Walk With Ascension

Beyond the Bike: How We Found Our Place With Outreach for Hope

Our journey with Outreach for Hope (OFH) began with a simple, but profound conviction: we are all uniquely gifted by God, and we are built to serve!

When OFH was conceived by a group of Ascension members 19 years ago, we were attracted to its mission to raise funds to strengthen ministries in economically challenged areas of our synod. Unfortunately, at the time, we could not see a place to serve because it originally was only a fundraiser for bike riders. We were not bike riders.

God surprisingly handed us the opportunity to launch a tailor-made business. It was the perfect calling. It allowed us to move beyond simple sales and use our gifts to better people’s lives. We reminded ourselves each day our business work was “God’s work.” It was then we found a place to participate in OFH. We could use the financial resources of our business to become a corporate sponsor. Each year, we were thrilled to see our business doing God’s work!

The OFH leadership encouraged us to take a more active role in the fundraiser. It was then that we assumed the yearly volunteer duties responsible for registration check in.  It was exciting to feel the energy of OFH firsthand each year at the annual fundraiser.

From there, our role with OFH continued to grow. Outside of the yearly fundraising event, we began working closely with OFH leadership throughout the year utilizing skills and talents we honed from running and growing our own business. It has been gratifying seeing the measurable impact we personally have had supporting OFH throughout the year as well as seeing the look of hope in the eyes of its benefactors. It is intoxicating!

Our prayer is for each of you to explore your talents and gifts and find a place where you might use those to contribute to the annual OFH ride run and walk fundraising event coming up Saturday, Sept. 26, hosted at the E.B. Shurts building here in Waukesha.

Stop in the narthex to see the sign and to consider participating as a walker, runner or rider. If you are not able to participate, there are multiple ways to volunteer and to contribute financially. Beth Hoffmann, or Steve or Carol Spieker will be happy to share the story of Outreach For Hope and help you find ways to participate or volunteer. To sign-up online for the fundraiser, whether to donate, volunteer, ride, run, or walk, visit the OFH website, ofhrrw.org.

Steve and Carol Spieker

Habitat for Humanity Invite

Join us for a community celebration at Domenica Park as we dedicate this vibrant new neighborhood and celebrate the transformation of a once-vacant city block into a place 20 families now call home.

The dedication of Domenica Park, 402 N. Greenfield Ave., Waukesha, is on Thursday, Aug. 20, 4 to 6 p.m. Habitat, with the help of volunteers and future homeowners, continues to make Waukesha a better place. This event is family-friendly and will include bounce houses and food trucks. Please park on any surrounding street (please note that the block of Ellis St in between Oakland and Greenfield will be blocked off). Dress is casual. Sign-up online at habitatwjr.org/events. For more information, call 262-729-3971, ext. 217.

Watch announcements for the date and location of Ascension’s next build day in early fall. Habitat is one of our community partners and we take a day each year to participate in some aspect of the construction. All levels of skill are welcome. 

Safari Stories—A Night of Food and Fellowship

The word safari means “journey” in Swahili and our trip to Tanzania is a journey of faith, carrying us across the world to connect and grow as we walk alongside our sister parish, Samaria.

When our delegation returns from our trip to our sister parish in Tanzania, we will share the joy, faith, and hospitality we experienced with all of Ascension. Join us on Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m. for a special evening of fellowship, food, and story-sharing as we look back on our journey across the globe. Whether you’ve supported this partnership for years or are learning about our sister parish for the first time, all are welcome at the table. Bring a dish, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of armchair travel!

El Salvador Travel Opportunities

While Ascension prepares to send a delegation to our sister parish in Tanzania, those feeling inspired to embark on their own journey of faith won’t have to wait long. In 2027, our congregation will have two unique opportunities to travel to our companion synod in El Salvador, connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ through solidarity, worship, and community.

The year begins with an invitation open to the entire Greater Milwaukee Synod for Discover El Salvador: A Journey of Faith and Solidarity, taking place from January 8 to 15, 2027. Designed as an overview of the highlights of the Salvadoran Lutheran Church and its vibrant culture, this delegation offers participants a chance to visit several sister parishes across the country while immersing themselves in local history, food, and culture. Travelers will be guided by two exceptional leaders: Tim Muth, a human rights lawyer who divides his time between El Salvador and Milwaukee and has chronicled Salvadoran life for over twenty years, and our very own Pastor Edwin.

