ASCENSION’S MISSION STATEMENT:

We as members of Ascension and fellow members in the body of Christ gather around the Word and Sacrament for worship and nurture. Here we receive power to reach out in Christ’s name using our resources to seek and make new disciples while continuing to serve our community and our world.

Ascension’s Happenings

DECEMBER 17, 2017

If it’s happening at Ascension, this is where you need to look to find EVERYTHING you need to know!

Keep this booklet handy each week for useful information about Education Opportunities,

Ministries, Fellowship, and everything else that you need!

It’s all right here!

K LOVE radio station mentioned that a young man Ryland Ward who is a survivor of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, TX shooting. Young Ryland lost both his sisters and his Step-Mother that awful day. He was also shot 5 times and is re-hab. All this kiddo wants for Christmas is a Christmas card. If you are interested in sending him a card here is his address: Ryland Ward, P.O. Box 174, Sutherland, TX 78161.

A CARD FOR RYLAND!

OUR STEWARDSHIP FOR: December 6 & 10, 2017

Attendance:

Weeknight Worship: Total: 121

Sunday Worship: Total: 313

Sunday School Attendance: No Sunday School (Lessons & Carols)

2017 Offerings:

Needed each Week: $ 11,308 Budgeted amount/Year to Date: $ 565,400

Weekly Offering (Incl. Midweek) $ 13,080 Received amount/Year to Date: $ 608,960

STEWARDSHIP

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS FLOWERS DONATED BY:

Don & Marilyn Loptien, in in celebration of their 38th wedding anniversary and Don’s 81st birthday (today!).

The Elders have published the Sermon Surveys concerning Pastor John's preaching. Copies of the results are in the Narthex. Thank you to the many folks who participated.

SERMON SURVEY RESULTS!

We Need Some Help!! We are scheduled to shelter the homeless from Christmas Eve until Saturday, December 30, if the weather is severe. A number of our volunteers are not able to help during this week. Can you help by serving the meal that is already prepared or helping our guests get checked in? If you can help please sign the sheet on the landing and you will be contacted. Of course, we especially need folks on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6—9 p.m.. Thank you!!

WE NEED SOME HELP WITH THE SEVERE WEATHER NETWORK!

A NEW MINISTRY PROPOSAL!

Our congregation is investigating a new ministry to assist Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers (usually a spouse) through pet therapy or music therapy. Over 1,500 Alzheimer's folks in Arapahoe County are in their homes under the care of a spouse. We believe that both the patient and the spouse could use some support from our congregation and from one another. We are looking for folks who can take some initial plans and bring them to reality. If you have a heart for this new ministry please put your name of the sheet on the landing. The initial meeting will be in January.

Jerry Peterson, the HomeWord Small Groups Coordinator, will be stepping down from his position soon. Jerry helped begin this Small Group Ministry in 2010 and has helped it grow. We will miss the leadership and advocacy from Jerry. But his stepping down allows one of you to step up. Would you be interested in serving in this capacity? You can talk to Pastor or to Jerry to find out what this job entails.

CAN YOU STEP-UP FOR HOMEWORD?

MORE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

To simplify the process of leaving a message after hours for members of the office staff, please keep the following information handy:

Pastor John Larson, 303-794-4636, ext.101 or Email to pastorjohnlarson@aol.com Michael Zehnder, 303-794-4636, ext. 102 or Email to musicmikealc@gmail.com Kathy Johnson, 303-794-4636, ext.104 or Email to Kathy.johnson@adatacorp.com Kathie Harvey or general messages, 303-794-4636, ext.100 or Email to alutheran@aol.com Jenna Lawrenz, 303-794-4636, ext. 103 or 303-913-3512 or Email to jenna.lindeman@cune.org Chandra Cornell in the Preschool, 303-730-4636, ext. 106 or 109 or Email to chandra@alcpreschool.com

In the event of an emergency outside of office hours, Pastor Larson can be reached at his home number, 303-420-8918, or on his cell phone, 303-408-9819.

