Adventures, Risks & Rewards

In the middle of June, I shared these words: “No, it is no longer true, if it has ever been true, that the summer seasons of Ascension are a slower pace – after several summers – the anticipation tells us that there is great adventure for the people of God – it just comes to us in different forms and rhythms in these summer months.”

As I write this article for the July newsletter, those words are even more true. Our JOLT students were swimmers, climbers, water-sliders, zip-liners, card players, and all-around good humans and faithful Christians as they were “challenged by choice” at Adventure Camp. At the same time, in the Wisconsin Dells, our Young at Heart crew was tackling their own fear and faith by trusting boat captains and bus drivers and the cooks at Cracker Barrel as they made their way through the waterways of the Wisconsin Dells. A glorious week.

World Refugee Day was June 20th. Our first “Walk in Solidarity” was a wonderful moment of learning and accompaniment with refugees across the world. Ascension has a long history of supporting, sponsoring, tending, and celebrating refugees. I am glad to see this ministry find new moments of life and faithfulness to the glory of God. We, so often, take for granted this country, our freedoms, and the sacrifice of countless individuals in this country for the rights we enjoy. As we look to the celebrations of the semiquincentennial of our country, we are excited to share our plans for Sunday, July 5th.

On the first Sunday of July, we will gather for worship at our usual times of 8:30 and 10 a.m. Our English services are being led by an ensemble of Jazz musicians with our Director of Music Ministry tending the planning. The services are exactly the same providing the opportunity for you to adjust your schedule to time instead of musical style. In an effort to lift up the unique character of Jazz music, born in this country, we have crafted worship in way that brings glory to God and shares a different feel for the joy of praising God. It will be a wonderful celebration.

Finally, as you read this article, Pastor Tony will have just stepped foot into his sabbatical. This is your reminder that he steps away from Ascension and this community of believers he treasures. It is practice on sabbatical to not reply to emails, voicemails, or text messages. You will note the presence of Pastor Tony’s stole on the baptismal font throughout the three months of his sabbatical. A reminder that he is still under call at Ascension, but in the midst of a restful and purposeful time away. We give thanks to God for his ministry among us and the gift of sabbatical.

Friends, let summer be a time of shift in your rhythms if only for a brief time each day. Sunday, July 19, will be our only outdoor worship in July at 10 a.m. with a potluck BBQ to follow at 11 a.m. And then our mission delegation leaves for Tanzania to renew our friendships and partnership with our siblings at Samaria Parish in Usa River, Tanzania and Samaria’s preaching points of Neema, Galilaya, and Kijenge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

See you in church,

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the June 2026 newsletter.)

Unity, Not Uniformity

At the end of May, Ascension had the honor of hosting Bishop Guadalupe and Pastor Christian Chavarría from the Salvadoran Lutheran Church. It was a privilege to hear Bishop Guadalupe share the Word with our congregation, and it gave us a strong start to a day of deep spiritual reflection.

In the afternoon, we moved into a time of creative fellowship as Pastor Christian led a community art event. Pastor Christian balances his pastoral work with a busy ministry as an artist. He specializes in painting detailed, colorful crosses in a traditional Salvadoran folk style. His crosses can be found all over the world.

The event was a great success, bringing together more than 160 people from over 20 churches across the Greater Milwaukee area. When Pastor Christian saw the large number of chairs and tables set up for the event, he quietly shared that he was feeling a little nervous, since he had never led an art event for such a large group before. We were able to reassure him that Ascension has hosted many events like this one, making it a great place for cross-cultural connection.

In the end, the whole day was a wonderful success. Both Bishop Guadalupe and Pastor Christian had a great experience at Ascension. There was a real exchange of wisdom and community, where visitors and hosts both learned a lot from each other.

This meaningful visit was a living example of the Covenant Partnership that connects our ministries. Built on intentional relationship, this partnership stands on six key pillars:

  • Accompaniment — We agree to walk with each other and Jesus as we develop relationships based on mutuality, vulnerability, empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability.
  • Prayer — We agree to pray for each other on a regular basis, including our weekly worship services.
  • Communication — We agree to communicate regularly with our companions, sharing stories from the life of our congregations and ministries.
  • Visits — We agree to exchange visits by members and leaders of our congregations and ministries as frequently as possible.
  • Education — We agree to seek out information about each other’s country, history, life, and ministry.
  • Support — We agree to inform each other about projects within our ministry plan and to invite mutual participation in our mission.

