Pastor Goltl and Girls at the Maple Campus Celebration of 10 years

Pastor Frakes and Pastor Goltl

Pastor Frakes and Pastor Bingenheimer

50th Anniversary Celebration Service: Pastor Keith, Pastor Mike and Pastor Scott

Noah and Carol enjoying Chicken and Noodles at the Saturday Celebration

Maple Campus Celebrating 10 Years

Can you believe it? We have celebrated a whole year for Ascension turing 50!

We are going to end the year with a bang!

Maple Campus is celebrating 10 years and we are having a special service and dinner on Saturday December 4th, 2010 @ 5:30 PM. Please come join us that evening and help us to Carry the Mission... The Mission Goes On!

Lee

James (Woody) and Lee and their sons Steve and Jay transferred from Grace Lutheran in Wichita to Ascension Lutheran as charter members. Keith, a current member, was born later that year. Like many others, the close proximity of the church to their home prompted the change. James was the first congregational president.

Before building, many members canvassed door to door. They found people wanted to be associated with a church even if they weren’t regular attendees and definitely wanted their children to be in Sunday School. That attitude had changed by the time the current sanctuary was built. Insight into other changes in attitudes can be seen by reviewing old attendance cards used during worship which said “Enter in Silence; Worship in Reverence; Depart in Peace.” Also, the ushers would never have let people be seated during a scripture reading or prayer - but only after that or during a hymn.

Lee remembers that West Wichita’s development did not occur as fast as predicted. It was flat and empty for a number of years. For Lee one of the largest changes in Wichita over the years is that society is now consumer driven. Fifty years ago, denominational loyalty was strong whereas now churches are much more driven by the programs offered. Lee commented, “In the development of the new church, all members were equal. There was no previous relationship experience – excitement and enthusiasm prevailed.”

In the early ‘80’s, the church sold a small strip of property to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church to straighten their property line. Land was also sold to the city of Wichita for the Westlink Branch Library. Lee stated that at one time selling land on the north side of the original building for houses was considered to reduce the amount of debt. That area included what is now the parking lot and part of the church building!

Lee also shared a memory involving Oscar, a Guatemalan child, who was supported through the Children’s CHristian Concern Society (CCCS) which was a new organization at the time Ascension formed. The children in Ascension’s Sunday School collected money in church-shaped banks (which was later sent to CCCS to help Oscar). Years later it was learned that “our Oscar” became a general in the Guatemalan army.

Through the Kansas Church Extension Fund, the church children participated in the Tracky Stamps Program (now called K.I.D.S. Savings Stamps Program through the Lutheran Church Extension Fund), which was probably patterned after the sale of stamps for war bonds in WWII. Each Sunday children would trade their quarters for stamps that were put in a small booklet. When the booklet, representing $25.00, was filled, it was exchanged for a CEF certificate. The kids enjoyed feeling a part of the building fund effort since Ascension was a mission and had borrowed from CEF.

The Sunday School classrooms used three or four chalk- boards on metal legs to divide the area so multiple classes could be taught in each room. There was an altar in every classroom and a piano in most for the opening devotions. No thought was given to acoustics, but it worked!

In reflecting, Lee said, “what I appreciated most was the leadership of Pastor Kerekes. He told us he was preparing us for a vacancy. He wanted us to develop our individual leadership. This afforded tremendous spiritual growth from the many challenges. Conversely, due to the congregation size now, we rely more on other members and staff, thinking someone else may step up to the plate and do it.”

Viola

When Ascension was being started, Viola lived at 8600 West 9^th, so the church was truly in the neighborhood. The family members who joined along with Vi were her husband Max, son Max Edgar (Mackie), and daughter Carmen.

Max worked on the Board of Properties; Vi served as LWML president; they participated in Fellowship Club and were very supportive of the Walther League program in which Mackie and Carmen were active.

Vi’s comments echoed those of other older members: “The biggest changes in Ascension and West Wichita are more buildings and lots more people!” She has many fond memories and especially remembered going fishing with Pastor Kerekes.

Vi is now a resident of Life Care Center. When asked to share His story in her life, she simply said, “He’s always been there and taken care of me.”

Helen

Helen joined Ascension Lutheran Church with her husband, Bill, and daughters Kathryn and Susan. Within months of charter Sunday, Bill died and was the first recorded funeral of an Ascension church member in the “official” member records book. With Bill memorial monies, the church purchased a brass missel stand which is still in use today at the Tyler campus altar.

