Volume LV Issue 6
June 2020
Inside this issue:
Saturday worship 2
Meals on Wheels 2
Vacation Bible School 3
College and High
School Graduation 3-5
New Members Join 6
Feeding Brookings 7
WELCA 8
Finance &
Membership 9
Calendar 10
Ministry List 11
Worship Schedule
Saturday
Drive-In Worship
5:30pm
(begins June 6)
Sunday Virtual Service
9:30am Facebook Live
& YouTube
Welcome
One of my favorite movies is “Shawshank Redemption.”
It ends with Red (Morgan Freeman) meeting Andy (Tim
Robbins) on a beach; Red and Andy were prison inmates,
and lived through many hopeless times together. Red, the
narrator of the movie, says at the end of the movie, “I find
I’m so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my
head. I think it’s the excitement only a free man can feel, a
free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is
uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope
to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is
as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope [he whispers].”
As Red says those last words—"I hope”—you see him and
his friend, Andy, embracing on the beach. They found
freedom, hope, and love through their friendship.
I know that many of you have felt imprisoned at home by this pandemic.
These are hard times for some. Some of us will contract COVID-19. Some of
us will lose incomes due to the economy. Some of us will even lose loved
ones. When we feel imprisoned, in one way or another, we see the future as
bleak and hopeless. However, Jesus says, “You are my friends…but I have
called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have
heard from my father. You did not choose me, but I chose you.” (John 15:14-
16). Jesus chose you as his friend. When you are feeling imprisoned, “carry
everything to God in prayer” as the hymns says. When hard times come,
carry it to your friend, Jesus, in prayer. When you lose an income, Jesus will
carry you. When you lose a loved one, Jesus will carry them into life eternal.
Our friend Jesus comes to us, and gives us hope. When Mary and Martha had
lost hope of ever seeing Lazarus again. Their friend, Jesus, came, wept with
them, raised Lazarus, and gave hope. When Jairus’ daughter was at the point
of death, Jesus, his friend, came to his house, and said “Little girl, get up.” She
got up, walked, and hope shined in Jairus’ home.
No matter what time it is in your life—good times, bad times, indifferent
times—root these words of Jesus in your hearts: “You are my friends…”
When Jesus, your friend, walks with you, he frees you from your prisons in
life. When Jesus comes to you, God’s love embraces you, and gives hope.
Peace,
Pastor Stephen L. Palo
Page 2 June 2020 The Insight
Upcoming Meals on Wheels
Meals on wheels continues to work to supply food for those needing the service in our community and thank
all volunteers who have assisted them in the past. They are hoping volunteers from Ascension will help out
again, weekdays June 22-July 3. Meals need to be picked up from 60+ Dining at 11:00 am on the days of
delivery.
They are taking extra precautions with the home delivered meals to limit exposure for
both volunteers and those needing meals. A significant change at this time is that
recipients are asked to leave a cooler outside their doors for meals to be placed into.
Those without coolers already have been provided with one.
If you feel called to help out, please contact Joni in the office at 692-6565 or at
[email protected] as soon as possible.
Moving towards normal with Saturday worship services
We haven’t been able to see much of each other for several weeks and haven’t had any Saturday night services
since early March. But that is about to change!
Beginning Saturday, June 6, we are planning to resume “traditional” 5:30pm Saturday services, complete with
communion! Only the congregation will not yet be entering the church. Services will be in the parking lot with
the congregation staying inside their cars. Everyone is asked to park in the north-most parking lot, if space, to aid
in vision and audio needs of all.
For the month of June, Sunday services will remain streaming at 9:30am on Facebook and YouTube only. July is
still uncertain as to whether services will be inside, outside, or transitioning.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! To make Saturday worship flow as smoothly as possible, we are looking for a few
volunteer “greeters/ushers” to be willing to stay at the parking lot entrances to hand out communion cups to
each car as they enter, as well as to receive offerings that people want to physically drop off. Please call or email
Joni in the church office by June 1st if you feel called to help out in this way. We will be needing volunteers to help in this way for every Saturday in June.
Ascension Online Fellowship The daily Zoom Fellowship meetings have been replaced by weekly Wednesday night Fellowship and will
continue as long as enough interest is shown. Everyone is welcome to join in at 7:00pm on Wednesday nights.
To join the Zoom Fellowship, check your Update or email for access information, or contact the church office.
This is a great chance to have fellowship with each other and talk
about whatever is on your mind!
The Pipe Organ is officially INSTALLED.
The organists are getting familiar with it and we
Page 3 June 2020 The Insight
Cross+Generational Ministries
Celebrating Our College Graduates
Congratulations to
Logan Newman
who graduated from
Creighton University
with a
Doctor of Dental Surgery
degree.
