Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Star
January 2016
Pastor’s Ponderings
Ascension Evangelical
Lutheran Church
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us. (Psalm 90:17)
5106 Zion Avenue
This morning pictures of a political ad were
released and immediately they reminded me
of horrific war scenes as they were recorded
during World War II, the Vietnam War or
Desert Storm. These pictures are playing on
people’s deepest fears.
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: 619-582-2636
Fax: 619-582-2680
Email:
[email protected]
www.ascension-church.com
Come as you are...
All are Welcome Here!
Sunday Morning
Worship and
Sunday School at
9:15am
Staff
Rev. Karin Boye
Interim Pastor
Karen Miles
Office Administrator
Robert Plimpton
Music Director
Angela Howard
Children’s Center Director
Yes, we all live vulnerable lives in ever more complex and complicated times. Yet, an emphasis on hatred, fear, separation and disrespect
will only drive this world deeper into the darkness. God’s coming
into this world happened in a war-torn country during tough times,
and the message was: Do not be afraid; peace to all! Following this
radical and holistic call seriously means to take the leap of faith and
trust God’s word and God’s promises. Therefore, on Jan 18 we will
commemorate an approach to human life together in non-violent,
respectful and just ways – Jan 18 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Looking at myself I just know that God created all kinds of people.
And our differences will make our life together richer. Only united
we will be better. In order to unite with one another, we must love
one another; in order to love one another, we must know one another;
in order to know one another, we must go and meet one another.
So may your 2016 be filled with wonderful encounters, unexpected
blessings, holy times and pleasant surprises. To God be the glory.
Yours,
Pastor Karin
Vision Statement:
“Looking Up in Faith -- Reaching Out in Love”
Happy Birthday Jesus — Our Birthday Gift to Your Church
In November we asked you for a one-time Birthday Gift for
Ascension Lutheran Church. Because Ascension is 58 years
old/young your gift was supposed to be in multiples of 58 (i.e.
$0.58 to $5,800). The purpose was “to expand the congregation’s ministry in the months to come including preparations
for a new pastor.” Your response was terrific! Thank you,
thank you, thank you!
One of you contributed $5.80, 18 of you gave a gift of $58, 23 households or individuals gave $580,
and nine among you got creative beyond 58 multiples and contributed gifts between $5.58 and
$1,000. As of 12/27/15 all of your Birthday Gifts totaled $16,139.08 plus Libby Jamerson’s first
leadership gift of $5,800. This is wonderful!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Your pastor is wondering though.… 30 individuals/households gave a one-time Birthday Gift (some
of the households had two or even three givers!). If the counter sheets record 98 giving numbers of
which 8 can be attached to a common household (children) and 8 made no contribution at all during
2015, then roughly 75% of potential contributors did not take part in expanding the congregation’s
ministry and preparing for a new pastor. Your pastor sees various excuses: a) Nobody approached
you, you forgot, you weren’t told how exactly the money will be spent, you talked to someone who
didn’t give a gift either, you regard the Birthday-Gift-initiative as silly, you think there are more important issues in the church than money…. b) You only give when you are present, and over the
course of the last 7 weeks you were not able to come. c) You go by what you know about Ascension, and that is that at the end of the day all will work out somehow like it always does. d) You
don’t care about giving for any stewardship campaigns, especially if you don’t even know who Ascension’s next pastor will be. All these approaches (and most likely others not listed) are putting Ascension Lutheran Church in a volatile spot!
Please review your participation, your commitment, your stewardship practice — Stewardship is
NOT about squeezing money out of church people. Stewardship is about the responsibility Christians have for the gifts that God has bestowed on them. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline in response to God’s grace.
Happy Birthday, Jesus! In 2016 we will bring our gifts like the Wise Men and we will spread your
message like the shepherds.
PK
JUST FOR FUN
Three of our staff were born on days close to Christmas that have deep theological significance.
Can you guess who was born on:
December 21: the darkest day of the year (light shining in darkness)
December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents (who is most innocent among us?)
January 6: Feast of the Epiphany (brings light to all the world)
Are YOU in the picture?
In each congregation there are always a few who are the biggest
contributors and the financial locomotive, moving the congregation’s
train. At Ascension Lutheran Church six individuals/households are
it! They are giving 41.4% of all offerings!
As Ascension continues to face transition and interim challenges, my
guess is that the congregation will start to look more like the church
Jesus started. And that is great! People in the early church were all
in. They worked together, shared everything they had, and met wherever they could. This I see to be
the future of Ascension Lutheran. The church of the future will look more like the church of the past
as it becomes less institutionalized. To be clear, the future of the church will be less about membership, insider groups, and service to those who belong, but far more about the needs of neighbors,
strangers and the world.
How can we transition the church of today into the church of tomorrow? It starts with each of us.
We have the opportunity to decide how we will partake and contribute.