Helen came to work at Ascension as the parish secretary in 1963 and remained as such until her retirement in 1987. She worked with Pastors Kerekes, Steyer, Pool, and Wenzl as well as former DCE, Lyle ; Minister of Music, Ray; seven vicars and at least one vacancy pastor. Many current and former members identify Helen with the voice of the church office and in many of their church memories. Helen currently resides at the Kansas Masonic Home.

When Helen retired, she wrote the following thank you to her Ascension friends (excerpt): “AGAIN, Thank You! And may our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, continue to bless each and every one of you as WE continue in His Work here at Ascension and someday all meet together on that Glorious Day rejoicing together. THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT! AND WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY THAT WILL BE!

Your Friend in Christ – Helen"

Dean & Joan

Prior to joining Ascension as charter members, Dean & Joan were members at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wichita. However, since Ascension was closer to where they lived by Maize, they began attending Ascension. Joan’s parents, Mary & Dave, and brother and sister-in-law, Gary & Theresa, were also charter members.

One of their fondest memories is of meeting in the parsonage basement and later, the big area in the 4-H building, which didn’t stay ‘big’ for long with all the new families joining. It was a good time to get to know each family as they joined!

One of the biggest changes at Ascension has been in the services. For years Ascension had the same hymnal, the same services, and was quite formal, something to which Joan was accustomed. Now, all the services seem less formal, although some of the older members still prefer a formal service.

Back in the 1960’s, Joan drove a school bus, picking up students from various farms surrounded by wheat fields in what is now the current areas of Reflection Ridge, Sterling Farms, and Chadsworth. Currently, 21^st and Maize Road competes with Rock Road in shopping and traffic. Joan is sad to have all the wonderful farms and wetlands torn up for businesses and housing. All of her best friends lived on the large farms with dairy facilities, large gardens, etc.

Joan shared a story of God’s work through Ascension that began during the years she was a Sunday School teacher. She said it seemed like the kids had lots of pennies and she felt as though it would be easier to get the kids involved with giving to a person to whom they could put a name. Joan went to Pastor Pool with her idea. He happened to have a brochure regarding the Children’s Christian Concern Society. After Joan talked to (Dr.) Edie, the 3^rd and 4^th grade children Joan taught began to share their offering to benefit a Guatemalan boy called “Oscar”. Their endeavor grew to include all the children attending Ascension’s Sunday School. Edie would come to talk and bring things to the children. Polly (Scott’s wife at that time) helped Joan teach and as the program grew, so did the money, which Scott oversaw and mailed in. Oscar was a 6 year old who walked 6 miles just to go to school. The Sunday School money made it possible for him to stay at the mission during the week, receiving room and board as well as learning of the wonders of our Triune God. Oscar graduated and eventually became a superintendent of the school, where he could share first-hand with others how God had touched his life and how those with extreme difficulties and poverty are never forgotten to Him!

Easily my favorite memory is the Fall Festival right after we joined Ascension and took over directing the festival. Our very first event as directors (was it 1988?) there was a freak October ice storm with several inches of pure slush. We figured no one would show up. Boy were we surprised! The PAC was packed!

Danl

My former wife, Lois, & I joined as charter members. It happened because Pastor Kerekes had paid us a personal visit and was even prepared with the proper paper work to make our transfer! In reviewing the 50 years since then, I firmly believe that this was a life-changing event for us regarding the Church. We had been members of the more traditional Lutheran church that simply required "maintenance" to keep it going instead of applying the principles that create a growing & vibrant church. Pastor K. was definitely the man for that task. He was truly an Eph. 4 pastor who believed in "equipping the saints." Maybe a story might illustrate the point.

We were still in the 4H building and it was there that he shared with us that he had received a call. I know we were all shocked. After worship, Scott Daymond and I had a confab. We concluded that we could not continue without him. We further decided that we must meet with him and let him know that he can't possibly give this call any consideration. I went home and called him for a time to meet at the parsonage that afternoon. We had our "ducks in a row" presentation to help him see the light. He carefully listened to all that we had to say before responding. When we gave him his turn, he made this statement... "It looks to me like I need to take this call." "What?" we responded. He said, "I can see that my ministry here is failing." Shocked again, we asked why! He went on to explain that he had focused on us, the laity, to be able to run the church. If we didn't think we could do it, he had failed. Scott and I looked at each other and were speechless. We knew it was time to humbly depart and did so "stunned," but seeing a new light at the same time.

