Serving in October

El Salvador / Tanzania Partnership Meeting

Are you considering traveling to El Salvador or Tanzania with Ascension in the next summer or two? International travel not your thing, but you want to be a part of our partnership? Have you previously traveled with us?

We are meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. A few things on the agenda include: Rick Frowein’s upcoming trip to Tanzania with the coffee project, discussing financial requests from Pastora Blanca in El Salvador, making initial plans for our next trips and hosting, and hearing the latest on our exploration to begin a chocolate project in El Salvador. Contact Sarah Wehmeier Aparicio if you have any questions, or you are interested but you can’t make the meeting, sarah@ascensionelca.org.

Who Is My Neighbor?

Ascension had good participation in the Greater Milwaukee Synod Immigration and Refugee Task Force event in early September. The response was NOW WHAT? Ascension’s SOPHIA leadership team is taking on the challenge since the topic so closely links to SOPHIA’s goals. Join us on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at church if you have questions about immigration and refugee resettlement and how to live out your faith in response. You are invited to attend whether you were at the synod event or not. We will learn together and prayerfully discuss our next steps. Contact Joan Mikecz, joanmikecz@sbcglobal.net, with questions.  

There will be a series of Did You Know? questions and answers on the Mission Outreach Facebook page beginning on October 1 to help us all have a clear understanding of terms and the myths and misunderstandings of the many aspects that impact refugees and immigration. The synod taskforce has provided some good resources that will guide us. Please follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Ascension.ELCA.MO.

Walk for NAMI Oct. 5 

This annual event helps to end the stigma surrounding mental health and to help achieve the goal of mental health for all. NAMI has been an Ascension Community partner for many years. We support their work in areas that impact all of us at some point in life. 

Join Ascension’s team on Saturday, Oct. 5, to walk for NAMI at the Milwaukee County Zoo beginning at 9:30. Sign-up online https://www.namiwalks.org/team/68935 or https://www.namiwalks.org/participant/teamascensionchurch.

Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger

Are you aware that Ascension supports the ELCA World Hunger program each month as a part of our budget? When we work with the larger church body, so much more can be done than if we tried to conquer hunger on our own. Through ELCA World Hunger, 66 countries and 41states and territories received support in 2023. Here are ways you can participate in the celebration via the ELCA announcement.

  • World Food Day Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger
  • When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. Central time
  • Where: Zoom webinar. Register online.

Tanzania School Lunches

We have heard from our partners in Tanzania that they are in urgent need of money for the lunches for the students in the schools. We normally would focus on this appeal during September but due to their immediate need, we are starting early so we can send some money with the Greater Milwaukee Synod wire transfer in early September. We will continue this project until we meet the needs of all 2587 students and 29 teachers. Currently, $4.44 will buy lunches for a full year for a student. Costs for the beans and maize may still fluctuate so we don’t have the final cost, especially with the current market instability. Payments may be made online, through the offerings, or via check or credit card at the Welcome Center on Sunday morning. Please make sure to note “Tanzania” in the memo field.

June Mission News

Mustard Seed Ministry Update

I was so excited about my mustard seed plant growing and thriving on my window seat. I even shared it on the Mission Outreach Facebook page as a way to demonstrate how together we can have a big impact if we each take a step out in ministry. I was so excited to see the little seeds grow into many small plants that grew taller each week. Then, I got busy with the Ministry Fair and other personal things that distracted me from my goal of taking good care of my little plants. My busy schedule made me forget the plants until I went to transplant them into bigger pots. Imagine my shock when they had shriveled and stopped growing. I had only one or two plants that survived my neglect. What a follow-up to our Ministry Fair! So many people with so many fresh ideas and so much interest in our ministries added excitement to the Fair. Then people got busy and distracted and by the time ministry leaders called on them, they were too busy or had forgotten all about the sign-up sheets. Just like the neglected plants, the ministry commitment withered without attention and determination. Busy schedules can be adapted and energy can be recharged so that the mustard seed of faith can grow into something bigger. Together, our mustard seeds of faith can have a huge impact in our own lives, in our church, our community and our world. Where are you planting your mustard seed? 

