMP (Jesus Understands Me Perfectly, 4th & 5th grade)

We are excited to begin Children’s Ministry at Ascension where we will have family events and children specific activities to grow family faith formation this year. We will share all of this information at our kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 13! Please complete the Google registration form, if you haven’t yet, so we know who will be joining us for all the fun.

JOLT (6th-8th grade)

JOLT, our Confirmation ministry at Ascension, begins on Thursday, Sept. 17 with a student/parent kick-off event from 6-7:30 p.m. We will fill-out/update registration forms, pay fees, take pictures, and share the schedule for the year along with a couple of games to test our knowledge and win some prizes. If there are schedule conflicts, reach out to Pastor Chris. JOLT meets Thursday nights, 6-7:30 p.m., in September and October, no JOLT Oct. 22.

We begin with large group games, break into small groups, and end with communion worship from 7:15 -7:30 p.m. If you need a little lift in your week, anyone is welcome to join us for communion.

CRASH (9th-12th grade)

We have our kick-off meeting on Sunday, Sept. 13, after the second service. Parents and students are invited to the meeting. We will provide you with all the information about the program. And also, we will share information about the ELCA Youth Gathering 2027 from June 28-July 2. We will have a light lunch for you. Our second meeting in September will be on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Hope to see you all! We are very eager to begin a new journey as Christians Reaching and Sharing Hope! Questions? Contact Pastor Edwin.

Ascension Choir and Ringers Resume Sept. 9

 The Ascension Choir, ages high school and adults, begins rehearsals on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at a new time, 7 to 8:15 p.m. This choir provides musical leadership in worship approximately three Sundays per month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special evening worship services.

Ascension Ringers, our handbell choir, resumes Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the new time of 5:45 – 7 p.m. The handbell choir, for high school through adults, provides music in worship once per month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special services. Joining the Ascension Ringers does not call for previous experience with handbells but some level of music literacy is helpful. Reading music is an acquired skill and those interested in learning to read music with the goal of joining the handbell choir are encouraged to contact Vicki Taylor.

Children’s Ministry Fall Fun

JAM (4 yrs & under) BLAST (5K-3rd Grade) JUMP (4th & 5th Grade)

Happy August! Hope you are enjoying the last month of summer!  We will be offering family events and children specific activities to grow family faith formation this year. We will share all of this information at our kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 13!  

Please complete the Registration Google Form so we know who will be joining us for all the fun. 

Important Dates

  • Sunday, Aug. 30 Backpack Blessing in worship. Bring your backpack!
  • Sunday, Sept. 13 Children’s Ministry kick-off between services!
  • Sunday, Sept. 20 Children’s Ministry & Kindergarten Stepping Stones
  • Sunday, Sept. 27 Children’s Ministry & Kindergarteners receive Bibles in worship

Questions? Reach out to Sheri Greger or Amy Koenig.

Walk With Us This Summer

Farewell to Hawthorne ~ Hello to Lowell

 After several years of partnering with Hawthorne Elementary School, we had to say our good-byes as Hawthorne closed. Over the years, Ascension supported Hawthorne through special winter clothing collections, teacher supplies drive, birthday treats provided by CRASH, appreciation meals served to staff, and volunteers for classrooms and special events. The staff and leaders at Hawthorne have offered many, many thank you’s for the partnership and the ongoing support. Ascension volunteers were there on the move-out days to help staff pack and say farewell.

The principal of Hawthorne is moving to Lowell Elementary along with many of the families. The principal has requested that our partnership continue as a partnership with Lowell. Watch announcements for ways we will be involved in helping with the transition. Once staff is ready to identify their needs, we will be publishing a link to Amazon gift list where our members can purchase teacher classroom supplies identified by the teachers.  There will be many changes for staff and we want to make this as easy as possible. More information to come.

Outreach for Hope

Responding to Christ’s invitation to love our neighbors, Outreach for Hope builds relationships, strengthens communities, and inspires hope.

Tee Up For Hope

Sign-up for annual golf outing on July 13 at the Broadlands Golf Club which includes all of the following: Team Scramble Event (with team & individual prizes) and Buffet Lunch & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Evening Social. Your participation will help raise funds to provide meals, clothing, and essential support to individuals and families in need throughout Waukesha County.

