Ascension Lutheran Church Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost Sunday, September 27, 2015 8:30 a.m. ASCENSION STAFF AND LEADERSHIP PRELUDE Triptych for Organ, Piet Post Are You Visiting? I. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow II. Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word, Staff Council III Now Thank We All Our God Pastors President Date of Visit: ______Rev. Christian W. Marien Nada Draeger [email protected] [email protected] Time of Worship: ______OPENING HYMN How Great Thou Art (vs. 1,3,4) ELW 856 st Rev. Angela T. Khabeb 1 Vice-President GREETING [email protected] Paul Wehmeier Names:[email protected] P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be Director of Administration with you all. Amy Gilgenbach 2nd Vice-President ______C: And also with you. [email protected] Cynthia Carlson [email protected] Director of Care Ministries Address: ______PRAYER OF THE DAY Brenda Lytle, RN Secretary P: Let us pray… [email protected] Katie Voss ______C: Generous God, your Son gave his life that we might come to peace with you. Give us a [email protected]

share of your Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of Jesus Christ, our Director of Faith Formation Tony Acompanado Treasurer Phone: ______Savior and Lord. Amen. [email protected] vacant

At-Large Board Members Email: ______ANNOUNCEMENTS Director of Music Ministries Al Gilgenbach Vicki Taylor [email protected] [email protected] How did God invite you to FIRST READING James 5:13-20 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of Administrator for Joyful Sheri Greger Ascension? praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray Worship and Spiritual [email protected] ______over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, Growth Becky Klotz and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore Amy Stryker [email protected] [email protected] confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer Administrator for Caring of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently Jeremy Poling How can we share the life of Relationships and Mission [email protected] that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he Outreach Ascension with you? prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest. My brothers and sisters, if Kate Mattson Cathy Rapp anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that [email protected]  Newsletter [email protected] whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a E-mail or U.S. Mail multitude of sins. Praise Band Leader Ben Janzow Marcy Schaefer  Children’s Ministry [email protected] A: The Word of the Lord. [email protected]  JOLT (confirmation) C: Thanks be to God Pianist Director of Ministries Ray Kinney Kelly Hoeg  CRASH (high school) GOSPEL ACCLAMATION [email protected] [email protected]  Bible study (small groups) Organists Director of Operations  Choirs and music ministry Vicki Taylor Peter Laper Rhonda Kwiecien [email protected]  Serving others (local/global options) [email protected]  Starting Point (membership) Nursery Staff  Desire a pastor to call Rachel Stemper Carli Boyer Please place in the offering plate Ascension Lutheran Church during worship. Peace to you. 262.547.8518 www.ascensionelca.org GOSPEL ANNOUNCEMENT P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 9th chapter. C:

GOSPEL READING Mark 9:38-50 John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. ‘For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.’

P: The Gospel of the Lord. C:

CHILDRENS TIME/KINDERGARTEN STEPPING STONE CELEBRATION

HYMN Baptized and Set Free (vs. 1,2) ELW 453

SERMON They Weren’t Following Us Rev. Angela T. Khabeb

HYMN Baptized and Set Free (vs. 3,4) ELW 453

SERVICE OF BAPTISM FOR ELI ROBERT GEORGE GREGER Administration—Amy Gilgenbach, Director of Administration P: Matthew, Chapter 28, Verse 19 reads: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing ([email protected]) them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Today we gather to celebrate the miracle of life that is Eli Robert George Greger and honor the command of our RECEPTION FOR RHONDA: We give thanks for the ministry of Rhonda Kwiecien as organist and Lord Jesus Christ to baptize this child in God’s name so that they may be set a part in this choir accompanist. Today is her last day with us. She has accepted a fulltime position in Milwaukee. world for God’s glory. Please join us at a reception between services. C: Thanks be to God! STARTING POINT: If you are interested in joining our faith community and want to find out more P: In Holy Baptism God graciously delivers us from sin and death by joining us to the death and about the ministry of Ascension, please join Pastor Chris in his office at 9:45 a.m. today. resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through water and the word the Holy Spirit calls us to a VISION ARISE 2025: Please join the pastors, Craig Greenwood, wing leaders, and members of new life as children of God. By water and the Holy Spirit we are made members of the body of council as they present Vision ARISE 2025 on Sept. 27, from 12-2 p.m. This is your chance to learn Christ. As we live with God and with God’s people, we grow in faith, love, and obedience to about the exciting direction Ascension is planning to go in the next 10 years, to ask questions, and the will of God. Do you present Eli Robert George Greger for the sacrament of Holy to give your input. Lunch will be provided. Our group will take the additional input and use it to Baptism? put the final touches on ARISE 2025. We will have one more listening session Oct. 25, before our Parents: We do. Annual Congregational Meeting in November, when we will ask you to bless this vision. Lunch will be provided. P: In Christian love, you have presented Eli for Holy Baptism. You should, therefore, faithfully PHOTO DIRECTORY: This is a directory for you. The directory helps us to get to know each other. bring him to worship, and teach him about God’s great love for him. As he grows in years, you Please stop by the table to update your contact information and get your picture taken. You can should place in his hands the Bible and provide for him instruction in the Christian faith, that, either make an appointment, or get your picture taken today. Online appointments available at walking this journey of faith, he may lead a life that reflects God’s love into the world until the http://tinyurl.com/AscensionSignUps. day that Jesus Christ comes again. Do you promise to do these things? C: We do. COUNCIL NOMINATIONS: We are preparing for the 2016-2017 Church Council here at Ascension. The Church Council oversees the vision and business of administrating the congregation. If you P: We give you thanks, O God, maker of all things. Your voice thundered over the waters of would be interested in serving on the Church Council or believe you know someone who would be creation. Through the waters of the flood you carried those in the ark to safety. Through the a good fit for a term on the Church Council, please fill out a nomination form and put it in the of- sea you led your people Israel from slavery to freedom. In the wilderness you nourished them fering plate. Council terms begin Feb. 1, 2016. Questions to Cynthia Carlson, with water from the rock, and you brought them across the river Jordan to the promised land. [email protected] Through the baptism of his death and resurrection, your Son Jesus has carried us to safety and freedom. He sends us to make disciples. Pour out your Holy Spirit; the power of your living Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life. C: Amen.

P: I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church, the faith in which we baptize. Do you renounce all the forces of evil, the devil, and all of his empty promises? C: We do.

P: Do you believe in God the Father? C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

PRAYERS: Prayer requests can be made by filling out a blue card in worship and placing it in the P: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? offering plate or by calling the church office. To engage the prayer chain, please contact Lin Woll- C: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was schlager at [email protected] or by phone at 262-547-8747. crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose Healing Care again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will † For Steve VanVoorhis with an infection † With Paula Duval, for God's protection come again to judge the living and the dead. † With the Poling family, for Bert recovering † With Paula Duval, for her extended family from a broken arm † For Carolyn Inglefield, safe travels to Ne- P: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? † With the Tenwinkel family, for Judy and vada C: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Beatrice undergoing cancer treatments. For Barb Kreft, safe travels to Canada † For Lexi Lytle, having reconstructive sur- † † With Elayne Nicholls for her grandson P: Eli Robert George, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy gery on Sept. 28 Scott Nicholls, enduring intense Navy Spirit. Amen. † For Bob Grady, beginning a rehab treat- training this week ment program P: Let us pray…God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we give you thanks for freeing your † For Drene Briski, hospitalized Thanksgiving sons and daughters from the power of sin and for raising them up to a new life through the gift † With Al and Lin Wollschlager, as they of baptism. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon Eli Robert George: the spirit of wisdom and Comfort celebrate 45th anniversary understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, † With Mike Scheffler, at the passing of a † With Justin and Nicki Lange as they cele- the spirit of joy in your presence. fellow teacher brate their 1st anniversary C: Amen. † For the ministry of Rhonda Kwiecien P: Eli Robert George, child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with Mission Outreach – Shirley Wehmeier, Wing Leader ([email protected]) the cross of Christ forever. Amen.

