Sunday Worship
Every church has its own style of worship. We think you'll enjoy the services at Ascension, but as in any church, it may take a couple of Sundays to become accustomed to our way of praising God and proclaiming what he has done.
Each week the service is printed in the worship folder. All the Bible readings, hymns, and prayers are printed. You are certainly welcome to bring along your own Bible and follow along if you choose.
The service is designed to have one major theme. The sermon, hymns, prayers and music all revolve around the Bible readings for that week. Music certainly is an important part of our services. Loud or soft, in monotone or rich harmony, all our praises are music to God as we respond to hearing His Word.
The service lasts about one hour.
The services also usually include the following parts in a variety of forms:
The Invocation - We call on the name of our Savior God as we praise him.
Admitting sins and finding forgiveness - We acknowledge that we have not always done what God expects. Then we are assured of forgiveness because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.
Bible Readings - We hear selections from God's Old Testament prophets, Jesus' apostles, and from Jesus himself in the Gospels. The pastor also gives a brief explanation of each reading.
Sermon - Our pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a Bible-based sermon. We hear how we can expect God's guidance and grace for dealing with problems, as well as the promise of eternal life in heaven through Jesus.
Response to the Word - We respond with offerings, hymns, and prayers for the things God has promised to us and for strength to do what he has asked.
Parting blessing - We hear one last assurance of God's love and care.
Mixed throughout these different parts of our service are hymns and short songs to praise God.
Our worship uses traditional forms and modern language and application. The traditional brings us the best from God's Church throughout the ages, and the contemporary brings God's promises and his will into our daily lives. We hope you enjoy both.
Offering
"When will they take the offering?" "How will it be collected?" "How much am I expected to give?" "Do they want visitors to contribute too?" These are typical worries about church offerings.
You may wish at first to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to God through our church.
The Bible teaches that our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is his gift to us. It teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God.
Like most Christians, our members bring offerings to God through their church. Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one dictates what each person is to give.
We pass an offering plate during the service so that our worship may include bringing gifts to God. Offering envelopes are available and keep our gifts a private matter known only to God.
We look to Christ and his love to motivate us in our giving, whether it is a child putting in coins or an adult writing out a check.
You may wish at first to learn more about our church before you given an offering, but you are always welcome to participate as your heart leads you to give.
The Worst That Can Happen…
Attending church somewhere for the first time can be intimidating. Here are some common worries:
"I would just die if they made me stand up and say something." We assure you, we won't embarrass you in this or any other way. We want you to feel comfortable and at home with us. Church should be an enjoyable and uplifting experience. We promise to do all we can so you can relax and learn about your Savior.
"I know my child is going to be too noisy." We encourage parents of young children to attend worship services with their children. This begins the good habit of attending worship services at an early age. The back rows are reserved for parents with young children. If required, a nursery room is available at the back of the sanctuary.
"I know I will feel out of place." We hope that this website will ease your mind, but if you have a question, please ask someone for help. Don't hesitate to say, "I'm new" or "What is this about?" Some of our members have been around for many, many years. Others are new just like you are. Either way, someone will be happy to help you out and answer your questions.
"I am afraid I will say or do something wrong." All of us have felt this way when in a new setting. But we hope you'll see the people of our congregation are ordinary people like yourself. We will accept you as you are and help you become who Christ wants you to be. We would never want to criticize anything you do.
"I just want to watch at first and I know that they will try to involve me or sign me up."
It is unpleasant to be pressured or to be part of a "membership drive" as though we were heads of cattle, isn't it? We believe that church membership should be a voluntary thing, and that the most important thing is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and salvation. It takes time for this to be cultivated. People need time to evaluate and decide if they wish further involvement. We believe we should respect that need.
"I don't know that much about the Bible."
Church and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You won't have to read or answer any questions you don't want to answer. And remember, sometimes the wisest words we say are, "I don't know."
About Our Church Body
Ascension Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The WELS is a world-wide church with congregations in all 50 states. The WELS also serves over 25 countries through world mission work.
Our congregation and church body are solidly based on the foundation of the Bible. We believe that Jesus is our Savior and the only way to heaven. Through faith in Jesus we are united to him and each other.
The name "Lutheran" comes from the great reformer Martin Luther. In a period in history when the Church had lost sight of its Savior and the truth of his Word, Martin Luther boldly challenged these errors and preached Jesus Christ as Savior. We are proud to remember his work in bringing to light the truth of God's Word by using his name to identify ourselves.