Shirley Wehmeier, Serve Wing Leader

Hope Center Open House

You have likely heard about the new Hope Center building. You are invited to attend an open house to see all the programs that they offer on June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a dedication at 6 p.m. Ascension was one of the founding congregations back when they were located in the M & M building on Main and Maple offering Mission and Ministry. The program has outgrown two buildings and now occupies the entire old Chase Bank at 101 W. Broadway which has been completely renovated to meet the program needs. What a great way to learn more about one of our community partners! You may even find a way you want to serve.

Habitat for Humanity Dream Builders Gala

Habitat for Humanity is hosting their annual Gala at the very site where the dream of home ownership becomes a reality: the Domenica Park Neighborhood, on June 14 at 6 p.m. Garden party attire is recommended. Join Habitat for an inspiring evening beneath a glamorous tent and on the actual build site where homes are being built. Enjoy drinks, delicious food catered by Sendiks, entertainment and a chance to help create real and positive change in Waukesha and Jefferson County. More information and tickets available at https://www.habitatwaukesha.org/dreambuilders.

SOPHIA Multicultural Fair

Save the date for the SOPHIA Multicultural Fair on August 17 at Frame Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several of our members have participated in this in the past two years and have really enjoyed the music, the food, the resources and the dancing. More information will follow but please mark your calendar and take note of the new location.

Tanzania Partnership News

For the past several months, we have been following the sad story of the Tanzanian government taking the land of Galilaya church and the homes of the people that live in the area. They have been promised compensation for their land, although it is far below market value. Since losing the church building, they have worked together to create a new worship space. A member who did not have his land seized, donated some land for a new church. Members saved their money to buy lumber to create a short-term worship space. Church members worked together to build the new temporary space as well as to dig the foundation for a more permanent church.

We also received news that a fourth preaching point has been added to Samaria Parish in May. Kijenge is the newest church that is part of the Samaria parish network. Like Galilaya preaching point, the members of Kijenge are worshipping in a temporary space for now. They have asked for our prayers to support these ministry challenges.

Gracias from the El Salvador Delegates

At the end of July, a multigenerational delegation of twelve Ascension members, alongside five Lake Park members, will travel to El Salvador to visit the ministries of our sister parishes in El Salvador. On May 18, over 100 Ascension members and friends came together to celebrate our partnerships and to raise funds to support this summer’s trip. It was inspiring the way Ascension came together with donations, writing for Thrivent grants, donating food and beverages for the dinner, and bidding on the items, playing games, and joining together in fellowship for the purpose of celebrating our partnerships in Tanzania, and this year, especially in El Salvador. A special thanks for Cynthia Carlson and her team for stepping in at the last minute to takeover the catering.

NAMI

Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. Fifty percent of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14 and 75% develop by age 24. A mental health condition isn’t your fault or your family’s fault — these conditions develop for complicated reasons that researchers are only just starting to understand. Ascension partners with NAMI to help understand the scary and confusing aspects of mental health in ourselves or our families. There are a variety of ways that NAMI programs can help us understand more about mental health and the help that is available. See their website for more information. 

El Salvador & Tanzania News

Pastor Julio Visiting from El Salvador

Pastor Julio will be at Ascension the first week of October. On Sunday, Oct. 8, you are invited to join us for a potluck lunch following late service to share Wisconsin hospitality with him and to hear more news from our brothers and sister in Usulután.

There is also interest in El Salvador in hosting a Bible study based on the book Grace by Max Lucado. Pastor Tony and Pastor Edwin have both been leading book studies on this book at Ascension. The Spanish-language versions of the book are $12 each. If you are interested in sponsoring a book that Pastor Julio can take back with him, you can connect with Pastor Edwin.

School Lunches for Tanzania

We hope to collect enough money in the month of October to provide all 1100 children and teachers with lunch for the 195-day school year. Because of the drought and world-wide high food prices, we need to raise $18,576. For $100, all of students and teachers in our three partner schools will have a day and a half of lunch. It is only $16.84 to feed a child for the year. Give on Sundays, but it is even easier to give online now.