CROSS FOOD PANTRY: Don’t forget to bring an item for the Cross Food Pantry. Our donations P: Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father have gone down in recent months but the need stays the same throughout the year. in heaven. Brothers and sisters, will you welcome your new brother into the family of God.

Your prayers and gifts are needed now to help refugees in the Middle East and REFUGEE CRISIS: SHARING OF THE PEACE Europe through the ELCA's Lutheran Disaster Response. Donate online at http://www.elca.org/ disaster or make a check payable to Lutheran Disaster Response and send to: Evangelical Lutheran PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Church in America, ELCA Gift Processing Center, P. O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009 and write “Middle East and Europe Refugee Crisis" on the memo line. OFFERING 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) Myrin/Redman Handbell Choir ASCENSION & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Our 10th annual mission outreach with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity will be Saturday, Oct. 10. We will be doing interior painting. Car pool will leave church at 8:15 a.m. and work until 3 p.m. Please contact Ric Simon at [email protected] or 262-547-6990 to sign up. Anyone ages 16 and up are invited. Bring your friends. It’s truly a re- warding experience especially when you get to work side-by-side with future homeowners and hear their stories.

OFFERTORY KINGERGARTEN BIBLES: Please join us in celebrating our kindergartners who have completed their first stepping stone. Children receiving their first bible today in worship are: Lorelai Burie, No- lan Kasten, Khenna Khabeb, Elsa Kinunen, Linnea Kinunen, Mira Schaefer, and Max Stigler.

MINISTRY & MISSION SURVEY: Pick up your copy today of the new ministry and mission survey or fill-out the form online at http://tinyurl.com/Mission-MinistrySurvey. Please return completed form to the church office or fill it out online by Sept. 30.

Caring Relationships – Becky Klotz, Wing Leader ([email protected])

SMALL GROUP FALL CAMPAIGN: ENGAGING OUR LUTHERAN LENS: It's not too late to join Ascension’s 2015 Fall Campaign, which focuses on engaging scripture through a Lutheran lens. This program will culminate with a special worship service on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 25. Pastor Angela's open group will meet tonight 6 p.m. in the Hearth Room. For additional open meeting information, please contact Pastor Angela, [email protected]. MILITARY CARE PACKAGES: Military Ministry is collecting items for care packages to be shipped to military members. Items will be collected Sundays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, and Oct. 11. A list of items to be collected will be available at the table in the narthex. Care packages will be assembled on Tuesday, Oct.13. If you know of a military service person serving please contact Sheri with their mailing information. Questions, please contact Sheri Greger at 262-424-6219 at [email protected]. MONDAY NIGHT WITH ASCENSION MEN: Join us this Monday at 5:30 p.m., in 107 for our pre- game huddle. We will be discussing "Lutheran Buzzwords Regarding the Bible" along with a little Packer chatter and pizza on the side.

TGIT SMALL GROUP: Thank Goodness It's Tuesday (TGIT) small group, led by Jan Zastrow, will meet every week, starting Tuesday, Sept. 22-Oct. 27 for the fall small group campaign. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING SMALL GROUPS: Please let Shirley Wehmeier, [email protected] or 262-544-4093, know what service project your group will be doing this fall. We'd like to know how you're serving and being a part of God's Work, Our Hands. MEAL MINISTRY: Love to cook for others? We are looking for some volunteers to help with our meal ministry. Please contact Iva Richards at 262-542-5840 or [email protected] if inter- ested! SUPERMOMS GENERAL MEETING: Join Supermoms on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 8:30 a.m., at Star- bucks at East Moreland and Parklawn, Brookfield for our general meeting. You don't have to be a mom to be involved. Aunts, grandmas, sisters, nieces, and girlfriends are welcome! YOGA: Looking for an affordable way to stay in shape now that the cooler weather is approaching? Join our yoga class on Monday nights, 6-7 p.m. in East Hall, starting October 19! Only $12 for the entire 6-week program! Sign-up on the Care Ministries bulletin board.

