Are you curious to see what we're about, but don't know what to expect?
Here’s a brief guide to worship at Ascension Lutheran Church.

Service Times:
Our regular scheduled services are every Saturday at 5:00p and Sundays at 8:15a and 11:00a. Our 11:00a music is lead by our Worship team and tends to be a bit more contemporary. Special Advent and Lenten Services are posted on this website.

Sunday School and adult education times:
We have Sunday School and adult eduction classes on Sunday mornings at 9:45a in addition to Monday Bible Class at 10:30a - Tuesday Bible Class 9:30a - Wednesday Women’s Bible Class 9:30a and on Thursday Men’s Bible Class at 6:15a. These are all small groups and visitors are always welcome.

Parking:
Note the signs along the park and church for hours of 45 degree parking.

Front Entrance & Handicap Entrance
The primary church entrance is on Donovan and a handicap entrance is located on the backside of the building and is serviced by an elevator to all floors.

The structure of our worship service is very simple
There's nothing you need to know in advance. Nobody will call on you or ask you to say anything; you can participate as much or as little as you desire. As you walk into the sanctuary, an usher will offer you a "worship bulletin" to help you follow the prayers and responses for the week. Ask for a large-print
version if you need one.

Sit Anywhere You Like
You are more than welcome to sit anywhere you like. We are happy to accommodate our visitors, so please don't worry about "sitting in someone's seat". If you think you might need to leave before the service ends... feel free to set in the rear and leave when you need. We're glad for any amount of time you invest in worship and learning about Ascension.

The Offering Plate
Don't worry about giving money. Our members support our church in every regard, in fact many of our members make their contribution electronically and don't put anything in the offering plate. We're happy to have you as a visitor and do not expect you to give.

Will someone show up knocking on my door if I visit Ascension?
Not unless you ask us to, and that is a promise! You will be ask to sign the guest book or leave some contact information. Feel free to do so and we will mail or email you a thank you note for attending, or feel equally free to say, "Not today, I'm just looking around." Four hundred years of Reformation history has taught us not to be pushy.

How should I dress?
We have a friendly and casual atmosphere, but dress the way you feel most comfortable, from jeans to business casual to suit and tie. But don’t worry about what you are wearing. We’re more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear.

What is the music like?
Music during our Saturday and early Sunday services usually comes from the Lutheran Hymn Book and is accompanied by organ and from time-to-time our choir. Music at our 11a service on Sunday is more contemporary and is lead by our Worship Team. While the pipe organ is given the hour off, you may hear updated arrangements of some of our older hymns. Remember, you don't have to sing or even hum along to praise the Lord with music.

What about children?
Children are an important part of our worship service and are encouraged to attend from the youngest of age. About a third of the way through worship, we have our Children's Message, when all the kids (as defined by themselves) gather up by the altar for a chat with our Pastor. We can't emphasize enough that your kids are absolutely welcome at our church, and will probably get a few compliments.

We Will Never Embarrass You
You will not be asked to raise your hand if you are a first time visitor. You will never be asked to stand, to make a speech, to get up in front of a crowd, etc. We want you to feel at home, never embarrassed.

What if I come from a non-Christian or non-Lutheran background?
Please feel welcome to check out one of our services. You will not be expected to say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Come to see what we're all about and participate in as much or as little of the service as you feel comfortable with. As you look around our church you will see members that a few months or years ago were setting in the same position you are now. They have found a church home at Ascension with other members whose families have been members here for generations.

What About Communion?
Holy Communion is celebrated as a part of almost every worship service at Ascension. Because we desire all who participate in Christ’s body and blood will receive the blessings promised therein, and because the Scriptures call for a self-examination prior to participating in the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:28) we have found the following questions helpful in preparing for the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).

a. Have I been baptized in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
b. Do I believe that I am a sinful human being without hope of eternal life except for God’s mercy in Christ?
c. Do I believe the Jesus Christ is God’s Son and my personal Savior?
d. Do I believe that He is personally present in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with His body and blood?
e. Do I intend by the power of the Holy Spirit to change my sinful life and strive to walk according to God’s will?

As you come to the Lord’s Supper you are affirming with each communicant that Jesus is your Savior and Lord, that with Lutheran Christians you believe His body and blood are present, and you desire to serve Him as a dynamic disciple in the fellowship of the church.

We have adult classes where you can learn more about our understanding and teaching of God’s Word regarding Holy Communion. We do ask that guests who are not members of a fellow LCMS - Lutheran Church visit with our pastor before celebrating Holy Communion with our members. If you will not be taking Communion, just let the usher know that you do not wish to join the communion line when he stops at your pew.

I don't know that much about the Bible
That's what we're here for! Church and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You don't have to know anything about the Bible or even any religion to attend a service.

I'm worried that I will feel out of place
We hope that our web site will ease your mind but if you have a question, please ask someone for help. Don't hesitate to say, "I am new. What is this about?" Our congregation is very friendly and are happy to have the chance to welcome new visitors. There are always other visitors at each service so you
shouldn't feel alone.

Our Congregation Cares About People & Families
Our church is small compared to some Mega Churches in the area. Expect to see between 100 - 150 others in most of our services. Our smaller congregation provides the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other. We are thankful to God for our families and friends in the church.

Consider This Your Formal Invitation
We'd be delighted to have you come to any of our services. If you would like more information about our church or the services, please feel free to email Pastor Spomer at Pastor@Ascensionstl.com. We look forward to seeing you soon in one of our services.