The Speed of Summer

Mercy! Summer! Do not fly by too fast!

It appears we were just preparing for the end of the school year and already the first full month of summer has come to an end. I remember rhythms of summer as a child when the days were easy and made for sleeping in and exploring and adventures and last-minute plans and long evenings playing outside.

At our house, summer evenings are often spent in the backyard around the patio table. There are dinners and drinks and appetizers. Long conversations while the dog explores the yard, or the kids decide to play volleyball. In Wisconsin, our yards have no fences, which means we actually talk to our neighbors. I love it all. If the days are still full, at least the nights are a little slower. When summer breezes and the smell of flowers hang heavy in the air. I still want someone to take care of the dishes inside the house while we linger outside but if that is the worst consequence to the lazy evenings, it is worth it.

I wonder if you have shifted into summer rhythms or are still going full speed as July begins. I can only invite you to take advantage of a cool evening sitting next to people who bring you joy. I know this is a privilege for most of us – I try not to take the time for granted.

At Ascension, summer means a slower season of ministry though book studies, bible studies, and small groups continue. Worship has been glorious. Celebrations, music, and the joy of being together as community. I am hopeful we will be back in the Memorial Gardens for worship in July – the grass is slowly starting to grow with the heavy rains over the past weeks. The new cement pour around the pavilion is beautiful and will be a beautiful addition to outdoor activities. Keep your fingers crossed for July 7th worship at 10am outside.

Outside of Ascension, the ELCA across the nation is preparing for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans beginning on July 16 and ending on July 20. Students of color begin on July 13 and end a pre-event on July 16. Ascension has groups going to both events for the first time. Pastor Edwin is doing amazing things with our CRASH students preparing them for New Orleans – for worship, service, interaction, and life-changing possibilities to the glory of God.

I am grateful for your hospitality during the third week of June as Ascension hosted some 45 speakers, musicians, and gathering leaders who were helping us prepare for New Orleans. I ask for your prayers for Pastor Tony and myself who plan and prepare to welcome the 16,000+ high school students, youth leaders, pastors, and bishops. We do not get a lot of sleep, but we are strengthened by the prayerful support of so many of you. Thank you. Your prayers are felt and a strong reminder of this community of faith and the support you offer to young people in the formation of their faith. July will be a glorious month of crazy for myself. I would not change one moment. But I will be ready to return to summer rhythms after July 22!

Blessings to you in these summer days. Take a moment and give thanks to God for summer nights and moments of joy to fill your spirit.

Pastor Chris

Summer Rhythms

I love the rhythm of summer, especially it’s slower pace. And I think we can all agree that we could all use a slower pace once and awhile. But the world doesn’t stop and there’s certainly no shortage of things happening or needing to be done. Just ask my wife who has what the rest of our family refers to as “The List.” The List seems to grow by the day if not the hour regardless of how many things we check off of it. I’d ask to see yours, but I’m already overwhelmed by our own, so maybe another time. Still, I remain hopeful that each of us would try to be intentional about taking advantage of the slower summer moments as they become available.

Coincidently, I’m actually writing this article on the first of a few days of “stay-cation” as I try to catch a breath before heading to New Orleans along with Pastor Chris and our planning teams as we prepare to welcome Pastor Edwin and adult leaders and students from Ascension as they join the almost 17,000 others who will come to participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering.

As I sit on our patio I’m reflecting on the past six weeks that were filled with our son Zach graduating from UW-Madison and moving back home, four days of crazy fun with JOLT students at Adventure Camp, our daughter Bella graduating from high school and preparing to go to UW-Stevens Point in the fall along with hosting a shared graduation party and then there’s also preaching, joining our Young at Heart group on a day trip, counseling people in need, and many other pastoral duties. The pace over the past few months has been anything but “slower,” but it has nevertheless been exciting with so many wonderful things to experience and celebrate.