HOW TO REACH US:

Extended Day Preschool Program—Ascension’s Extended Day Preschool program for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Contact our Director, Chandra Cornell, at 303-794-4636 x 106. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. during the school year. If you know of anyone looking for an excellent Christian preschool, be sure to tell them about Ascension’s outstanding Extended Day Preschool program! We are accepting registration for Spring of 2018! Call regarding availability!

EXTENDED DAY PRESCHOOL

"Lutheran High School's January Open House will take place on Thursday, January 18, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Faculty representatives, coaches, parents, and current students will be available to answer your questions and provide information pertaining to LuHi's departments and programs. Go to www.lhsparker.org/openhouse to see the evening's schedule and to RSVP."

LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL NEWS!

VOTERS’ MEETING UPDATE!

On Sunday, November 26, the final Voter’s Meeting of 2017 was held. At this meeting we primarily decided upon the budget for 2018 and we elected officers and board chairs for the coming year/years. About 50 folks were in attendance. The Ladies Guild served a nice luncheon that was funded by the Ascension Lutheran Church Foundation.

Pastor reported about the reception of 17 new members on December 3, many who will join by Adult Confirmation or Reaffirmation of Faith. Margo Pasha, our treasurer, reported that due to strong financial giving and prudent spending we have a $78,000 balance for this year. Margo presented the 2018 budget supplied by the Finance Committee. The budget for 2018 will be $636,000, an increase of $39,000 from the 2017 budget.

The Assembly re-elected Margo Pasha and Linda Achziger for the 2018 year to serve as Treasurer and Secretary. By special motion the Assembly asked Terry Utecht to serve another term as Congregational President. Isaac Hein will chair Community Outreach and Chuck Mielke will continue as chair of Trustees. Various positions were not filled – Vice-President, Parish Education, Stewardship and Social Ministry. It was suggested that we need to make this a part of the congregational prayers and fill each of these positions of leadership. It was suggested, as well, that we put job descriptions in the Happenings, so folks can know what each position requires.

The Assembly watched our new Welcome Video that will soon be on our updated website. Finally, a question about church security was raised, in light of the wave of recent violence. A number of folks mentioned they would serve on the committee and we would look for folks who have expertise in law enforcement to help us address this issue.

Our next meeting will be the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at noon.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT ASCENSION

SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY—Tuesdays, 9:30—11 a.m. Our current study is on the book “The Day That Changed Forever” by Tim Roehl. Contact Mavis Slifka with questions.

KOINONIA—Thursdays (1st and 3rd) at 1:30 p.m. Meets in the afternoon at various homes. Our current study is When Christ Comes by Max Lucado. Please join us! For more information, call Joyce Dowdy at 303-794-7614.

CLASSES THROUGH THE WEEK

W E D N E S DAY NIGHT L I V E DECEMBER 20, 2017

The Small Group Singers meet at 5 p.m. this Wednesday for rehearsal.

Our Advent by Candlelight Service will begin at 6 p.m. (This event is limited to those who have already signed up.)

Please join us on January 10 when Wednesday Night Live resumes!

No Adult Study tonight! Please join us in the Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. on January 10 when we resume the Adult Bible Class as Pastor Larson continues a study on the Book of Matthew!

ADULT STUDY FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

Adult Bible Class—Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 a.m. as Pastor Larson continues the study on the Book of Hebrews.

Young Adult Bible Class—Please join us as we continue our study on “Ecclesiastes” in the Music Room!

The following kids achieved perfect attendance for Sunday school for November: Ashley Boeding, Jacob & Zoe Brown, Piper & Ruby Casey, Ben Dierking, Eli, Jacob & Matthew Faulk, Pete Federico, Caleb Gilbert, Camryn Goff, Warwick Hein, Esther Langness, Samantha Riebling, Grace, Luke & Ruth Redden, Annalise & Jonas Tunheim and Ben & Jacob Williams. They’ll each receive a gift of their choice. Congratulations!

The following had perfect attendance for the entire quarter (Sept.—Nov): Ashley Boeding, Piper & Ruby Casey, Ben Dierking, Warwick Hein, and Grace, Luke & Ruth Redden. They’ll each receive a gift card to Mardels. Good job! Congratulations!

SUNDAY SCHOOL: PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Children’s Sunday School—Sunday School begins at 9:15 a.m. Grades 4 and below meet in the Community Room downstairs for their opening. Other grades go to their respective classrooms.