El Salvador & Tanzania Partnership Committee

Ascension has long been an over-achiever when it comes to our partnerships, but we took things to a whole new level this summer when we hosted a delegation from El Salvador back-to-back with a large group going to Tanzania. These visits helped revitalize our partnerships after years of not seeing each other due to the pandemic. With renewed energy, stronger friendships, and an abundance of new information, our partnership committee is looking forward to resuming in-person meetings. The first one will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

Who:

  • Anyone planning to travel to El Salvador or Tanzania in the future
  • Anyone who has previously traveled as part of a delegation
  • Anyone who has a heart for our brothers and sisters in El Salvador and Tanzania; no travel required!

What:

  • Reflect on this summer’s visits
  • Plan for the future and goal-setting
  • Beginning a deeper look at education in El Salvador and Tanzania
  • Talking about our trip to El Salvador, approximately July 29 – August 5, 2024

Please note that as our partnerships deepen, our leadership and the pastors have made it a goal for future partnership visits to El Salvador and Tanzania that all travelers will have at least a year of regular (at least 75%) participation in our partnership committee prior to travel. If you are interested in traveling in the future or interested in joining the committee, but unable to attend the August 8 meeting, please contact Sarah Aparicio.

Finding God in the Unexpected

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:4-7

On the 16-hour flight home from Ethiopia, I found myself spending a considerable amount of time reflecting on and processing the diverse experiences of that unexpected journey. And the more I reflected, the more a recurring theme surfaced – overwhelmed. Almost the entire journey from the get-go was a non-stop and unexpected roller coaster of events, feelings, expectations, and emotions., and certainly not the trip I had been looking forward to nor what the Ward family could have ever imagined in their wildest dreams.

There were profound moments of difficulty – from a beloved member of our community suffering a major medical emergency while traveling abroad, to being stuck in an airport for an uncertain amount of time with no easy to choose or clear-cut solutions. There were moments of deep sadness and guilt at the extreme poverty and hunger that surrounded us and yet simultaneously we were constantly surrounded by people whose welcome, and hospitality, and compassionate care were so selfless and filled with grace that I hardly knew how to receive it all.

And then there were unbelievable moments where the grace and love and mercy of God were so evident that I found myself overcome with emotion that it was impossible to hide or comprehend.

But as I shared in my sermon reflection on July 23, this was not a trip to elicit pity or sadness for the difficulties or things that were hard to see, hear, and experience. Instead, this unexpected journey was an opportunity to have our eyes, hearts, minds, and faith broken open wide in order to see what God deems as important while experiencing the absolutely unbelievable love and grace and wonder of God.

Thank you for the great honor to serve as one of your pastors and walk this journey of life and faith alongside you, and for your ongoing encouragement and support and care and love throughout all that we have and will experience together. My hope and prayer is that in the days to come we will continue to open ourselves to what God desires for us and trust God to follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads. And then my dear friends, together we can be overwhelmed by all that our amazing God has in store for us.

Pastor Tony

Spaghetti Dinner & Auction 2023

You are invited to a fun-filled night of food, fellowship, and some fundraising on Saturday, May 20, at 5 p.m. to support a mission trip to Tanzania and visiting delegates from El Salvador. For $12 a person / $40 a family, you will receive a spaghetti dinner catered by Noah’s Pizza of Pewaukee, appetizers, dessert, beer or wine, and other beverages. Buy your tickets online.

We have a wide variety of fantastic auction items including a condo in Door County, spa baskets, food and beverage baskets, tickets to sporting events, artwork, Art’s baked goods and more. It’s not too late to donate items! Contact Sarah Aparicio with your ideas.

We still looking for volunteers to help with the auction, and for people to provide appetizers and desserts. Sign-up online.

All proceeds will benefit the mission trips from El Salvador and to Tanzania taking place this June.

