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NOTES FROM THE PASTOR Pastor Dr. Phillip C. Whitener
321-609-0106 cell
321-773-1815 Office | 
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Why Go to Church?[The following was written by an unknown author, but obviously, a devoted worshipper]. Have you ever really thought about what you receive from the church on a weekly basis? I have been giving some thought to this myself. Here are some of my thoughts: Regular attendance provides me an opportunity to be in God's Holy presence, to be confronted by the Holy of Holies, to bow before the Lord of Creation. This I truly need to keep my life in balance. Regular attendance provides me the opportunity to share in the beautiful liturgy, to pray, share in song and listen to our choir. I find this uplifting and it helps me get through the following week. Regular attendance provides me an opportunity to listen to my pastor share from his heart what God has given him to say to me. Maybe what he says on any given Sunday may not be what I need to hear, but perhaps the following Sunday, his message may be exactly what I need. This is why I need to be in church every Sunday! I need to be in church every Sunday and benefit from the Sunday School educational program. Many people don't attend Sunday School. This is sad. Do we think there is nothing else we can learn? We really should be informed Christians and Bible study should be one of our priorities. Regular attendance on Sunday gives us the opportunity to fellowship with our fellow members and friends. Lutherans have always been known for their friendliness toward one another. In church and Sunday School we get to know each other better. A suggestion: come a little early to Sunday School and church so you can socialize together. Regular attendance in church on Sunday morning provides you an opportunity to be good stewards of the resources which God has provided you. How you use your income demonstrates your loyalty to God and his church. "Every person should give unto the Lord as he or she is able" says the scripture. Our gifts to God are what keep the door of the church open and to help in mission work. Regular attendance at church keeps me a healthier person. It is a proven fact that regular attendance at worship keeps us healthier and well adjusted. The inner strengths provided to us through church school and worship helps us to be more positive, more loving, more forgiving, etc., and this keeps us in better health. You may live longer and happier by devoting two hours at church on Sunday morning. These are some of my thoughts—what others would you add? Blessings & Peace! |  |
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| | NOTES FROM ASCENSION COUNCIL PRESIDENT | 
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Notes from Ascension Council President | Since our last news letter, we have experienced 2 tropical disturbances that brought rain to our badly needed county and now discussion about Hurricane Rina. We all hope the impacts of Hurricane Rina will not be felt here; however, it is a fact that Rina will impact our neighbors to the South and possibly other close neighbors as well. Please pray for minimal impact to life and property as we start to wind down our hurricane season. This year has produced many unusual impacts from hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, dust storms, and wild fires to many parts of the United States and it has taxed the ability of many of our towns and counties and the residents to pay for the impacts to their communities. The many charity organizations and Christian relief funds have been stretched to the limit. Remember to keep all those that respond and help in disasters in your prayers.As we start to prepare ourselves for the upcoming Advent Season, it might be helpful to consider participating in some of our fellowship programs or outreach programs. The trunk or treat program sounds like a great way for Christians to come together and participate in festival activities that will support our Congregation and the fellowship within our neighborhood. Come out and give it a try…don’t be bashful. Also our Fellowship Group has developed plenty of opportunity as there will be an October Fest party on October 29th and a Hoe Down in November. Consecration Sunday for our Annual pledge and Offerings will be November 13, with Thanksgiving on the 24th and the First Sunday in Advent on the 27th of November. In December there will be the annual Advent dinner and Fellowship. In addition there will continue to be a wonderful Advent Wednesday Soup and Sandwich followed by Services. There is certainly a lot to think about in the next month. Your Council is meeting to determine the Stewardship Resource Company we will recommend to the Congregation for our Capital Campaign which should start in 2012. We have already had 3 interview sessions with 3 outstanding companies and we will be wrapping up our recommendations very shortly. Additionally, we have been looking at the Constitution to bring it up to date with how we organize ourselves to conduct the ministries of our congregation within our Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Are we doing all we can? What have you done to support your fellow Christians? Remember, Jesus is counting on each and every one of us to Share the Word!! In Christ, Bob Lay
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PASTORAL CARE |
PASTORAL CARE |
Pastoral CareBefore going to the hospital
If there is to be surgery, Pastor will make every attempt to see you at home or at the hospital before the operation and to express in prayer the Christian's confidence and trust in God. Ordinarily, the best time for this call is the afternoon or evening preceding the operation. If you are going to the hospital, Pastor would like to know. Please call the church office.
Please do not expect the hospital to call the church when you enter as a patient. This never happens. The only way to be sure the church knows of your hospital stay is for you to call the church office. Please do not hesitate to do this. Pastor will make every effort to be there for you, but that requires you to let him know your situation. Out-Patient Care
If you are scheduled for out-patient surgery or tests, please call the church office. You could be included in the Sunday prayers before your surgery or tests are scheduled. You may also wish
to request a pastoral visit the day prior to your day surgery or tests. Rehabilitation
Once you have been transferred to rehabilitation, whether at home or a center, and would like a visit please call the church office. Rehabilitation involves scheduled therapy sessions. It is best for Pastor to know your rehab schedule, so the visit does not interfere with your progress. Home Visits
Many people have the idea that the only time they should call Pastor is when someone in their home is seriously ill or when there is a death in the family. This is a limited understanding of the function of the Christian ministry. +Pastor stands ready to make home visits or office appointments whenever they are requested. Christian counseling skills are always available to members. Please call the church office when a need arises. Other Considerations
Pastor is on-call 24/7 to respond to your pastoral needs and emergencies. Please make your request known through the church office during regular office hours (Tuesday-Friday 8:30AM-2:30PM). After hours, please call the church office and leave a message for non-emergency pastoral requests. In the case of an emergency, please call Pastor at his home phone number (321-775-6024). | | 
PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY | REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY SERVING IN THE MILITARY:Attache Sean Currie and family the son of Ken and Dawn Currie, L/Cpl Michael Liggett the son of Kathy O’Connor, Stephen Schwarz, Dean Peterson, Lt. Matthew Williamson the grandson of Mary Raichle, Lt. Col. Michelle Pufall the sister of Lianne Rzeznik, Thomas Eric Anderson and the 25th Striker Brigade Combat Team, Capt. Chris R Cassem and Maj. Richard Cassem the grandsons of Mabel Bishop, A1C Spencer Roy, L/Cpl Cooper Gaudiosi III the boyfriend of Adrienne Showman.
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W/ELCA |
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ATTENTION ALL WOMEN at Ascension. This is your invitation to join our W/ELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) every Tuesday morning for our service projects. We are pleased to announce, we will be knitting receiving blankets (for Holmes Reg. Hospital); making pillows (for Cancer Society); making homemade cards and door decorations (for Hibiscus Court Nursing Home). We also continue to knit Prayer Shawls. If you can join us every Tuesday, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, or just on occasion, we would love to have you. Remember too, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays we have Bible Study, led by Betty Eyster, from 9:30 - 10:30. Then we will begin working on 'the projects'. We meet until about noon.
Be watching for upcoming information regarding our Christmas Luncheon, and sign ups. That information will be in the bulletin soon. All women of Ascension are invited to attend the luncheon. If you have questions Call Joyce Straehla, 773-4684 or Carol Simonides 777-8962 | |
| SERVANT MINISTRY |
On October 2nd we collected $198.00 to be donated to the Brevard Humane Society. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has supplemented our effort with $150.00.
Our collection on November 6th will be donated to the Brevard Alzheimer’s Association and again Thrivent will help with $150.00.With this wonderful ministry we can help many agencies and groups around Brevard County and get rid of the change that is weighing down our purses and wallets. Please mark your calendars; we are serving again on November 30th from 10:15 am – 2:15 pm. I encourage you to sign up to serve. It is a very rewarding feeling. If we get enough people, we can break into two shifts. With the help of Thrivent we will be able to buy food for Thanksgiving baskets to hand out to families in need. More information on that in the bulletin Sharing Center Needs One dish meals – Ravioli, Stews, Ramen ; Shampoo; Bath Soap; Razor & Shaving Cream; Toilet Paper; Pots & Pans; Children Clothing; Men Clothing; Small Appliances; Towels & Sheets. World Hunger
Our commitment to ELCA World Hunger is saving and changing lives. Please continue to serve as the faithful witness to a hungry and thirsty people. In the horn of Africa the lives and livelihoods of millions of people have been devastated by the worst drought in 60 years. Hundreds of thousands of people have already made their way to refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. More than 12 million people are in need of help now. Thanks to the generosity of ELCA members, 1.25 million for drought relief work in the Horn of Africa was committed through ELCA Disaster Response.
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OUTREACH |
As we approach Thanksgiving we traditionally recall and thank the Lord our God for our many blessings. (The recollection itself is a blessing)! For at least one day out of the year we give thanks for each other, the food set before us, our shelter and clothing, etc., much of which we take for granted the other 364 days. As we are so blessed, let each of us continue to be a blessing to others. Thank YOU for your generosity to those in need, especially to the recipients of your bountiful donations to the Sharing Center, Daily Bread, the Community of Hope and the Brevard Health Alliance Pediatrics to name only a few. God bless you!
Kathy W.