I've had the privilege to share that story with many congregations, leaders, & pastors around the country. This business of realizing that the laity have their gifts of ministry and are called by God to use them was the new revelation that Pastor K. passed on to us.

Lois, directed the choir (for her first time) in the years we were there and continued for 12 years of the same in Hutchinson. I was blessed to become involved in congregational, district work, stewardship work while continuing a personal career. At age 55, I went into a full time ministry as Minister of Spiritual Gifts at Trinity in Mission, KS. That lead to spending 7 years in development work with L.S.S. of Texas. After retiring from that, I was happy to work another six years for Capital Funding Services of L.C.M.S.. I know for sure, that it was the foundation laid at Ascension that permitted me to do that.

In those early days, we had more jobs than people. I served as chair for stewardship, taught 3rd & 4th graders in S.S., did some superintendent work, building committee, was treasurer and, at Pastor's request, taught catechism to 5th and 6th graders. It was a common thing for many of us to spend three and four nights at meetings. God, under Pastor K's leadership, was really equipping the saints! Thanks be to God!! E.L. Van Laningham

Melvin (Bud) & Doris

As Interviewed by Lee

When Mel and Doris moved to Wichita from Medicine Lodge, they attended Bethany Lutheran. Once Ascension was forming, Doris transferred her membership from St. John’s Lutheran, Nashville, KS. Mel was one of three who attended instruction (membership) classes in the basement of the parsonage and was confirmed in the 4-H Building. Their daughters, Shirley and Deanna, were two and nine months respectively.

They chose Ascension because the new church was closer to their home, and Pastor Kerekes had the funeral service for Mel’s sister who died of a brain tumor at 26.

Their fondest memories are being part of a church that was close to their home and being involved in everything that was happening. Melvin spent many years on the Board of Trustees, which is now the Commission of Properties. He remembered putting in the sprinkler system and working on so many other projects. There were humorous situations which occurred while trying to operate within a very limited budget!

Some of the changes in the church are the addition of the bells and having more special music; not being ushered out at the end of the service; and how everyone used to dress up for church and Sunday School.

The biggest changes in West Wichita are having so many more houses, fewer “filling” stations, and Central Avenue no longer two lanes wide. Now, most of the houses once along Central east of the big ditch have been removed, and the area is now commercial.

Doris commented that Pastor Steyer (Ascension’s second pastor) literally bent over backwards for them. On his first visit to their home, he sat down and the chair flipped over. They’ve never forgotten this!

The girls were all three confirmed and married by Pastor John Pool. (By this time their family had grown by two with the addition of Melanie and Brian.) Ascension has continued to be their church home these past 50 years because it is close in location and close as a church family.

Ascension has been our family church site since the late 1970's. We found a warm & inviting church. My children were confirmed here. They went to pre-school under the guidance of Sharon and her wonderful staff. Heidi loved her Girl Scout troop here for many years as well as Jeremy in Boy Scouts. Both my children were married here. All 5 little grand children have now been baptized here. The Pastors have blessed our children and grand children and our lives. Chris and I were married at Ascension Lutheran 5 years ago. These Lutheran Ministers guide us in God's way and strengthen us and in this busy world help us find God's peace.

Lana & Chris

To me, Ascension has been:

-my DCE intern site

-my first call

-the place I met my husband

-the altar where we were married

-the font where our children were baptized

-the family of believers that continues to encourage and challenge me.

I grew up in Kansas, and I thought when I finished school I would move on to "bigger and better" things. God had a sense of humor-and also great wisdom-in sending me back here. I have been blessed beyond measure.

Beth

Gorden & Florence As interviewed by Cyndy

The family attended Redeemer Lutheran Church on East Kellogg before coming to Ascension. Gorden & Florence decided on Ascension because they would have less travel, and they really liked Pastor Robert Kerekes. The family members who transferred were Gorden, Florence, Gary, Candis, Dwight and Bradley.

They moved to west Wichita and still can’t believe how much it has grown. They still live in their same home today. When they first moved, the Wichita city limit was West Street. Wichita Mid-Continent Airport had not even been built yet.