Life, both inside and outside the church can be busy, painful, chaotic, stressful, and full of things that pull us in countless directions. I’m certain that each of you could provide a list just as long if not longer, and this is precisely why peace from God is such a gift. Peace is something we all crave and desperately need, but often we are clueless how to find it or achieve it. And yet, our gracious God continues to endlessly offer it to us.

Throughout these summer months I pray that each of us will be intentional about seeking, creating, and enjoying the peaceful moments God offers us for renewal and reconnection. Moments not spent just frantically moving from one scheduled thing to another or trying to accomplish one more thing. Soak up the sun, take a walk, read a book, go out for ice cream. Whatever it is I hope all of us will take time to recharge, refresh, and renew ourselves.

For the next several months as we journey through summer, I invite each of us to take advantage of much needed opportunities for rest and reconnection but also to welcome new possibilities for connecting more deeply with God and serving our neighbors. I am deeply grateful for your partnership and your willingness to journey together wherever God is leading us. May you know the peace of God today and always!

Pastor Tony

Pastor Edwin: Looking Forward to the Youth Gathering

We just celebrated the one year anniversary of my ordination and now the congregation is trusting me to lead my first group to attend the Youth Gathering! Since the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, I have been assisted in our CRASH programming by a team of wonderful leaders: Lauren Birner, Scott and Sheri Greger, and Klelin Saravia. They will be alongside our youth during our entire time in New Orleans.

As a member of Ascension and as a seminary student, I have seen and heard the stories of the Youth Gathering. This event happens every three years. Thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives. An important part of the Gathering’s ministry are the two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), a faith formation and leadership development event primarily for youth of color, and the tAble, a gathering that brings together, blesses and empowers youth with disabilities.

This year, as you already know the gathering will take place from July 16-20 in New Orleans. Ascension is sending 19 people: 14 Students and five Leaders. For the first time, Ascension is participating in the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), a pre-event that happens three days before the gathering. Klelin and I will travel with the first group and the other three leaders will travel with second half of the group. We will all return together to Waukesha in the early hours of the morning, alongside the group from St. Luke’s.
What we will do during our time in New Orleans? We will have a new experience everyday. Here are a few highlights of what they will experience.

  • Mass Gathering: This time will happen every evening where the entire community will come together to hear inspiring speakers, uplifting music and much more. On our last morning together, we will gather one last time for closing worship and the Holy Eucharist.
  • Interactive Learning Day: We will get to visit a holy playground to explore the theological and Biblical themes of the Gathering. Participants will get to also explore and interact with partners from across the ELCA doing amazing work in hunger, advocacy, and more!
  • Accompaniment Day: On our Accompaniment Day, we’ll have the opportunity to do service, be immersed into New Orleans’ culture and story, and to learn about social justice and advocacy initiatives that we can take back home. The goal is that after our Accompaniment Day, our students will be inspired to return home as agents of change.
  • Synod Day: We will gather for worship and continue exploring the city together with other people from our own Greater Milwaukee Synod through a scavenger hunt.
  • Community Life: There is also programming following the Mass Gathering. These are fellowship events for youth to reflect on the day, meet others from across the ELCA, dance, sing and more!

As leaders, we are very excited to walk with our youth during their time in New Orleans. We are confident that our youth will have a wonderful and meaningful experience as they continue to grow in their faith formation. Prayers and thoughts for our group during our time at the Youth Gathering will be welcomed.

Pastor Edwin

El Salvador Delegation

From July 31 to August 7, 11 Ascension members along with five members from Lake Park Lutheran will be traveling to El Salvador to visit the ministries of our companion synod and sister parishes. They will learn about the latest happenings of the churches first-hand, carry messages from Ascension, and work together to strengthen the friendships and understanding between our two faith communities. We will learn how we can better support one another and brothers and sisters in Christ, across borders and in spite of language and cultural differences.

