“Exit the Desert, Enter the Promised Land”

   In Matthew 3:1-12, John preached to those who by faith were about to enter into the Promised Land of the Reign of Heaven, a time foreshadowed by the entry into the promised land of Israel at the time of Joshua.
 
   We have been baptized into that same Rule and Reign prophesied by the ancient prophets. It is not consummated yet, but it is inaugurated. We have one foot in the Kingdom that is only going to get better!

Read more...

“Paradise Restored!”

This Sunday brings the Church Year to a close. Our readings this week all remind us of our broken relationship with God. But despite the fact that we declared ourselves enemies of God through our sin and disobedience, our Old Testament reading declares us to be His “treasured possession!” Paul in Colossians 1:13–20 tells us, Christ became one of us to make peace with His broken Creation! And in our Gospel lesson, Jesus promises a return to a restored Paradise, even as He was suffering for us upon the cross.

Read more...

“A New Temple; A New Age”

Before God became man and walked the earth, the temple was the place where Heaven and Earth met. The Temple was where God dwelled. It was where people came to meet God. But when Jesus arrived on the scene, there became no need for the temple, for God was with us! In our Gospel lesson this week, Jesus foretells the destruction of the earthly temple because its purpose had been fulfilled. There was a New Temple now! People would no longer meet God in a building made with human hands, but in the very Person of Jesus Christ!
 
Pastor Michael

Read more...

“Salvation Belongs to Our God”

“Salvation Belongs to Our God!”
 
The book of Revelation makes some people uneasy, some confused, and some downright crazy! But while the book is certainly difficult in places to decipher with absolute certainty, its overall message is clear when read in light of the rest of Scripture. And the reading for this All Saints Sunday (Rev. 7:9-17),is a beautiful summary of the entire book! Here, Jesus reveals to His beloved disciple John that though pain, suffering, and tribulation should befall the earth, He has sealed His own and will dwell with us and shelter us from all harm! For, salvation belongs to our God!
 
Pastor Michael

Read more...

Fall Festival 2019

Sunday, October 27th, 2019
 
Come join us for Ascension’s Fall Festival following Sunday’s Reformation service and celebrate with fun and game, a costume contest, pumpkin carving, and free candy for everyone!
 
Festivities will begin after the service and around 1:00 p.m. Sunday
 
Hope you can join us!
 

Read more...

“Freedom Restored”

Sermon Teaser for 10/27/19
 
At the time of the Reformation, there was a dispute concerning whether or not mankind is free to choose God, or not. The church had gotten away from the clear teaching of Scripture, which informs us that “everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” However, Jesus also says, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” While all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Jesus has set us free by bringing us to new life in faith through the power of His Word. Faith has set us free to choose God. Our freedom has been restored! Pastor Michael

Read more...

“An Approachable God”

Luke 17:11-17 is a very familiar passage. It concerns the story of Jesus’ healing of ten lepers, only one of which came back to thank Jesus. While this is a typical text for consideration at countless Thanksgiving Day services around the country; its most important truth is not nearly so much that we should give thanks when good things are done for us, but rather that we might recognize by Jesus’ work just who Jesus is; and have the confidence, like the thankful leper, to approach Him without fear.
 

Read more...

Rally Day All-Church Picnic

Everyone was invited to our annual Rally Day picnic! At 12:45 Sunday September 8th.
 
Call the Church office to volunteer!
 
 
 

Read more...

Summer Concert!

We had a night of music and worship with Ascension’s Praise Team and band!

Read more...

2019 Vacation Bible School!

Children from pre-school age through seventh grade, along with dozens of volunteers, took over Ascension’s campus this past week for the annual Vacation Bible School. The theme, “Athens: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth,” gave the children an opportunity to learn more about the Apostle Paul’s sharing of the Gospel. The week was highlighted by the children getting a visit every day by St. Paul, singing songs along with a live VBS band, making crafts, having snacks featuring Greek food and playing games. 

Read more...