FROM THE PASTOR'S STUDY......May, 2008

From Your Pastor . . .
Although it’s a major Christian festival day, The Ascension of Our Lord usually passes without much notice.  Always on day 40 of the joyful 50-day season of resurrection, Ascension occurs on Thursday, a day when most of us do not think about church and/or our life in Christ.
My own interest in Ascension (May 1 this year) goes far beyond its status as the name day of this particular congregation.  I believe Ascension gives every Christian an opportunity for deep and abiding confidence in the power of Christ’s presence.   
Here’s the essential challenge of the day:  many Christians, if they think about Ascension at all, imagine it only as an event of Jesus leaving us to go up into heaven.  This sadly emphasizes the absence of Jesus instead of his new and improved presence.
Scripture, creeds, hymns and prayers proclaim Ascension instead as Jesus’ coronation, enthronement, and continuing intensified advocacy for his dear ones.  You, for example.
The most important truth of Ascension is that Jesus is forever installed as the Father’s ‘right hand man.’  What that means for every follower of Jesus is that you now have ‘a friend in high places.’
Imagine a close friend with whom you have shared good times and bad.  You trust your friend completely and enjoy your time together.  Now imagine that your friend is elected to higher office (think President, Prime Minister, or Ruler of the Known Universe).  It’s certainly possible that with the crush of new responsibilities, your friend could seem to have less and less time for you. 
On the other hand, what if your friend were the kind of person who loves you so much, who enjoys you so thoroughly, that he or she still makes time for you, still takes your calls and still talks with you all the time?

What a friend we have in Jesus!

– Pastor Mark Boorsma
mboorsma@smig.net
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.
Mutual Ministry
What is God calling Ascension to do and be in Albert Lea?  How is Ascension doing with that call?  How can you help respond to God’s call at church and in your daily life?  Mutual Ministry Team can help you answer those questions.
Mutual ministry has been a buzzword in congregations lately, yet many people don’t know what mutual ministry is or its purpose.  Mutual ministry is a way for a church to honor what is going well and explore what might be done better.  Ministry is never the “job” of the pastor alone but is the work of God’s people.  A Mutual Ministry Team can help the entire congregation move forward in God’s mission.
Rather than a negative focus on what isn’t going right, Mutual Ministry helps congregations and staff focus on what’s working, while resolving challenges that surface. A Mutual Ministry Team might meet monthly, quarterly or as needed.  Members of the Mutual Ministry Team could serve terms of two years or five or somewhere in between. The primary purpose of the team remains the same: to affirm and strengthen the congregation’s mission and the staff’s role in that same mission.
Ascension hopes to form a Mutual Ministry Team by summer.  Because this conversation naturally extends the work you entrusted to the Call Committee, they will be the first to be approached about joining this team.  But if you are interested in being a part of this new venture, please let a council member know.
WELCA News
Circle Meeting Times:   
    Thursday, May 8:    6:30 pm  Bible Study Leaders
    Friday, May 9:    12:30 pm  Hannah at Mary Wayne’s, Denise Sandager, leader
    Tuesday, May 13:     7:30 am  Esther at Trumble’s       
                  9:30 am  Naomi at Sharon Anderson’s, Joyce Ross, leader
                  1:30 pm  Mary at Doris Volkman’s, Alice Jensen, leader
                  7:30 pm  Miriam at Doris Guenthner’s, Jan Jerdee, leader

The WELCA Executive Committee met Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm.  Present were Sharon Anderson, Marilyn Danielsen, Alice Jensen, Susie O’Sell, Janet Scherb, Elaine Struck and Cheryl Venem.
President Janet Scherb opened the meeting with devotions.  The secretary’s report was read and approved.  The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $2,582.26.  The report will be placed on file.
Sharon Anderson gave an update on upcoming Church Women United events as follows: Friday, May 2 is May Fellowship Day.  Host church is Salem Lutheran.  The day begins with coffee hour at 9:15 am followed by the program.  “Least Coin” offerings will be collected.  The coins need not be counted.
Thursday, May 15 is the Scholarship luncheon at First Lutheran with Ascension as co-hosts. Two $500.00 scholarships will be awarded from these funds.  Anyone in Freeborn County may apply.
A suggestion was made to formally thank Cherrie and Darrin Schiltz for the wonderful job of resealing the floors in Carlsen Hall and the kitchen and for all the other custodial duties.
President Janet Scherb has contacted Mary Wayne regarding the quartet to present the program for Guest Night on August 19th.
Alice Jensen gave details on displays for Outreach Sunday which will be April 27th.
Plastic pitchers to replace the glass ones will be purchased.  It was noted the that the bottoms should be checked to be sure they are smooth to avoid scratches on the tables.
Susie O’Sell and Sharon Anderson will check on availability and price of round tablecloths.
The meeting closed with praying the Lord’s Prayer.                                    
Respectfully submitted, Alice Jensen, Secretary Pro-Tem
Preparedness Pointer:  Tornado season is generally from March through August, with most tornados occurring in the afternoon or evening hours.  In the event of a tornado, go to an interior, windowless room, basement or cellar, or to the lowest level of your home. If there is no basement, seek shelter in an inner hallway or small windowless room, such as a bathroom or closet.  Do not doubt the siren.
FOOD SHELF EMPHASIS
Ascension invites you to bring items for the Salvation Army Food Shelf to church on the first Sunday of the month.  Items are welcome any day of the month, but the special emphasis is the first Sunday.  March collection totaled 100.5 pounds.  Thank you to Lowell Jerdee for making the delivery.  Thank you for your generous support!
Christmas Caroling
The Worship & Music committee is looking for assistance in selecting materials for next Christmas.  If you have any suggestions or selections, please contact Lynn Hestness at 377-3749 or email Lynn at lahestness@yahoo.com.
Confirmands
The Ascension Confirmation students will be confirmed on Sunday, May 4 during the 10:45 am worship service. They include: Joey Daniels, Mollie Hernandez, Samantha Hutchins, Brian Olson and Brittany Schreiber.
Open House Celebration
Everyone is welcome to an Open House Graduation Celebration for David Everhard on Sunday, May 25th from 4-7 pm at his home: 414 Lynwood Drive, Albert Lea. 
One Worship Service
Starting Sunday, May 18 there will be only one worship service – on Sunday morning at 9:00 am.
NEW WELCA OFFICERS FOR 2008
President:   Janet Scherb
Vice President:   Iris Tarvestad
Secretary:   Caroline Sorenson
Treasurer:   Cheryl Venem
Mission in Growth:   Marilyn Danielsen
Mission in Action:   Alice Jensen
Mission in Community:    Susie O’Sell
Prayer Coordinator:   Elaine Struck
Special Music
 If you are willing to share your musical talents to provide special music at worship services, please contact the church office.           
**Notice **
If there is someone who is not getting the Lutheran Woman Today magazine and would like to, please call Marilyn Danielsen (373-0518), or call direct 1-800-328-4648.  The website is www.lutheranwomantoday.org
Thank you!
Thank you to Thrivent for providing $800 in matching funds for the Aebleskiver Dinner. Dinner proceeds made possible the purchase of three new kitchen stoves.
Thank you to all who helped with the Easter Breakfast:  everyone who set up on Saturday, Doug Herr for donating and making the eggs and ham, and all who helped on Sunday in the kitchen, bussing tables and cleaning up. This was possible only with all your help.                                                                                 – Lynda Everhard and Mary Schallock 
Hey Youth...looking for something different to do? Come check out Youth Night on Sundays, May 4th & May 18th from 6-8 pm.
The Youth Night is looking for people who will donate or serve snacks to our youth on either of these nights. If able, please contact Steve Flaa or Denise Sandager.  Also, looking for a gently used 21-inch or larger TV.  Contact Kim Underdahl or Steve Flaa.
The Church Women United will hold a Friendship Day – 9:15 am on Friday, May 2nd at Salem Lutheran.  All circles should bring their least coins.  Least coins can also be turned in, either to Sharon Anderson or Janet Scherb.
Come enjoy a salad luncheon at First Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 15 anytime from 11 am. to 1 pm.  Everyone is welcome, both men and women.  Cost is $6.00 per person.  This lunch – sponsored by Church Women United – will raise funds for two scholarships to be given to 2008 graduating seniors in Freeborn County and is hosted by Ascension and First Lutheran.  Tickets will be available on Sunday, May 4th and Sunday May 11th between worship services.
Help find the ‘lost’ sheep!  Ascension has a list of parishioners for whom we have no current address.  Many of these are relatives and friends of current members.  Check out the lists on the bulletin board between the two bathrooms.  Please take a few minutes to review these lists, and see if you can help by providing current addresses.  Thank you!
