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Saturday 5:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Volume LI Issue 8
August 2016
Inside this issue:
From Pastor Michael 2
Christian Education 3
Milestones 4
Stewardship 5-6
WELCA 7
Finance & Membership 8
Volunteer List 9
Calendar 10
Ministry List 11
The Insight From the President-elect
PLEASE NOTE: August Board Night Date Change
Due to VBS, the August Board Night meal & meetings will be Tuesday, August 16 - the 3rd Tuesday - rather than August 9.
Greetings Ascension Community, While summer is often associated as a time to relax and enjoy the long sunny days, Ascension has been a “place of action” these past two months, including working on our call for a Senior Pastor. The Lutheran call process is unique because it is an effort to discern what God wants for us as a congregation, and, on the basis of our Luther-an theology, a pastor is "called," not hired, to serve a congregation. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 speaks to us, as a congregation, as we move forward: 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Your call committee is grateful to all those who participated in providing input for the ministry site profile. . .60 congregational members in five focus groups and an additional 54 members through the on-line survey. That information was included in the report submitted to the Synod office and reviewed last Thursday evening as Susan Marone from the Synod office met with members of the congregation and answered questions. Copies of the ministry site profile will be available in the Gathering Area. The call committee will be interviewing Pastor Michael in early August as the next step in the process followed by an interview with Church Council. The final interview will include the congregation.
Other action items from the Council meeting include:
• Extending an offer to a candidate for a part-time position as an interim associate pastor for a 6 month period.
• Extending offers to two candidates recommended for hire by the Interview Com-mittee for the part-time Director of Cross-Generational Ministries position and part-time Director of Music Ministry position.
(Continued on page 3)
Page 2 August 2016 The Insight
From Pastor Michael Christian Citizenship Karl Barth wrote in his book The Knowledge of God and the Service of God, that the “Church’s first act in worship is the hearing of God’s Word, with a far from pas-sive attention.” Elsewhere he wrote that Scripture ought to be read as “God’s vocation, God’s claim, and God’s call upon our lives.” Sometimes people are called by God to step out on the stages of history and make a witness to their faith where they are, and in the way they can.
In 1517 a professor of Old Testament posted ninety five statements in Latin about the sale of indulgences. These documents claimed to grant the buyers borrowed grace from the Virgin Mary and other saints so they, and even their dead relatives, would be released from time in Purgatory. Luther challenged the religious and government au-thorities of his day because he believed that the witness of Scripture was contrary to the practice of selling indul-gences. He had hoped for a debate with other scholars about Indulgences, and for a quick resolution once the issue was raised. But the ninety five Thesis were quickly translated by others into German, reprinted, and distributed throughout Europe. The Protestant reformation had begun and western civilization would never be the same!
In December 1955 a humble Methodist seamstress clung to the seat of a bus. The driver ordered her to the back of the bus because she was black. On that particular day Rosa Parks was perhaps tired of giving in and tired of being demeaned. She did not move. The police were called and she was thrown into jail. This became an embarrassment for the city of Montgomery and she was eventually released. But the bus boycott began, and the civil rights move-ment had new energy because of her refusal to move. Sometimes courageous witness is simply staying where you are, not giving in, and not getting up, in the face of injustice.
In 1977 Oscar Romero was the government’s favorite candidate to be appointed the Archbishop of El Salvador. He seemed to be just the sort of ecclesiastical official who would never cause any trouble and keep to the establishment lines on important issues. But three weeks after Romero was installed as Archbishop, his friend Father Rutillo
Grande was brutally murdered by the government. That night, Romero said, he was converted. Romero became an outspoken advocate for his poverty stricken people and a critic of the oppressive government re-gime. He also became a marked man.
Romero told a reporter, “My life has been threatened many times. I have to confess that as a Christian I do not believe in death without resurrection. If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadorian people.” Two weeks later he was assassinated by government opera-tives as he was celebrating the Eucharist. The struggle for economic justice continues and Romero’s life and death continue to inspire the people of El Salvador.
These three are simply people who responded to the call of God, and stepped out on the stage of history to make a witness where they were, in the way they could, and the Kingdom of God took a leap forward.
Capital Campaign for Debt Reduction UPDATE
On January 1, 2015, the principal balance on Ascen-sion’s mortgage was $659,483.15. As of July 19, 2016, the principal balance is $147,585.25. During the Capi-tal Campaign appeal in 2015, pledges totaling $353,545 were received. To date, $278,609 of those pledges dol-lars have been received, along with many more un-pledged offerings, memorial gifts, and planned giving, for a total of $389,920.22 in designated donations toward the debt reduction since December 2014. These dona-tions are paid toward the mortgage principal in addition to the regular monthly payments that Ascension contin-ues to remit through the church budget. As such, we are on target to have the mortgage debt completely paid in 18 months or less. THANK YOU for your generous gifts and commitment toward the vision and mission of this congregation.
