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MINISTERS

“As a progressive and open church, we boldly make Christ’s vision known.”

STAFF Julie Bailey, Pastor

Bob Aldrich, Education Coordinator Jennifer Salowitz, Musician/Choir Director

Sara Gregor, Parish Nurse Cheryl Huebner, Secretary

Dawn Dalton, Custodian Nicole Crump, Nursery Attendant

Sarah Hecht, Nursery Attendant

EXECUTIVE BOARD Kris Friend, President

Dan Durow, Vice President Charleen Boland, Treasurer

Kathy McNally, Secretary

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pastor’s Message ········································· 1 Youth ···························································· 2

Worship and Education ································· 3 Other ························································ 3-6

President’s Message ····································6 Strategic Plan ··············································· 7 Stewardship ············································· 8-9

Health Highlights ········································ 10 Member News ··············································· 11

Serving This Month ...................................... 12 Calendar ......................................................13

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays 8:00am & 10:30am

Wednesdays 7:00pm

Phone (989) 781-2170

ascensionlc@sbcglobal.net Website - www.ascensionlc.org

Ascension Lutheran Church Vol. 39, No. 1 January 2018

A Message from Pastor Julie Bailey The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.—John 1:43-46

As we begin the season following Christmas, we begin to hear of Jesus’ ear-ly ministry. The above text is from the lesson we will read in worship on January 7th and January 10th. Jesus is beginning to call his disciples, the followers. According to this passage, it seems Jesus sees Philip and says follow me. Clearly he does follow, and begins to tell others, including Na-thanael, who questions Philip. Then Philip responds with a simple “come and see.”

Where are you in this story? Maybe you feel the call directly from God and follow. Maybe you are not only following but inviting. Perhaps you are the invited but hesitate, and question, not yet ready to go. Or perhaps you have been invited by a follower and are ready to come and see. Give it a try.

What is common to all of these is that we are invited, imperatively. The words for FOLLOW and COME are imperatives in the GREEK language. An imperative means commanding, authoritative, this is important. Jesus did not come upon Philip and say, hey, if you got nothing better to do, why don’t you think about coming with me for a while. Nor did Philip say to Nathanael, I really wish you could see what we were doing, it takes a while to get into it but hey, see what you think. NO! Jesus said FOLLOW, and Philip said come.

As Ascension continues to “Boldly Make Christ’s Vision Known”, God will be calling disciples and we will be inviting people to come. God gives us the choice whether to follow or not, but he invites with authority. Jesus is the leader, and we are the follower. Where will you be in the story?

Granted, to be a disciple of Christ means you may have to give something up. Our struggle—we try to do it all and find out we fail. We know we are called to follow, but we want to lay out the path. Worship when we want or can, pray when we remember, encourage when something is going well, study scripture sometimes, give when we feel we have enough, serve when we have the time and energy, and invite when the youth are doing some-thing special in church. Harsh? Maybe, but many of us have been there.

So as we enter this new year, I invite you to come and see. Come meet the Jesus who is with us always, who is Immanuel. Come and see the one who brings light in the midst of darkness, who brings a peace that the world can-not give, and who brings joy in the midst of sorrow.

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SUMMER CAMP We are going to camp June 17th—22nd. This includes elementary campers (3rd—5th grades), confirmation campers (6th—8th grades), and high school camp. Those youth who will be entering the ABI program in the fall of 2018 are encouraged to register with confirmation camp so we can begin to build relationships.

Ascension is committed to our youth and believe that camp offers an experience we cannot reproduce. All first-time confirmation campers will have ½ of their registration paid if registered prior to February 28th.

Once we are registered as a group, I will get you the information, and each parent registers their youth online. Registration will open January 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Julie.

Youth

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH Time to register for CHARGE which is held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Trav-erse City. Cost will be $90 if registration is received by January 15th, plus $40 to help with the cost of the hotel rooms—for a total of $130 (after January 15th, total cost will go up to $155).

Pastor Yehiel Curry will be our speaker this year. Pastor Yehiel serves Shekinah Chapel (ELCA) in Riverdale, IL. Shekinah Chapel is a congregation committed to youth, dedicating 60% of its resources to youth ministry and also supporting and implementing three unique camp programs primarily for youth of color. As Pastor of Shekinah Chapel and as Executive Director of Rescue, Release, Restore, Pastor Yehiel is an innovator in youth ministry and outdoor ministry programs.