Choir Rehearsal
The Ascension Choir will be singing Sunday, May 4 on Confirmation Sunday. In preparation for this special day there will be rehearsal both Sunday, April 13 and April 27 at 9:45 am. All voices are welcome. Any questions please call Bonnie Jensen at 373-1934.
Donations for Military Personnel
We have two Military Personnel, who have been deployed to the Middle East, with family ties to Ascension Lutheran church:
    Lisa Guiza, the daughter of Gordy & Beth Miller
    David Enser, husband of Keli Helgerson Enser
In an effort to show our support and concern for them, WELCA will be sending a care package to Lisa and David approximately every four to six weeks. I have posted a list of items meeded on the bulletin board. If you know of other items that are needed, please feel free to add them to the list. Your donated items can be placed in the collection box. Monetary donations are also needed to help defray shipping expenses. Thank you for your support. WELCA has done this in the past and it has been greatly appreciated by our Military Personnel and their families. 
- Susie O’Sell, Mission in Community   
If you would like to send a personal message to them, their addresses are as follows:
Lisa Guiza                         SGT David Enser
ISC Guiza Lisa                  TF Bayonet Dco 2/135 2nd plt
MNSTC-I/DoIA                Camp Bondsteel/KFOR9
APO,AE009348                 APO<AE 09340
Attention, Quilters:
Help Assemble Quilts
Quilts for Lutheran World Relief will be assembled on Thursday, May 8th at 1:00 pm.  Mark your calendar and stop in to give a helping hand.
        -Alice Jensen, Mission in Action
GEV On the Road – August 10-14
GEV On the Road is a 5-day program for children who have completed Kindergarten through 4th grade.  It brings the fun of camp to the camper and provides a fun, Christ-centered week filled with games, worship, crafts, Bible study, singing and more!
Exact locations in Albert Lea are still being finalized.  Specific information and details will be sent to campers once they have registered for th program.  The cost will be paid for by the Education Committee, which includes all programming and one daily snack.  Campers need to bring a sack lunch each day.  Sunday:  2-hour introduction including worship for families, registration and games.  Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with closing program and worship on Thursday afternoon. ATTENTION PARENTS: Although the camp is FREE - you need to register on line with goodearthvillage.org. You will register with your credit card - put in our church - Gretchen will be watching for our kids and charge it to our church. However, there is a $20 non-refundable deposit. Call Mary with any questions - 377-8579.
Empty Container Donations
Thanks for bringing used medical items, candles, ice cream pails, medications and pill bottles for the ongoing collection.  A recent update informs that they now only want the empty prescription bottles.  That means no more collection of used vitamin, aspirin, etc. The “see-through” amber bottles are the type needed in mission work.  If you have any questions, call Jane Samuelson.         
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES - Minutes pending approval at next months council meeting
Ascension Committees and Church Council met on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 6:30 and 7:00 pm.  Worship and Music Committee met on Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm. Council members present included Butch Nolan, Steve Flaa, Paul Ehlers, Phil Kohl, Kim Flaa, Denise Sandager, Carol Rask, Cindy Jensen, Lola Evans, Doris Guenthner, Stan Jensen, Sandy Tomschin, plus Pastor Mark Boorsma and Barb Zeller.  Nordean Krueger, Sharon Miller, Jerry Hickman and Caroline Sorenson were absent.
Education:  Confirmation cards and plaques for confirmands are ready for May 4. Baptism gifts are done for April.  Mary will purchase Cup of Faith gift certificates for teacher appreciation.  GEV at Edgewater for K-4th grade only on August 10-15.  $60 being paid by Education Committee.  OK with F.A.M.I.L.Y. changing names; suggested letting kids help pick a new name. 
Youth:  Set Youth Nights as May 4, May 18 and June 1.  YSLI – talked with Pastor Meg Sander about this youth leadership program.  Want nomination by June 1.  Denise will contact confirmation kids to seek nomination.  Cost to participate is $350 from church, $250 from student.  National Youth Gathering – New Orleans, July 22–26, 2009.  Kim Flaa would go with.  Will plan fundraisers and travel details this summer.  Valley Fair Trip on July 23.  Cost is $20.  Go with other area ELCA churches.
Membership: Still working to update current addresses for all members.  Announcements will added to the newsletter and bulletin.  Need to get an invitation mock-up from Barb. Continue to work on the idea for a cover photo.  Paul will remain as chair, Shannon as secretary. 
