Worship:
Saturday 6 PM
Sunday 9 & 11 AM
This Week At Ascension
Called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ
August 28, 2022
Grace and peace to you my Ascension family!
What does it mean to be humble? According to Philosopher Dallas Willard, to be humble just means that you are realistic about who you are.
But, he says, if you are realistic about yourself, then you will be driven to God because you will come to realize that you need God in order to live.
That’s it.
And so, we hear in our gospel story Jesus’ call to humble ourselves, for “all you who humble yourselves will be exalted and all who exalt themselves will be humbled.”
It’s deep, I know. It might even be paradoxical and confusing. But let’s talk about it together because understanding and growing in grace will lead us to an abundant life.
I look forward to seeing you in church this weekend!
Rally Sunday—it’s ON!
This year, our Rally Sunday celebration will be September 11. There will be one worship service, at 10 AM, with Blessing of Teachers and Backpacks. Then it will be on to a celebration with food, music, games and lots of fun!
Last year’s Rally Sunday was one of the most popular events of the year! We thank everyone who turned out, especially our crew of mighty volunteers — from setting up to running games to helping with the tear down afterwards. And, no surprise, we will need volunteers again, the day before and the day of the event. Can you lend a hand?
We need help with set-up (8:30-9:30), and also during the fun (11-1), and with clean-up (1-1:30). Plus: Cakes, Cookies, cupcakes or other treats. It’s for a cake walk, so please make sure your items are packaged in a transportable way!
Guess who’s coming back to Rally Sunday this year!
Someone has a birthday. What do we do? We invite others to celebrate.
A wedding? We gather together to rejoice.
The death of a loved one? Yep, we come together to mourn and to remember them.
And Easter and Christmas? We wouldn’t think of missing a live worship service with hundreds of others to celebrate.
All of life’s events are more special when we celebrate them alongside of others. In fact, life is better together.
So why would it be different with worshipping God each weekend? While, for some of us, age and infirmity might hinder us from gathering with others, most of us thrive when we glorify God in the midst of a loving community. We come together to receive the blessing of worshipping our Lord. And in the process, we end up being the blessing to one another.
It’s cyclical, really. First, we start the ball rolling by coming to worship each weekend. There, we unite our joys, our pleas, our voices and our hearts in worshipping our Lord together. We’re part of a community that has been coming together like this for centuries. In the process we Get the Blessing. But it doesn’t end there. The cycle continues as we become inspired together to serve others, just as Jesus and his disciples did. That’s when we begin to Be the Blessing.
Worship is core to our identity as Christians. It is built into us. And life becomes even more difficult when it’s not part of our week. Perhaps you’ve noticed that as your schedule has allowed less and less time for prayer and worship. Increasingly, we feel disconnected from God. Let’s reverse that . . . Together!
Get the Blessing / Be the Blessing
That’s our theme at Ascension for the next couple of months as we re-focus on the importance of worship – together. Things kick off on Sunday, September 11, with a big Rally Day. We’ll have one worship service at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary that day, featuring the blessing of our amazing teachers and the blessing of student backpacks. Then we’ll go outdoors for great food, entertainment and games the whole family will enjoy.
On Rally Day and the following four weekends’ worship services, we’ll feature a sermon series focusing on worship themes that most of us never consider and why worship is so critical to a vibrant, joyful life.
Minor Maintenance Ministries – a New Approach to an Old Favorite
Chances are you remember Minor Maintenance Ministries. 3M, as it is also known, was set up to connect volunteers with seniors who need help with small tasks 
that are sometimes difficult for them. We’re working to revive 3M and looking for volunteers to make it happen. Remember, these are minor jobs – sizes and times to fit any volunteer. In fact, have a look at the volunteer form task list and see for yourself, and then be sure to contact Beverly David and lend a hand if you can!
October Is Fair Trade Month:
Let’s Be “Fair” Out There …
We’re planning another Fair Trade Outdoor Gift Fair. Everyone’s Invited! Sunday, October 9th from 10 AM – 1 PM in the Ascension Parking Lot
Every day, whether in-person or online, we see products to eat & drink, wear & share. As Fair Traders, we “vote”, with our dollars, for fairness and justice when we choose Fair Trade products in stores (the brick and mortar kind and the virtual kind) and here at Ascension. As Fair Traders, we want to be “fair” out there. On October 9th, we can be “fair” right here!
There will be vendors with Fair Trade wearables & shareables along with Ascension’s Fair Trade Ministry tables filled with wonderful things to eat and drink. More details to follow. For more information and/or to volunteer, send us a note (you can find us at ).
October is Fair Trade month. Let’s Be “Fair” Out There!
In Need Of Prayer
New! Children, Youth, & Family Career OpportuntiesPastor Richard and Sandra Tietjen and their daughter Laura visited us this morning. In Washington he served a congregation where Ernst Schwidder (1931-1998) was a member. Ernst was the artist who designed and carved (in the late 80s) the woodwork in our sanctuary.
Watch Pastor Tietjen give this fascinating description of the art.
Last Chance To Sign Up For Women’s Bible Study!
Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study resumes Monday, Sept. 12, and we hope you will join us for what promises to be an exhilarating study on the book of Luke that will take us through Monday, May 8.
News flash: This year, we won’t be just in the morning—we’re offering an evening Zoom group for those for whom the evening works better.
You can sign up at the table outside the west narthex between Sunday services August 28. Continue reading…
Our Prayer
We pray that you may once again meet the Risen Christ through the Word and Sacrament ministry, and through the fellowship of this family of faith.
If you do not have a church home, we would like to invite you to worship with our Ascension family again.
All people who are baptized and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
May God bless you in your worship!
Pastors Tim Delkeskamp, Steve Herder, & Julie McCain
Don’t miss another TWAA
Pericopes
This Week:
Psalm 112
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Next Week:
