What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions.
What kind of community is Ascension?
At Ascension, we’re a lot like most church communities: very human! We come from different political and theological perspectives; we have a variety of opinions about almost every subject. We strive to remember that it’s Jesus Christ who makes us into a community and is the source of our unity. We can laugh at ourselves, most of the time; we make mistakes; we give and receive forgiveness. Many of us have found deep and meaningful friendships with others here. Some of our passions are: caring relationships between people of all ages and serving our community. Like many church communities, we also love to eat and talk together.
What is worship like?
Our worship on Sunday mornings is a full traditional service that includes gathering, a prelude by organ, corporate confession and forgiveness, speaking and hearing prayers, listening to readings from the Bible and to the pastor’s sermon. On the first and third Sundays of each month and High Church Services, we share the sacrament or communion meal of bread and wine.
Although the pastor and worship assistants wear albs or robes, the general atmosphere is fairly relaxed. People wear everything from jeans, to suits, and dresses. You sit or stand during worship, as you are able.
Do you announce newcomers?
No. You won’t be asked to stand or identify yourself as a guest during the service. We know that you may want to get a feel for the congregation before sharing personal information. However, we do want you to feel free to introduce yourself to the pastor and to people around you. We have a guest register in the narthex (lobby) that you’re invited to fill out if you’d like the pastor to contact you.
What about my kids?
God’s children of all ages are welcome in worship at Ascension! We provide activity bags just outside the worship space for kids to take into worship. You are encouraged to sit where your child can see what is happening in the chancel (the area where the altar is and where the readings take place).
Can I take Communion?
At Ascension, we believe that it is Jesus Christ who invites us all to the Communion table. All baptized worshipers of every tradition are welcome to receive the bread and the wine (or non-alcoholic juice.) Those unable to partake of wine or wheaten bread are assured that the Church affirms our Lord’s full presence in, with, and under each element alone. A blessing is also available for those who choose not to receive Communion, and persons who need assistance coming forward or need communion brought to them in the pew are asked to let an usher know. Our ushers can assist you with any of these special needs.
Is the church building accessible?
We have an electric lift outside the doors to the narthex to accommodate persons who have difficulty navigating stairs. We also have a chapel space on the ground floor of the church building that has an audio and visual connection to the sanctuary upstairs available; it is located on the same floor as the restrooms and guests who sit there can participate in worship fully. Enter from the door closest to the columbarium to enjoy this space. The fellowship hall where we have coffee fellowship monthly and hold midweek Lenten dinners and worship is accessible by a ramp.
Is Ascension connected to the wider community?
Definitely! We take seriously the motto of our parent church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “God’s Work, Our Hands.” We are a congregation of the North Carolina Synod and are part of the synod’s Southwest Conference with other ELCA congregations in Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, and Lincoln counties. We participate in community events like
Feeding Kids of Cleveland County, Community Thankgiving worship services, Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat, Relay for Life, etc. We support local organizations like the Abuse Prevention Council, the Cleveland County Rescue Mission, Feeding Kids of Cleveland County, Hospice Cleveland County, and Heritage Oaks Assisted Living (Gastonia).
How can I get involved...without chairing a committee on my second visit?
We believe that all people of faith are “ministers.” God gives each of us gifts and talents to use in service and love in our daily lives. The people of Ascension plan, lead, and share ministries of all kinds. If you’d like to get involved, one place to start is here on the website. But our goal is healthy, sustainable ministry shared by many—not the resentment and burnout that often follow a bad fit. So you’re also welcome to take your time, get to know us, try things out, or talk with the pastor about where your interests and abilities might match a ministry opportunity that inspires and fulfills you.
What's a Lutheran, anyway?
Simply put, Lutherans are Christians—part of the one Church that includes all Christians of every time, place, and flavor. We believe in ONE God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the “Trinity”). Lutheran Christians have a particular focus on GRACE: we trust in the good news of Jesus found in the Bible, which says God loves, accepts, and forgives us apart from our own efforts. Despite our sin and wrongdoing (and despite all our attempts to “earn” God’s favor), it is God’s choice, God’s action, God’s movement toward us that makes us whole. Jesus’ life, his death on the cross, and his resurrection all reveal a God who comes into the “real world” to bring life and hope out of death and evil. God’s grace frees us so that we can live joyfully and generously, in love and service to our neighbor.