Later in the year, as summer draws to a close in late July and early August, Ascension members will gather for a dedicated trip centered entirely on our ongoing partnership with Milagro de Dios in San Jorge. This trip focuses on spending meaningful time alongside the people of San Jorge, continuing to nurture the deep bonds of fellowship between our churches. To round out the experience, the group will also visit the National Church in San Salvador and take a couple of days to explore and enjoy the natural beauty and local sights of El Salvador together. After all, supporting the local economy is important too! Contact Pastor Edwin or Sarah Aparicio if you are interested in either experience.

Hope Center Green Power Garden Volunteers Needed

Help supply fresh, nutritious produce for guests at the Hope Center! If you enjoy working outside and getting your hands dirty, gardening for a cause is a wonderful way to serve our community. Volunteers of all skill levels, individuals, and small groups are welcome to come when you can and leave when you must. The garden is located at S53W24747 Glendale Road, Waukesha.

The Green Power Garden is an approved project of the UW-Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. For helpful gardening tips, visit hort.extension.wisc.edu.

Walk With Us This Summer

Farewell to Hawthorne ~ Hello to Lowell

 After several years of partnering with Hawthorne Elementary School, we had to say our good-byes as Hawthorne closed. Over the years, Ascension supported Hawthorne through special winter clothing collections, teacher supplies drive, birthday treats provided by CRASH, appreciation meals served to staff, and volunteers for classrooms and special events. The staff and leaders at Hawthorne have offered many, many thank you’s for the partnership and the ongoing support. Ascension volunteers were there on the move-out days to help staff pack and say farewell.

The principal of Hawthorne is moving to Lowell Elementary along with many of the families. The principal has requested that our partnership continue as a partnership with Lowell. Watch announcements for ways we will be involved in helping with the transition. Once staff is ready to identify their needs, we will be publishing a link to Amazon gift list where our members can purchase teacher classroom supplies identified by the teachers.  There will be many changes for staff and we want to make this as easy as possible. More information to come.

Outreach for Hope

Responding to Christ’s invitation to love our neighbors, Outreach for Hope builds relationships, strengthens communities, and inspires hope.

Tee Up For Hope

Sign-up for annual golf outing on July 13 at the Broadlands Golf Club which includes all of the following: Team Scramble Event (with team & individual prizes) and Buffet Lunch & Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Evening Social. Your participation will help raise funds to provide meals, clothing, and essential support to individuals and families in need throughout Waukesha County.

Outreach for Hope believes that the path to wholeness and justice starts with one simple act: loving your neighbor. Across low-income areas in Southeastern Wisconsin, their network of Ministry Partners puts this belief into action every day. These local congregations and community organizations provide essential resources — food, clothing, healthcare, spiritual care, and activities for all ages — helping communities grow stronger from the ground up.

This work is made possible through donations from generous individuals, congregations, and organizations. When you give to Outreach for Hope, you are choosing to walk alongside your neighbors and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive. To learn more and see the full Ministry Partner list, visit their website.

Save the date for this year’s Ride, Run, Walk, Hope On The Move, on Saturday, Sept. 26. Ascension has a long history of supporting Outreach for Hope through this event. Plan to be involved either as a participant, a volunteer, or a supporter. Registration will begin on July 1 on their website, ofhrrw.org.

SOPHIA

SOPHIA is one of our long-time community partners. In fact, Ascension was one of the founding congregations in establishing a unified approach to social justice based on Micah 6: 8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This Bible passage is a calling from God to work toward a just and merciful society. SOPHIA has worked hard to achieve this goal but is facing a challenge. A long time grant which helped fund SOPHIA was not available this year leaving SOPHIA dependent on donations from congregations and other donors. They are in need of help in order to continue the good work they do in the community. If you are able, please consider a donation to help in their mission. You may give at their website sophiawaukesha.org or through the church. Contact Joan Mikecz if you have questions.