The Delegates

Aparicio – Wehmeier Family: Pastor Edwin and Sarah have been leading trips to El Salvador since 2010. This year, Marta (11) and Luisa (9) will be part of the delegation and assisting with translating. Prior to moving to the US, Edwin welcomed Ascension delegates as the host. After moving to Waukesha in 2013, he began leading from the Ascension side. He began working at Ascension in 2019, becoming a pastor in 2023. Sarah is a music teacher in Waukesha and also works as an administrator and musician at Ascension. She also coordinates our Tanzania partnership. Marta will be in 6th grade at Butler and Luisa will be in 4th grade at Summit View. When not at school, the girls can be found on the soccer field or on the stage dancing, acting or playing piano. They are looking forward to returning to El Salvador now that they are old enough to remember it.

The Paczesny Family: The Paczesny Family have been members at Ascension for 10 years. Sarah currently serves on the Church Council, and both Grace (13) and Madeline (10) sing with the youth choir and are active in youth ministry activities. Grace enjoys playing soccer and babysitting, and Madeline has a lot of fun with her Girl Scout Troop and plays soccer as well. They are both in the production of Newsies Jr this summer. When not busy with the girls at their activities, their family enjoys camping, attending festivals and spending time outside. They look forward to being a part of the delegation to El Salvador!

Jackie Bosanac: I am a lifelong member of Ascension. I have two grown children and five grandchildren. I currently work two days a week at my sister’s daycare. I have gone on several mission trips, as well as traveling last year to Tanzania, and am looking forward to this trip to El Salvador.

Jeremy Poling: Jeremy has been a member of Ascension since 2009 and can be seen many Sunday’s behind the drums in the Praise Band. He is an active supporter of our partner congregations in Tanzania and El Salvador and enjoys learning the many ways our brothers and sisters live out our shared call as followers of Christ. He works as an engineer ensuring that buildings perform optimally for the people who occupy them. Jeremy and his wife Jenny have two children, Aidan (15) and Audrey (8). When not at Ascension or work, Jeremy can be found enjoying watching his kids’ activities, or sharing in the family’s enjoyment of cheering for the Brewers.

Natalie Mustapich: I have been attending church at Ascension for over 33 years, and as a member, have enjoyed serving on several mission trips domestically and one internationally. I enjoy traveling and going on new adventures. This will be my first time in El Salvador and I am looking forward to meeting new friends there.

Serve With Ascension

Hope Center

Calling all golfers! Hope Center is hosting their annual Tee-Up for Hope golf outing on July 15 at Broadland Country Club. Registration opens at 9:30am/Shotgun start at 11:30am. Registration form and all the details are online.

Donations: With the opening of the new building, making a donation is much easier. There is a bin right at the entrance where donations can be dropped off. There is a sign there that clearly details what is accepted as far as donations. See the photo. We will continue to accept donations in our donation center but they must meet the same criteria.

Creation Care

Waukesha County Creation Care Team is sponsoring a virtual Energy Hour on Monday, July 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. This is a free, online event for community residents to ask a panel of energy and climate leaders about home energy programs, incentives and upgrades. With the extreme heat we have already had, we are all looking for ways to save on our energy bills and to protect the wonderful earth God has given us. See this link for more information and to register. If you are interested in helping with ideas on caring for creation, contact Mary Ellen Comp.

Blessing Box & Little Library

Our original Blessing Box and Little Free Library have served us well for many years. Over the past few years, we have had some vandalism with items in the boxes that has carried over to the park, prompting the city to request that we move the boxes. We have also had items left at the base of the Blessing Box that are not appropriate, especially in extremes of weather. We recognize that our neighbors often want to help but it has been a challenge to manage the items that appear on the ground and attract rodents and insects. The items need to be disposed of rather than put to use.

It was also time for new boxes since the originals were showing wear and tear and have faced some bitter weather. The good news is that a Boy Scout has built insulated and weatherproof boxes. They will be installed east of the current location next to the entrance drive. There will be clearer notice about appropriate donations.

With the extreme heat during June, it was noted that some of the donations were not compatible with the temperatures. Fresh products should never be placed in the box. Even with an insulated box, they will not be safe. Research has shown that even canned goods cannot be guaranteed safe in extreme heat. We will keep you up to date about what foods can be donated once the new boxes are installed. Watch midweek and Sunday announcements and the Mission Outreach Facebook page. You can always place donations in the bins in the Donation Center any time the church is open.