Some of their fondest memories were the church services they had as a congregation in the parsonage basement, which was later purchased by Pastor John and Joyce. When the congregation started meeting, they only had 20 members. They also worked with the mid-week program for several years and are still excited to work with the ministry.

Since Ascension started in 1960, the biggest challenge has been keeping up with the growth of the congregation. New members would create a need for a larger facility. Throughout the years numerous additions have been added to the Tyler Campus and a new facility was built on what is now the Maple Campus. “The biggest thing we see is the amount of talent we now have, how it has grown, and it is all given so freely. Since becoming members, we have really watched our congregation grow.”

In the beginning, today’s paved parking lot on the south side of the Tyler campus was clay dirt. They remember how dirty things got when parking in the lot. At the time when the congregation was trying to raise enough money to put in crushed gravel, Gorden, along with his mom and dad and one other charter member, went to western Kansas to raise money.

Gorden has built many items for our campuses: the cabinets for choir bells, shelves in Pastor Mike’s office, the crosses in all classrooms, and has painted many areas of the church as well. At our Maple Campus, he built the altar, the baptismal font and the lectern.

Florence made the Nativity set, complete with the holy family, wise men, and shepherds that has been on display near the altar and in the narthex at the Tyler campus. These days Florence can be found working on beautiful quilts for LWML.
Florence shared an additional memory she had: she once taught a small Vacation Bible School class that had three boys named Michael, four named David and one named David Michael in it!

Ascension’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon Celebration
Tyler Campus
Saturday January 9, 2010
11:30 – 1:00
1:00-3:00 Pre-school Celebration
Luncheon Cost: $ 5.00 per person
Menu:
Chicken & Noodles, Hot Dogs w/buns, Seasoned Green Beans, Corn Bread
Fruit Medley, Relish Tray with Ranch Dip, Pecan Pie, Texas Sheet Cake
Lemonade / Water / Iced Tea / Coffee
**************** Due Date for Luncheon Reservations *****************
Wednesday December 30, 2009
Please note: RSVP required to attend luncheon.
Questions or more information? Please contact Cyndy Bressler at 316.734.1437 or cynbressler@yahoo.com
Please cut along dotted line and return to:
Cyndy Bressler 6223 N. Grove Wichita Kansas 67219
Or leave Reservation form with payment in the Tyler office and Cyndy will collect them.
*********************************************************************
Name: ___________________________________ (print)
Telephone: __________________ Email: ____________________
# Luncheon ______ x $5.00 = $ _______________
Make checks payable to: Ascension Lutheran Church

What Ascension means to me... by Kristina T.

It is a good church and sunday school. oh happy 50th anniversary Ascension.

What Ascension means to me...by Heidi B

When my family moved to Kansas, Ascension became my new faith family. Everyone accepted us with love & respect. Ascension became like a second home for me and some of my best Friends have been made in the Higher Grounds Youth Group. Ascension means a loving part of my life that keeps me going and helps me to look forward to Wednesday nights with Mrs. Nancy's cooking & Sunday mornings with Mrs. Lundblade's Sunday School class. I love Ascension like my home.

Sharon As interviewed by Cyndy

Interviewing Sharon was a true pleasure as she has so many wonderful memories of Ascension. It seemed like we talked for hours, and I felt such happiness and joy when I left her home. We laughed so much, and I was just amazed by all of the wonderful things she told me about our church. I had a smile on my face the entire day just thinking about all of the things I had learned about our church family.

Family Members who joined Ascension were Fred Jr., Sharon , Steve (Son) and Cyndi (Daughter). They attended St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Cheney Kansas before coming to Ascension because of the location. They were tired of driving so far and wanted to be involved with younger families. When they bought their first home in Westlink, it was on Valleyview just north of Central. On the SW Corner of that intersection was a sign that read “Future Home of Mo. Synod Lutheran Church”, Location Changed!

The Wichita Eagle ran a story about Fred when he was elected to serve as president of its 11-member church council in 1963. The following year Fred was elected to serve a second term. The article also mentioned that Fred was a charter member of the three-year old Missouri Synod congregation, which had grown from 129 to 218 communicant members and from 238 to 412 souls. Now we have 2,178 members, WOW!

Sharon has so many fond memories of Ascension; but her fondest memories were getting acquainted with the many young families. She enjoyed being an active part of the programs as Ascension grew; teaching first and second grade Sunday school, singing in our small (but good!) choir. Fred Jr. drove the tractor from their farm at Colwich Road and Maple Street to mow and work Ascension’s acreage. Fred was ticketed for burning off weeds in order to work the ground! He didn’t have a burn permit.

