Welcome to Ascension Lutheran!
We want your first visit to Ascension to be a pleasantly, inspiring experience. So here’s some helpful information to help that happen. For questions about specific programs, please click on the appropriate topic to the left. For directions to Ascension, please click on the "Find Us" tab.
Q: What will happen at worship? A: You will be received with a warm smile and friendly greeting; we are truly happy to have this opportunity to worship with you. A printed worship folder with the liturgy (service), songs, and instructions will be handed to you so you can easily follow along. As you wait for worship to begin, we invite you to soak in the beautiful colors and symbolism of the faceted glass windows behind the altar. A beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary styles of worship are accompanied by our organist and Praise Band, and led by Song Leaders. Your worship experience will be filled with thanksgiving, reverence and joy! There is a strong emphasis on Word and Sacrament. One lesson will be selected from the Old or New Testament and the other will be a special reading from the Gospel (Good News). The pastor’s message (sermon) applies the Scripture to our daily lives. Services are about one hour in length.
Q: When are the worship services? A: On Sunday mornings, services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. What about Holy Communion? Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday morning service. All baptized Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in this Sacrament, having given his life for the forgiveness of our sins, are welcome to the Lord’s Table. Children who have received Communion Instruction (usually at the age of ten), are welcome to receive the sacrament. Anyone, child or adult, who does not wish to receive the Sacrament is always welcome to come forward for a blessing.
Q: What about nursery care? A: Nursery care is provided for children 6 months to 3 years of age. We also provide a special room along the sanctuary side equipped with a soundproof window and audio speakers so that you can still see and hear the service.
Q: What about Children’s Church? A: Each Sunday time is set aside for a Children’s Message. After the message, children 3 years through 3rd grade may go to Children’s Church. During the offering the children rejoin their parents in time for Holy Communion. During the 10:30 worship, children in grades 4 through 8 have the option to remain in church with their parents, or they may go to Teen Talk. They also rejoin their parents in time for Holy Communion. Another opportunity for Children’s Education takes place on Wednesday evenings through three programs: Pioneer Kids, LifeLines, and TUF (Jr. High). Please click on Please click on "Programming" - "Youth", for more information.
Q: Are the facilities walker or wheelchair accessible? A: Yes. Our church is quite accessible for people in wheelchairs or using walkers. Special parking spaces are available in the lower parking lot entrance to the church. Our restroom facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
Q: What is required to have a wedding at this church? A: Before any wedding plans are made, all couples must first meet with the pastor(s) and obtain their agreement to perform the wedding. All couples will have 6 pre-marital counseling sessions with the pastor. For further details on wedding policy, please contact the church office (1-310-373-0454).
Q: What is required to have my child baptized at Ascension? A: Infants and small children are baptized with the expectation that parents and sponsors will honor their promises to nurture the child in the Christian faith and to participate in the life of a congregation. For this reason, we ordinarily baptize only the children of members. In rare and extenuating circumstances, pastoral discretion may allow for flexibility.
Q: How do I join Ascension Lutheran Church? A: Any confirmed member of another Lutheran church may simply transfer membership. Please call the church office (1-310-373-0454) and speak to the pastor to indicate your desire to do so. We will contact your former church and make the appropriate arrangements. If for some reason your former Lutheran church will not transfer your membership to our congregation, you may still join Ascension by Reaffirmation of Faith. If you are not a confirmed Lutheran you will be received by transfer from another Christian denomination or by Baptism. You will need to take a basic course on the main teachings and practices of the Lutheran Church led by the pastor.
Opportunity is provided to receive new members four times a year. For more details about the New Member Orientation, please contact the church office.
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