In addition to worship, small groups and service, we will also have the opportunity to enjoy the water park.

Please fill out the registration form below and return it to Pastor Julie along with your payment of the regis-tration fee (forms are also available on the Kiosk in the Gathering Area). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Complete Name/Address:_____________________________________________

Home Phone:_____________________ Cell Phone:________________________

Email:_________________________ Allergies:___________________________

Age:_______ Birthday:__________________ Grade:_______________________

Gender:_____ Roommate Request:______________________________________

Parent Name:_______________________________________________________

Parent Cell:_______________________ Email:____________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

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Worship and Education

MUSICIANS NEEDED Do you have musical talents you would like to contribute to our services? Perhaps you sing or play an instrument? Worship leadership through music is a rewarding way to support our services. Please contact Jennifer Salowitz if you are interested in participating or have any questions.

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY—JONAH Have you ever just wanted to read the Bible? Well that is what we do on Tuesday morn-ings at Ascension from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. We read! Over the course of this year we have read 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, Ecclesiastes, Romans, Mark, Esther, and I’m sure something I have forgotten. You don’t need to be an expert, or a novice. This Bible study is for everyone.

Beginning Tuesday, January 2nd, we will start reading the Old Testament book of Jonah! Come join us, eve-ryone is welcome! Friends are invited. We will have the coffee ready!

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT STUDY—PRAYER On Sunday, January 7th, the Adult Sunday School class will begin to study the discipleship practice of prayer. Please join us at 9:15 a.m. All are welcome!

MARTHA TO MARY LADIES BIBLE STUDY Martha to Mary Ladies Monday Night Bible Study will begin on Monday, January 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the Digging Dunes room. We will be studying “Looking for Lovely” by Annie F. Downs. Member books are $15.00. This seven-session study examines the ordinary people of the Bible—fishermen, farmers, musicians, wom-en—to discover how they sought beauty in their everyday lives to hold on to the hope of God's perfect timing. As Christians, we are not promised lives of ease.

Often it takes just a small moment of beauty to regain hope and continue on when life is chaotic and unpre-dictable. Annie F. Downs is an author and speaker based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she us-es her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God. All ladies are welcome to join our group. Call Joyce Richardson at 274-6787 for more information.

Other

CHRISTMAS GIVING Thank you to all who donated health and beauty items, gloves, hats, mittens, scarves, food, gift baskets, time and talent this year for Christmas.

OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 Offering Envelopes are available in the Gathering Area. Please stop by and pick up your envelopes today.

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Other

THANK YOU Many hands make light work! Thank you to the following ladies who offered their God-given talents to make costumes for our Sunday School children for the Christmas program: Debbie Beyerlein, Charleen Boland, Pat Bruske, Jen Salowitz and Sue Wiggins. I could not have done this without you! In case you missed this year’s shepherds, wise men, kings, and Roman soldiers, here are a few pictures to enjoy. Thanks again!! Kris Friend

SEWING GROUP Ascension’s Sewing Group will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, January 3rd and Wednesday, January 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Bring your sewing ma-chine, and join us for fun and fellowship. We will be working on an easy community service project. Contact Sandy Graham at 781-1619 with any questions.

ALTAR GUILD NEEDS YOUR HELP Please join the Altar Guild as they take down the Christmas decorations on Satur-day, January 6th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome! Hope to see you there!

CHURCH SAFETY BASICS PRESENTATION Ascension will be hosting a “House of Worship” safety presentation by Henry Reyna on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. This is open to the public and is free of charge. Please RSVP to the Church Office at 781-2170 if you plan on attending.

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Other

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS TAKING A NEW DIRECTION IN SAGINAW Zion Lutheran Church is “Taking It to the Streets.” We will begin equipping congregation-al members and all interested individuals to provide one-to-one Christian care to people who are hurting. Our mission is to be a light in the Spiritual darkness of Saginaw based on Matthew 5:16. We will be distributing physical blessings such as food, clothing, diapers and personal care items as well as Spiritual blessings through live music, the Word and prayer. We want the world to know Jesus Christ and His power to minister to their needs.

We will begin training on January 10th with a Fellowship Dinner at 5:00 p.m., a Healing Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. and Stephen Ministry training from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This training will conclude on May 20th, Pentecost Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. with the commissioning of our entire Street Ministry Team. If you are inter-ested in joining the Street Ministry Team, please call Pastor Sue Hand at (989)859-4491.