When I look at research and reports that point to the decline of the church, I think what they reveal is
simply that the church as we know it today will need to be renewed. And that will be a good thing if
we allow God to birth a new creation through us.….but it will take US to get into the picture.
PK
2016 COUNCIL UPDATE
Let me start by saying a huge thank you to the 2015 Council headed by Kit Mickelson. They all did an
excellent job of leading us smoothly through 2015. Last year we filled two out of three of our staff
openings with incredibly talented people who have, also, helped smooth out the transitional year.
And, they are a reminder that all blessings come in God’s time, not ours.
So, with the new year, we have a new Council to tackle whatever this year offers. Some of the goals
we are looking forward to are finding and calling a wonderful pastor, developing our mission statement so that we are relevant to this place at this time, and xeriscaping the front area. These are all
achievable with the help, support and prayers from everyone at Ascension. I am very excited to see
where this new year takes us.
Here is the new Council line-up. If you would like to get involved in any committee or have questions about what is going on in any area of our church, please contact the respective Chairperson.
President—Emily Hart
Vice President—John Freistedt
Secretary-Treasurer—Don Rutherford
Christian Education/Youth—Kerri Matheson
Property and Grounds—Tom King & Bob Murphy
Stewardship—Carol Rutherford
Worship and Music—Sally Costa
Children’s Center Liaison—Pastor Karin
Outreach—TBA
Congregational Life—TBA
Let’s make 2016 an incredible year!
- Emily Hart
LUTHER COLLEGE NORDIC CHOIR IN CONCERT
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 7:00PM
One of the country’s premier collegiate choral ensembles, the Luther College Nordic Choir, will present a concert on Sunday, January 24 at 7:00
p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley. Tickets are $15
in advance and $20 at the door, with students through age 25 free. Tickets
may be purchased at the First Methodist Church office or through the
church’s website: FirstChurchSD.com.
The program will include selections from “Serenity “ by Ola Gjeilo,
“Wake, Awake” by F. Melius Christiansen, and “Only in Sleep” by Erik
Esenvald, as well as hymn arrangements, spirituals, and the traditional
Nordic Choir closing piece, “O Lord God” by Pael Chexnokov. Founded
in 1946, the Nordic Choir enjoys national and international acclaim and is
directed by Dr. Allen Hightower III, director of choral activities at Luther
College since 2010. It is Luther College’s flagship choir in a choral program that comprises more
than 500 singers in six ensembles. They have performed in major concert venues throughout the US
and in numerous tours abroad.
We urge members and friends of Ascension to attend this outstanding concert from one of our major
Lutheran colleges. To make this possible Bob Plimpton has cancelled the preview of his Salt Lake
City recital previously planned for 4 PM that afternoon.
If any of you would enjoy providing overnight housing for the students, contact Demmie Divine at
the First Methodist Church office: 619-297-4366, ext. 108, or email [email protected].
SING IN THE CHOIR
With the new year we begin a fresh “semester” for the choir.
Hopefully some of you are catching the spirit of joy by singing
God’s praises and ministering through our worship services. Please
speak to Bob Plimpton and be part of this vital ministry.
CONGREGATION MEETING,
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH
FOLLOWING WORSHIP
This will be our Regular Annual Meeting of the
Congregation. The agenda includes the 2015
Annual Reports which detail the work of each
Ministry and our year-end financial reports for the
Church and the Children’s Center. All confirmed
members are encouraged to attend.
LBCM says thank you for the toys and
socks for the children of Tijuana. The
generosity of our congregation is very
much appreciated.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS
What do you know about the Faith you profess? We are now studying the BASICS OF CHRISTIAN
THEOLOGY from St. Paul's famous letter to the Romans. Where did most of teachings of our Church
come from? Why was Romans so important? Each Sunday we explore the chapters of Paul's writings
and discuss the meaning and affect of these teachings. If someone were to challenge your beliefs,
how would answer? Just as in Paul's we are faced with increasing challenges to our faith. Be ready to
stand up for Christ! Join the Adult Bible Class each Sunday in the Library after worship.
JOY GROUP EVENT
A Theater Night for JOY GROUP members is being planned. The LAMPLIGHTERS THEATER is
presenting "Send Me No Flowers" a comedy about life, death and mistakes from January 15February 14. This hilarious play has entertained the young and old. Several dates are available, but I
have selected three promising dates January 23rd, February 5th or 12th. I will schedule the most popular date. Please contact Bob Freistedt by e-mail: [email protected], phone: 619-466-5742 or in person after church no later than January 15th. Cost is $20 for adult, $17 for Seniors. It should be a great
night of fun!
ASCENSION MEN'S GROUP
Calling All Men! October 2007 saw the beginning of a new ministry at
Ascension, the Ascension Men's Group. It has been an important part of
life of our congregation for over eight years. Surviving the loss of our
pastor, Ray Gerding and others have stepped up to continue this vital fellowship. We start our ninth year with breakfast at 7 AM on January 30th.
