Oktoberfest

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Each year, we host our annual Oktoberfest fundraiser from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Memorial Garden with fabulous food, spirits, kids activities, and silent auction.

Invite your friends and neighbors – Everyone is welcome!

Tickets are available through the church or at the entrance on the evening of the event. $20.00 per adult, $10.00 kids 12 and under (All inclusive)

Food is served from 5:00—8:00 p.m.

Last year’s Oktoberfest photos

Blessing of the Animals

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Each fall, we have a special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Children and adults from the community are invited to bring their pets for this special service in the sanctuary of the church. Children even bring their stuffed animals.

Last year’s Blessing of the Animals photos

Food Trucks

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In the Spring, Ascension members and neighbors enjoy the cuisine of a variety of food trucks, eating al fresco on a Friday evening in the memorial garden. There are games and playground for the kids and lots of fun with friends and family on a beautiful Friday night in Paradise!

Lefse Making

Lefse

Lefse is an old Scandinavian delicacy.

The main ingredients of Lefse are mashed potatoes and flour. They are enriched with butter, cream, and a little sugar and salt according to a recipe.

When the dough is at the right feel to roll well it is divided into balls. A ball is then placed on a floured surface and rolled into a large thin circle.

It is then baked until it is bubbly with little brown spots on the bottom. It is then turned with a long flat wood stick and baked on the other side. When done, they are placed between towels on a rack to cool.

The early Scandinavians baked their Lefse directly on the cook top of their wood burning kitchen range. Today we bake the Lefse on a special large electric grill.

A Lefse circle is usually divided into fourths or more, then spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar. Finally, it is rolled up to be eaten and enjoyed.

Photos of our Lefse Making crew

Winter Potluck

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We continue in the tradition of Lutheran potlucks each winter with our annual winter potluck lunch!

Saint Nicholas makes his Ascension stop

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Ascension has a special visit from Saint Nicholas at a 10 AM worship service in December when he delivers the Children’s Sermon on the meaning of giving gifts at Christmas.

Photos of Saint Nicholas’ visits

Easter Egg Hunt

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Following the Easter morning worship service, children hunt for Easter eggs and treats in the Memorial Garden and playground.