Enjoy light reading of Christian Fiction: Fall, Winter, and Christmas Novels located on the book cart in the Narthex

LIBRARY NEWS!

OUR 2018 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DATES ARE MONDAY, JUNE 18 THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 22!

SAVE THE DATES! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

Youth—Grades 9—12 have a weekly Bible study. Please join us in the youth room at 9:15 a.m.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AND GIVE

TODAY IS MILITARY MAILING COLLECTION SUNDAY! Please place your donations in the white cabinet near the lower level entrance. Because of your generosity, we have been able to send 782 packages to service men and women as of November 30!

AT THE PRESENT TIME, WE NEED SNACK FOODS (INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED HARD CANDY, NUTS, GRANOLA BARS, ETC.) AND INDIVIDUAL DRINK MIXES!

SUPPORT OUR MILITARY

INTEGRATED FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICES—FORMERLY INTER-FAITH

OUR NEXT FOOD COLLECTION SUNDAY (FOR IFCS) WILL BE JANUARY 7!—Please place your non-perishable food items in the blue bin in the Church Office at any time! (They pick-up every few weeks!) If you have questions, please contact the Church Office.

SEVERE WEATHER SHELTER NETWORK 2017-2018 SEASON

Our next week will be December 24—30. Thank you all for your wonderful clothing and snack donations - at this time we have plenty of items to get us started this season (once we really get going!). Even with the amount of clothing we have, there is still a need for WOOL socks, WARM gloves and BOOTS (Mens size: 9 and up / Women's size: up to 8). Thank you all for the continued love and prayers for this ministry!

If you have any questions or you want to get involved volunteering or to provide food please contact Bri Fort 623-680-9510, bribly@gmail.com.

LOVE INC. CORNER: TO VOLUNTEER OR FOR ASSISTANCE CALL 303-794-LOVE (5683)

Clearinghouse: Interested in supporting our client help-line? Available 3 hours a week (Morning or Afternoon) to return calls to clients needing connection to resources, relationship and hope? Please let Love INC know by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at kris@loveinclittleton.org or 303-798-0037.

Renewed Treasures: We are currently hiring a new staff position at our Resale Shoppe and Gap Ministry – Renewed Treasures, a part-time Renewed Treasures Store Manager. Contact the office for more information or inquiries. (See the Bulletin Board for additional information)

Do you have a few hours a week to make a big impact in our community? Love In the Name of Christ (INC) has various opportunities to serve and volunteer. Please call 303-798-0037 or email info@loveinclittleton.org for more information about office and clearinghouse volunteering, mentoring and/or working at the resale store Renewed Treasures.

Shepherd of the Hills LC and Bethesda Lutheran Communities are teaming up to present the Tebow Foundation, 2018 Night to Shine, Friday February 9th, a Dinner & Prom experience for people age 14 and older living with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Registration is now OPEN for GUESTS and VOLUNTEERS. More than 300 Volunteers age 14 and older are needed to host this event – please consider joining us!

2018 NIGHT TO SHINE!

Would you like a way to serve ‘RIGHT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME’? Ascension Ladies Guild is looking for a person to send cards to members of Ascension when hospitalized or sick, the loss of a loved one and birth of a baby. The Guild will provide the postage and the cards needed. You would work from the insert in the bulletin IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY. It is one way of letting the members of Ascension know they are in our prayers and we are thinking of them. Joan Fryman has done this service for many years but as her eye site changes it is becoming increasingly difficult. Thank you Joan!! If you have an interest in doing this special service please call Joyce Wagner at 303-973-0454.

A WAY TO SERVE ‘RIGHT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME’?

Did you know that 75% of Americans do not have their medical care wishes in writing? Are you one of them? The OACS program, in partnership with the Colorado Health Foundation, is offering free, individual Advance Care Planning consults to provide hands-on assistance in the creation of Advance Directives, such as Medical Durable Power of Attorney and Living Will, at no charge. Our goal is to ensure that everyone completes these important documents, and understands why they are necessary. To set up an appointment at our Lakewood office, call 303-217-5864.