SOPHIA Multicultural Fair

The third annual SOPHIA Multicultural Fair will be held on August 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Frame Park. Enjoy ethnic music and dancers, crafts, international food, Community Resources, children’s activities, food trucks, vendors and more. This event has grown each year and is a wonderful opportunity to see all the various cultures in Waukesha and the surrounding area. Mark your calendars for this special event and the new location.

Pastor Tony: Thank You!

Late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon has a reoccurring bit where he publicly writes thank you cards on his show. I really like the idea of thank you cards, but if I’m being honest, well, my follow through isn’t all that great. Just ask my wife and she can point you to the pile of them on our desk or in my closet that I’ve started writing but are unfinished, or even worse, finished but never sent – a conversation for another day. And while Fallon usually writes his thank you cards for comedic effect; I’m feeling compelled to borrow from his idea and use my article this month to follow through on some thank you’s that have been tugging on my heart.

I’d like to start out by thanking everyone who volunteers. From taking donated items to the Waukesha Food Pantry or Hope Center, to helping prep the monthly newsletter for mailing, or providing a snack for those who attend our grief support ministry, or donating food when we host a funeral, or serving the monthly Healing Hearts meal, or greeting, ushering, reading, or serving communion for worship, there are so many of you who volunteer in so many ways. I just want to make something very clear – you make a difference!

Thank you to those who serve (or have served) on the church council. Since 2020 when I was ordained and called to serve as one of your pastors, we have certainly been through some unprecedented times. When you said yes to being a leader in the church, you likely had no idea just what kind of uncharted waters we would have to navigate through – a global pandemic and the aftermath of a new normal. I am thankful for your leadership and the many ways you show up to lead and move this congregation into a new, exciting, and uncertain future.

Thank you to those who serve and support our children, youth, and young adult ministries. Your help with BLAST projects, college care packages, and support for JOLT and CRASH mission and adventure trips is often incomprehensible. To everyone who has ever dropped a little change in the noisy offering buckets, or read a Bible story in BLAST, or served as an adult leader on retreat – you are invaluable supporters. I believe it’s vitally important that churches create a place for young people where they can feel included, supported, and wanted – and I’m so thankful that so many of you have been so faithful in doing this for the young people of Ascension.

Thank you to those who participate in the various bible and book studies both on and off campus, those led by pastors and those led by other members. After working with young people, my second favorite thing to do in the church is teach and lead these studies. I’m thankful for opportunity to do this and I hope we can continue to learn and grow from one another for a long time to come. It’s also my hope that those of you who participated in a study I’ve led got even half as much out of being a part of them as I got from your insights and our conversations.

Thank you to all those who lead and provide music for worship. Music is very much not a gift of mine. However, those of you who play the organ and piano, sing in the band or one of the choirs, or take part in any of the special musical offerings – you are all so incredibly talented. I am deeply thankful that you share your giftedness, and you make our worship services incredible because of your contributions.

And finally, I’d like to thank all of you. I’m thankful for all of the ways you have supported and encouraged me and my family especially as I’ve shared the various challenges of being a pastor, and I am thankful for your graciousness in the times I may have fallen short. Most of all I’m thankful that as a congregation you truly want to change lives by being God’s instruments of peace and love in the world.And so it will be my ongoing prayer that together we continue to open ourselves to always live into the mission of being God’s transforming presence in our world. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Pastor Tony

Pastor Edwin: Mountaintops and Valleys

The month of June will mark the one year anniversary of my ordination and installation. It seems like it was a few months ago when you all said yes to calling a third pastor to your ministry. Thank you so much! Many things have happened during this first year as an ordained pastor. If you ask me to reflect on this first anniversary, let me tell you that it has been like a roller coaster! And this is life, right? Many of you have also experienced moments of happiness, sadness, difficult times and good times in your lives. I know my experience is not unique to me.

