Meet Alisa DesJardin, Sunday School Superintendent

I was raised a Lutheran and have always loved teaching.  I taught Sunday School while in High School in Wilmington, Delaware!  

I was a high school science teacher for over 20 years, and I loved watching my students learn new ideas.  The same is true for Sunday School.  I most enjoy watching the students learn and confirm the Glory of God.  I see Sunday School as not only the opportunity to learn Bible stories and lessons, but also as a way for children to learn what is is like to belong to a community of believers.  

Meet Sarah Bolser, Sunday School Teacher

I had the privilege of growing up overseas in Indonesia where my parents served as missionaries with The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. We lived in the middle of the jungle on the island of Borneo. My mom taught at a Bible School, and my dad along with a handful of Indonesian pastors would trek through the jungle bringing the gospel message to villagers who had never heard the name of Jesus. 

I have enjoyed being part of the Ascension family for the past ten years and involved in the children’s Sunday school ministry for about seven years. As a young adult, I felt God calling me to work with kids at church. My dad encouraged me about the importance of laying a strong faith foundation in children who are the future of the church. I am challenged and blessed by the simple faith and insight of the children I have taught. Thank you for the honor of ministering to your kids. 

Meet Lauren Johnson, Nursery Attendant

Hi! I’m Lauren Johnson and I’m a Sophomore at Lewis Palmer High School. I’m one of three Nursery Attendants at Ascension. I signed up to be a Nursery Attendant because I was looking for a part-time job, and this one had me working with children, which I enjoy. It It also fit with my dance schedule. I started as a Nursery Assistant about 1.5 years ago. I love being with the kids, learning about them, and teaching them about God!

Given For You. Ascension’s Approach to Communion 

I believe the two most important words you’ll hear each Sunday morning come at the altar during communion: for you.  When you receive communion, you receive from God.  A few years back we realized that if God was offering grace through bread and wine, who were we to deny it?  Withholding communion until someone was 10 years old or in 5th grade made for a wonderful milestone and learning opportunity, but it was still withholding something that isn’t ours to withhold.  So, we decided to abandon the practice of waiting until a certain age/grade to receive.  Learning about God’s grace at the table isn’t a prerequisite for coming to the table.
    That doesn’t mean we abandon the responsibility to teach about communion – we still do that and will have an all-elementary age class on January 8th at 9:15.  I look forward to exploring this experience of the faith with the children.
    If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.  God bless,
Pastor Daniel
d.smith@ascensioncos.org
719-634-1694

Your Voice Matters – January Listening Sessions

• What do you think is the primary thing that attracts and keeps members active and involved?
• What might our neighbors be seeking that our congregation could provide? What are the greatest needs of the neighborhood?
• How has God positioned this congregation to serve this neighborhood?

The Inviting Community Team invites you to share your thoughts. There will be two Sunday Listening Sessions offered January 8 or January 15, each from 9:15am-10:15am. Sign up for one and you’ll be placed in a small group of 6-8 others.  There are a few ways to sign-up. You can sign-up HERE  or show up on Sunday morning and you will be placed in a small group.

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Comes To Ascension – Intergenerational Hour

On February 5, 9:15a all are invited to an intergenerational hour in the Lower Level. We will welcome special guest Dave Jarvis, Executive Director of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and his wife, Nellie to Ascension who will lead the hour of camp-inspired activities, music and more. Come and learn how camp is for all ages! Learn more about Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp.

Faith Formation Feature

365 Days In God’s Word

In this New Year, consider doing something for your mind and heart. Dive into God’s Word with others from around the world for about 20 minutes a day. Husband and wife duo, Hunter and Heather Barnes, will read through the Bible each day offering short reflections on the Scripture readings. Click the DRB image or visit: https://www.dailyradiobible.com/ to learn more. Also available by searching Daily Radio Bible in your app store.