LFS’ refugee program is currently collecting gift cards to share with our newly-arrived clients. These can be a lifesaver for a family who has started a new job and is waiting on that first paycheck! Cards with a $25-$75 balance are most useful, but cards of any amount are always appreciated. The most helpful stores are King Soopers, K-Mart, Target, and Walgreens.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES

Ascension’s Mission Partners: The Rocky Mountain District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; Lutheran High School; Lutheran Family Services—Rocky Mountains; Children’s Christian Concern Society—LeadaChild; Rev. Mark Moss; Biblical Orthodox Lutheran Mission (BOLM); Lutherans for Life.

Prayer Ministry—Doris and Charlotte are the contacts for our prayer chain. Please call or email them with your prayer concerns. Doris Rohde: (303-796-0913) or dj424@comcast.net or Charlotte Wilkinson: (303-877-2954) or charwilk25@hotmail.com.

Ascension is a Stephen Ministry congregation—If you are interested in having a caring Stephen Minister support and encourage you through any concern or crisis in your life, call one of our Stephen Leaders:

Dana Thom at 303-263-5203, Steve Shelton at 303-798-5901, Lorraine Winckler at 303-875-9345, or Pastor Larson at 303-794-4636.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact any of the individuals listed.

MISSION AND MINISTRY

YOU are a Member of the Foundation if you are a Member of Ascension Lutheran Church!!

The Foundation would like to Thank You for your generosity. You are sharing the love of Jesus here and around the world. It has allowed the Foundation to increase our 2018 budget by 34% over our 2017 budget. In 2017 you have helped support Iantha Schiewe’s mission work in Hong Kong, Stephanie Lund’s mission work in Slovakia, Angel Tree Prison Fellowship, North Littleton Promise, Our Severe Weather Shelter Network, book re-imbursements for Ascension’s college students, Lutheran High School, our Ascension Youth program, Ladies Guild mission projects, Voter’s Meeting luncheons, the Reformation luncheon and much more over the past 30 years. Please prayerfully consider continuing or beginning to support the Foundation’s efforts with a pledge or a year-end contribution to the Foundation. Foundation board member Bill Thieme working with Ascension’s young adults will be recognizing the recipients of the 2017-2018 Book Re-imbursements funds on December 31 during the 9:30 a.m. Worship.

To support your Foundation with a gift or submit a Grant Request please contact Mike Price at 303-880-0028 or Jim Shelton at 303-794-3504 . For a timely response please have your Grant Request in before the end of the month.

In the Narthex, you will find a Foundation Bulletin Board. There are envelopes for special gifts or memorials made to the Foundation. Grant applications and guidelines are available, as well. PLEASE SUBMIT GRANT APPLICATIONS BY THE END OF EACH MONTH. THANKS.

THE FOUNDATION BULLETIN BOARD

ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH FOUNDATION

SPECIAL MINISTRIES AND MISSIONS!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE!

It is, once again, time to renew your Lutheran Witness subscriptions—Please contact the office ONLY if you wish to CANCEL a current subscription or if you wish to ADD a new subscription. The cost of a subscription is $22 (you can place your check made out to Ascension and noted ‘Lutheran Witness-2018”, in the offering plate). The deadline for changes is TOMORROW, December 18! (New subscriptions will begin in March of 2018.)

LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTION

LUTHERAN RADIO STATION WORLDWIDE KFUO

Listen to Worldwide KFUO.org, your radio station for practical Lutheran talk, daily Bible and Confession studies, daily worship opportunities, and current issues from a Lutheran worldview. Programs are archived at KFUO.org for 24/7 on-demand listening. You can also find our programming wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question or comment? Find us at @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This week on KFUO.org, tune in to monthly program Free to be Faithful to hear host Kip Allen and guest Tim Goeglein discuss religious freedom developments in the past year (12/20 @ 2:30pm CT), hear Best Of episodes for Sharper Iron with Rev. Jonathan Fisk (weekdays @ 8am CT) and Thy Strong Word with Rev. William Weedon (weekdays at 11:00am CT), and study the roots of your Lutheran faith in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession on Concord Matters (12/19 @ 2pm CT). Hear the live midweek Advent service broadcast from Village Lutheran Church in Ladue, MO, on 12/20 at Noon CT. Stay tuned for Christmas Music for the Sacred Season beginning December 24 and continuing through Epiphany.