Our host is Bob Murphy. The consistent guide to our discussions and
spiritual growth is the Master Builders Bible. Let make this a banner
year by reaching out to other men-"each one, bring one!" Bring your
friends and neighbors (they do not have be members of Ascension). Be a
Christ Builder!
The Rev. Dr. Ted Grosser
Child of God, died Sunday, December 13th, at the age of 77.
The family of Ted includes wife Janet,
5 children – Paul, Julie, Peter, Philip & Elizabeth,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 16th, at 4:00pm,
with reception following.
Rest eternal grant Ted, O Lord;
and let light perpetual shine upon him!
Christmas 2015 at Ascension
Fiesta Navidad Concert
Our Latvian Lutheran Friends
Christmas Eve Children’s Service
Ascension Lutheran Church
Income & Expense Summary Recap
November 2015
Nov Actual
Income:
Offerings
Capital Campaign
Children's Center
Other Income
Seasonal Offerings
Total Income
Expense:
Payroll & Emp Benefits
Administrative Costs
Outreach, Christian Ed
and Stewardship
Worship & Music
Property Maintenance
Mortgage & Insurance
Utilities
Benevolences
Total Expense
Net Income (Loss)
Nov
Budget
YTD Actual
YTD
Budget
YTD Actual vs
Annual
Budget
13,171
1,485
1,500
892
331
17,379
16,458
1,000
1,500
1,883
1,000
21,842
147,451
8,192
16,500
15,383
2,706
190,232
167,122 (19,671)
11,000 (2,808)
16,500
0
16,867 (1,484)
3,200
(494)
214,688 (24,457)
185,580
12,000
18,000
17,800
4,200
237,580
10,923
1,312
11,868
1,513
114,066
11,552
131,238 (17,172)
11,865
(313)
143,206
12,550
112
145
1,393
3,790
1,320
1,500
20,496
1,007
350
1,900
3,227
1,142
1,521
22,527
787
1,246
17,816
16,470
16,114
16,530
194,580
1,858 (1,072)
2,600 (1,354)
17,890
(74)
18,763 (2,293)
17,458 (1,344)
16,729
(199)
218,401 (23,821)
1,900
2,650
19,600
20,500
19,000
18,250
237,656
(3,118)
(685)
(4,349)
(3,713)
(636)
(76)
ALCC checking account balance is $10,483.08.
ALCC paid $1,500 in shared expenses for November.
ALCC made the final payment of $3,000 on 2014 shared expenses, total owed is now ZERO.
ALCC net income forNovember is $922.71, YTD net income is $19,726.61.
Church checking account balance is $29,929.81.
Additional $1,485 was paid on the Acct. 200, Mortgage principal (total due $11,870.92).
Scanfest generated $8,572 in income, ($571.60 moved to Other Income #33 in Nov).
Craft Fair generated $1,579 in income, amount in Dedicated acct. #140, needs to be moved).
Birthday gifts total $7,292 as of 11/30/15, ($1,376 more rec'd 12/6/15).
Current amount in Memorial categories is $9,922.63.
Also there is $100 in honor of Bob Freistedt and $250 in honor of Kit Mickelson in acct# 906.
The excess donations for the new water heater, $352.11 are in acct# 906.
JANUARY BIRTHDAY’S
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
1/2
1/3
1/6
1/7
1/8
1/12
1/18
1/19
1/24
1/27
1/31
1/12
Heather King
Michiko Schamber
Carter Provins
Richard Benjamin
Eddie Costa
Bobbie Stoneberg
Yvette Stark
Cooper Provins
Sally Costa
Jack Marotte
Bob Murphy
If your birthday or anniversary does not
appear, please call the office. We wish to
include everyone.
CHURCH COUNCIL
Council President
Emily Hart………………….(619) 583-4663
Vice President
John Freistedt………………(619) 729-8447
Treasurer
Don Rutherford………….....(619) 501-4387
Christian Education/Youth
Kerri Matheson…….……….(619) 300-9472
Property & Grounds
Tom King…………….……...(619) 828-0320
Stewardship
Carol Rutherford .……….....(619) 501-4387
Worship & Music
Sally Costa………..……….....(619) 697-3337
Recording Secretary
Chris Stoneberg………….….(619) 469-9508
OPENINGS
Congregational Life
Outreach
Ellen & Paul Buchy 68 Years
TRANSITION TEAM
Emily Hart…………………...(619) 583-4663
Ron Mahoney………………...(619) 583-9676
Kathy Powell…………………(619) 583-6689
Dale Sorenson………………...(619) 286-9958
CALL COMMITTEE
Sally Costa…………………...(619) 697-3337
Jennifer Enright……………..(619) 670-9376
Emily Hart…………………...(619) 583-4663
Kerri Matheson……………...(619) 300-9472
Bill Nemec….………………...(619) 823-7750
Doug Provins (Chair)………..(619) 818-2427
Chris Stoneberg……………...(619) 469-9508