Worship With Ascension

Summer Worship Schedule Begins!

We start our summer worship schedule on Memorial Day, May 25. Join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. in the sanctuary and 10 a.m. in the Memorial Gardens, weather permitting. Bring a chair! The Spanish-language service also moves to 10 a.m. starting May 25.

Can You Imagine Ascension Without Music?

Each week we would sit in our “usual” spot. (You know the one!) Sometimes we felt a bit left out because we longed to be a part of the musical offerings the musicians made to our God. Although we both had musical backgrounds, somehow our skills didn’t seem to have a place.

One day, it was announced that Ascension was forming a handbell choir. (Truth be told, it was actually a handchime choir with aspirations of becoming a handbell choir some day.) We inquired about the possibility of joining and were welcomed with open arms. As they say, the rest is history.

For a short time, we rehearsed with the handchimes, which were quickly replaced by a three-octave set of handbells. We were hooked! The joy that we felt from being a part of the Ascension musicians was like nothing we had felt before! We now had the opportunity to make our own offering to God using our time and talent. It’s very easy to make a monetary offering, but there is something so unique and special from an offering of one’s time and talent….and we were doing it! We won’t lie, when we are able to take a fleeting glance away from our handbell music, it is such a joy to see the congregation’s expressions when they are experiencing a performance of the handbells.

After nearly a quarter of a century, we, along with the handbells have shared some really unique experiences. We have played many times outside of the walls of Ascension. Together we have “gone on the road” and have been a part of many educational handbell camps and mass ringings in a variety of venues. Stay tuned for something on the horizon that will literally take our handbell ministry to the world!

We speak for all the Ascension musicians when we say THANK YOU for the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! We are truly humbled and are grateful for your support!

Steve & Carol Spieker

October Worship News

Worship at the Farm Oct. 6

Just a reminder that on Sunday, Oct. 6, there will be no late service held at Ascension. Everyone is invited to Green Meadows Farm to celebrate worship with our BLAST families and Latino community. Registration is required. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/RSVPgreen. The cost is $15 per person (under 2 free) and includes sandwich, drinks and petting farm. Please also sign-up for a dish to pass, https://tinyurl.com/ALCGreen24. Please register and pay by Sept. 29. Questions? Contact Pastor Tony, tony@ascensionelca.org.

Introducing a New Youth Choir

We’re beginning a new Youth Choir for students in grades 6-8 on Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:45-6:30. This is a short-term commitment with rehearsals on Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5 and 12. The Youth Choir will then sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m. To sign-up, please contact Director of Music Ministries Vicki Taylor, vicki@ascensionelca.org.

Children’s Choir

Children’s Choir for children in grades K-5 returns on Thursday, Nov. 7, 5 to 5:40 p.m. Children’s choir will rehearse on Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5 and 12 and will sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m. Email vicki@ascensionelca.org to join. 

Sing for a Season

Love to sing but not sure about a year-long commitment? Sing with the Ascension Choir for the Advent/Christmas season. Rehearsals are from 7:15-8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov 6; Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and 20; Tuesday, Nov. 26; Wednesdays, Dec. 4 and 11. The choir will sing for the Advent Concert Worship services on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Please contact Director of Music Ministries Vicki Taylor, vicki@ascensionelca.org, with questions or to join!

Music Opportunities

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. (Psalm 100:1-2)

Come and sing or ring a new song with Ascension’s music ensembles! Rehearsals resume in September. Contact Vicki Taylor with questions or to sign up.

Ascension Choir 

The Ascension Choir provides musical leadership in worship approximately three Sundays a month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special evening worship services throughout the church year. 

  • Ages: high school through adult
  • Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sanctuary
  • Begins: September 6

Ascension Ringers Handbell Choir 

Joining the Ascension Ringers does not call for previous experience with handbells, but does  require the ability to read music. Reading music is an acquired skill and those interested in learning to read music with the goal of joining the handbell choir are encouraged to contact Vicki Taylor, Director of Music Ministries to arrange learning opportunities.

The handbell choir rings 5 octaves of Malmark handbells and 5 ½ octaves of Malmark handchimes. Ascension Ringers provide music in worship once per month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special services throughout the church year. 

  • Ages: high school through adult
  • Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6-7:15 p.m., Sanctuary
  • Begins: September 6

Ascension Children’s Choir

The Children’s Choir sings approximately every 4-6 weeks, rotating between the 8:30, 10:45, and Spanish Language worship services.

  • Ages: Grades K-7
  • Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5-5:40 p.m., Music Room
  • Begins: September 21

Sing for a Season

Love to sing but not sure about a year-long commitment? Sing with the Ascension Choir for the Advent/Christmas season (rehearsals begin in November).

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists of all ages and stages are invited to offer their musical gifts in worship. Contact Vicki Taylor to indicate an interest. 

Music Ministry Begins

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

Psalm 100:1-2

 You are invited to join in making a joyful noise with the Ascension music ensembles! Join us in September, or at any time throughout the year. Contact Vicki Taylor with questions or to sign up.

Ascension Choir Begins Sept. 7

The Ascension Choir provides musical leadership in worship approximately three Sundays per month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special evening worship services throughout the church year. 

Ages high school through adult
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Ascension Ringers Handbell Choir Begins Sept. 7

Joining the Ascension Ringers does not call for previous experience with handbells, but does  require the ability to read music. Reading music is an acquired skill and those interested in learning to read music with the goal of joining the handbell choir are encouraged to contact Vicki Taylor, Director of Music Ministries to arrange learning opportunities.

The handbell choir rings 5 octaves of Malmark handbells and 5 ½ octaves of Malmark handchimes. Ascension Ringers provide music in worship once per month, primarily at the 8:30 service (occasionally at 10:45), and at special services throughout the church year.

Ages high school through adult
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15 p.m., Sanctuary

Ascension Children’s Choir Begins Oct. 6

The Children’s Choir sings approximately every 4-6 weeks, rotating between the 8:30, 10:45, and Spanish Language worship services.

Grades K-6
Thursdays, 5:00-5:40, Music Room

Instrumentalists

Instrumentalists of all ages and stages are invited to offer their musical gifts in worship; contact Vicki Taylor, vicki@ascensionelca.org, to indicate interest.