ANNUAL REPORT DEADLINE All summaries and financial statements need to be turned into the Church Office by Sun-day, January 21st. The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18th at approx-imately 11:45 a.m. Please plan on attending!!!

CROP UNTIL YOU DROP Ascension is hosting an All Day Crop on Saturday, January 27th from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Bring your own scrapbook supplies. Each person will have a banquet table and outlets are available. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass for dinner (along with the recipe) and your own drinks. Deadline to register and turn in your payment is Friday, January 19th. All proceeds will benefit the Ascension Youth Group. Please make checks payable to Ascension Lutheran Church and mail the check and this registration form to Michelle Wardlow, 11355 Swan Creek Road, Saginaw, MI 48609. Name: ______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________

Phone:______________________________________

Email:_______________________________________

ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUND The Endowment Fund Committee is accepting applications for 2018 to fund projects which may support any of the following activities:

⸰Christian Education ⸰Youth Programs ⸰Music Ministry ⸰Mission Opportunities ⸰Scholarships ⸰Family Outreach ⸰Evangelism ⸰Technology ⸰Special Capital Improvement Opportunities

Because of the limited amount of money the Endowment Fund Committee makes on its investments each year, the committee reviews each application and awards monies on how the request fits the mission and pur-pose of the church. The maximum amount that can be funded for any activity is $1,000. The applications are available in the Church Office and must be submitted by March 31, 2018. If there are any questions, please contact Bob Dillenbeck, Endowment Fund Committee Chairperson, at 799-2065.

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Other

ALTAR FLOWERS FOR JANUARY

January 7th Flowers Needed

January 14th Flowers Needed

January 21st Flowers Needed

January 28th Flowers Needed

The 2018 Flower Chart is posted in the Gathering Area on the Usher/Acolyte Room door. The cost is $25.00. A payment envelope will be mailed to you. These arrangements are placed in the Sanctuary each week for worship and may be picked up after the late service on Sunday morning.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE One of the primary responsibilities of a pastor is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-12) This suggests the pastor should be spending a lot of time coaching us (the team) on how to minister to others in various ways.

From a Congregational Care perspective, that would mean focusing on identifying ministries that support members of Ascension, but at the same time, are carried out by other members of the congregation at the direc-tion of Pastor Julie. Please lock in this concept as you read about our need for Eucharistic Ministers.

Eucharistic Ministers—like most congregations, we have several members who cannot worship with us. Some reside in their own home while others may be in long-term care facilities of one type or another. Ascension has a responsibility to address the spiritual needs of these members and one of those needs is to provide the sacrament of holy communion on a regular basis. While Pastor Julie does so on occasion, she admits there are more members in need than she can readily maintain.

At this point, we need to hear from you if you can meet with an individual or two on a periodic basis and would be able to provide the sacrament to them after some instruction. Please contact the Church Office if in-terested, have questions, or know of someone who may need the services of a Eucharistic Minister.

Dear Fellow Members in Christ,

In case you were unable to attend the December Budget & Election meeting, here is a brief overview. We vot-ed in a budget that is a slight deficit, approximately -$5,000. The numbers are realistic and include growth in Mission support. The various teams budget requests were realistic (no fluff) and are aligned with our Strategic Plan. The only way to balance the budget would be to either cut staff (not an option at this point) or ask us all to prayerfully consider increasing our giving.

The following members were elected to serve a two-year term on Council: President—Kris Yackel-Friend, Secretary—Kathy McNally, Financial Secretary—Tom Page, Minister of Finance & Resources—Ben Crump, Minister of Spiritual Health—Marty Debozy.

Council presented the Strategic Plan they have worked on and will be working off of as we move forward in 2018 and beyond. This Strategic Plan is attached.

Last but not least, join us on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. as we host the workshop “Safety Basics for your House of Worship”. This is open to the community, so feel free to invite your friends and neighbors. Please RSVP to the Church Office for planning purposes. The event is free to all.