Stewardship: Carol shared about Synod Assembly, especially stewardship ideas.  We will keep the “Empty Bowl” idea for next year.  Stewardship committee recommends the 2008 Lenten offering be evenly split between Ecumenical Food Pantry and God’s Global Barnyard (World Hunger).  Unless business is needed, the committee will not meet in May, June and possibly July. 
Property & Grounds: A new piano bench in the fireside room will cost $260.00.  Recommended this be paid from the memorial fund.  Still working on ongoing boiler repairs.  Recommend that trees and peace garden not be put in until there is also a maintenance program planned.  Property clean-up day is planned for some evening next week.  A lawn vacuum has been offered.  Need pickup trucks and people to help. 
Worship & Music recommended to order bookplate labels for new hymnals.  As of 4/15/08, contributions are in hand for 235, plus the matching 40 hymnals, for a total of 275.  Thanks to Bonnie Jensen for volunteering to direct the choir through May 4, 2008.  Bonnie talked to the group about future plans for the choir.  We recommend the Personnel Committee meet with Bonnie about a paid choir director position.                                               
Ascension Day is Thursday, May 1.  Tabled the topic of tree planting for this Arbor Day until further information can be gathered.  Motion was made to order sub sandwiches from Subway.  Meal is planned for 6:00 pm with worship to follow at 6:30 pm.  Next meeting is on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Council Minutes – April 21   Secretary’s report was approved with the addition of last month’s approval of the organ maintenance contract.  Phil Kohl/Cindy Jensen; carried. Treasurer’s report was approved.  Carol Rask/Paul Kohl; carried.  Committee reports were presented.  Voted to purchase a CD recording machine for the worship services, to be paid from the memorial fund.  Paul Ehlers/Carol Rask; carried.  Voted to purchase a piano bench for the fireside room, to be paid out of the memorial fund.  Butch Nolan/Paul Kohl; carried.  Voted to evenly divide the Lenten offering between Ecumenical Food Pantry and God’s Global Barnyard – World Hunger.  Carol Rask/Kim Flaa; carried. 
Old Business: Tabled Youth Protection discussion.  Gary Lamson is donating a Peace Pole to Ascension for Ascension Day. 
New Business:  Clark Cary and David Beckstrom were in attendance at Synod Assembly and both were given a copy of the new photo directory.  Emphasis of the assembly was on Hunger.  A printed assembly report was distributed.  The office computer printer wore out.  A new laser printer was purchased to replace it.  Council members had been contacted prior to purchase.  Council agreed to pay for the printer and to reimburse Barb.  Total price was $670.89 less the $250 rebate, for a cost of $420.89. Phil Ehlers/Cindy Jensen; carried.  Agenda for May meeting will include discussion of Mutual Ministry Committee by Mary Boorsma and Steve Flaa.  New committee assignments:  Education – Kim Flaa, Lola Evans;  Membership – Paul Ehlers, Denise Sandager;  Property & Grounds – Butch Nolan, Stan Jensen;  Stewardship – Jerry Hickman, Carol Rask;  Worship & Music – Phil Kohl, Doris Guenthner;  Youth – Sandy Tomschin, Caroline Sorenson.  Pastor’s Report:  Four 5th graders were instructed and received First Communion on Maundy Thursday.  Asked and received Council permission for the Gideons to make a brief presentation on Sunday, April 27.  Clarence Anderson’s funeral was April 15.  Recommended approval of five ninth grade students for confirmed membership.  Paul Ehlers/Lola Evans; carried. Plan continuing education May 19-23 (Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis).  Pastor will be gone Sunday, May 11.  Pastor Ken Jensen will provide pulpit supply.  Recommends receiving three people into membership:  Marian Jones, Pastor Kenneth and Bonnie Jensen.  Carol Rask seconded; carried.  The next committee/council meetings will be held on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 6:30 and 7:30 pm respectively, with the exception of Worship and Music, to be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm.  Phil Kohl moved, Kim Flaa seconded, that the meeting be adjourned. 
Respectfully submitted, Steve Flaa, Secretary
PASTORAL ACTS
Memorials and Honorariums
REMEMBER TO CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU ARE HOSPITALIZED ...
Because of privacy laws, we will not know you are in the hospital unless you give us a call.
Church Office's number is 373-3408.
Parish Nurse Jane Samuelson's number is 373-3356.