Global Partnerships

Tanzania Partnership: Travel Plans

As vice-president of the Meru Coffee Project, Ascension’s Rick Frowein is traveling to Tanzania with two other leaders from the coffee project. During his time in Tanzania, Rick will also spend time in Samaria parish visiting our partners there. We wish Rick safe travels and look forward to hearing about his trip.

If you like the idea of joining a delegation to Tanzania, we are planning a trip for summer 2023, tentatively June 30 – July 10. If you are interested in learning about the trip, we will have an informational meeting on Sunday, Nov. 13, between services.

Use this QR code to donate directly to the Tanzania hunger appeal or mail donations to: The Greater Milwaukee Synod, Meru Hunger Relief—Food Crisis, P.O. Box 341695, Milwaukee, WI  53234.

Drought Conditions: Pastor Makenge and others from Samaria parish ask for our prayers. They continue to suffer from excessive heat and a lack of water. Both people and livestock are suffering. Church attendance has decreased as farmers spend most of their time desperately searching for water for their animals.

School Lunches: The money that Ascension sent to Tanzania this summer was put to good use in purchasing food to provide all of the children at Samaria and Savana Primary schools with a simple lunch every day. For many children, this will be the only meal they receive all day. Thank you for your support!

El Salvador: Hurricane Julia

On October 10, Hurricane Julia hit the Central American region hard, leaving in its wake the death of at least 28 people.

Among them, ten people died in El Salvador, five of them were soldiers who were crushed to death by a retaining wall that collapsed where they sheltered from the heavy rains. In San Jorge, there was no significant damage or loss of life.

Our brothers and sisters in El Salvador have shared with us that this was the strongest storm they have ever experienced and it was a very frightening experience. Ascension is sending a small financial gift to support families with home repairs and lost crops from the storm.

Serve With Ascension, August

Drought in Tanzania Creating Economic Crisis

In addition to the health impact of the drought in Tanzania, it is also damaging the economy. For many of the families in the region where we partner, their only income is from the sale of crops or livestock. After three consecutive years of failed crops, these families have no money. As a result, they can no longer manage to pay school fees or hospital bills. Some parents have stopped sending their children to school because they are unable to pay the fees. The Diocese of Meru sister parish office just shared with us that for the most part, their schools and hospitals and clinics have been unable to pay their staff in eleven months. Even though they haven’t been paid in nearly a year and there is no sign of a paycheck on the horizon, the doctors, nurses, and teachers are still showing up to work every day. Most pastors are in the same situation. They have faith that God will provide. In the meantime, they are unable to pay the new higher costs for food and fuel.

There is good news. We were able to send the money from our recent fundraiser for school lunches for Samaria and Savana primary schools in July. It was sent just in time. Pastor Makenge sent us a message a few days prior to the wire transfer that the school had run out of food and the children were going days at a time without eating. Thanks to Ascension’s continued support, the children once again have food at least once a day.

The sides of Mount Meru itself have not yet experienced drought, so there will be at least one more year of a thriving coffee crop. More than ever, it is improving the lives of coffee farmers in Tanzania and keeping some money flowing into the economy when you purchase Mt. Meru Coffee.

Ascension also generously stepped up following our July 9 appeal to support the hunger crisis fund for the 8000 families in crisis in Tanzania. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a recurring gift to provide ongoing support until a more sustainable solution can be figured out. Go to https://tinyurl.com/GiftatGMS and scroll down to find Meru Diocese Gifts > Meru Hunger Relief Crisis (4th down). 100% of your donation goes directly to the purchase of food. Asante Sana! (Thank you!)

Celebration Day in San Jorge, El Salvador

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are big days of celebration in the Salvadoran Lutheran church. Typically, the church would provide a gift to every honoree on that day as well as provide a celebratory luncheon for the entire congregation. In order to save money, this year their council decided to have one big celebration for both days, as well as honoring all graduates at the same time. Pastora Blanca’s extended family all donated prizes for a series of raffles to raise money for the gifts and they also cooked and donated the meal for the luncheon. They were all happy to be together for the celebrations again!

