Ascension's story in Harrisburg spans four decades...
but its roots stretch back to the first moments humanity shattered perfect communion with God. In mercy, God promised a Savior; in time he sent his Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus was like no other person: he taught with authority and had power over sickness, disease, and even death. He revealed the problem of evil as something within each human heart, and he helped people see this sin in their own lives. But more than that, he provided a way out! Jesus was not simply a teacher; he was the Savior, and through his life and death and resurrection he won forgiveness for all people.
This story continues here today at Ascension, as Jesus Christ still calls people to repentance and promises forgiveness and life through him!
Our Values
Ascension exists to deeply root people in Jesus Christ through biblical, Christ-centered community. This purpose is reflected in the values we embrace.
Our Beliefs
We’re a fellowship of Christians united in faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the perfect revelation of God to this world.
Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God has reconciled the world to himself. Our mission is to share this good news within our greater Harrisburg community, helping people find true life and identity in what God has done in Jesus Christ.
Ascension is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired and true Word of God, his unchanging message to all people of all times.
Scripture Reference:
"For prophecy never had its origins in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21
Creation & The Fall
God created people holy and without sin, but by their own choice spurned God’s goodness and brought sin upon the whole human race.
Scripture Reference:
"Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." Romans 5:12
The Result of Sin
Sin is the Bible’s word for human evil and is the reason we die. The final result of sin is not only the end of our earthly life, but eternal death and separation from God under his just condemnation.
Scripture Reference:
"The wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23
The Gospel Message
The main and central message of the Bible is the gospel – the good news that God forgives sin and restores true life through Jesus Christ.
Scripture Reference:
"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Jesus' Life & Sacrifice
The Son of God, one with the Father, became a human being and was born into this world. Jesus lived a perfectly good and sinless life and, in his death, suffered the just condemnation of God for the sins of the world world. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God has accomplished forgiveness of sin for all people.
Scripture Reference:
"The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
The Holy Spirit's Role
God the Holy Spirit creates and strengthens saving faith in Jesus Christ through the message about him in the Bible, in Baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper.
Scripture Reference:
"Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the words of Christ." Romans 10:17
Good Works Out of Gratitude
Christians do good works, not in order to earn a place in heaven, but out of love and thanks to God who has already given them eternal life as a free gift through Jesus.
Scripture Reference:
"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Psalm 119:32
Gathering for Worship & Encouragement
Christians will want to gather together regularly around the Word of God for the strengthening of their own trust in Jesus and for encouraging each other in the faith.
Scripture Reference:
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the final Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Spreading the Good News
Christians want to carry out the Lord’s great commission to spread the good news about Jesus to others.
Scripture Reference:
"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15
Christ's Return & Eternal Life
When the Lord returns in judgment on the last day, he will raise all the dead and give the full glory of everlasting life in heaven to all who trusted in him as Savior.
Scripture Reference:
"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:4
A Sunday at Ascension
We can’t wait to meet you, and we hope you’ll come by on a Sunday soon. Have questions on what to expect? Check out the Q&A below!
What happens when I arrive?
If you took your own vehicle, please feel free to park in either the upper or lower lot. You can then enter either on the lower level (glass doors) or the upper level (red doors).
When you step in, expect to be warmly welcomed and greeted by the people of Ascension. Please visit the blue welcome table outside the sanctuary to receive your service folder, which has everything you need for the service. Once ready, feel free to sit where you would like in the sanctuary.
Please stick around after service to get to know the people of Ascension - complete with refreshments in the lower level!
What is the worship service like?
We worship God with a liturgical service, using songs and responsive readings to focus on the Word of God and the Savior revealed in the Bible. There are elements in our service that we repeat on a weekly basis; other parts of the service change each week.
The sermon is based on a portion of the Bible. You will hear the truth of God's love for sinners proclaimed in the sermon, as well as practical applications for your life. Each week, the service is printed into a worship folder so that it is easy for participants to follow along.
What should I wear?
God doesn't make any rules for our clothes other than decency and Christian humility, and we don't make any new rules. You'll see a wide variety in our worship service: some in suits and nice dresses, and others dressed more casually. We are more interested in helping you connect with God through Jesus than we are in what you wear.
Do you have the sacraments?
Being a Lutheran church, the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are very precious to us. We believe and teach that these sacraments are a means by which God actually gives us his grace and blessing, and so we celebrate them often. Baptisms take place in worship as families request, and we celebrate Holy Communion in worship on the first and third Sundays of every month.
Scripture teaches that sharing in the Lord’s Supper expresses unity of faith with those who share in it. For this reason, we ask you to first speak with Pastor Ben prior to joining for this meal.
What about the offering?
Personal offerings are a way of worshiping God and supporting the ministry of the congregation. We intentionally include the offering in the service because it is part of our worship. The offerings that we give are always freewill offerings - God has not commanded any amount from anyone.
As our guest, we simply want to serve you with Christ. Please do not feel any obligation to give a gift.
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