Congratulations to Ascension’s High School Graduates:
Congratulations to all the high school graduates of Ascension! Pictured here and on the following pages are our graduates who
were in attendance at our “Parade of Seniors” service May 17. Ascension Quilters provided the quilts that the families wrapped
around their graduates (while distancing from other families). Congratulations also to the two seniors who were not in
attendance: Joseph Browning and Marcus Kostboth.
Tabitha Bergstrom Parents: Jeremiah and Kristina Bergstrom
Plans: to Attend Minnesota State Mankato majoring in Graphic Design
Verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will
is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:2 (Graduates continued Page 4)
Congratulations to
Ray Munsterman
who graduated from
South Dakota State University
with a Bachelor’s degree in
Mechanical Engineering. ……...
Congratulations to
Cole Schneider
who graduated from
South Dakota State University
with a Bachelor’s degree in
Construction Management!
Good News! We will have VBS this summer for children ages 4-6th Grade (age 4+ as of
September 1, 2020) beginning Sunday, August 2nd-Thursday, August 6th. But, it’s going to look a
lot different this year because we are having At Home VBS! At a given time you pick up a box for
your child at the church and then each day of VBS there will be a bag in the box for that day.
Simply go to the Ascension Facebook at 6pm and engage in Sing and Play, Story Time, Bible Stories
and crafts. Register your child/children now by going to https://forms.gle/2ShKxcjWwP2quWX98
(the link is also on the Ascension website) and filling out the form online or email Pam at
[email protected]. You don’t want them to miss this fun, meaningful learning event! Deadline
to register Friday, June 12th.
Page 4 June 2020 The Insight
Brooke Bullington
Parents: Mark and Tammy Bullington
Plans: to attend Dakota Wesleyan University
Verse: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow
citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20built on the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become
a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to
become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. ~ Ephesians 2:19-22
Austin Czlapinski
Parents: Steve and Jenny Wernisch
Plans: to attend SDSU majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Verse: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are
safe.” ~ Proverbs 18:10
Acadia Folkerts
Parents: John and Vicki Folkerts
Plans: to attend SDSU majoring in Civil Engineering
Verse: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? 2My
help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” ~ Psalms 121:1-2
Josi Kjenstad
Parents: Jeff and Kelli Kjenstad Plans: to attend the University of South Dakota with a double major in Accounting
and Finance.
Verse: “For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be
my light.” ~ Micah 7:8
Brady Lee
Parents: Rick and Kristi Lee
Plans: to work
Verse: “Jesus wept.” ~ John 11:35
(Because it shows that even the most powerful, strongest people, can be weak.)
Braedon Lueders
Parents: Brian and Michelle Lueders
Plans: to attend South Dakota State University
Verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
~ Isaiah 40:31
Sam Osborne
Parents: Larry and Shannon Osborne
Plans: to attend Augustana University majoring in Biochemistry
Verse: Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never
go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~ John 6:35
Graduates continued from page 3
Page 5 June 2020 The Insight
Today we’d like to take a moment to send a huge thank you to all who have sent
in donations for #GivingTuesdayNow and the days prior. Each dollar helps us fight
our community battle against food insecurity and by donating, you are a part of
the fight. We see you and we thank you. It does not go unnoticed.
Dear Friends,
It has been so good to be “home” this Holy Week! Thank you so much for all the extra
efforts to insure we were all able to hear the important words this week.
Although I left Brookings in 2001, I’ve not experienced the feeling of fun, fellowship and
home in a church since I left Ascension.
I am anxious for my next visit to Brookings to stop and worship with you again.
Much thanks for the opportunity to worship with you via Facebook!
Peace & Blessings,
Brenda Bestland
Caden Wright
Parents: Cody and Stephanie Wright
Plans: To attend SDSU, majoring in Exercise Science with either Pre-Physical Therapy
or Pre-Medicine
Verse: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
~ 1 Corinthians 6:13
Molly Steffensen
Parents: Tom and Kelly Steffensen
Plans: to attend South Dakota State University majoring in Nursing
Verse: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Adam Stauffacher
Parents: Aaron and Terri Stauffacher
Plans: to attend Southeast Community College in Milford, NE
Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” ~John 3:16
Jenna Schulte
Parents: Robin and Chris Schulte
Plans: to attend South Dakota State University majoring in Biology
Verse: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God;
all things are possible with God.” ~ Mark 10:27
Lily Palo
Parents: Pastor Steve Palo
Plans: to attend South Dakota State University
Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Graduates continued from page 4
WELCOME New Members!