Thanks to Dr. Don DeYoung for speaking at our December meeting and also talking to grades K-8 at Shepherd of the Hills Christian School!

Our January 4th meeting, will be held at Peace Lutheran, 5675 Field Street in Arvada at 7 PM. It will feature Pastor Joshua Hayes, Campus Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel at UC, Boulder. He’ll be speaking on “Teaching Creation on a Secular Campus: Comfort for Sinners or Excuse to Sin?”

We also have a special event coming up on 13 January! We’ll be offering “Basic Creation Training,” a one-day class on creation apologetics at Hope Lutheran Church, 1345 Macon Street, Aurora, CO. The class was developed by Mr. Mike Riddle at Creation Training Initiative, and will be taught by three instructors from the Denver Society of Creation, Jim and Judy Finnessy and Don Gilbreath. Each of these instructors has been certified by CTI to teach the course. Cost of $25.00 includes lunch, snacks and a 100-page manual. This is a must course for teens, parents, youth leaders and educators who would like to be able to defend their faith against the false claims of evolution! For more information or to register, contact Judy Finnessy at 563-370-5990 or jfinnessy@reagan.com.

DENVER SOCIETY OF CREATION

If you’d like to receive our emails or newsletters, you can sign up by going to our website, www.denversocietyofcreation.org . Or, you can send an email to info@denversocietyofcreation.org and request to receive our emails. We’ll do the signup process for you. Also, we’ve been posting videos of our speakers on the web site, so if you missed a meeting and would like to see the presentation, just go to our website, click on “Past Speakers” and select the video you would like to view.

Please join us Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2100 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO. More information will follow soon.

SAVE THE DATE! SOAR SEMINAR: ENHANCING ONE’S QUALITY OF LIFE

MORE MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE!

A GIFT GIVING IDEA!

Need a gift idea? If you still need a gift, or need to replace your King Soopers gift card, we’ll be selling them in the Narthex after both services TODAY! They’re $2.50 each (pre-loaded with that amount) so there is no cost to you! They’re reloadable and the youth receive a percentage of each amount loaded to each card. Proceeds go toward select youth activities and Mission Trips. If you have questions or need a card, feel free to contact Kathy Johnson.

Thank you for your continued support!

We are pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit or debit card. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation.

If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. All you need to do is visit the church website at http://www.alutheran.org/give-online/ and follow the onscreen instructions at the bottom of the page.

If you have any questions please contact Margo Pasha by email at MargoALPasha@yahoo.com or 303-979-3497.

ASCENSION NOW HAS ON-LINE GIVING!

MANY THANKS FROM THE YOUTH!

THANK YOU!!! Thanks to all who donated and purchased craft and baked goods for the sale last Sunday. MANY thanks to Amy Boeding, Lisa Riebling, and Cheryl Schwerin for planning and leading the sale. We took in over $1000, thanks to those who purchased our variety of items. Many thanks to the Foundation, which provided matching funds of $1000 for the sale. This was a fundraiser, so the money raised will go toward the mission trip next summer. We have a few items remaining, so check out the table in the narthex today.

THANK YOU!!! Thanks to all who purchased 2018 Wall Calendars for the youth fundraiser. If you haven’t yet picked up your calendar, feel free to contact Kathy Johnson or Lisa Riebling. We have a few remaining calendars available if you’d still like one. We made over $650 from selling calendars, plus matching funds of $500 from the Ascension Foundation. The money raised will go toward the mission trip this summer. Thanks for your faithful support!

A donor advised fund offers generous people a stewardship teaching tool by establishing a current charitable fund for distribution as they and/or selected advisors (children) determine. To learn more contact Jason Jones, Ascension Gift Planning Counselor at Jason.Jones@lfnd.org or call him directly at (970) 988-0305.

LCMS FOUNDATION—A LIFE OF LEGACY

DECEMBER

TODAY @ 9:15 a.m. —Please join us in the Music Room for a study on Ecclesiastes!!