Page 3 August 2016 The Insight
Vacation Bible School ~ August 7-11
2016 Theme: Miracles of Jesus Vacation Bible School at Ascension will be August 7-11. VBS is for children age 4 through 6th grade (Fall 2016) and is held Sunday-Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Adult and youth vol-unteers are needed and greatly appreciated. Volunteer signup, registration form, and more info is on the table in the Gathering Area, or register online. Talk to a member of the Christian Education Board or Darcie Bien if you have questions, [email protected].
VBS Meals are served Monday through Thursday evenings prior to VBS at 5:30pm. The meals are for all family members and VBS volunteers (please don’t just send your kids). Cost is $1 per person per night.
Mark your calendars: A meeting and work night for VBS 2016 will be held on Monday, August 1, at 7:00pm. This is for all VBS volunteers (youth and adults) and anyone who would like to help prepare for the crafts and activities for the week. Please use the Sunday School entrance.
VBS Program: There will be a program at 8:00pm on Thursday, August 11, to showcase what we’ve learned throughout the week at VBS. The congregation is invited!!
THANK YOU to three Thrivent Financial members who have provided Action Team money ($250 each) for VBS food and supplies. It is much appreciated!
Sunday School begins September 11
Rally Day is Sunday, September 11! This year, we will begin with EVERYONE in the Sanc-tuary at 9:45am for an overview of the 2016-2017 Sunday School program. Students will meet their teachers and be dismissed by grade to their classes. Please join us on Rally Day!
Teachers & Guides needed for Fall: Sign up on the bulletin board in the Education Hallway or on the condensed version on the kiosk. More details about each grade (curriculum, teacher & guide responsibilities, room spaces, etc) are on the Education Hallway bulletin board.
Offering Update: Last year’s Sunday School offerings totaled $587.44. We were able to purchase 1 cow, 1 pig, and 1 goat for ELCA World Hunger’s “God’s Global Barn-yard.” The Christian Education Board has committed to supporting God’s Global Barnyard with our 2016-17 offerings again. Watch the barnyard grow on the bulletin board as we purchase ani-mals for people in need.
• Approving up to $6,000 for use by the Operations and Maintenance Board for a furnace replacement
Your church council will be in retreat mode in September to lay the groundwork for a strategic plan. In preparation for that meeting, we will be reviewing documents from Kairos (July 2014), Jim LaDoux (February 2016) and the Gov-ernance Task Force (October 2015) as well as the just completed ministry site profile.
So, a lot is happening! Please keep your church council and call committee in your prayers as they prepare for the continued outreach of Ascension ministries.
God’s blessings to each of you, Nancy Swanson, President-elect
(Continued from page 1)
Milestone Workshop Date Worship Recognition Date
Baptisms 2 yr olds Prayer Pillows
Saturday, December 3, 10am Sunday, December 4, both
3 yr olds Beginning Sunday School
Saturday, September 10, 10am Sunday, September 11, both
4 yr olds Understanding Worship
Saturday, January 28, 10am Sunday, January 29, both
Kindergarten Generosity
Saturday, May 20, 10am Sunday, May 21, 11am
1st Grade Blessing Assistants
Sunday, February 5, 9:45am Sunday, February 5, 11am
2nd Grade Prayer
Sunday, March 12, 9:45am Sunday, March 12, 11am
3rd Grade Bibles
Sunday, January 8, 9:45am Bibles distributed November 20
Sunday, January 8, 11am
4th Grade Church Year
Sunday, November 20, 9:45am Sunday, November 20, 11am
5th Grade Holy Communion
Retreat at Nesodak, September 30-October 1
Sunday, October 2, both
6th Grade Baptism/Imago Dei
Wednesday, August 3, 7pm Sunday, August 7, 9am
7th Grade Communion Stewards
Saturday, August 27, 10am Sunday, August 28, 9am
8th Grade Beginning Confirmation
Wednesday, September 21, 6:45pm
Sunday, September 25, 8:30am
9th Grade Lent
Wednesday, February 22 Sunday, February 26, 11am
10th Grade Confirmation
Faith Walk & Talk 1:30pm Sunday, September 11
Sunday, September 25, 11am
11th Grade PROMises
Sunday, April 23, 9:45am Sunday, April 23, 11am
12th Grade Senior Recognition & Quilts
-- Sunday, May 21, 8:30am
New Driver / Driver’s License Blessing --
Saturday, July 9 Sunday, July 10
Blessing of Backpacks -- Saturday, August 20 Sunday, August 21
During worship services—Schedule with Pastor
Milestones at Ascension Lutheran Church ~ 2016-17
Page 5 August 2016 The Insight
Stewardship Stewardship Highlight Organizations: The Stewardship Board’s “Highlight Organizations” is a program to enhance Ascension’s understanding of
the many different stewardship activities our members participate in and support with prayer, time, talents,
and finances. Each month we highlight an organization we support in our church newsletter. We are not
asking for a pledge, but rather prayerful consideration of ways you can help and become involved in this worthwhile activity. See the next page for this
month’s Stewardship Highlight.