Ascension Scholarships Awarded Established in 2010, the Ascension Lutheran Church Scholarship is awarded to a High School senior
who is an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church and its ministries, and meets the scholarship
criteria. The scholarship recognizes and encourages a student’s faith in Jesus Christ, academic
achievement, leadership skills, and pursuit of wisdom. Three scholarships of $1000 each are awarded
this year. The recipients of the 2020 Ascension Lutheran Church Scholarships are Sam Osborne,
Molly Steffensen, Jenna Schulte. Congratulations, Sam, Molly and Jenna!
Ben & Shawna Asmus,
Dustin, Henry & Theo
Jeremiah & Kristina Bergstrom & Tabitha
Tyler & Alyssa Harrell,
Madison & Makinley
Dr. James & Ardis Johnson Matt Rustman & Brooke Weber
with Dog Porter
Jan Rommereim
Doug & Karissa Kopecky & Dylan
Paul & Rachel Meyer & Thea
Page 7 June 2020 The Insight
Giving Options It is through your generous giving that we are able to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to our families, our
congregation, our community, and the world.
Ascension offers several automatic or electronic giving options for members’ convenience.
Direct Deposit Giving: Once-a-month automatic withdrawal of your offering from your checking or
savings account. Contact Lanita in the church office to sign up (692-6565 or [email protected]).
Give by Text: You can make a contribution to Ascension Lutheran Church with a quick text message!
1) Simply send a text to 605-610-1202 with the amount you would like to contribute. Make sure to include the
dollar sign before the amount (example: $25).
2) Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder
name and credit or debit card information.
3) Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via email.
For future giving, simply text "repeat" or your donation amount to the same number and it will process
automatically.
Give+ Mobile App: Giving through our GivePlus Mobile app is easy and convenient. It only takes a moment
to set up an account:
1. Download the free GivePlus app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Find our church by ZIP code or by searching for our Church name.
3. Donate!
Online Giving: Simply click the “Give Online” quick link on the website homepage at ascensionbrookings.org
and complete the donation page.
Of course, if you prefer, you may also give by mailing a check to the church.
Thank you for your generous giving to God’s work!
F E E D I N G B R O O K I N G S
Congratulations to the volunteers at Feeding Brookings on being named
April Volunteers of the Month, an area-wide award program sponsored
by the Helpline Center and First Bank and Trust! Every volunteer at
Feeding Brookings (including all who donate items) plays an essential
part in making sure that everyone still has access to food and basic
necessities during this time, and we are so grateful for all of the
individuals that are helping to serve the Brookings Community!
Feeding Brookings food giveaway is given out on Thursdays at 4:00pm in the Ascension parking lot. Those picking up food should remain in their
cars and have room in their trunk for a box.
Page 8 June 2020 The Insight
Dorcas Circle
Dorcas Circle will meet outside in the Church Yard at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 25, weather permitting.
Bring your own chair & beverage. All are welcome. Contact Bette Johnson at 692-4148 if you have questions.
Esther Circle
During these trying times, Esther Circle has not been meeting. They will resume their regular
schedule in September. “God’s blessings to all as we struggle through these unusual times.”
Eve Circle
Eve Circle will continue to meet on Monday nights for Bible study at 6:30pm via zoom until
further notice. Eve Circle will meet via conference call at 6:30pm on June 1, 15, and 29. For more
information you may call Doris Brown at 692-5901 or Nancy Nelson at 692-5312.
Quilters
Have not been meeting together but will announce when that changes. Contact Joanne Matthees (692-1783)
or Dianne Hoff (692-1797) for more information.
Every Ascension woman, and even non-members,
are welcome to attend any Circle meeting. What
other group offers the opportunity to talk about God
and one’s faith so freely?
Women of the
ELCA
Please note that the staff is unavailable to answer phone calls during their weekly staff meeting on
Thursdays from 9:00-10:30am (in case of holiday, meeting time may change). If you have an emergency
during that time, please call Pastor Steve at 605-592-0028.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and find up-to-date news, announcements, and calendar on our website,
ww.ascensionbrookings.org.
Lunch with the Word: Sermon on the Mount wraps up Monday June 8th. Join us on
Zoom from 12:10-1:00PM.
Anyone is welcome, whether you attended every week or
only once. Enjoy your own lunch. Read each portion of
Scripture before we meet and discuss the questions. Please
email the office or Pastor Fred for a link to the meetings.
Coming in July there will be a new study with Pastor Steve.