December 28 @ 7 p.m. —Young Adult Bible Study on “Joining Jesus on His Mission: Becoming an Everyday Missionary” at Village Inn.

Call Jenna Lawrenz (303-913-3512) or email jenna.lindeman@cune.org with any questions!

YOUNG ADULT EVENTS! (AGES 18-30 OR THERE-ABOUTS!)

DECEMBER

TODAY @ 2 p.m.—Congregational caroling to our Homebound! TODAY @ 5 p.m.—Youth Christmas Party!

JANUARY

January 20 @ 2—7 p.m.—A special even for Boys !An afternoon of Paintball followed by dinner @ Ascension! Open to ages 12 and up! (Limited space, please RSVP by January 13!)

Call Cheryl Schwerin (303-929-5399) with any questions!

YOUTH HAPPENINGS! (GRADES 5-12—UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)

Dear Older Lutheran Ladies Socials (DOLLS)—Single ladies who get together monthly for an outing and fellowship. Call Carol Shepherd for more information at 303-552-7485.

Quilters Circle: Ascension Ladies who gather to quilt on Saturdays from 12—2 p.m. Call Chris Peepgrass at 303-798-4018.

FELLOWSHIP AND MORE!

Hello Fellow Moms!! Come join us for MOPS* on the second Tuesday of every month from 9:30 to 11:30! It's the mother of all mom meetups! We will have food, speakers, videos, crafts and lots of laughs. Free childcare. * MOPS is for soon to be moms and moms with kids through Kindergarten. Our NEXT meeting is Tuesday, January 9. We look forward to seeing you! God's blessings! Questions? Email Christy Williams at hhpets@yahoo.com or Jenna Lawrenz at jenna.lindeman@cune.org

Have a Very Merry Christmas and we will see you in January!

Contact Sandee by email at sandeethieme@gmail.com or phone at 303-798-4857 with questions.

LADIES BOOK REVIEW

QUILTERS CIRCLE

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS)

UPCOMING MEETINGS AT ASCENSION Next Council Meeting—Tuesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. Remember—Meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend!

Since New Year’s Eve Falls on a Sunday this year, we will have a single morning Worship service at 9:30 a.m. (no Sunday School)! And we are hoping that you want to get your Jazz on! The Queen City Jazz Band will be joining us (in the 9:30 a.m. service!)!

We will, once again, celebrate New Year's Eve with Worship followed by a catered meal...from Romano's! Worship will be at 3 p.m. on December 31 followed by the meal. This will still leave plenty of time for other activities! Please sign up on the Bulletin Board by December 27 so we can determine how much food we will need to order! If you could sign up (on the bulletin board...or call the office) no later than Wednesday, December 27, that would be wonderful!

WORSHIP ON NEW YEAR’S EVE: MORNING AND AFTERNOON!

SEASONAL EVENTS COMING UP SOON! December 20—Please join us for a special evening of devotion and fellowship as we celebrate “Advent by Candlelight”. Our dinner menu is: Roast Beef or Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Mixed Green Salad, Cheesy Potato Casserole with Broccoli, Corn, Rolls & Butter, Christmas Cookies & Mints, and Water & Coffee! This is a special evening of Worship and Dinner that will include devotions and music between courses. Watch for information in the weeks to come! You must sign-up for this event and attendance is limited 150 people. We only have approximately 10 spots left so sign-up now! The cost for the meal is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Sunday, December 24: Family Worship at 4 p.m. (Join us for Carols at 3:40 p.m.); Festival Worship at 7 p.m., (Join us for Carols at 6:40 p.m.)

Holy Communion will be served at both services and both will also include the lighting of the candles as we sing Silent Night.

Please Note! Since Christmas Eve Falls on a Sunday this year, there will be NO morning Worship or Sunday School!

Monday, December 25: Christmas Morning Worship & Holy Communion at 9:30 a.m.

Please note, this time of year tends to bring in a number of visitors and many who are not able to attend Worship at other times. For this reason, we ask that you drop family off at the door and, as possible, park away from the building. This makes it much easier for those who might have difficulty walking!

PARKING DURING CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP!