I felt like I was at the top of the mountain on June 25, 2023 at my ordination and installation, but I also felt like I was at the bottom of the mountain a few weeks later when my family and I met at the hospital to say goodbye to my dad. Only a few weeks had passed since my ordination and now I had to perform my father’s funeral here and burial in El Salvador.

I was initially worried that the new part of my position, high school ministry, would be a low for a year or two as the students acclimated to a new pastor in that role. I am happy to share that I was wrong! It has been a fantastic year filled with moments of fun, community service, worship, and Bible study. Our final gathering of the year was a moment of healing for me coming on the heel of another tragedy.

A high moment for me this year when I accompanied Noé to the hospital to celebrate and give thanks to God for taking care of his wife during the birth of their baby, Melanie. Again, I descended to the bottom a couple of hours later when I had to accompany Elizabeth, Noé’s wife, to identify her husband’s body, and accompany her to their house to share the news with the children that their father had passed away.

Brothers and sisters, on this earthly journey we will continue to experience high moments, but situations will also appear in which we will feel that we are at the bottom of the mountain. The apostle Paul in his letter to Romans 8:35 says, “ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome were going through conflictive times between them. Paul, in his desire to achieve peace and unity, wrote these words to them to strengthen and motivate them so that tribulations, danger and anguish would not separate them from the love of God.

God is always with us! As we walk and enjoy the beauty of flowers, forests, beautiful landscapes and family time this summer 2024, let us remember that there is a God who is always near us with his steadfast love when we are on top of the mountain “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17. We also have a God that is with us when feel that we are at the bottom of the valley: “You change my tears into dance; you take away my sadness and surround me with joy.” (Psalm 30:11)

Pastor Edwin

June Mission News

Mustard Seed Ministry Update

I was so excited about my mustard seed plant growing and thriving on my window seat. I even shared it on the Mission Outreach Facebook page as a way to demonstrate how together we can have a big impact if we each take a step out in ministry. I was so excited to see the little seeds grow into many small plants that grew taller each week. Then, I got busy with the Ministry Fair and other personal things that distracted me from my goal of taking good care of my little plants. My busy schedule made me forget the plants until I went to transplant them into bigger pots. Imagine my shock when they had shriveled and stopped growing. I had only one or two plants that survived my neglect. What a follow-up to our Ministry Fair! So many people with so many fresh ideas and so much interest in our ministries added excitement to the Fair. Then people got busy and distracted and by the time ministry leaders called on them, they were too busy or had forgotten all about the sign-up sheets. Just like the neglected plants, the ministry commitment withered without attention and determination. Busy schedules can be adapted and energy can be recharged so that the mustard seed of faith can grow into something bigger. Together, our mustard seeds of faith can have a huge impact in our own lives, in our church, our community and our world. Where are you planting your mustard seed? 

Shirley Wehmeier, Serve Wing Leader

Hope Center Open House

You have likely heard about the new Hope Center building. You are invited to attend an open house to see all the programs that they offer on June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a dedication at 6 p.m. Ascension was one of the founding congregations back when they were located in the M & M building on Main and Maple offering Mission and Ministry. The program has outgrown two buildings and now occupies the entire old Chase Bank at 101 W. Broadway which has been completely renovated to meet the program needs. What a great way to learn more about one of our community partners! You may even find a way you want to serve.

Habitat for Humanity Dream Builders Gala

Habitat for Humanity is hosting their annual Gala at the very site where the dream of home ownership becomes a reality: the Domenica Park Neighborhood, on June 14 at 6 p.m. Garden party attire is recommended. Join Habitat for an inspiring evening beneath a glamorous tent and on the actual build site where homes are being built. Enjoy drinks, delicious food catered by Sendiks, entertainment and a chance to help create real and positive change in Waukesha and Jefferson County. More information and tickets available at https://www.habitatwaukesha.org/dreambuilders.

SOPHIA Multicultural Fair

Save the date for the SOPHIA Multicultural Fair on August 17 at Frame Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several of our members have participated in this in the past two years and have really enjoyed the music, the food, the resources and the dancing. More information will follow but please mark your calendar and take note of the new location.