Caminando Juntos

You may see this phrase in announcements and wonder what it means.  It is Spanish for “Walking Together.” Just as with our global and community partners, we walk in accompaniment, we practice walking together with our Spanish speaking members. This walking together has encouraged relationship building across the language barriers and friendships have been created and continue to grow. The program also assists those who have specific needs. Recently, rides have been provided when a member could not get to work while waiting for an insurance settlement after a car accident. Volunteers also provided rides to doctor appointments and to meetings on immigration status and registering for school.  Newer members have been given support in learning English and studying for getting a drivers’ license.

Caminando Juntos also has set a goal to provide educational opportunities to the congregation and to the general public on immigration and refugee issues.  On June 20, we celebrated National Refugee Day by holding an event to walk in solidarity with those who are still seeking a permanent place to live when their own country is too risky to live in. 34 people joined together for moments of prayer, reflection and education and then walked a one mile or three mile walk in the neighborhood.  This event was based on a study “We Choose Welcome.” 

Our success with Caminando Juntos has drawn the attention of a congregation in Helena Mt.  An Ascension family member read the Ascension newsletter and was impressed with helping immigrants in a tangible way and offered to help. They have been sending cards and letters of support and made financial donations to our Latino Ministry to assist our members in times of need.  Two suburban, mostly white Greater Milwaukee Synod Congregations have also stepped forward to offer to walk with us. They have attended some of the special events at Ascension and have offered financial and friendship support for our Latino members.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact Teri Quam at tquam61@gmail.com.

Tanzania Delegation

At the end of July, a delegation from Ascension Lutheran will travel to Tanzania to visit our sister parish, Samaria, as part of our ongoing Covenant Partnership. Our team will immerse themselves in the local community—learning, connecting, and building relationships that are sure to strengthen both of our churches.

The delegation will visit the central Samaria Parish alongside its three preaching points: Neema, Kijenge, and Galilaya. They will also spend time with students and staff at several educational and care facilities, including Samaria Primary School, Samaria Secondary School, the Samaria Rehabilitation Centre, Savanna Primary School, and the Telescopes Centre at Ailanga Secondary School.

Beyond the parish and schools, the itinerary includes a meeting with diocesan leadership, a tour of the Cultural Arts Centre (an ELCA missionary project at Makumira Lutheran University), and a visit to the Mlimani Coffee Processing Plant for a first hand look at the Meru Coffee Project.

Asante sana — thank you — to everyone who has offered financial support and other help. We carry each of you with us on this journey. Please keep our delegation in your prayers as they prepare to represent Ascension: Pastor Edwin, Sarah, Marta & Luisa Aparicio Wehmeier, Pastor Chris & Hadley Marien, Dan Baumann, Jeremy Poling, Rick & Dianne Frowein, Amy & Callie Koenig.

Partners AFAR ~ Welcoming Guests from El Salvador and Tanzania

The end of May and beginning of June was busy for our Partners AFAR committee as the Synod welcomed Bishop Kitoi from Tanzania and Bishop Guadalupe and Pastor Christian from El Salvador. We helped coordinate welcome dinners, appeared in videos for the Synod Assembly, hosted Pastor Guadalupe for worship and hosted the synod art event for 170 people with Pastor Christian. Our Latino ministry families prepared over 500 pupusas for the art event!

(Reprinted from the June 2026 newsletter.)

OFH Family Ride Run Walk

It’s time to start preparing for the 2024 OFH Family Ride Run Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Join Ascension’s team for a morning of road and trail bike rides, walking and running routes, followed by a picnic lunch and fellowship. To register and join Ascension’s team, click here https://ofhrrw.softr.app/my-registration-info. Or donate to Ascension’s team: https://outreachforhope.kindful.com/?campaign=1294681. On the donation page that follows, add their name in the support column that reads… “Participant (or team) that you are sponsoring (for teams, please include city name).” Please note that there is an Ascension in Waukesha and also Milwaukee and select the correct team.

Please register by Aug. 23 if you want a t-shirt with your team name on it. The Preferred Registration deadline is Sept. 11. After this date, we cannot guarantee a t-shirt or lunch for you.

Thank you! Your support for this event funds grants to life-giving ministries serving low-income communities in the Greater Milwaukee Synod. See all the ministry partners here https://outreachforhope.org/home/ministry-partners/.