For the past several months, members of the Stewardship board and Pastor Michael have been attending stewardship workshops in Sioux Falls and Renner with representatives from several other congregations. One of the major themes of those meetings has been year-round stewardship, something that Ascension has been doing for a number of years. We were all encouraged to go back home and think about new ways of implementing year-round stewardship.
One thing a number of other congregations have been doing of late is “noisy offerings,” where people, and espe-cially kids, are encouraged to toss coins into metal buckets during services at the time the offering is being taken in order to “make a joyful noise to the Lord.” This is one way we can provide our young people with practice in the habit of giving. We will be sending the money from these offerings to a variety of different benevolences throughout the church year.
We also intend to focus on different themes for two or three months at a time. Since this is an election year, we chose the theme of “citizenship” for June, July, and August in order to encourage people to think about how they might best fulfill their responsibilities and pursue their op-portunities as democratic citizens, keeping in mind that we are all also Christian citizens. We are very fortunate to live in a democracy, something that millions of people around the world cannot say. In July we had a good (and enthusi-astic) turnout for a movie depicting the life of Christian martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer pondering his duties and re-sponsibilities as a citizen in Nazi Germany. We plan to have periodic “movie nights” along this line in the future.
On Wednesday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m., we invite you to attend a panel discussion on citizenship featuring four members of our congregation who are members or past members of the state legislature or local public officials: Arne Brown, Spence Hawley, Mary Kidwiler, and Mary Negstad, as well as First Lutheran member Keith Corbett. After their brief presentations, there will be refreshments and a question and answer session. We hope to see you there and encourage your sugges-tions for other events of this type that we might sponsor.
John Miller, Stewardship Board
Membership Participation Board Update In planning for the future ministry and programming needs of Ascension, the church Council has recog-nized the importance of having a more accurate pic-ture of Ascension’s membership. Considering total, active, and inactive membership, and how those num-bers affect ministry needs will guide the leaders in how to best plan for accomplishing Ascension’s mis-sion. After council discussion, the Membership Partic-ipation Board was asked to review the Ascension membership list. Letters were mailed to 179 house-holds that are considered local inactives. (There are an additional 141 members for whom we have no current contact information.) The letter included a postcard to be returned indicating their wishes re-garding their membership at Ascension. The re-sponse choices were: • Wish to maintain your membership at Ascension; • Wish to be removed from membership • Have joined/would like to join another congrega-
tion; • Would like to receive a telephone call from the
pastor or other church leader; • Would like to receive a visit from the pastor or
other church leader.
Our follow up plan is to contact those households that do not respond to the mailing and also to con-tact those individuals who wish to continue member-ship and participate in activities at Ascension.
Thank you to all who participated in this endeavor.
Roberta Wagner, Membership Board Council Liaison
God’sWork.OurHands.UNIVERSITYLUTHERANCENTER
Lutheran Campus Pastor - Herb Wounded Head III
What excited me about campus ministry is the opportunity to help other's explore what faith means to them. We live in a time of great exploration and wilderness wandering where asking questions matters. I want people to know that this is a place to ask those questions. I want people to know that they have a place where they belong, and to know that they do not wander in this wilderness alone. I think campus ministry is important, because it is on the edge of a vibrant institution in SDSU, but also on the edge of a critical moment in the faith life of students. At the University Lutheran Center, I want people to know that no one will be turned away. This is a place where God's unconditional love exists for all people. This is a place where people will know that God is for them.