The church is called to walk and learn together, crossing religious, social, and cultural differences. At Synod Assembly devotion that same weekend, Bishop Kitoi of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania spoke to this spirit of unity by asking a powerful question from Amos 3:3: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” His message was about the importance of looking for unity without asking everyone to live in uniformity.

The visit of our Salvadoran siblings gives us a strong answer: we absolutely can walk together, even when we don’t believe exactly the same things. True fellowship does not require us all to be identical. Instead, coming together across our differences is what makes us stronger — and it gives us a richer, fuller view of God’s diverse kingdom.

Pastor Edwin

(Reprinted from the June 2026 newsletter.)

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.)

The Holy Gift of Rest

“So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, for those who enter God’s rest also rest from their labors as God did from his”. -Hebrews 4:9-10

As many of you know, in just a few weeks I will be stepping away for a three-month sabbatical. Sabbaticals are gifts – holy invitations to rest, renew, reconnect, and rediscover the rhythms that help bring life, clarity, and joy. I am deeply grateful to our church leadership and congregation for making this time possible, and I head into it with excitement, anticipation, and deep gratitude.

Part of this sabbatical will include traveling with my family to Europe for adventure, exploration, and much needed time together. We are excited to experience new places, wander through historic cathedrals, summit majestic mountains, hike beautiful trails, eat incredible food, and yes…consume our fair share of Swiss chocolate, along with so much more. One thing I anticipate greatly will be fulfilling my lifelong dream of seeing the Tour de France cycling race in person. Then, midway through sabbatical, I’ll return to Europe for a 110 mile bucket list run and traverse Mont Blanc exploring the beauty of Italy, France, and Switzerland along the way.

While some of this sabbatical will involve travel and adventure, much of it will also happen right here at home. I look forward to slowing down enough to spend meaningful time with family and friends. I plan to tackle projects around the house, reflect prayerfully, and train diligently for my ultrarun as well as two Ironman triathlon races coming this fall. For most of my life, physical fitness, endurance challenges, and being in nature have been the primary places where I encounter both joy and God’s presence, and I am excited to immerse myself deeply in those experiences during this time away.

At its heart, this sabbatical is about renewal. Ministry is a sacred calling, but like all callings, it requires rhythms of both pouring out and being filled again. I hope this time of sabbatical helps me rediscover what makes my heart sing: adventure, reconnection, rest, wonder, curiosity, laughter, challenge, and time with the people I love most.

I also hope this season serves as a reminder to all of us that rest is not weakness; it’s holy. Throughout Scripture, we see God inviting people into rhythms of Sabbath, renewal, and restoration. Jesus himself stepped away to pray, rest, and reconnect with the Father. We were never created to run endlessly without pause (I know, I know …listen to this myself).

Please know that as I step away from my day to day ministry responsibilities I carry each of you with me in my prayers and heart. I am thankful for this community and for the many ways you continue to love and support one another. I leave knowing the church is in good hands and trusting that God will continue to move powerfully among all of us while we are apart.

Thank you again for this incredible gift of sabbatical. I cannot wait to return in October renewed, refreshed, and ready to step into a new season of ministry together.

Pastor Tony

Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter.

Walking Together Through Seasons of Change

Transitions are moments that each of us inevitably experience in our lives. Some are anticipated, some are entirely unexpected, and others are a natural part of our lives. But whatever the transition may be, we are never alone.

In the Gospels, we read of Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were facing a big transition. The loss of what they thought they knew, and the uncertainty of what was to come. Yet, Jesus met them exactly where they were, transforming their anxiety into hope. In the very same way, Jesus walks with us today on our earthly journey, using the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and give us peace in a troubled world. As a Christian community, we have a call. Jesus calls us to look outward, to walk alongside and support one another, both those inside our church walls and those in the wider community especially during times of profound change.