Third Sunday of Advent—December 17 Congregational Caroling—December 17 Youth Christmas Party—December 17 Extended Day Preschool Christmas Program—December 20 Advent by Candlelight—December 20 Children’s Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal—December 23 Christmas Eve—December 24

Family Worship with Holy Communion—December 24 Festival Worship with Holy Communion—December 24 Severe Weather Shelter Network @ Ascension—December 24—December 30 Christmas Day—Office Closed—December 25 Christmas Morning Worship with Holy Communion—December 25 Office Closed—December 26 Young Adult Bible Study @ Village Inn-December 28 New Year’s Eve—December 31 Family Worship with Holy Communion—December 31 Catered Family Meal—December 31 New Year’s Day—Office Closed Denver Creation Society Meeting (at Peace Arvada)—

January 4 AARP Tax Aide Training—January 8-12 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)—January 9 Church Council—January 9 Young Adult Bible Study @ Village Inn—January 11 Severe Weather Shelter Network @ Ascension—

January 14-20 AARP Tax Aide Training—January 15-January 19 Boys’ Event (age 12 & up)—January 20 Ladies Guild Brown Bag Lunch & Bible Study—January 25 Voters’ Meeting—January 28 30’s-40’s-50’s Event—January 28

EXTENDED CALENDAR

The Deadline for Prayers and Announcements in the Bulletin this week will be TUESDAY at Noon!

SUNDAY—December 17

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT MILITARY MAILING COLLECTION 8 a.m. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:15 a.m. Education Hour/Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 2 P.M. CONGREGATIONAL CAROLING TO THE HOMEBOUND 5 P.M. YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY

MONDAY—December 18

9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. Extended Day Preschool 7 p.m. Boy Scouts

TUESDAY—December 19

Deadline for Prayers and Announcements is TODAY at noon! 9:30 a.m. Ladies Bible Study

WEDNESDAY—December 20

9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. Extended Day Preschool 1 P.M. PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 5 p.m. Small Group Singers Practice ONLY! 6 P.M. ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT 7:30 p.m. Ascension Chorale

THURSDAY—December 21

FRIDAY—December 22

SATURDAY—December 23

10 A.M. DRESS REHEARSAL FOR CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM

SUNDAY—December 24

CHRISTMAS EVE 3:40 P.M. CONGREGATIONAL CAROLS AT THE PRELUDE 4 P.M. FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION 6:40 P.M. CONGREGATIONAL CAROLS AT THE PRELUDE 7 P.M. FESTIVAL WORSHIP WITH HOLY COMMUNION SEVERE WEATHER SHELTER NETWORK @ ASCENSION

ASCENSION’S WEEK-AT-A GLANCE!

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ASCENSION MEMBERS WHEN YOU NEED THE SERVICE NOTED BELOW!

1701 WEST CALEY AVENUE LITTLETON, CO 80120 TELEPHONE 303-794-4636 FAX 303-794-1169 PRESCHOOL 303-730-2514 EMAIL alutheran@aol.com WEB SITE www.alutheran.org

Sunday Worship at

Ascension

WELCOME!

8 a.m. Traditional (Formal) Worship with Holy Communion

9:15 a.m. Adult Bible School/Coffee Under the Trees 10:30 a.m. Praise (Informal) Worship with Holy Communion

STAFF

Rev. John Larson PASTOR (pastorjohnlarson@aol.com) (303-794-4636, Ext 101) (Home Phone: 303-420-8918) (Cell Phone: 303-408-9819) Michael Zehnder DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES (musicmikealc@gmail.com) (303-794-4636, Ext 102) Kathy Johnson EDUCATION DIRECTOR (303-794-4636, Ext 104) (kathy.johnson@adatacorp.com) Jenna Lawrenz COORDINATOR, YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (303-794-4636, Ext 103) (jenna.lindeman@cune.org) Cheryl Schwerin YOUTH COORDINATOR Chandra Cornell DIRECTOR, ASCENSION’S EXTENDED DAY PRESCHOOL (chandra@alcpreschool.com) (303-794-4636, Ext 106) Kathie Harvey ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (303-794-4636, Ext 100) (alutheran@aol.com) Jim Mullane CUSTODIAN (303-794-4636, Ext 105)