Care for Creation – Solar Power

Are you curious about what is required to add solar power energy to your home? Ascension’s Creation Care Ministry is hosting a Solar Power Hour on August 31st at 6:30 to help homeowners understand the basics of solar energy, and inform about helpful resources and programs that are available to implement solar power. The Waukesha County Green Team will provide an overview of the 2022 group buy program called “Grow Solar Jefferson+Waukesha” where homeowners can obtain substantial discounts. This event is open to Ascension members and the local community. For additional information, visit Grow Solar.

SOPHIA Multicultural Fair ~ Aug. 13, 11a-6p, Cutler Park

SOPHIA Waukesha has dreamed for years of bringing a multicultural event to Waukesha. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and share our diverse rich cultures and heritages with our neighbors through dance, art, music, fashion, food and community resources. SOPHIA is a social justice organization in Waukesha County working to build healthy neighborhoods where everyone has a chance to succeed. There will be music, dancers, art, informational booths, story tellers, food trucks and more. If you are interested in being part of this event as a volunteer, email admin@sophiawaukesha.org. More info.

Local Assistance for Food Crisis

We have heard about the hunger crisis in Africa but we are also aware of the need for food support in our own community. Rising food prices have led to challenges for both families at home and those that offer support. The Waukesha Food Pantry has higher numbers of people seeking food assistance and has seen a decrease in donations. It is also important for the Food Pantry to have wide varieties of food for those who have special dietary needs. Currently, it has had to reduce the amount of food it can provide to those coming for help. Summer normally sees a decrease in donations due to vacations and changes in routines. With the impact of higher prices for all of the basic life necessities, the Food Pantry is in greater need. To help, bring your donations for the Food Pantry to the Donation Center or deliver them directly to the Food Pantry on Sentry Drive in Waukesha. You can also volunteer to serve and provide a meal at the Hope Center.

Outreach for Hope Ride, Run, Walk

Sept. 24 is the date for the 2022 Outreach for Hope Ride Run Walk, which is vital to the work of supporting Greater Milwaukee Synod central city ministry partners. Register or pledge your support online, https://outreachforhope.org/ride-run-walk. Beth Hoffmann is the Pace Setter for Ascension. Please contact her with questions or to be part of the Ascension team.

Waukesha County events include:

  • 30-mile road ride for the more experienced rider
  • A 14-mile family friendly trail ride on the Glacial Drumlin Trail
  • A 2 mile walk
  • A 5K run (new this year!)
  • A fellowship-only option for those who plan to attend the event, but not participate in a ride, run or walk

Remember that if you give via one of the envelopes in the bike basket from the church narthex, your gift will be doubled by the $5000 matching gift.

Hunger Crisis in Tanzania

The people of Tanzania are in the third year of drought and failed crops. Occasional locust swarms have exacerbated the problem. In the past, Tanzania like much of East Africa, has relied on grain from Ukraine to supplement what they are not able to grow. In fact, most years at least 30% of their food supply is imported from Ukraine. Due to the war, this food source is no longer available. This has driven the cost of food to record highs. This happens on the end of the Covid pandemic, which damaged the economy that heavily relies on tourism. Like the rest of the world, Tanzania is also being impacted by inflation. Imported food is available, but at a very high cost. Families are selling off what they can to keep from starving.

Sixty percent of the Diocese of Meru has serious drought conditions and 8000 families are in urgent need. Many of the families live in areas where there are not direct sister parish partnership since there are more Lutherans in Tanzania than there are in the US. The Diocese of Meru and the Greater Milwaukee Synod have partnered to collect funds to attempt to purchase food for all of the families to save lives. Like the school lunches, the food will be simple meals of corn and beans. $10 is a meal for 6 people, $20 for 13 people, $50 for 33 people and $100 for 66 people.

Give online on the Milwaukee Synod website, milwaukeesynod.org/giving. Scroll down to Meru Diocese Gifts
4th one down: Meru Hunger Relief—Food Crisis