Page 9 June 2020 The Insight
Finance &
Membership
April 2020-Financial Report
Annual Budgeted Income & Expenses for 2020 ........... $ 690,161.00
Monthly Budgeted Expenses .......................................... $ 57,513.41
April Income .............. $ 46,288.41 YTD Income ....... $ 185,896.57
April Expenses ........... $ 58,345.78 YTD Expenses .... $ 210,448.32
April Income Less Expense ........................................... $ - 12,057.37
Year to Date Income Less Expense ............................... $ - 24,551.75
Paycheck Protection Program Funds Used: $35,559.00
Adjusted for PPP Funds Used: April Income + PPP Funds Less Expense ......................... $ 23,501.63
Year to Date Income + PPP Funds Less Expense ............ $ 11,007.25
Deaths: John Miller
New Members:
Ben, Shawna, Dustin, Henry & Theo Asmus
Jeremiah, Kristina, & Tabitha Bergstrom
Tyler, Alyssa, Madison & Makinley Harrell
Dr. James & Ardis Johnson
Doug, Karissa & Dylan Kopecky
Paul, Rachel & Thea Meyer
Jan Rommereim
Matt Rustman & Brooke Weber
$-
$20,000.00
$40,000.00
$60,000.00
$80,000.00
January February Mar Apr
Income & Expenses by Month
Budgeted Income & Expenses
Actual Income
Actual Expenses
$-
$50,000.00
$100,000.00
$150,000.00
$200,000.00
$250,000.00
2020 YTDBudgetedIncome &Expenses
2020 YTDActual Income
2020 YTDActual
Expenses
2020 Income & Expenses,as of April 30, 2020
Memorials: In Memory of Joel Thvedt: Don & Carol Evenson
In Memory of Ray Ofstedal: Jerry & Mary Fiedler, David &
Sean Potas, Dan & Katie Tvedt
In Memory of Rick Holm: Don & Carol Evenson
In Memory of John Miller: Larry & Shannon Osborne, Ann
Dahl, Darrell & Bette Johnson, Don & Carol Evenson, Ron &
Judy Waltz, Bill & Mary Kees, Larry & Jan Fjeldos, Murph
Monahan, Kevin & Sarah Smith, Mark & Beth Johnson, Bill &
Nancy Flynn, JoAnn Willgohs, Jim & Charee Housiaux, Alan &
Susan Mergen, Nancy Swanson & Chuck Dupraz, Joanie Holm,
Mary Wolpert, Steve & Kathy Pohl, Allan Thoreson, Paul &
Winnie Johnson, Margaret Denton, Mark & Becky Ekeland, Paula
Tursam, Harold & Mavis Neuberger, Donna Rue, Elaine Rietz,
Wally Kempfert, Sally Damm Norby, Steve & Mary Kay Helling,
Brent & Susan Turnipseed, Roberta Olson, David & Darlene
Schingoethe, Lois Bellows, Florence Moller,
Phil & Roberta Wagner, Mary Negstad, Roberta Hansen, Steve &
Anita Ust, Mary Fleming, Floyd & June Wiesner, Larry & Gail
Tidemann, Randy & Lori Bjorklund
In Memory of Irma Poss: Lois Bellows
In Memory of Dolores Ostroot: Ron & Judy Waltz
In Memory of Don McCuen: Dan & Katie Tvedt
In Memory of Iris Thoreson: Allan Thoreson
In Memory of Richard Overby: David Wheeler
REMINDER: If you have recently or plan to give a stock donation or through a retirement distribution, please
contact Lanita at the church office to let her know. Not all checks received list the donor name.