For years, Ascension community has had the privilege of walking alongside Hawthorne Elementary School. Together, we have put our faith into action in many ways:

  • Every year our high school students lovingly prepared birthday gifts for all the children.
  • A variety of groups prepared and delivered breakfasts and lunches for staff.
  • Many of you stepped up as volunteers, sacrificing your time to serve.
  • We blessed educators by providing vital classroom supplies.

Now, Hawthorne is facing its own major transition. On June 11th, Hawthorne Elementary School will officially close its doors.

Students and staff will be relocated to Lowell Elementary School. Sadly, this shift means that some staff members will lose their jobs. The current principal of Hawthorne will become the new principal at Lowell. This major transition brought the Hawthorne principal to meet with me. She wanted to deeply thank the entire Ascension community for walking with them through the years, and she asked for our prayers for the staff members losing their jobs. Then, she asked the question: “Will Ascension continue walking with us when we move to Lowell Elementary School?” Without hesitation, our answer was YES. We will continue to practice Jesus’ call to walk with and help our neighbors, ensuring that our bond with these students and educators isn’t tied to a building, but to the people.

Our call to accompany others also extends to our sibling congregations in our own synod. In May, Pastor Tony, Pastor Chris, Council Vice President Klelin Saravia, and I had the honor of attending the installation of Pastor German Novelli at Faith / Santa Fe Church in Milwaukee.

Ascension was invited because we have spent many months walking alongside Santa Fe during a time of transition and administrative renewal. Santa Fe had never operated with a formal budget. Through the guidance of Ascension’s pastors, we helped this Latino faith community establish its very first annual budget, setting them up for long-term stability and growth.

Our vice president Klelin Saravia had the opportunity to speak at the installation. She said this “As Ascension, we are overjoyed to have walked with you on this journey of renewal through the collaboration our pastors have provided. Officially welcoming Pastor German as your new spiritual leader is a moment of great excitement, hope, and renewal for the entire Santa Fe community. Our Ascension community prays that this new chapter you begin today will be one of great spiritual growth, unity, and abundant fruit for the Lord’s work.”

The Apostle Paul reminds us that our community life should be a true reflection of the love of Christ. In Galatians 6:2, he writes: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” When we share the weight of someone else’s transition, we are doing the exact work Jesus called us to do.

As we journey through this summer of 2026, you may encounter your own transitions, whether they are anticipated, unexpected, or natural. When those moments come, remember that the Holy Spirit is actively working within you to bring peace, love, and joy. Let us depend on His word in difficult times, and let us continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus for each other, moving forward together in faith.

Pastor Edwin

Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter.

Ministry Memories

Our high school ministry, CRASH, wrapped up our program year ministry in the middle of May. It was a really great night of games, conversation, food, and time together. Pastor Edwin invited the incoming freshmen to join for the night and as is often the case at Ascension – the welcome was easy and maybe a little overwhelming.

One of the great things about high school ministry is that community happens pretty easily if students are willing to show up and step out of their comfort zone. True for most of us, I believe. What always surprises me, at church stuff, is how easily the grade level division disappears. All of a sudden 8th graders are talking to sophomores and freshmen are connecting with juniors. It is a testament to Pastor Edwin and our adult CRASH leaders who navigate all the twists and turns of young people in these days. I imagine that Pastor Edwin could do CRASH all by himself, but it would be a lot more work and there would be young people who would probably fall through the cracks.

At the end of the night, after ice cream treats and new bruises had formed after one too many rounds inside the inflatable balls, Pastor Edwin asked each student to share what their favorite memory of CRASH was over the past year. Some said the Progressive Dinner in December, others shared moments of service or deep conversation, but one young person shared that “discovering Ascension” was her favorite memory of the past year. New to Ascension, this young person found a place of welcome and safety and community. Thanks be to God! It does indeed take a village to bring ministry to life in this community of faith, and I am grateful for all of it.

Our Children’s Ministry, JAM, BLAST, JUMP, and our junior high ministry, JOLT, also wrapped up in the middle of May. It is pure joy to watch the next surprise unfolding from the ministry team that dreams about ministry for our children and to simply keep up with the energy of junior high students. In the past few years, we experimented with new things in our children’s ministry to explore new ways of engaging our children and young families. Some things work well others not so much. And so we keep dreaming up new shenanigans to tell the story of God’s love and invite the children to make those stories their own.