What kind of community is Ascension?
At Ascension, we’re a lot like most church communities: very human! We come from different political and theological perspectives; we have a variety of opinions about almost every subject. We strive to remember that it’s Jesus Christ who makes us into a community and is the source of our unity. We can laugh at ourselves, most of the time; we make mistakes; we give and receive forgiveness. Many of us have found deep and meaningful friendships with others here. Some of our passions are: caring relationships between people of all ages and serving our community. Like many church communities, we also love to eat and talk together.
What is worship like?
Our worship on Sunday mornings is a full traditional service that includes gathering, a prelude by organ, corporate confession and forgiveness, speaking and hearing prayers, listening to readings from the Bible and to the pastor’s sermon. On the first and third Sundays of each month and High Church Services, we share the sacrament or communion meal of bread and wine.
Although the pastor and worship assistants wear albs or robes, the general atmosphere is fairly relaxed. People wear everything from jeans, to suits, and dresses. You sit or stand during worship, as you are able.
Do you announce newcomers?
No. You won’t be asked to stand or identify yourself as a guest during the service. We know that you may want to get a feel for the congregation before sharing personal information. However, we do want you to feel free to introduce yourself to the pastor and to people around you. We have a guest register in the narthex (lobby) that you’re invited to fill out if you’d like the pastor to contact you.
What about my kids?
God’s children of all ages are welcome in worship at Ascension! We provide activity bags just outside the worship space for kids to take into worship. You are encouraged to sit where your child can see what is happening in the chancel (the area where the altar is and where the readings take place).
Can I take Communion?
At Ascension, we believe that it is Jesus Christ who invites us all to the Communion table. All baptized worshipers of every tradition are welcome to receive the bread and the wine (or non-alcoholic juice.) Those unable to partake of wine or wheaten bread are assured that the Church affirms our Lord’s full presence in, with, and under each element alone. A blessing is also available for those who choose not to receive Communion, and persons who need assistance coming forward or need communion brought to them in the pew are asked to let an usher know. Our ushers can assist you with any of these special needs.
Is the church building accessible?
We have an electric lift outside the doors to the narthex to accommodate persons who have difficulty navigating stairs. We also have a chapel space on the ground floor of the church building that has an audio and visual connection to the sanctuary upstairs available; it is located on the same floor as the restrooms and guests who sit there can participate in worship fully. Enter from the door closest to the columbarium to enjoy this space. The fellowship hall where we have coffee fellowship monthly and hold midweek Lenten dinners and worship is accessible by a ramp.
Is Ascension connected to the wider community?
Definitely! We take seriously the motto of our parent church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “God’s Work, Our Hands.” We are a congregation of the North Carolina Synod and are part of the synod’s Southwest Conference with other ELCA congregations in Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, and Lincoln counties. We participate in community events like
Feeding Kids of Cleveland County, Community Thankgiving worship services, Fall Festivals, Trunk or Treat, Relay for Life, etc. We support local organizations like the Abuse Prevention Council, the Cleveland County Rescue Mission, Feeding Kids of Cleveland County, Hospice Cleveland County, and Heritage Oaks Assisted Living (Gastonia).
How can I get involved...without chairing a committee on my second visit?
We believe that all people of faith are “ministers.” God gives each of us gifts and talents to use in service and love in our daily lives. The people of Ascension plan, lead, and share ministries of all kinds. If you’d like to get involved, one place to start is here on the website. But our goal is healthy, sustainable ministry shared by many—not the resentment and burnout that often follow a bad fit. So you’re also welcome to take your time, get to know us, try things out, or talk with the pastor about where your interests and abilities might match a ministry opportunity that inspires and fulfills you.
What's a Lutheran, anyway?
Simply put, Lutherans are Christians—part of the one Church that includes all Christians of every time, place, and flavor. We believe in ONE God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the “Trinity”). Lutheran Christians have a particular focus on GRACE: we trust in the good news of Jesus found in the Bible, which says God loves, accepts, and forgives us apart from our own efforts. Despite our sin and wrongdoing (and despite all our attempts to “earn” God’s favor), it is God’s choice, God’s action, God’s movement toward us that makes us whole. Jesus’ life, his death on the cross, and his resurrection all reveal a God who comes into the “real world” to bring life and hope out of death and evil. God’s grace frees us so that we can live joyfully and generously, in love and service to our neighbor.
