What joy it brings to write this letter to you.

We are a community of faith looking to the future God has in store for us in the midst of this pandemic journey. The pandemic will not last forever. However, the prophet Isaiah tells us that “the Word of God will last forever.” With that promise ringing in our ears, we are preparing for a new chapter in the mission and ministry of Ascension. Our former Director of Faith Formation, Tony Acompanado, is about to become our new Associate Pastor. After a congregational meeting on August 2 with a call vote result of 103 votes out of a total 108 votes in favor of extending a call to pastoral ministry, Tony is ready to join our staff as our Associate Pastor.

You are invited to join in worship and celebration as Tony is ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament and installed as Associate Pastor at Ascension on Sunday, August 16, at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Gardens. We will have one service on Sunday, August 16, with Bishop Paul Erickson of the Greater Milwaukee Synod presiding at worship.

As usual, physical distancing and masks will be expected as we gather for worship and you will need to register beginning Aug. 9 online or by phone to the church office to reserve your spot. The only change is that you will not need to bring a chair for worship – they will be provided.

From the rite of ordination: “Care for God’s people, bear their burdens and do not betray their confidence. So discipline yourself in life and teaching that you preserve the truth, giving no occasion for false security or illusory hope. Witness faithfully in word and deed to all people. Give and receive comfort as you serve within the Church. And be of good courage, for God has called you, and your labor is not in vain.”

It is an incredible moment in the life of Ascension. If you are unable to be present with our faith community on August 16, we ask for your prayers to surround our time of worship and Tony’s new ministry as pastor among us.

Finally, it is appropriate, and you are invited to consider sharing in the joy of our congregation by giving gifts in celebration of Tony’s ordination. A card of congratulations would be a wonderful affirmation for Tony. You may also consider giving a financial gift to Ascension marked “ordination” by placing the gift in the offering box on Sunday, August 9, or mailing a check to the church or giving online and marking “ordination” in the Memorial Gifts line – to help fund the congregational gifts to celebrate Tony’s ordination and welcome him to his new role as Associate Pastor.

In peace and great joy,

Karen Simington, Church Council President