WELCOME        The Ascension Sanctuary       HISTORY

THIS  IS  MY  STORY

(Ascension History)

by

Helen Kneten

 Lutheran Book of Worship - early 80's

  In February 1979, we received our new Lutheran Book of Worship commonly known as "The Green Hymnal". Then in June of that year we selected a group of members to a study commission on Mission and Ministry.  This group met weekly and reported their progress to the congregation periodically. After two years they arrived at what is now our present constitution.
          Our chancel furniture was finally installed on August 11, 1979 and Dedication Day for our new sanctuary was held on August 26th. Pastor Ed Heye, a former member of Ascension, delivered the sermon at the 10:45 A.M. service with Pastor Engeling and Doug Hester assisting at the afternoon dedication service. Bishop August Wenzel was the guest speaker. Assisting were Pastor Engeling, Pastor David Sieberg, Pastor Dean Busboom (Representing Faith Lutheran congregation) and Doug Hester.
         In December 1979, we began a fund to purchase new pews for the sanctuary.
         June 1980, Doug Hester graduated from Trinity Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and accepted a call to St. John Lutheran, Waller, TX. As a "son of Ascension congregation" he was ordained at Ascension on July 13, 1980.
          In June of 1981 the new pews were installed and in August the choir chairs arrived and the railings at the chancel steps were put in and so the new sanctuary had a completed look.
         January 1, 1982 our new parish council and administrative boards (according to our new constitution) went into effect. We had elected members to the various boards in September 1981 so they would be ready to begin operation on January 1st.
            Pastor Engeling was hospitalized early in 1983 and Pastor Wayne Walther served as interim pastor through much of 1983 and the first half of 1984. Because of his illness, Pastor Engeling resigned in September 1983 and a search began for a new pastor. Pastor Michael Ensrude accepted our call and was installed as pastor of Ascension in July 1984. 

In November 1984, we began the Hand-in-Hand child care program. It began as a Mother's Day Out on Wednesday and Thursday - both morning and afternoon programs. By February of 1985, Tuesday morning was added. In the Fall of 1986 a 3rd and 4th year old preschool was begun along with the Mother's Day Out program. In January 1987, the full five-day program was started.
          May 1985, we celebrated our 25th anniversary with two special services. On Ascension Day, May 16th we had an evening service and invited our fellow Lutherans throughout the Austin area. Dr. Bernard Holm was our guest speaker with Pastors Ensrude and Walther assisting. Sunday, May 19 we had Pastor Ed Heye as guest speaker with Pastors Ensrude, Engeling, Sieberg and Ahlrich assisting. They were very meaningful services of praise and thanksgiving to God for his love and guidance throughout the 25 years.

WELCOME        The Ascension Sanctuary       HISTORY