PROPER PREFACE ANNOUNCEMENTS – Week of September 27 HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Our Mission Statement Inspired by Christ’s love, we share God’s life through Joyful Worship, Spiritual Growth, Caring Relationships, Mission Outreach

Joyful Worship – Amy James, Wing Leader ([email protected]) IF YOU ARE VISITING WITH US TODAY – WELCOME! We pray God’s blessing on your worship this day. Children’s bulletins and busy bags are available from the ushers. Visitor folders are availa- ble at the Welcome Center. Please introduce yourself to one of the pastors. CHILDREN ARE GOD’S GIFT TO THE WORLD: We encourage you to allow your children to stay in worship even if they seem loud to you. Should your child need a brief break from worship, please feel free to step out to the lobby and return when your child is ready. A staffed nursery is available for children ages two and younger. Please ask an usher to direct you. FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS (BLUE BOOK): Please remember to sign the pew pad and pass it to your neighbor every week. It helps us keep track of attendance and helps you meet new friends. LARGE PRINT BULLETINS: Large print bulletins are now available! If you are in need of one, please see the worship leader. ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES: Assisted listening devices are available for use during worship. WORDS OF INSTITUTION Please see an usher or worship leader to use one. LORD’S PRAYER BAPTIZED TODAY: At the 8:30 a.m. worship service is Eli Robert George Greger, son of Scott and Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done Sheri Greger. Eli's sponsor is Carol McClanathan. Please welcome Eli into God's family! on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as CHILDREN'S CHOIRS ARE UNDERWAY: Angel Choir meets from 5:15-5:45 p.m. on Thursdays, we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from and Joyful Sounds rehearses from 5:45-6:30 p.m. Interested singers may join at any time. evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Spiritual Growth DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION ADULT EDUCATION: We are exited to invite you to join us for Adult Education on Sunday morn- All those believing in the saving power of Jesus Christ through the gift of his life, death, and ings in between services, from 9:45-10:30. resurrection are welcome to receive communion at this table of grace. Here at Ascension we offer TODAY: Engaging Scripture - What Lutherans Say About the Bible with Pastor both bread and wine for holy communion. As the ushers dismiss each row, please come down the Angela aisle and walk to the station for communion where you will be handed bread. You may then drink Oct. 4: Engaging Scripture - Where the Bible Comes From with Pastor Angela from the common cup of red wine or pick up an individual cup of red wine or white grape juice Oct. 11: Engaging Scripture - Interpreting the Bible in Context with Pastor Angela from the server holding the tray. Gluten-free wafers are also available in the center aisle. Oct. 18: Ministry in the Meru Diocese of Tanzania with Pastor Lema Today – Prayer Station Available Oct. 25: "Here I Stand: Walking with Luther" with Pastor Angela On certain Sundays of the month, Ascension offers an attended prayer station where either one of Nov. 1: Introduction and Invitation to the Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life with the pastors or a trained assisting minister is available to offer private prayers for healing for yourself Steve and Carol Spieker or for someone that you may know and wish to lift up with prayers. You are invited to receive com- Nov. 8: The Book of Luke with Pastor Chris munion and then head to the prayer station, which is located to the left of the altar area near the Nov. 15: The Book of Luke with Pastor Chris Nov. 22: The Book of Luke with Pastor Chris stained glass door, to kneel or stand and receive the laying on of hands, prayers, and the sign of the Nov. 29: The Practice of Advent with Pastor Chris cross.