Outreach for Hope believes that the path to wholeness and justice starts with one simple act: loving your neighbor. Across low-income areas in Southeastern Wisconsin, their network of Ministry Partners puts this belief into action every day. These local congregations and community organizations provide essential resources — food, clothing, healthcare, spiritual care, and activities for all ages — helping communities grow stronger from the ground up.

This work is made possible through donations from generous individuals, congregations, and organizations. When you give to Outreach for Hope, you are choosing to walk alongside your neighbors and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive. To learn more and see the full Ministry Partner list, visit their website.

Save the date for this year’s Ride, Run, Walk, Hope On The Move, on Saturday, Sept. 26. Ascension has a long history of supporting Outreach for Hope through this event. Plan to be involved either as a participant, a volunteer, or a supporter. Registration will begin on July 1 on their website, ofhrrw.org.

SOPHIA

SOPHIA is one of our long-time community partners. In fact, Ascension was one of the founding congregations in establishing a unified approach to social justice based on Micah 6: 8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This Bible passage is a calling from God to work toward a just and merciful society. SOPHIA has worked hard to achieve this goal but is facing a challenge. A long time grant which helped fund SOPHIA was not available this year leaving SOPHIA dependent on donations from congregations and other donors. They are in need of help in order to continue the good work they do in the community. If you are able, please consider a donation to help in their mission. You may give at their website sophiawaukesha.org or through the church. Contact Joan Mikecz if you have questions.

Caminando Juntos

You may see this phrase in announcements and wonder what it means.  It is Spanish for “Walking Together.” Just as with our global and community partners, we walk in accompaniment, we practice walking together with our Spanish speaking members. This walking together has encouraged relationship building across the language barriers and friendships have been created and continue to grow. The program also assists those who have specific needs. Recently, rides have been provided when a member could not get to work while waiting for an insurance settlement after a car accident. Volunteers also provided rides to doctor appointments and to meetings on immigration status and registering for school.  Newer members have been given support in learning English and studying for getting a drivers’ license.

Caminando Juntos also has set a goal to provide educational opportunities to the congregation and to the general public on immigration and refugee issues.  On June 20, we celebrated National Refugee Day by holding an event to walk in solidarity with those who are still seeking a permanent place to live when their own country is too risky to live in. 34 people joined together for moments of prayer, reflection and education and then walked a one mile or three mile walk in the neighborhood.  This event was based on a study “We Choose Welcome.” 

Our success with Caminando Juntos has drawn the attention of a congregation in Helena Mt.  An Ascension family member read the Ascension newsletter and was impressed with helping immigrants in a tangible way and offered to help. They have been sending cards and letters of support and made financial donations to our Latino Ministry to assist our members in times of need.  Two suburban, mostly white Greater Milwaukee Synod Congregations have also stepped forward to offer to walk with us. They have attended some of the special events at Ascension and have offered financial and friendship support for our Latino members.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact Teri Quam at tquam61@gmail.com.

Tanzania Delegation

At the end of July, a delegation from Ascension Lutheran will travel to Tanzania to visit our sister parish, Samaria, as part of our ongoing Covenant Partnership. Our team will immerse themselves in the local community—learning, connecting, and building relationships that are sure to strengthen both of our churches.

The delegation will visit the central Samaria Parish alongside its three preaching points: Neema, Kijenge, and Galilaya. They will also spend time with students and staff at several educational and care facilities, including Samaria Primary School, Samaria Secondary School, the Samaria Rehabilitation Centre, Savanna Primary School, and the Telescopes Centre at Ailanga Secondary School.

Beyond the parish and schools, the itinerary includes a meeting with diocesan leadership, a tour of the Cultural Arts Centre (an ELCA missionary project at Makumira Lutheran University), and a visit to the Mlimani Coffee Processing Plant for a first hand look at the Meru Coffee Project.

Asante sana — thank you — to everyone who has offered financial support and other help. We carry each of you with us on this journey. Please keep our delegation in your prayers as they prepare to represent Ascension: Pastor Edwin, Sarah, Marta & Luisa Aparicio Wehmeier, Pastor Chris & Hadley Marien, Dan Baumann, Jeremy Poling, Rick & Dianne Frowein, Amy & Callie Koenig.