Tanzania Partnership News

For the past several months, we have been following the sad story of the Tanzanian government taking the land of Galilaya church and the homes of the people that live in the area. They have been promised compensation for their land, although it is far below market value. Since losing the church building, they have worked together to create a new worship space. A member who did not have his land seized, donated some land for a new church. Members saved their money to buy lumber to create a short-term worship space. Church members worked together to build the new temporary space as well as to dig the foundation for a more permanent church.

We also received news that a fourth preaching point has been added to Samaria Parish in May. Kijenge is the newest church that is part of the Samaria parish network. Like Galilaya preaching point, the members of Kijenge are worshipping in a temporary space for now. They have asked for our prayers to support these ministry challenges.

Gracias from the El Salvador Delegates

At the end of July, a multigenerational delegation of twelve Ascension members, alongside five Lake Park members, will travel to El Salvador to visit the ministries of our sister parishes in El Salvador. On May 18, over 100 Ascension members and friends came together to celebrate our partnerships and to raise funds to support this summer’s trip. It was inspiring the way Ascension came together with donations, writing for Thrivent grants, donating food and beverages for the dinner, and bidding on the items, playing games, and joining together in fellowship for the purpose of celebrating our partnerships in Tanzania, and this year, especially in El Salvador. A special thanks for Cynthia Carlson and her team for stepping in at the last minute to takeover the catering.

NAMI

Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14 and 75% develop by age 24. A mental health condition isn’t your fault or your family’s fault — these conditions develop for complicated reasons that researchers are only just starting to understand. Ascension partners with NAMI to help understand the scary and confusing aspects of mental health in ourselves or our families. There are a variety of ways that NAMI programs can help us understand more about mental health and the help that is available. See their website for more information. 

June President’s Report

As we mark the start of summer with summer worship times and outdoor services, there is much to be grateful for here at Ascension. This summer, more than 15,000 students and leaders from across the country will gather at the ELCA Youth Gathering, including a group from Ascension. What an incredible opportunity to help develop the faith of these young future leaders.

Ascension is in a unique position – not only will Pastor Edwin and our youth participate, but Pastor Chris and Pastor Tony are both involved at a leadership level in the Youth Gathering. The fact that our pastors have been invited to serve the national church through leadership roles with the Gathering speaks volumes about Ascension. In many ways, Ascension is seen as a leader within the local and national ELCA community. What a blessing! Both Pastor Tony and Pastor Chris have been involved in serving the Youth Gathering since before becoming pastors at Ascension and we are grateful that their leadership continues. What an incredible opportunity to serve within the walls of Ascension and out in the community by shaping the faith of thousands of students and their leaders. On behalf of the Church Council, we are proud of their hard work and tireless dedication and energy to serving. 

Beyond the Youth Gathering, we begin preparations for Ascension’s 75th anniversary celebration on September 15. This fall, we will take time to celebrate our history as a church – where we started and where we are today. Above all, there is much to be grateful for. God bless.

Amanda Payne, President

Summer Worship at Ascension

Summer Schedule

  • 8:30 and 10 a.m. English Worship
  • 10 a.m. Spanish Worship

Senior Toweling

  • Sunday, June 2
  • 8:30 & 10 a.m.

Vicki Taylor Celebration

  • Celebration and reception for Vicki Taylor’s 40th anniversary of Music Ministry
  • 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 2

Pastor Edwin Celebration

  • Celebration and reception for Pastor Edwin’s 1st Anniversary of Ordination
  • Sunday, June 23

Outdoor Worship (English)

  • June 23, July 28, Aug. 11, Sept.

El Salvador Delegation Blessing

  • Blessings and sending of El Salvador Mission Team
  • Sunday, July 28

Sing for a Sunday

  • Singers of all ages are invited to sing in an intergenerational choir on Sunday, June 23. We will meet for one rehearsal on Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by singing in 8:30 worship on Sunday, June 23.
  • The song can be easily learned by listening and all are welcome!
  • Email Vicki Taylor and say you’ll join us!