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Parish Education |
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Sunday school will start up again this year with Rally Day on September 11 in combination with our Picnic at Paradise Beach in Indialantic. We also need teachers for all grade levels. Please call Ricki Li Horn our new Parish Ed chairperson if you are interested in teaching. 779-8096 | |
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THRIVENT NEWS |
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How can I share? Let me count the ways
This is a great time of year to be thankful for all that we have.
Take time to reflect back on the past year and consider helping those less fortunate. Involve your children in this decision.
• Ask
“how do you want to steward the gifts God has entrusted to your care?”
• Who
Have your child find a person, activity or organization that supports his or her interests as a starting point.
• How
Then let your child decide how he or she wants to help.
Part of passing on values to our children is showing how we act on them—consider talking to your child today!
‘Tis the season for sharing.
Do you have more than one retirement account?
You’ve worked hard for you money. You shouldn’t have to work hard to manage it. Simplify your retirement by consolidating your assets into a Thrivent Financial rollover IRA
Enjoy low minimum requirements and guidance from a financial professional who’ll help ensure your assets are properly allocated.
Open a Thrivent Financial Rollover IRA and enjoy
• Tax-deferred growth potential.
• More control over your investments.
• 24-hour access to your account.
You can contact your Thrivent Financial Representative Adam Roberts or Tim Carter any time. 321.725.7586
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Fellowship |
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By Linda Savold
November 18th at 6pm we get together for a Hoedown at the Galloway’s. Grab your partner for BBQ, Beer and Bootscootin….Grab your hat and bandana or any other western attire you may have and ride on by…2346 Brookside Way, Indialantic, FL 32903. Please sign up on the attendance sheet or call Bev at 506-0857.
December 4th, our third annual Christmas Party at the Suntree Country Club.
Please sign up to host a Sunday coffee fellowship.
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A Brief History of Our Church as Remembered by Ralph Newman |
By Ralph Newman
Chapter TenAfter Pastor Engle died while serving as Ascension's pastor, the synod permitted Ascension to call their own pastor again. A call was issued to Bob Wiley who accepted and was installed as our pastor in January of 1997. Pastor Wiley immediately continued the task of bringing Ascension back together. One of the first steps was to get the congregation more involved in the activities of the church. He suggested a program where we had "cottage meetings" in member homes to discuss the activities and solutions to congregation problems. These meetings proved to be successful and an increase in participation in the programs of the church was noted. At the end of 1997 the worship attendance had increased to 330. In 1990 the youth group became active again. They participated with other youth groups in performing community projects. Life at Ascension was once more interesting. In February 1999 Ascension celebrated it's fortieth anniversary. My how time seems to fly when one stays busy! March 2000 the Sunday School children took on a project to sponsor an eleven year old girl from the Sioux Indian Tribe in South Dakota. Cards, gifts, and money were sent and were appreciated by the whole tribe. November 2000 the congregation approved a plan to establish a memorial garden in the area north east of the church entrance. The dedication of this garden was held November 10, 2002. It is still being tended and looks attractive for all to visit and use. More history next month.
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| Greeting Card ministry in support of ALC Building Fund |
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New designs available-Greeting Cards for all occasions filled with the word of God and His blessings.
This ongoing ministry needs your support as a customer or outreach sales; 100% of the proceeds benefit the church building fund. Christmas card designs will be available soon. Greeting card sets also make wonderful gifts. Fliers with card designs and order sheets are available in the Fellowship Hall and on-line at www.dcreproductions.com/Christian_Greeting_Cards.html. Last minute? no problem, just call Dawn Currie at 321-684-2876 and she'll get them printed and delivered to you. She can also custom design cards to meet your needs. |
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STEWARDSHIP |
Where did the time go? New Years seems like yesterday. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the stores are already advertising Christmas stuff. Perhaps we should slow down a bit and contemplate the real meaning of these two upcoming holidays.
In this country, Thanksgiving has traditionally been a time to thank God for the many blessings that He has given us. For Christians, Christmas is the time to celebrate our Saviors birth, God’s greatest gift ever given.
The key words here are our “thanks”, and God’s “blessings” and “gift”. God has done His part, now it is our turn!
At Ascension Lutheran, we call our thanks our Faith Commitment and now is the time to update that commitment for the year 2012. November 13th has been designated Consecration Sunday.
To that end, you will be receiving an information packet in the mail about November 1st. Included will be a letter of explanation, a skills/ministry survey and 2012 Faith Commitment pledge form.
In these troubled times, our church desperately needs your support. Please, when you receive the information, read, understand and prayerfully consider what God wants you to do with your time, treasures and talents. God be with you.In Christ’s love,
Ron Campbell
Stewardship Chairman
| | | Site maintained by: ROBERT LAY rlay@cfl.rr.com 1053 Pinetree Drive Indian Harbour Beach Florida 32937 United States of America Phone: 321-773-1815 Fax: 321-773-9411 |
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