The biggest change that Sharon has seen in Ascension’s History is the facility and the number of members. She has seen Ascension grow so much since becoming a charter member. “Getting to know all of the members is not as easy as it was in the beginning.”

Sharon has watched West Wichita grow in leaps and bounds since 1960. They used to drive to West Street just to go to the grocery store; when Dillon’s came, they were so excited. Sharon said that seeing the growth in businesses, the number of homes being built, new streets being paved and especially the traffic were the things that have stood out for her.

Sharon shared that being able to teach and direct the Tyler Pre-School for 35 years was a way for her to be able to share the love of Jesus with our 2000 Children & their families. It has been a great outreach in the community and continues to be a great way to share His Story with neighborhood families.

Sharon shared with me her family story:
Daughter, Cyndi married at Ascension on October 3, 1981 by Pastor John Pool.
First husband, Fred Jr.’s, funeral at Ascension was March 6, 1990 by Pastor Jim Wenzl.
Sharon married Bill on April 26, 1997 at Ascension by Pastor Keith Kohlmeier.
Bill’s funeral was on June 28, 2008 at Ascension by Pastor Scott Goltl.
A little side story from Sharon: A fellow worker made the comment to her dad that "all 3 of his daughters married Lutherans" & her dad gave the reply back that "some of us get our punishment on earth!" They were raised Methodist!!!!!!

Sharon, thanks so much for sharing your memories with all of us. It was a true joy to interview you and learn so much about Ascension’s nearly 50-year History. We are grateful to you and your family for helping us to carry on the mission.

What Ascension means to me…
We would like to hear from you. Tell us what Ascension means to you. How has Ascension changed your life and the lives of your families? Look for these forms at both Tyler and Maple locations and please fill them out and return them back to us so we may use them for our 50th Celebration. You can also place your comments here on the blog and we will take your comments from here.

Happy 50th Anniversary Ascension
What Ascension means to me…

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We would like to post your comments on the 50th Anniversary blog May we do so?
Yes: ____________ No: _____________

To Ascension Lutheran Church,

I want to Thank you for sending me the church bulletins and address books. I still have a lot of friends there. It will always be my home church.
The bios on the charter members is a grand idea. We joined a few months after the first building was up.

Vicky

Dene As interviewed by Lynae

Prior to joining Ascension Lutheran Church as charter members, Dene and her husband, Charlie, and five of their children, Catherine, Christopher, Jennifer, Paul and Andrew, were members at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Scott City, Kansas. (A sixth child, Steve, was born later.) The family was new to Wichita because Charlie had recently accepted a job with USD 259. They had located on the west side, but were attending Immanuel Lutheran Church near downtown. The family decided to be charter members because of the close proximity of a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to their home on Wilbur Lane.

Dene’s fondest memory of the beginnings of Ascension is “contending with all those folding chairs.” (Folding chairs were used for seating when the congregation worshipped weekly in the PAC. Those folding chairs are still in use today!) When asked how she managed her large family during church, she noted that “Charlie had good discipline and the boys slept!”
The biggest change in Ascension since 1960, according to Dene, is the Tyler sanctuary addition. It was dedicated in 1978 when John Pool was pastor.

Dene said that the biggest change in Wichita these past 50 years is the westward movement of homes and businesses. She said that she remembers Vacation Bible School being held at Eberly Farms, which at that time was out in the country and not part of the city.
Over the many years of membership, Dene has been active with the LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). Charlie, now deceased, was appointed by Pastor Kerekes as the first Sunday School Superintendent. Charlie was also actively involved for years with Scout Pack 706, which the church still sponsors today.

When asked to tell a story of faith and mission, Dene shared that all six children received the blessing of a Sunday School education, mid-week education, confirmation instruction and weekly church services. Today five of her children are scattered throughout the United States and one son is in South Africa as a missionary.

Don As interviewed by Jim

Prior to joining Ascension Lutheran Church as a charter member, Don and his former wife, Deloris, and their children, Donita, Dayna and David were members at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kansas. The family decided to be charter members because of the challenge (to start up a west side church) as presented by Pastor Kerekes, and of the physical location of the new church to their home at 17th and High Street.