In JOLT, it is always a game, a Bible verse or two, and the sharing of moments in the lives of young people. All three pastors commit to JOLT each week for the power of their presence and what it communicates. JOLT is important to the church. And when all three pastors show up each week – the students recognize that they are important. It is one of our strongest commitments, as pastors, to remind our 6th, 7th, and 8th  graders, on weekly basis that they matter.

There are so many stories of faithfulness that find life in this church. Property days, moments of prayer and reflection, love lived out in service to another. This place is really too much to keep track of at times. I do not think I want it any other way. When someone says, “I did not know we did that here,” I think some people hear that as “we don’t communicate enough” while I hear that comment as “there is just too much going on to know everything.” And my next thought is often, “Well, there is always next year if you missed it this year.”

Ascension is the community it is for the ministries that happen loudly and the ministries that happen with just a whisper. Pastoral assistants who share holy communion, Healing Hearts meals that are cooked and served, Hope Center breakfasts, lunches, and dinners served by members of this community. If you are looking for a place to serve, I will happily meet to hear your hopes and point you in the right direction. There is no shortage of need. Thank God, there is no shortage of ministry opportunity to tend. And if you are new to this church and are looking for a place to serve – if you see a need that you believe Ascension can meet – let me know – just be ready to jump in and don’t be surprised if someone else wants to jump in with you. This is Ascension. It’s what we do.

We are preparing to bless Pastor Tony with a sending on Sunday, June 28, as he begins his sabbatical. How wonderful it is that this community of faith sees the value in tending your pastors with a time away after a long season of ministry. Sabbaticals are simply one more way that we tend this church, in this time and place, to the glory of God. Lighting in the sanctuary, confetti for big celebrations, campus tending to reflect the beauty of God’s creation and the sacredness of the space we call our spiritual home. And the three amigos. So much joy to serve together and to walk alongside all of you in these days of summer. My prayer is that you will each find moments for rest, renewal, and reflection while remembering this church barely slows down in the summer. Mission trips are coming. Your prayers are appreciated. See you in church!

Pastor Chris

Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter.

Worship News

Summer Worship

Our worship schedule shifts to 8:30 and 10 a.m. English and 10 a.m. Spanish from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On Sundays when the planets align (meaning all the leader schedules work together) our 10 a.m. English service moves to the Memorial Gardens.

In June, we will gather for outdoor worship in the Memorial Gardens on June 14 and 21 at 10 a.m., weather permitting. Our 8:30 a.m. English service will continue to be inside for those who prefer the joy of air conditioning etc. Outdoor worship is informal and glorious in all the ways worshipping in the gift of the gardens should be. You are invited to bring your own chair though we have a few available and coffee is always available. Our outdoor worship is a great way to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to experience Ascension with a simpler entry into our worship life. And the path to the Ash Garden is always worth a few extra minutes.

Senior Toweling

On Sunday, June 7, at all services we will offer our graduating seniors the ritual of toweling. Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14 is embroidered on each towel to remind our graduating seniors as they go out into the world, the call of God on their lives is one of service. It is always a bittersweet moment to place a towel on the shoulders of a senior as we bless and pray over them with family offering the laying on of hands around their shoulders – a mix of both joy and sadness at preparing for the next chapter in this journey of life. We give thanks to God for these celebrations and all that will come in the days ahead.

Sing for a Sunday June 21

Intergenerational Choir will sing on Sunday, June 21, and singers of all ages are invited to join us! We will meet for one rehearsal on Wednesday, June 17, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and sing for 8:30 worship on Sunday, June 21. The song can be easily learned by listening and all are welcome! Email vicki@ascensionelca.org and say you’ll join us!

The Light of Resurrection

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

What a joy it is to live in these Easter days. Regardless of the current state of the world, the suffering we witness, the grief we bear – still, still – there is joy to be found in the light of the resurrection. The empty tomb reminds us of God’s promise of abundant life. The power of life over death – no matter how heavy the burden we bear.

