Dear Friends – We continue to celebrate the news of the decrease in new covid cases within the state of Wisconsin and throughout the United States. Of course, our prayers continue for our sisters and brothers around the world who are seeing another wave of the pandemic wash over their communities.

At Ascension, we are grateful for your faithfulness to God and our continued partnership to gather for in-person worship inside our sanctuary as many ELCA communities are still only meeting virtually. At the Church Council meeting on Tuesday, May 18, the council made the decision to take an additional step-down in our covid protocols. Beginning May 30, we will no longer require physical distancing in the sanctuary, although we will set aside one area of seating where physical distancing will be maintained. As of May 30, we are ending our limit on capacity for worship. RSVP’s are no longer required but are helpful for planning purposes.

As we continue to tend the safety of our entire worshiping community, the Church Council, in keeping with the data and recommendations from the CDC and vaccine availability for the wider community, made the decision to leave our current mask policy in place through Sunday, June 20, allowing for our young people, ages 12-17, the opportunity to be protected with the scheduled two doses of the vaccine and allotted time period to pass for the vaccine to be fully effective. Ascension will move to masks optional throughout the building for those who have been fully vaccinated beginning on Monday, June 21. Of course, those who would choose to continue to wear a mask to protect themselves and others will be respected and welcomed.

As we move into our summer schedule, our 10 a.m. worship will be outside on May 30^th, June 6^th, June 20^th, July 4^th, July 18^th, August 1^st, and August 15^th. Masks will be optional outside beginning with our first outdoor worship on May 30^th.

We are aware that some have a desire to worship without masks and others would choose to continue to require masks in worship long into the future. The Church Council has heard the opinions and requests of our congregation and believes these decisions honor a balance and a continued direction forward. As always, should you have questions, please reach out to the church office, Council President Jeremy Poling, Pastor Tony, or Pastor Chris. We are grateful for our continued walk together and hopeful for the days ahead to the glory of God.

Please remember to reserve your spot for this coming Sunday, May 23.