Don’s fondest memory of the beginnings of Ascension is the closeness of the people and how hard they worked. He explained that he was the first chairman of the Evangelism Committee and that they would have as many as 45 to 50 people making evangelism calls on designated weekends.

The biggest change in Ascension since 1960, according to Don, is the membership size. He said he recalls an earlier membership size of 250 people and only twelve people in the choir. He relocated to Salina in 1961 and returned to Wichita in 1995 and in that time frame, the membership had grown to 1,423. That growth was in only 35 years. Membership today is 2,176.

Don said that the biggest change in Wichita these past 50 years is the increased physical size of Wichita and of course, the increased population. He remembers that very little activity occurred along 13th Street or north Wichita compared to today!

When asked to tell a story of faith and mission, Don shared that even while gone from Wichita, he continued to serve his Lord as congregational president and by chairing a steering committee at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Salina.

We received this letter from Rev. Don Loeschen from Pattison Texas.

******Don & Dana As interviewed by Lee******

Prior to joining Ascension as charter members, they were members at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wichita. Their family included their young children, Debbie and Doug.
Don and Dana are both life-long Lutherans who met at and graduated from St. John’s College in Winfield. When the family became “westsiders” in Wichita, they realized a west side church would be a good fit. Both Dr. L.H. Deffner (Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the “mother church” of most Wichita Lutheran churches – Bethany, Grace, Holy Cross, Redeemer, Trinity and Zion) and Pastor Kerekes came to call on them to discuss the formation of a west side church. There was no doubt in Dr. Deffner’s mind that they should transfer to the new church. (Dr. Deffner was the pastor who encouraged the planting of other churches in Wichita.)
Dana’s fondest memory of the beginnings of Ascension was working with Clara in the kitchen and thinking how brilliant Clara was! (Clara was the Nancy of that day. She was a trained dietician who was very instrumental in furnishing the original kitchen and providing many recipes.)

Don’s special memory was serving on the first building committee with Earl , who was chairman, and Ralph , who was the architect.
The biggest changes at Ascension since 1960 are the size of the congregation, the tremendous worship facilities, and having pews instead of folding chairs (Tyler Sanctuary). The pastors mainly stayed in the pulpit rather than being “altar strollers” and parishioners wore traditional Sunday dress clothes to church and other events.

When the family moved to their first house on Peterson, there were no houses on the east side of that street and nothing north of Ninth St. They had a very clear view of the 4-H Building at Tyler and Central. The traffic in west Wichita has definitely changed, and there are now grocery stores! The family went to a Safeway store at West and Douglas.
Dana was firm in stating, “I’m glad I have a faith,” and emphasizing how important the foundation and growth of the Lutheran teachings and faith given them by their parents was and continues to be in their lives.

Stop by and Look at the Photo Board!

Please let us know if you recognize a photo! We would love to hear who was in the photo, or what you were doing in the photo. We are changing the photos about every 2-3 weeks and would love to know the history behind the photo.

This is how we set up for Worship Service in the PAC. Can anybody tell me the year of this photo?

One of our Church Members purchased this for $5.00. Took it home and made new handles. They plowed the ground where we needed it done and we still have this piece of equipment!

Did you remember who was in this photo? This was a Halloween Party at our church. She hid her hands all night long so that she could keep her identity a secret.

This is Ruth L.

To all the members of Ascension Lutheran...and the 50th Anniversary Committee:

Congratulations and the Lord's richest blessings to the Pastor and members of Ascension.
We are thrilled to see how your congregation has grown and progressed in recent years...and you also have a multi-site ministry! We will indeed pray for you all "as you celebrate God's blessings over the many years as you continue to share the Gospel with the unchurched in
West Wichita and Western Sedgwick County."

Our family has many good memories of the years that we spent at Ascension Lutheran. Our children, Marty, Peter, and Julie grew up there...and Teddi was deeply involved in the life and ministry of the congregation. We still feel that we have many good friends who are still an active part of the congregation. We will always remember the good spirit and dedication of the members at Ascension. We left Ascension when we received a call to be a part of Synod's Youth Ministry program in St. Louis.

And by the way...we Thank You! again for giving us your old organ when you were rebuilding and we were starting a new mission near Mobile, Alabama...the name of the new mission is Ascension Lutheran.