In Christ’s Service, Kris Yackel-Friend

President’s Message

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Stewardship

MOVING FORWARD WITH FIRST FRUITS GIVING At the recent Budget & Election meeting our Council President, Kris Friend, shared the working plans of the congregation as we move forward as a congregation in this community. We shared the exciting new ministry of the emergency bags, as well as our continuing outreach opportunities. We shared the partnerships we have with other area organizations to bring glimpses of the kingdom of God to a world who so desperately needs to see a different way. We presented a budget that is intended to fund the ministry we are working toward, knowing that we passed a budget beyond what we currently have available and trusting that God will provide. A couple mem-bers shared that they were concerned that we have not had an intentional stewardship program at Ascension for years, and that if we don’t ask we won’t receive. One of the goals for Ascension is to be a first fruits congregation, and in turn, that the disciples of the congre-gation also become first fruit givers. This means that before any bills are paid, we give an offering of thanks to God, trusting that God will provide what we need. We shared that the council authorized a weekly giving of ½ percent earlier this year, and are now up to 2 percent, with the goal of increasing this amount. In this time, we have not struggled paying bills, we have been able to fund the LED lighting project and received an Energy Star Award, and found financial funding for the emergency bags. We also shared that the short-term goal is to increase giving by 3 percent. As we begin 2018, I am asking each of you to prayerfully discern your financial commitment to the church. I know fixed incomes, uncertainty, and fear cause us to think we can’t do this. God’s command in the begin-ning is to be fruitful and multiply, and maybe that didn’t just apply to populating the earth! Our mission is to Boldly Make Christ’s Vision Known—and we can multiply that when we have the resources to do what God calls us to, when God calls us. Giving of ourselves, money, but also of time and talent, helps us become God- focused and not self-focused. I am including a chart to help you in your discernment. If this is too daunting, consider increasing your giving by a percentage, or by a dollar amount. Consider giving through the online option. Commit to this for three months, or six months—trusting that God will provide all you need and that Ascension will have the resources necessary to meet what lies ahead. Thank you for what you give now—as a congregation we are grateful. I encourage you to discern and experi-ence the joy of trusting in God beyond what we first believe is possible!!!

The MESSENGER is published monthly by Ascension Lutheran Church.

Deadline for the February 2018 issue is Thursday, January 18th at 12:00 noon.

Articles may be emailed to ascensionmessenger@yahoo.com.

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Health Highlights by Traci Collier, DC

Health Highlights are brought to you by the Parish Health Committee whose members are Sara Gregor, Parish Nurse, Sha-ron Boyd, Jennifer Deaton, Dr. Steve Haupt, Marie Stuart, Joan Ford, Kris Friend and Traci Collier, DC.

Health Highlights

TIPS FOR SHOVELING SNOW AND SAVING YOUR BACK Snow shoveling is one of the more common back injuries during the winter months. This type of injury is preventable if you take the proper steps in snow removal.

Pick the right shovel.

An ergonomic snow shovel (curved handle) will minimize unnecessary bending.

Use a small, lightweight, plastic blade. You may not be able to shovel as much snow per load, but the load will weigh less and decrease the strain on your spine.

Get a shovel made to push snow. It is far easier to push snow than to lift it.

Warm up your muscles.

Cold, tight muscles are more prone to injury—warm muscles perform better. March in place, swinging your arms, for five minutes to warm the entire body.

Stretch your lower back, hamstrings, and shoulders before and after shoveling.

Maintain good body mechanics.

Grip the shovel handle and create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift the snow.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart to maintain balance.

Make sure your hips and knees are squarely facing the shovel.

Bend your hips and knees—keep your back straight—and lift using your legs.

Do not twist your body. Dump the snow in front of you. If you need to move snow to the side, move your feet—do not twist!

Dress for success.

Dress in layers and wear clothing that is easy to move in.

Shoes or boots with good treads will help you maintain your balance and minimize injuries from falling.

Spread sand, rock salt or kitty litter on your sidewalk and driveway to increase traction and reduce the like-lihood of slipping.

If possible, stop shoveling and use a snow blower!!

Keeping these guidelines in mind will decrease the chances of aggravating or creating back problems and al-low you to enjoy a happier, healthier winter. References: https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/ergonomics/snow-shoveling-techniques-prevent-low-back-injuries; https://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/ergonomics/tips-snow-shoveling-how-avoid-back-pain

“For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” —Isaiah 55:10

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Mark your calendar for blood pressure screenings by the Parish Health Committee. The next one will be held on Sunday, January 14th after each worship service.

