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

Grow & Walk With Ascension

February is the perfect month to focus on sharing God’s love and the many ways we can share that love with others in our world. This month we have continued to focus on using Jesus as our example as we learn about God’s love and plan for each of us. We have several exciting upcoming events as well. 

First Communion Stepping Stones: Preparation for First Communion begins for 4th-grade students and their families. Classes will take place during BLAST on Feb. 4, 11, and 18. Watch for communications from Pastor Tony with details.

Journey to the Cross will take place on Sunday, Feb. 25, between services. Be sure to join us for this amazing time when students learn more about Jesus’ deep love for them through the journey of Lent and Holy Week toward the wonderful celebration of Easter.

JOLT will meet on the first two Thursdays of the month, Feb. 1 and 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. JOLT students and families are invited to Ash Wednesday worship at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. During Lent, JOLT students and families are also invited to attend the soup suppers at 6 p.m. followed by worship at 6:45 p.m. There will be no Thursday night JOLT sessions during Lent.

  • Feb. 1, 6—7:30 p.m. JOLT
  • Feb. 8, 6– 7:30 p.m. JOLT
  • Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship
  • Feb. 28, 6 p.m. soup supper, worship at 6:45 p.m.

Chili Cook-Off Thank You: We want to thank the competing teams, those who donated baked goods for the dessert auction and those who supported us by attending our chili cook-off. We are very grateful to God for the support we are receiving from all of you as we continue on this journey to achieve our goal of assisting at least 17 students in their journey to New Orleans this summer.

Pizza Night: Noah’s Pizza is hosting another CRASH night on Thursday, Feb. 15. Call the restaurant from 4 to 7 p.m. and tell them you are an Ascension member. Twenty percent of sales will go to the Youth Gathering fundraiser. You can buy anything that is in the menu. The phone number to make your order is (262) 696-8001.

CRASH Dates for February: We will meet at church at 6 p.m. on Sundays, Feb.4 and 18, for CRASH meetings.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the complex and painful experience of grief after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend, then we invite you to consider finding help and encouragement through Ascension’s grief support ministry, GriefShare.

GriefShare is a 12-week program led by Pastor Tony meeting on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m., Feb. 6 and concluding April 30. Through the use of video teaching and small group conversation, we seek to provide a safe and supportive space to provide care and encouragement that can be crucial to a person in grief. Sign-up online or by call to the church office.

GriefShare Support: We’re looking for volunteers to provide support to this program with snacks and donations. See the Sign-Up Genius for dates and suggestions. Questions? Please contact Pastor Tony, tony@ascensionelca.org.

Join us in watching this compelling video series on Mondays beginning Monday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. led by Pastor Chris and Pastor Tony. Each week we will begin with a brief introduction, watch the video, and make connections to the Biblical story along with discussing some reflection questions.

All About the Kids!

So many activities, classes and fun begin for Ascension kids over the next few weeks!

JOLT (6th-8th gr.)

It is time! We are so excited. We meet Thursday, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. (Note time change!) Parent and student are expected to join us for registration and time together. We will do our best to have you out of here by 7:15 p.m. JOLT registration fee is $40 and you can use our contactless payment, CC reader, write a check, or pay cash. Questions: Email Pastor Chris, pc@ascensionelca.org.

CRASH (9th-12th gr.)

Confirmation Meeting: Are you a 9th grader ready to be confirmed? This message is for you! Prospective confirmands and a parent should join Pastor Chris and Pastor Tony at 12 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 25, for lunch and information around Confirmation Sunday, Oct. 30, at both the 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. services. Questions to Pastor Chris, pc@ascensionelca.org.

CRASH Is Coming! CRASH will meet on Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. for lunch and time to catch-up. Bring a parent with you.

BLAST (ages 3-5th gr.)

BLAST Begins This Sunday: Families with children ages 3-years-old through 5th grade are invited to the first BLAST of the year at 9:50 a.m. in the sanctuary on Sunday, Sept. 25. Register online https://tinyurl.com/BLAST2022-23, or just show-up and sign-in.

Kindergarten Stepping Stone: Kindergarten students and parents are invited to join Pastor Tony this Sunday, Sept. 25, at 9:50 a.m. in West Hall for some fun Bible exploration to hear about God’s love for them and prepare them to receive their first Bibles. RSVP and questions to Pastor Tony, tony@ascensionelca.org.

BLAST @ Green Meadows RSVP Due This Sunday! Please RSVP and pay no later than this Sunday, Sept. 25, https://tinyurl.com/GreenMeadows2022 for this family event on on Sunday, Oct. 2, including worship on the farm and a potluck. Cost is $12 per person (under 2 free).

Music Ministries for Youth

Sing and Ring With Us! Choir and handbells have resumed but there is always room for you! Both groups welcome ages high school and up, and meet on Wednesday evenings. Need to miss a rehearsal or a Sunday morning? No problem; everyone misses from time to time. Email vicki@ascensionelca.org, with questions or to join.

Children’s Choir Resumes: Children’s choir for grades K-6 begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, 5 to 5:40 p.m. Busy with fall sports? Children are welcome to join in at any time during the year. Contact vicki@ascensionelca.org to sign up.

Welcome ~ Bienvenidos!

Join us on Sunday, Sept. 18, for a special worship service at 10 a.m., incorporating our English worship services and our Spanish worship.

After worship, plan to stay for a time of fun and fellowship. BLAST Rally Day is hosting kid time with inflatables in the garden area. There will also be other games and activities and door prizes. Food trucks will start serving right after the service and will serve until 1 p.m. or as needed. There will be $4 pizza slices or empanadas, $5 sides, $10 sandwiches, $15 dinner plates. There will also be an ice cream cart and snow cone tent. Since food trucks often can’t accept credit cards, please bring cash to pay for your lunch!

We will have door prizes, conversation and a chance to re-connect with old friends and meet some new ones. It doesn’t matter how long it has been since you or a friend has been at church, Sept. 18 will be a day to come home or make a new home. Please invite your friends who may be in need of a church home.

Have BLAST in October!

Green Meadows Petting Farm & Worship Oct. 3

BLAST is hosting an exciting bi-lingual worship service and day exploring the wonders of God’s creation at Green Meadows Farm in East Troy. All ages are invited. The cost is $15/person (under 2 are free) and includes admission to the farm, a hayride, pumpkin, and lunch. The farm is open from 10a – 4p and worship takes place in the barn at 10:45a followed by a potluck lunch. Each family is asked to bring a dish to pass and after lunch everyone is free to spend the day exploring the farm. Registration is required to participate. Register your family online at tinyurl.com/BLASTfarm2021 and make your payment to Pastor Tony by Friday, October 1.

3K Welcome Oct. 10

3-year-old children entering BLAST and their parents will gather for a time of welcome and introduction to Children’s Ministry.

Kindergarten Bible Stepping Stone Oct. 10 & 17

Kindergarten students and parents/grandparents will gather for a time of exploration into the Bible through some fun and exciting stories and activities. Bibles will be presented to Kindergarten students in worship on Sun. Oct. 24.

Third Grade Bible Stepping Stone Oct. 24 & 31

Third Grade students and parents will gather for a deeper dive into the Bible through fun stories and activities as they prepare to receive their next Bible. Bibles will be presented to Third-grade students in worship on Sun. Oct. 31.