Sundays 11:00 AM We celebrate Holy Communion every week. All are welcome at the Lord’s table. Participation is vital to the worship service as well. We invite all people to join with us in hearing God's Word and receiving mercy and grace in Christ. Wednesdays 7:00 PM Wednesday evening we have a Bible study that focuses on the Old Testament this semester. Come and learn how the Bible came to be, and what some of the issues surrounding the ancient texts mean for us. Learn More:
http://www.sdsulutheran.com/
Welcome to the University Lutheran Center! 1404 8th Street Brookings, SD 57006 605.692.4880
Page 7 August 2016 The Insight
Dorcas Circle meets at 1:15 PM on the 4th Thursday each month. Contact Bette Johnson at 692-4148. Esther Circle meets at 9:00 AM on the 4th Thursday each month. Contact Lois Bellows at 697-5084 or Lois Thompson at 695-5174. Eve Circle meets at 6:00 PM on the 4th Monday each month. Contact Doris Brown at 692-5901 or Nancy Nelson at 692-5312. Mary & Martha Circle meets at 7:00 PM on the 4th Monday September-May. Contact Darcie Bien at 692-0802. Quilters meet at Ascension each Thursday at 9:00 AM. Contact Joanne Matthees (692-1783) or Dianne Hoff (692-1797) for more infor-mation.
Women of the ELCA
Triennial Gatherings bring Lutheran women to-gether from across the church with life-changing workshops, worship, Bible study and more. The Tenth Triennial Gathering, July 13-16, 2017, will be no exception. Women will gather in Minneapolis, Minn., under the theme “All Anew.”
Registration opens on September 6. Early-bird registration, through January 6, 2017, is $310; after that registration is $350. Day registrations are $175. Register at welcatg.org or email [email protected] for a registration packet.
Featured speakers, preachers and workshop leaders will bring the gathering themes to life. Devotions exploring the themes will be posted on the website in mid summer.
Because the Tenth Triennial Gathering falls during the ob-servance of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Refor-mation in 2017, the theme resonates with reformation and transformation images. At the gathering participants will ex-plore ways in which the Holy Spirit changes us, acknowledg-ing that reformation and transformation have happened and continue to happen with in the community of women know as Women of the ELCA.
Information about triennial gatherings can be found at welcatg.org. Speakers and workshops will be added as they are confirmed.
End of Summer Pot Luck
Saturday, August 20, 6:30pm The Worship & Music Board invites to you an End of Summer Pot Luck following the 5:30pm worship service on Saturday, August 20.
Hot dogs, brats, buns, condiments, drinks and paper products will be provided. Please bring a salad/side dish/or dessert to share.
Page 8 August 2016 The Insight
Finance June 2016 Financial Report
Annual Budgeted Income & Expenses for 2016 ...... $715,680.00
% of Year Past ............................................................................ 50.00%
% of Budgeted Income Received YTD......45.74% ($298,605.33)
% of Budgeted Expenses Incurred YTD ...44.39% ($317,695.69)
Monthly Budgeted Income ............................................ $54,403.32
Monthly Budgeted Expenses .......................................... $59,640.03
June Actual Income .......................................................... $43,207.25
June Actual Expenses ....................................................... $49,582.78
June Income Less Expenses ............................................ $ -6,375.53
Year-to-date Income Less Expenses ........................... $-19,090.36
Membership
Memorials
Deaths
Ruth Royer
Given by Jerry & Mary Fiedler, Rob-erta Hansen, Floyd & June Wiesner, Dick & Eileen Shane, Steve & Anita Ust, Arne & Doris Brown, Paul & Winnie Johnson, Vi Lightfield, Van & Judy Magnus, Mark & Becky Ekeland, Paula Tursam in memory of Ken Lightfield
Given by Paul & Winnie Johnson in memory of James Edwards
Given by Roberta Olson, Darrell & Bette Johnson in memory of Ruth Royer
Dear Friends at Ascension,
As I said when I was with you, it was so good and comfortable to be among you. As usual you showered St. Dysmas with your generous gifts. Because of your generosity, and others like you, we are growing our ministry.
I mentioned this Saturday evening but forgot to say anything Sunday morn-ing. The SD Synod council approved our proposal for a reentry program for men leaving prison. We will partner with congregations who wish to set up a team to welcome and support returning citizens. We will provide training and support for the teams. I’m excited about this because it will help both St. Dysmas and congregations to fulfill their missions.
Thank you again for your generosity and hospitality. I sure appreciate it.
God’s Peace to each of you,
Pastor Bob Chell
Page 9 August 2016 The Insight
VOLUNTEERS FOR AUGUST
If you are unable to serve on the date you are scheduled, please find a replacement and notify the church office at [email protected] or 692-6565. See Ascension’s website for updated Volunteer Listings and Instructions.