On a recent Sunday, Pastor Tony preached about the disciples on the road to Emmaus, saying that the resurrection reminds us that “the worst thing is never the last thing.” Sharing with us that although we are well-acquainted with suffering and death – neither will have the last word in this life or the next. That is a reminder I need again and again. This is the good news of God for each of us. 

Ascension continues to stand as a beacon of that good news in this community and beyond. On Sunday the 19th of April, we had no less than seven first-time visitors. That is amazing and a little shocking. I was able to greet each one and learn their names, introduce myself, and welcome them. We never know why first-time visitors enter our doors.

  • How did they learn about Ascension?
  • Have they watched the livestream before considering an in-person visit?
  • Did a current member, who might be their friend, invite them?
  • What are they looking for in a spiritual home?

These are the questions I consider asking each visitor – recognizing that I might overwhelm them at any moment with even one question. So, I am more content to simply welcome them and share that I am glad they found their way to worship on that first visit. But the second visit- all bets are off. It is a wonderful thing to be able to share the joy of Ascension. For visitors to share their perspective with us. I often hear visitors say that they are surprised to be greeted by pastors or other members of the church. I often here a visitor share the lively energy they feel when experiencing worship. And sometimes I hear visitors say they felt welcome before anyone even talked to them. It just might be true that new flooring, bright walls, and good lighting to speak to visitors before ever a member opens their mouth in greeting. I feel like I might have said that once or twice in the last sixteen years as one of your pastors. It is also true that the tending of the outside of our church – the flowerbeds, lawns, parking lot, Memorial Gardens, Ash Garden also speak welcome before ever we greet someone in person.

Here at Ascension, we bank on our hospitality – the welcome we offer to everyone who enters our doors. It is one of our non-negotiable lines in the sand. Everyone is welcome. We love, because God first loved us. I think I read that somewhere as well. It is wonderful that we, the community of Ascension, continue to learn and grow in our understanding of that welcome for all people. 

Over the past month I have asked for people to come and clean-out the sanctuary and then for people to move everything back in. We had more than 20 for the move-out and more than 30 for the move-in. I am grateful beyond words for the ways in which people show up to help. Two weeks ago, I asked for twin beds for Pastor Edwin’s newly-arrived family. We had no less than four beds in the matter of an hour. Dear People of God – this is what it means to welcome, to show up, to love, and to live this life in the glow of Easter joy and resurrection promise. 

See you in church!

Pastor Chris

(Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter)

Easter Doesn’t End

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6

The Easter season doesn’t end on Easter Sunday morning. It continues – quietly and persistently, like the shift we now feel as spring gives way to summer. The days are growing longer, schools draw closer to their end, and plans for vacations and get togethers begin to take shape. Life seems to open up again, inviting us to move forward.

And yet, even in this season of light and growth, we carry questions. Some of them are small and practical. Others are heavy and complicated – questions about our families and friends, our future, our nation, and our world. Turn on the news or scroll through your phone, and you’ll see how uncertain things can feel. Political division deepens, global conflicts continue, and it’s easy to wonder where stability, or truth can be found.

So when we need answers, especially to the tough questions, where do we go? Many of us instinctively reach for Google or YouTube. Within seconds, we can access opinions, explanations, and advice on nearly anything. It feels efficient and immediate. But it’s worth remembering that not so long ago, finding answers required something more personal. You had to seek out another human being. You had to ask, listen, and trust. Wisdom was shared in relationship, not just discovered from an internet search

The Easter story reminds us that the answers we most deeply need aren’t just pieces of information, they’re found in a person. In the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus say, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Notice what he doesn’t say. He doesn’t claim to simply give directions or offer truth as a set of ideas. He says that he is the way. the truth, and the life. When we’re searching, and really searching – for meaning, for guidance, for hope, we’re invited to not simply look things up, but to draw near to him.

After the resurrection, the disciples were filled with questions and uncertainty. The world they knew had been turned upside down. And yet, it was in encountering the risen Christ, walking with him, listening to him that their fear was transformed into courage and hope.

