FROM THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR 
GEV On the Road - in Albert Lea - August 10-15th (see more information on page 4)
3RD GRADE BIBLE QUIZ:  What is the last word of the Bible?  And where is it found? Call Mary at 377-8579.
F.A.M.I.L.Y. - BOWLING:  We will be going bowling in May – probably Wednesday - May 21st  (arrangements still pending).  Everyone is invited – IT IS FREE – look for the sign-up sheet on the youth board – drivers are also needed, so please indicate if you can drive.  Any questions, please call Mary.
Baptism Recognition Celebration               
Ascension celebrates Baptismal Anniversaries for children through the 9th grade, usually on the fourth Sunday of each month.  In May this celebration will be on Sunday, May 25 at 9:00 am worship service.  Parents and children may come forward to the baptismal font for a short presentation.  Children celebrating Baptismal Anniversaries are: Lynzee Underdahl, Scot Kabrud, Sam Moyer, Isaiah O’Byrne, Grace Hutchins, Khira Hacker, MaKenzie Herr and Mason Armstrong.
AKALOO:  From 9-12th Grade – Get Involved in Your Church
This quiz will help you determine which areas of your church’s ministry might be good fits for you.  Churches need the work of many hands to be effective in their ministry of sharing Christ with their congregation and the world.
Question
#1  Of the options listed below, the occupation that most closely matches my future interests is:
          a. Social Worker    b. Teacher    c. Artist    d. Manager
#2.  I am known to be:
       a. Caring    b. welcoming         c. organized        d. creative
#3.  I am at my best when I:
       a. serve others                b. teach others
      c. entertain others            d. lead others           
#4.  If my church had an extra $1,000, I would want it to be used for:
      a. children’s programs        b. Bus tokens for those who are poor.
       c. the building and grounds        d. musical instruments.
#5  My favorite way to share my faith is:
       a. telling others about it        b. writing about it
       c. expressing it through art/music    d. letting others see it through my actions
AKALOO  - WEEKLY DEVOTION:  John 20:6-10  Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb.  He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.  The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.  Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside.  He saw and believed.  They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.  Then the disciples went back to their homes.  Reflect or Discuss:  What role did God’s Word play in the beginning of your faith?  What role does it play now?  Pray:  Lord, give me the courage to interact with your Word, with real life, and with the lives of people you’ve put in my path.  Amen.
 

Remember to fill out a form so that I can get you registered on Akaloo.org; then you can go on the web site yourself and check out all the quizzes, blogs, devotions and more….forms are located on the bulletin board outside the church office.

The Education Committee is in the process of constructing or reconstructing the FAMILY Program. We would like to involve all the children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. We will meet on Wednesday evenings, so reserve this time for Christian fun and fellowship.
The FAMILY Program will include Bible Study, choir, and supper. The emphasis is two-fold: preparation of Bible Stories and lessons for the coming Sunday and preparaion for choirs singing on scheduled Sundays. Cantate Choir usually sings once a month and the Alleuia Choir usally sings once in the fall and once in the spring. Included in the Bible study time will be crafts and games relating to the lessons.

Supper will be from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. The fee for the program, including materials and supper for FAMILY participants, will be $25.00 per student with a limit of $50.00 for families with two or more students. Parents and members of the congregation are welcome and encouraged to sign up in advance for the suppers for a $1.00 donation. Children under 5 eat free with parent's donation. We will again be asking each family to help in the kitchen with food preparation and clean-up. As in previous years, a potluck supper will be held the second Wednesday of each month.
We are planning to have 7th through 12th Grade Bible Study on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm. Following Bible Study, those young people singing in Epiphany Choir will be able to eat from 5:45 to 6:00 pm for a donation of $1.00 per meal. sign up is mandatory.
Epiphany Choir will meet from 6:00 to 6:55 pm. This choir is open to all students in 7th through 12th Grades. The choir sings an average of twice a month. Come and join the fun of singing and growing spiritually.
The Jubilate Choir will rehearse from 7:00 to 8:10 pm. We always welcome singers to the Choir. The Jubilate Choir sings an average of three Sundays Month, alternating between the 8:30 and the 10:45 am service. We have great fellowship, a fun time learning music, as well as a brief choir devotion each week. There will be a short fellowship time following rehearsals for those who wish to stay for a cup of coffee or juice.
YOUTH COMMITTEE MEMBERS are: Linda Everhard, Steve Flaa, Jody Hacker, Jill Ross, Sandy Thomschin
and any confirmed Youth.
 
 
    
Ascension Lutheran Church has a comprehensive education program for members from age three through adult. Each Sunday during the school year, Sunday School classes are held for all children from age three through ninth grade. All eighth and ninth grade students attend confirmation classes each Wednesday. Wednesday evening is also Family Night when children come to the church after school is dismissed. They learn about Jesus, participate in crafts, have supper, and attend choir practice.

Adult education classes are held on Sunday mornings between services. Many different topics are discussed during the year. On occasion, there are also classes during the week. These classes may be taught by Pastor Beckstrom, the Parish Nurse, or others with expertise in various fields such as living wills, weight loss etc. When sufficient interest is shown in a particular topic, a class can be arranged.

During the summer, Bible School is held for all of our young members and often for other children from the Albert Lea area. Each summer several of our young people attend Good Earth Village in Spring Valley, Minnesota. This provides an opportunity for our youngsters to grow and strengthen their faith in God. A wonderful time is had by all. This program is underwritten in part by the members of Ascension.

Education plays a very important roll in the lives of all the members of Ascension Lutheran Church. If you feel a desire to increase your commitment to God, perhaps you would consider teaching Sunday School or offering a class for the adult members of Ascension.

Updated 11/30/07