Partners AFAR ~ Welcoming Guests from El Salvador and Tanzania

The end of May and beginning of June was busy for our Partners AFAR committee as the Synod welcomed Bishop Kitoi from Tanzania and Bishop Guadalupe and Pastor Christian from El Salvador. We helped coordinate welcome dinners, appeared in videos for the Synod Assembly, hosted Pastor Guadalupe for worship and hosted the synod art event for 170 people with Pastor Christian. Our Latino ministry families prepared over 500 pupusas for the art event!

(Reprinted from the June 2026 newsletter.)

Summer Worship Begins

Our summer worship schedule begins on Pentecost Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 24, when our worship schedule moves to 8:30 and 10 a.m. We will use these worship times through Labor day weekend. Mark your calendars.

Outdoor Worship Is Coming!

Outdoor Worship begins on Sunday, May 24, when we shift to our summer schedule. We will have our normal 8:30 worship in sanctuary and then celebrate our first outdoor worship service of the season at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Gardens. Enjoy the beautiful weather and bring your own chairs or blankets!

Visit from Bishop Cortés

The Greater Milwaukee Synod’s theme for their annual assembly is Collaboration and will feature special guests Bishop Elias Kitoi Nasari from Tanzania; and Bishop Guadalupe Cortéz and Rev. Christian Chavarría Ayala from El Salvador. While she is here, we are happy to be hosting Bishop Guadalupe Cortéz for worship on Sunday, May 31.

Holy Week Happenings

Palm Sunday, April 13
8:30a & 10:45a (English), 10:45a (en español)

“Hosanna in the highest,” will be our cry as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into the gates of the holy city. We will celebrate the beginning of this holy week with the reminder that our expectations and God’s expectations are not always exactly the same. Where the people want a powerful king, Jesus comes as a suffering servant riding a donkey. Through the events of day, we will be reminded of the coming of the promised Messiah – the chosen one of God. Between services and after the 10:45 services, all members are invited to share in the creation of the alfombras (sand carpets) for Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday Dinner, April 17

We will gather at 5:30 p.m. in West Hall to experience the foods of the Passover and learn about the meaning of each of the foods and then celebrate with a potluck dinner before worship at 6:30 p.m. Reservation only. There are still spots available. To reserve your spot, you can call the church office, 262-547-8518, or email Tamie Greenwood. Bring a dish to pass of your choice.

Maundy Thursday Worship, April 17
6:30p (English), 6:30p (en español)

We will gather in the upper room with Jesus and the disciples to celebrate the Last Supper. This year, we will hear words of confession and forgiveness and be reminded of the powerful image of the Savior washing the feet of the disciples. As is tradition, we will honor the memory of Jesus’ humiliation at the hands of those in power before he is led to the cross to be crucified by the stripping of the altar.

Good Friday, April 18
12p and 6:30p (English), and 6:30p (en español)

The ancient title for this day is “the Triumph of the Cross.” A reminder for us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the cross as a symbol of new life. We will share in the unfolding drama as Jesus is led to the cross. We will hear the stories of the day and give witness to the closing of the tomb.

Easter Sunday: The Day of Resurrection Joy
8:30a & 10:45a (English), 10:45a (en español)

First we hear only hoped for whispers on the wind. Resurrection? Are you sure? Yes! We gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus, the Christ. We will hear the story of that first Easter day and be surrounded by the joyful sounds of songs that have been sung for generations and songs that new generations are singing. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Please note that there will be kringles and coffee between service, no breakfast.

Ash Wednesday Worship and More

Lenten cross

Begin your Lenten journey with us on Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30 p.m. with imposition of ashes and worship. Soup suppers and worship begin the following week, March 12. Look for the sign-up poster in the narthex/lobby on Sunday mornings to bring soup, help set-up and clean-up.

Thursday Morning Worship: For those who are looking for something new and a little different in this season of Lent, we are offering a half hour worship service every week on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning on March 6th and concluding on April 10th. For those who might like a quieter, more reflective time of worship, Thursday mornings could provide that opportunity. There will be instrumental music, congregational singing, Scripture readings, a brief message, a time for prayer, and communion each week.

Lenten Book Study: Join Pastor Chris at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings in Lent starting March 6 to discuss the book The Walk by Adam Hamilton. Examine five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God. How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? You can pick up a book from PC for $13 or download it to your device. We will discuss the Introduction and Chapter 1 on March 6.

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.