That same hope speaks to us today. It speaks when we’re overwhelmed by the noise of competing voices telling us what to believe. It speaks when we feel anxious about the future or are discouraged by the state of the world. It speaks in our everyday struggles – in the quiet worries we carry that no search engine can resolve.

As we move into the rhythms of summer – graduations, travel, and family time just to name a few – there’s an opportunity that lies before us. Not just to rest or to stay busy, but to reconnect. To sit with Scripture. To pray honestly. To talk with one another. To seek not only quick answers, but lasting truth.

Hope, after all, is not the absence of questions. It is the presence of Christ with us in the midst of them. Easter hope reminds us that we’re not alone in our searching. The risen Christ meets us where we are whether in moments of joy or uncertainty and gently calls us forward.

So when the tough questions come – and they most certainly will – I pray that we remember where to turn. Not only to the tools that give us information, but to the One who gives us life.

Peace be with you throughout this Easter season, and in all the questions and possibilities that lie ahead.

 Pastor Tony

(Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter.)

Little Easters Every Day

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Last month’s article was written in a time of unknowing. Two of our Ascension families were facing immigration hearings in Chicago and my last two siblings still in El Salvador had their green card interviews after years and years of waiting. Thanks be to God, two of the three hearings were successful. Sadly, one of the families was denied the opportunity to renew their legal status here. The judge opened the hearing with the offer that if they withdrew their case and did not share any of their evidence, they would be allowed to self-deport to their home country. Should their lawyer present their evidence, both of the danger they would be in back home and all of the ways they had contributed to the US, they would lose the right to self-deport. If they argued their case to be able to stay, they would have to pay the US a deportation fee and the government would potentially lock them up while waiting to deport them. There was also no guarantee of what country or even continent they would end up in. With no real choice, the family made the decision to leave. 

While we were very happy for all of those with the happy decisions, our hearts were broken by the family that needed to leave. This family was my niece, a young widow, who had been living in our home for three years. She and her daughter had become part of our family. This weighed heavy on my heart as we were celebrating the resurrection while preparing for their departure.

But the story of the resurrection reminded me that God cares for our lives here and now as much as our eternal lives. When Jesus taught us to pray the Lord’s Prayer, He didn’t ask us to pray only for an escape to a distant paradise. He taught us to pray like this: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Jesus teaches us that God desires us to work together to create glimpses of heaven here on earth in every season. Every season brings moments of joy, but also difficult times. We worship a God who shares in our joy, but also a God who does not delight in our suffering. Through the prophet Jeremiah, He tells us: “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.” A sure hope that leads us to a new life, a new beginning.

We all face times when dreams fade despite our best efforts. At some point in our lives, we have all experienced, and will experience, deep pain, loss, and disappointment so intense that it makes us feel like our world is ending. That is precisely what the disciples felt on Good Friday when their teacher was sentenced to crucifixion by the very people who, just days before, had welcomed him with euphoria. A new season had begun for the disciples.

The disciples entered a new season of great uncertainty. They began to hide for fear of being captured and sentenced in the same way as their teacher. But Jesus, from the very beginning of that season filled with shadows, anguish, and tears, walks with them and walks with us, promising us a new life both in the future and in the present. This new life, both present and future, was the same one offered to Mary Magdalene in the midst of her anguish and in the midst of her tears.

Brothers and sisters, there is always a new beginning. When you lose your job, there will always be a new beginning waiting for you. When a relationship breaks down, there will be a new beginning found in healing or in a newfound peace. When you lose a loved one, there will be a new beginning. When there is persecution against immigrants and the vulnerable, there will always be a new beginning found in the emergence of justice and love. When Latino families in our ministry are forced to leave the United States, we remind them that there is a new beginning, and in that new beginning, Jesus will continue walking with them.

When Jesus rose from the dead, his life did not simply return to what it was before. He bore the scars, but he was transformed. New beginnings don’t drag us back to the past; on the contrary, they propel us toward a new and transformed future. Many of us will begin a new season with a mix of emotions. Whatever your emotions may be, may our God of love, joy, peace, and above all, the hope of new life be with you wherever you are.

Pastor Edwin

(Reprinted from the May 2026 newsletter.)