We are sorry...but we will not be able to attend your special week-end in the New Year. We do rejoice with you as you celebrate the 50th anniversary of your congregation. May the Spirit of the Lord be with you as you continue to labor in the Lord's rich harvest.
We belong to a congregation here in Santa Maria, CA that is very much like your congregation. They are very friendly and accepting, we all get along and work together, and we are ready to move ahead. Though retired, Teddi and I are heading up the Friendship and Outreach Team.

Pastor Martin Steyer

*****John and Helen As interviewed by Joyce*****

Prior to joining Ascension Lutheran Church as charter members, where did your family have membership?

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kansas

Why did you decide to be charter members of Ascension?

Close physical proximity of our home to the church location; and the influence of Pastor Kerekes’ leadership

Who were the family members that joined with you as a charter family?

Our children, Paul and Teresa.

What is your fondest memory of the beginnings of Ascension Lutheran Church?

John recalls that some income from wheat grown on acreage that the congregation owned subsidized the general budget. He also remembers that St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood, Kansas, loaned the church money to help out in the early years of the church history.

Both John and Helen recall fondly participating in the second Stephen Ministry training class that Ascension offered and they still both participate in this caring program.

What has been the biggest change in Ascension since 1960?

Ascension’s membership has increased in the number of individuals who are professional workers versus blue collar workers.

What has been the biggest change in west Wichita since 1960?

The city has grown so that more businesses and health services are offered on the west side then there were for many decades.

Share one story since Ascension began 50 years ago. John’s challenge to the congregation today as we plan for the next fifty years is to actively invest in all aspects of the church: financially, spiritually, etc. Members should serve with enthusiasm and then the excitement will flourish.

Ascension Lutheran Church will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary as a congregation in 2010. Our congregation, under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Kerekes, was officially chartered on Sunday, January 10, 1960, in the former 4-H building that was located on Tyler Road, across from the present Tyler Campus location. According to church records, 151 communicants and 285 souls were received into membership that special day. Many of these charter members remain Ascension members today with stories to share; therefore, the 50th Anniversary celebration committee will be featuring one of these families monthly as we look forward to 2010: “Still Carrying the Mission…The Mission Goes On”

Do you remember when the Maple Campus was built?

Paul and Dianne As interviewed by Jim


Paul was born into a Lutheran family and had two uncles who were ministers. Dianne was raised as a Presbyterian and joined the Lutheran church soon after she and Paul were married. Because they moved often in the first years of their marriage, Paul and Dianne never became deeply involved in church activities until joining Ascension almost 50 years ago.

Prior to joining Ascension Lutheran Church as charter members, Paul and Dianne and their children, Ken and David, were members at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kansas. The family decided to be charter members because of the vision for a west side Lutheran congregation that both Pastor Kerekes and the Kansas District had shared with potential charter members at “cottage” meetings.

In the early 1960s, Ascension’s membership was comprised of mostly young couples with little kids. Many of these families mixed socially and had very similar interests. Paul and Dianne note that the biggest change in Ascension since the beginning is the congregational membership. Due to the growth of Ascension’s membership, the congregation is now extremely diverse and families have many more non-church interests competing for their attention which results in less member involvement.

Paul recalled his fondest memories of the beginnings of Ascension. He remembered the immediate chemistry and interaction that occurred at the first Church Council meeting. Jim “Woody”, the first church president, was a key component to getting the congregation started with his style of leadership as seen at council meetings. The Council members were all good listeners and Woody was a consensus builder. Paul also remembers that Pastor Kerekes would sit back, away from the main table, allowing the council to conduct business.

Paul tells a story about the Westlink and Rolling Hills neighborhoods developed by Norman and other developers. Original platting included a site for a church; however, that site was too small for Ascension’s long range plan. That proposed site is the current location of the Church of Christ at Central and Crestline. In order to give Ascension the needed land, a land swap was worked out so that Ascension received a multiple-acre tract at the present Tyler location.

Tidbits of Information – They remember that in the early days Ascension had an active church softball team. Paul also shared that the church has always had a strong music program along with excellent choirs.

SAVE THE DATES!

Ascension Lutheran Church 1960-2010

50 Years of Worship and we are "Still carrying the Mission and the mission goes on..."

We are planning some really special and joyous events for our 50th Anniversary Celebration.

SAVE THE DATES!!!

January 10, 2010

September 18, 2010

December 3, 2010

We will be announcing the activities soon. Check back often to see what we are planning.