volume lv issue 6brooke bullington parents: mark and tammy bullington plans: to attend dakota...

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

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


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.

mailto:[email protected]


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


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

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/givingtuesdaynow?__eep__=6&epa=HASHTAG

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


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.


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.


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.


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


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


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


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.


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.

volume lv issue 6brooke bullington parents: mark and tammy bullington plans: to attend dakota...

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