SATURDAY (5:30p)
August 6 August 13 August 20 August 27
Worship Assistant/s
Gregg & Vi Jongeling
De’ Wiskur Terri Van Erem Jerry & Mary Fiedler
Ushers
Gregg & Vi Jongeling
Tom Roe Carole Weinrich
Lindsay & Judy Wollmann
Bruce & Vickie Newman
SUNDAY (9:00a)
August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28
Worship Assistant/s
Suzy Gehring TBD
Nancy Swanson & Chuck Depraz
Larry & Gail Tidemann
Dave & Shirley Johnson
Greeters Jeff & Terri Van Gerpen
Lois Ladegaard Virginia Halvorson
Martin & Jennie Wagner
Chris & Ashley Gundvaldson
Ushers Joseph & Tami Thvedt Family
Jon & Amy Button Family
Trudi Mofle Family Darrin Daggitt
John & Kathy Miller Chad Hauge
A/V Matt Bien Larry Osborne Carl Fahrenwald Susan Kranz
Coffee Hosts 10:00-10:30a
Alan & Julie Argust
Steve & Kathy Pohl Jim & Shirley Eggen TBD
LOCK-UP SCHEDULE:
August 1-7: Jerry & Mary Fiedler; August 8-14: Steve & Kathy Pohl; August 15-21: Phil Wagner;
August 22-28: Merritt & Pam Warren; August 29-September 4: Ray & Sylvia Ofstedal
Ministry List
Ascension Staff Office 692-6565 or [email protected]
Pastor ........................ Rev. Michael Mortvedt, 692-8282 (H) [email protected] 691-4331 (C) Admin/Financial Assistant .................... Lanita Vanderbush [email protected] Christian Ed Dir & Publications Secretary ...... Darcie Bien [email protected] Trinity Teens Choir Director ....................... Katie Housiaux Spirit Singers Choir Director ............................. Katie Tvedt Organists ........................................ Leah Brink, Joan Riessen Executive Committee Congregational President .......... Carl Fahrenwald, 693-6432 President-Elect .............................. Nancy Swanson, 692-4195 Secretary ..................................... Terri Stauffacher, 692-3311 Treasurer ..................................... Larry Tidemann, 692-1267 Past President ................................ Roberta Olson, 692-8533 Council Members Christian Education ..................... Nichole Russell, 627-9387 Church & Community .................. Mariah Weber, 370-8059 Church Finance ...................................... Rick Lee, 692-8560 Membership Participation ......... Roberta Wagner, 692-6467 Operations & Maintenance............ Jim Housiaux, 690-0068 Stewardship ................................... Darrin Daggitt, 692-1376 Worship & Music ..................... Steve Scarbrough, 692-9757 Youth Ministry ............................... Robin Schulte, 695-5810 Board Chairs Christian Education .................... Heather Kepner, 692-2038 Jenny Kerkvliet, 651-5681 Church & Community ........... Shannon Osborne, 627-9169 Church Finance .................................. Kathy Reid, 692-8561 Membership Participation ................ Dianne Hoff, 692-1797 Operations & Maintenance.....Brian Brecher, (co) 692-4681 Matt Buterbaugh, (co) 695-0365 Stewardship ......................................... John Miller, 692-7680 Worship & Music .......................... Becky Ekeland, 692-7934 Youth Ministry ................................ Julie Hemmer, 691-3092
Mission Endowment Committee Chair ................................................ Doug Malo, 692-4927 ALCW Co-Presidents ............................... Nancy Nelson, 692-5312 Shirley Nelson, 695-4039 Secretary .......................................... Elaine Rietz, 692-8373 Treasurer ..........................................Darcie Bien, 692-0802
Quilters Joanne Matthees ................................................... 692-1783 Dianne Hoff ......................................................... 692-1797
Altar Guild Joan Riessen ......................................................... 692-8833
Communion Coordinator Becky Ekeland ...................................................... 692-7934
Office Hours Monday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Lunch Hour: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM *Hours may vary occasionally.
Page 11 August 2016 The Insight
The Insight Volume LI - Issue 8
August 2016
Return Service Requested
Ascension is a house of hospitality built on the foundation of sharing
the living faith in Jesus Christ at home, in the congregation, and in
the community.
• Our Purpose is to be in relationship with God, the creation and one another.
• Our Passion is the love of Christ for all people.
• Our Power is the Holy Spirit gifting us to fulfill our purpose and passion.
2030 Third Street Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-6565 / Fax: 605-692-6808 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ascensionbrookings.org
All Board Meal & Meetings Tuesday, August 16 (3rd Tuesday)
Meal at 6:00 PM - Meetings at 6:30 PM (Finance Board Serving)
Feeding Brookings Grocery Distribution
Thursdays 4-5pm
August Food of the Month
Canned Meats www.feedingbrookings.org