Page 10 June 2020 The Insight
1
12:00pm Lunch with the Word via Zoom 6:30pm Eve Circle via Conference Call
2 3 4 9:00am Staff Meeting 4:00pm Feeding Brookings Drive- thru Distribution 8:00pm Brookings Pub Theology
5 Synod Assembly CANCELLED
6 Synod Assembly CANCELLED 5:30pm Drive-in Worship w/HC
7 Trinity
Sunday The Holy Trinity 9:30am Worship by Livestream
8 12:00pm Lunch with the Word via Zoom 6:30pm Eve Circle Bible Study via Zoom
9 5:00pm Executive Committee Meeting 6:00pm Ministry Teams Meeting via Zoom
10 11 9:00am Staff Meeting 4:00pm Feeding Brookings Drive- thru Distribution 6:00pm Praise Team Rehearsal 8:00pm Brookings Pub Theology
12
13 5:30pm Drive-in Worship w/HC
14 2nd Sunday after Pentecost 9:30am Worship by Livestream
15 5:00pm Insight Deadline 6:30pm Eve Circle via Conference Call
16 6:30pm Church Council Meeting via Zoom
17 18 9:00am Staff Meeting 4:00pm Feeding Brookings Drive- thru Distribution 6:00pm Praise Team Rehearsal 8:00pm Brookings Pub Theology
19
20 9:30am WELCA Bible Study Leaders 5:30pm Drive-in Worship w/HC
21 Father's Day 3rd Sunday after Pentecost 9:30am Worship by Livestream / Praise Team
22 11:00am Meals on Wheels 6:30pm Eve Circle Bible Study via Zoom
23 11:00am Meals on Wheels
24 11:00am Meals on Wheels
25 9:00am Staff Meeting 10:00am Dorcas Circle (outside) 11:00am Meals on Wheels 4:00pm Feeding Brookings Drive- thru Distribution 8:00pm Brookings Pub Theology
26 11:00am Meals on Wheels
27 5:30pm Drive-in Worship w/HC
28 4th Sunday after Pentecost 9:30am Worship by Livestream
29 11:00am Meals on Wheels 6:30pm Eve Circle via Conference Call
30 11:00am Meals on Wheels
Ministry List Ascension Staff Office 692-6565 or [email protected]
Pastor ........................................................ Rev. Stephen Palo [email protected] 592-0028 (C) Pastor .................................................. Rev. Frederick Bartelt [email protected] (727) 403-8545 (C) Business Administrator ......................... Lanita Vanderbush [email protected] Director of Music Ministry .............................. Naomi Stout Joy Singers, Trinity Teens & Spirit Singers Director [email protected] Communications Coordinator..........................Joni Mueller [email protected] Administrative Asst for Faith Development....Pam Ishmael [email protected] Organists ........................................ Leah Brink, Joan Riessen
Executive Committee Congregational President ............... Brian Lueders, 651-3974 President-Elect .................................... Darcie Bien, 692-0802 Secretary ......................................... Mary Kidwiler, 692-2511 Treasurer ..................................... Larry Tidemann, 692-1267 Past President .................................... Kathy Miller, 692-7680
Council Members Christian Education ........................... Shar Quam, 697-5255 Church & Community ................. Gail Tidemann 692-1267 Church Finance ...................... Jennifer Soma, 507-230-0323 Membership Participation .................... Darla Biel, 690-7258 Operations & Maintenance .................. Steve Ust, 692-3150 Stewardship ........................... Jean Josephson, 507- 829-9094 Worship & Music ......................... Lori Bjorklund, 696-0750 Youth Ministry ............................................ Steve Scarbrough
Ministry Team Chairs Christian Education .......................................... Jamie Fryslie Church & Community ............... Jamie Grimsrud, 695-8377 Church Finance ............................... Dan Bielfeldt, 690-4859 Membership Participation ........Lori Munsterman, 695-7978 Operations & Maintenance .......... Don Jacobson, 697-5577 Stewardship ................................ Paul Richter, 612-518-8277 Worship & Music .......................... Tim Campbell, 480-1250 Youth Ministry ................................. Tami Thvedt, 692-5025
Endowment Committee Co-Chairs .............................................. Bill Kees, 697-7637 Steve Pohl, 692-9081
Mutual Ministry Committee Andy Stremmel ..................................................... 692-8833 Mari von Fischer……………………………………………692-3384 Chad Munsterman ............................................... 695-0628 Sarah Smith…………………………………………………..692-7114 Shar Quam…………………………………………………...697-5255 Ben Culver ............................................................ 690-5204
ALCW Co-Presidents .............................. Shirley Nelson, 695-4039 Nancy Nelson, 692-5312 Treasurer ........................................ Dianne Hoff, 692-1797 Secretary .......................................... Elaine Rietz, 692-8373
Quilters Joanne Matthees ................................................... 692-1783 Dianne Hoff ......................................................... 692-1797
Altar Guild Joan Riessen .......................................................... 692-8833
Communion Coordinator Becky Ekeland ...................................................... 692-7934
Office Hours Monday: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Lunch Hour: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM *Hours may vary occasionally.
Page 11 June 2020 The Insight
The Insight Volume LV - Issue 6
June 2020
Return Service Requested
Ascension is a house of hospitality built on the foundation of sharing
the living faith in Jesus Christ at home, in the congregation, and in
the community.
Our Purpose is to be in relationship with God, the creation and one another.
Our Passion is the love of Christ for all people.
Our Power is the Holy Spirit gifting us to fulfill our purpose and passion.
2030 Third Street
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-6565 / Fax: 605-692-6808
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ascensionbrookings.org
All Ministry Teams
Meetings
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Individual Team Meetings
Virtually at 6:30 PM
There will be NO meals
until further notice.