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PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE ON ASCENSION’S CARE LIST These are members who are unable to worship with us on a regular basis, who need to be remembered by their family at Ascension. Mail a card, plan a visit or say a prayer for these members of our church family.

Ron Schultz - 10400 Swan Creek Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609 Bob Foley - Great Lakes Rehab, 4181 Tittabawassee Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604 Frances Edie - 4850 Gratiot Rd., Apt. D2, Saginaw, MI 48638 Peggy Lockhart - 6143 Longmeadow Blvd. North, Saginaw, MI 48603 Nancy Holvey - Saginaw Geriatrics Home, 1413 Gratiot, Saginaw, MI 48602 Gene Burchfield - 4354 Mt. Hope Road, Apt. 106, Williamsburg, MI 49690 Helen Nothelfer - 302 Fulton Street, Room 108, St. Charles, MI 48655

Heidi Osterloh - 9345 Geddes Road, Saginaw, MI 48609

Member News

2nd Carl and Charleen Boland 9th Phil & Kay Ballien

Anniversaries this Month

1st Andrea Kittle 3rd Julia Attridge Mary Erskine 4th David Huston 5th Jean Joslyn Hunter Turner 7th Courtney Whelton 9th Lori Robins 10th Phil Ballien Mike Clifford 11th Caitlin Boyd 13th Melissa Morgan 14th Elizabeth Clark Jim Dankert Zoey Kohnert-Pretzer Brody Morse 15th Marty Debozy 16th Laura Schian David Witker 18th Connor Webb

19th Ben Crump Max Witker 20th Larissa Crook Bob Darling 21st Adam Bostwick 22nd Alisha Albrecht 23rd Cheryl Andrus Judy Goschke Danielle Hendrick 24th Gina Dillenbeck 26th Alice Doerr Nichole Whelton 27th Lisa Espinoza 29th Lillian Edsall Kathleen Kelly Pat Owen 30th Bob Aldrich 31st Dawn Earnesty Maxwell Faerber Rachel Joslyn Ruth Schomaker

January Birthdays

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Serving in January

Head Ushers--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m. Readers--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m.

7 Marv Lentner/Andy Friend & Bob Beyerlein 7 Joan Ford/Shelly Dawson

14 Edna Bell/Dawn Dalton & Jeff Whelton 14 Dick Schomaker/Melissa Durow

21 David Witker/Tom Page & Jim Stuart 21 David Witker/Dan Durow

28 Tim Wilson/Dave Dawson & Dave Huston 28 Patty Hamilton/Lynda Goward

Acolytes--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m. Video Screen Operators--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m.

7 Maliyah Johnson/Carlie Kolb & Erika Collier 7 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

14 No Acolyte/Savannah Maddox 14 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

21 Mackenzie Morgan/N. Ryder & W. Salowitz 21 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

28 No Acolyte/Courtney Whelton 28 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

Prayers of the Church--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m. Sound Board Operators--8:00 a.m./10:30 a.m.

7 Ruth Schomaker/Shelly Dawson 7 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

14 Charleen Boland/Chris Crump 14 Volunteer Needed/Volunteer Needed

21 David Witker/Tom Page 21 Marty Debozy/Volunteer Needed

28 Lynn Schomaker/Lisa Espinoza 28 Marty Debozy/Volunteer Needed

Friendly Callers Hospital Callers

7 Sue Bailey 7 Bettie Lyle

14 Bonnie Cavendish 14 Roger Koppenhofer

21 David Witker 21 Sandy Graham

28 Sue Bailey 28 Rick Hamilton

WEDNESDAYS

Head Ushers Readers Sound Board/Video Screen Prayers

3 Ruth Schomaker 3 Larry Nuechterlein 3 Volunteer/Volunteer 3 Connie Dutcher

10 John Schroeder 10 Joyce Richardson 10 Volunteer/Volunteer 10 Mike Clifford

17 Glen Mack 17 John Schroeder 17 Volunteer/Volunteer 17 Connie Dutcher

24 Mike Clifford 24 Mike Clifford 24 Volunteer/Volunteer 24 Mike Clifford

31 Ruth Schomaker 31 Larry Nuechterlein 31 Volunteer/Volunteer 31 John Grolle

Thank you to everyone who participates in these important ministries. If you are unable to serve on your assigned day,

please let the Church Office know who will be filling in for you.