THIS WEEK AT ASCENSION LAMB OF GOD Sunday, September 27, 2015 Dear Friends, 8:30 a.m. Worship S It is with great joy that we welcome you to worship 9:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship 9:45 a.m. Children’s Ministry this day. If this is your first worship service with us— 9:45 a.m. Adult Education S we are glad that you are here. If you have found a 9:45 a.m. Puppets EH place to rest for a while—we give thanks to God for 9:45 a.m. Starting Point (office) the gift of your presence among us. If you call this 10:45 a.m. Worship S place your church and spiritual home—may God 12 p.m. Arise listening session EH continue to bless your ministry as you travel the road 12 p.m. Praise Band rehearsal S of faith with the rest of us. 6 p.m. CRASH EH/S

6 p.m. PA Lutheran Lens Grp HR If you do not have a church home in the area, we 6 p.m. AA Beginners Mtg WH invite you to prayerfully consider Ascension Lutheran 7 p.m. AA Closed Mtg WH Church as a place of worship, ministry, and mission. Monday, September 28, 2015 We invite you to call us with any questions you might 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Church office open (M-Th) have about our community of believers and the 9:45 a.m. Al-Anon promises of God in Jesus Christ we lift up for the 6:30 p.m. AMEN 107 world. We confess the Triune God, Father, Son, and 6:30 p.m. Knit Wits mtg WH Holy Spirit and believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord Tuesday, September 29, 2015 6:30 a.m. Early Bird Men’s Study 107 and Savior. It is our confession that the Gospel, the 9:30 a.m. Women's Bible Study HR Word of God, is the power of God for the salvation ANTHEM Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me, arr. K. Lee Scott Ascension Choir 9:30 a.m. TGIT Lutheran Lens 107 of all who believe.

5:30 p.m. Care Ministries dinner WH It is our pleasure to welcome you this day and we HYMN Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart ELW 800 6 p.m. DivorceCare 4 Kids 103 invite you to continue to visit with us as you search 6 p.m. GriefShare YR for a worshipping community to call home. It is God HYMN Come to Me, All Pilgrims Thirsty ELW 777 6 p.m. DivorceCare 107 who calls us to gather together in worship and fellow- 7 p.m. Holloway Grp 106 ship. We give thanks and praise to God for your BENEDICTION Wednesday, September 30, 2015 faithfulness and companionship on the journey of 8 a.m. Private Group PR faith. At God’s invitation and on behalf of the com- CLOSING HYMN Here I Am Lord (vs.1,3) ELW 574 12:30 p.m. Private Group N 12:30 p.m. Wed women’s group PR munity of Ascension, we welcome you. Peace be with

6 p.m. Handbells S you this day. SENDING 6 p.m. Private Group 106 P: Go in peace. Serve the Lord. 7 p.m. AA Wisdom WH/HR WORSHIP LEADERSHIP C: Thanks be to God! 7:30 p.m. Choir S Pastor Rev. Christian W. Marien Thursday, October 1, 2015 Pastor Rev. Angela T. Khabeb POSTLUDE Psalm 19, (The Heavens Declare), Benedetto Marcello 9:30 a.m. Al-Anon WH Acolytes Jon Karlson/Gabby Hayes 1 p.m. TGBG PR Altar Guild Glenn and Patty Teske 5:15 p.m. Angel Choir S Communion Asst. Todd Memmel 5:45 p.m. Joyful Sounds S Iva Richards/Bruce Dethmers 6:30 p.m. JOLT EH, WH, S Greeters Iva Richards and Tim Probst 6:30 p.m. Handbell workshop S 7 p.m. Care Ministries 106 Prayer Station Bonnie Thiesenhusen ELW Holy Communion Setting III Liturgy and LBW Holy Communion Setting I used by permission under 7 p.m. Ballantyne Sm. Grp 107 Service Musician Vicki Taylor Augsburg Fortress license # 45476. Friday, October 2, 2015 Reader Marie Renn 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Church office open Ushers Bill Klippel/Jim Hahn Saturday, October 3, 2015 Iva Richards/Phyllis Lane 2 p.m. Private Event EH WH Worship Leaders Phyllis Lane