This is a subtitle for your new post Join us on Sunday, June 9 following worship for our church picnic. You can expect delicious food, family games and activities, and fun with your church family. The picnic will be outdoors, weather permitting. No need to sign up. Simply bring yourself and a lawn chair (if you'd like). Everything else will be provided. Come picnic with us ..read more

Come, Holy Spirt! We will meet as Jesus' disciples met on the first Pentecost millennia ago. Eye witness accounts of the giving of the Holy Spirit reported that the believers were amazed and astonished. Wouldn't we be? If "divided tongues as of fire" rested on our heads and our mouths were filled with languages we did not know, we might be amazed and astonished, as well. Ascension celebrates Pentecost with a red-dressed sanctuary, majestic music, and multi-language readings. This year we will celebrate both Affirmation of Baptism and First Communion for a number of our children and teens. P ..read more

Join Rabia Brooke as she performs Debussy, Brahams, Milstein, and Zupko with pianist Clare Longendyke Violinist Rabia Brooke with pianist Clare Longendyke will perform works including a world premiere of Mischa Zupko's "Rest". Join us for an hour of mesmerizing music and stay for snacks and a chance to meet the artists ..read more

The Holiest of Weeks The Holiest of Weeks Passion Sunday, March 24 Palm Procession/Reading of Jesus' Passion According to Mark 10 a.m. at Ascension Passion Sunday Cantata: "Seven Last Words," MJ Trotta 4:30 p.m. at Ascension The combined choirs of Lutheran Church of the Ascension and St. James the Less Episcopal Church reprise the performance of this moving Holy Week cantata. Maundy Thursday, March 28 We offer Laying on of Hands for Forgiveness, the Lord's Supper, and Stripping of the Altar 7:00 p.m. at Ascension Good Friday, March 29 We observe Good Friday in scripture, song and silence ..read more

A Challenge for Lent Lent Challenge: Seeking Justice for Those Who Have No Home Habitat for Humanity  Kickoff: February 11, 2024 As part of our year-long Vitality Initiative, "Seeking Justice," during Lent we will partner with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit whose mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. The Lent Challenge will include vitality talks about Habitat, a children's home-building activity, All-Ascension Reads, and the Lent Tree. The Lent Tree will be festooned with ornaments inviting financial contributions to specific Habitat needs, an ..read more

A Community Gathered Around Ashes In preparation for Ash Wednesday, our Godly Play children will burn last year's Passion Sunday palms for this year's Ash Wednesday ashes. The palm burning will take place during Godly Play and Godly Play+ on Sunday, February 11. Ashes to Go We will offer Ashes to Go at both Northfield Community Church (7:45-9:15 a.m.) and St. James the Less Episcopal Church (3:00-4:00 p.m.). You need not leave your car--simply drive up to the servers, and they will impose ashes on your forehead and offer an Ash Wednesday blessing. Ash Wednesday Midday Liturgy, 12:00 p.m. W ..read more

Featuring Stephen Burns and performing a piece by OTMB Artistic Director Mischa Zupko! Originally scheduled last year, and postponed due to the lingering pandemic, the talented Fulcrum Point Brass returns to our intimate stage at last, and it will be worth the wait! Featuring Stephen Burns and Rebecca Oliviero on trumpet, Momoko Hasselbring Seko on french horn, Robyn Smith on trombone, and Kevin Harrison on tuba. The program includes Eric Ewazen's "Colchester Fantasty", "Brass Quintet #1" by Jorge Amado, and the premiere of "Brass Knuckles", composer by OTMB Music Director Mischa Zupko ..read more

Scout Sunday--February 4 Calling All Scouts With congregations across the country, Ascension will mark Scout Sunday on Sunday, February 4. We invite all scouts, past and present to join us for worship, wearing uniforms if possible. We will include the ministry of scouting in our prayers, and ask Scouts to lead us in their respective pledges ..read more

Holiday Cookie Walk Coming Soon! Stop by fellowship hall and purchase an empty cookie box for $10, then visit each cookie station where the Godly Play Cookie Elves will fill up your box with tasty delights. There are only 60 cookie boxes available--don't miss your chance to snag one! You can reserve your box today by contacting the church office. Stay after the cookie walk to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, and sweet treat as we sing our favorite Christmas carols around the piano. The Godly Play+ children will also be selling their hand-crafted Christmas ornaments. All proceeds benefit ..read more

This is a subtitle for your new post Ascension’s Advent Challenge: ELCA Good Gifts ELCA’s Good Gifts Program is part of ELCA World Hunger, which supports churchwide ministries in 88 countries around the world. Good Gifts include God’s Global Barnyard along with other initiatives, including access to safe water, opportunities for women and children, agriculture programs, global health care, and international emergencies.  We invite your participation in this Advent Challenge in one or more of the following ways. • Plan to honor family or friends with a Christmas donation/gift in their ..read more