A Confessional Lutheran Home on Maynard Avenue
Ascension Lutheran Church sits on Maynard Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa, where it has built a reputation as a confessional Lutheran congregation offering both a traditional liturgy and a contemporary worship setting in the same morning. The church's motto - "Faithfully PREACH, Biblically TEACH, and warmly REACH our world for Jesus Christ" - captures the dual focus on solid doctrine and warm welcome that defines the congregation.
Two Worship Services, Two Styles
Sunday worship at Ascension is offered in two distinctly different settings. The 8:30 a.m. service features traditional hymns, liturgical elements, and a chancel choir. The 11:00 a.m. service uses a worship team and contemporary music while still keeping the confession, the Apostles' Creed, and the Lord's Prayer. Between the two services, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., the congregation gathers for fellowship time with coffee and treats, a chance for regulars and visitors to talk before the Sunday school hour.
Both services take place in the sanctuary on the upper level of the building, reached through the main entrance under the large canopy. The canopy also allows drivers to pull up and drop off family members out of the weather. Worship is livestreamed on YouTube, and for those who cannot attend in person, sermons from the previous Sunday air on KXEL AM 1540 at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
What to Wear, What to Expect
Members and visitors come in everything from suits and dresses to everyday casual clothes. The sound of families and children is a regular part of the sanctuary. The offering plate is not passed during service; an offering box sits in the narthex for those who wish to give, and online giving is also available.
Sunday School for All Ages
From the Sunday after Labor Day through the Sunday before Memorial Day, Ascension runs Sunday school for everyone from three years old through adults. Children's Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. in the lower level, and adult Sunday school meets at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The teachers describe their work as guiding kids and adults alike through Bible teaching.
Wednesday Evenings: Summer Worship and Year-Round Youth
During the summer months, Ascension holds a Wednesday evening worship service at 6:30 p.m. as an alternative to the regular Sunday pattern.
Throughout the school year, Wednesday nights belong to the youth. At 6:15 p.m., the youth group known as C.I.A. (Christians in Action) gathers for grades 9 through 12. At 7:15 p.m. the confirmation students in seventh and eighth grade join the older group, with everyone departing at 8:15 p.m. The program weaves together ministry, discipleship, worship, fellowship, and outreach, and the church also sends students to the AALC Youth Conference, a five-day gathering of Lutheran youth from across the country.
Children's Ministry: From Sunday School to Camp
Ascension's children's ministry covers preschool through sixth grade with a wide range of activities, coordinated by Brady Anderson.
- AWANA - a club program that runs during the year with its own schedule, themes, and registration.
- Young Disciples - a once-a-month youth-group experience for students in grades 1 through 6 during the school year, blending fellowship and service.
- Vacation Bible School - held in late July from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for children ages 4 through third grade, with Bible stories, crafts, games, worship music, and skits.
- Camp VBS - a three-day, two-night overnight experience in June for students exiting fourth, fifth, or sixth grade. The church grounds become the "camp" with mature teen leaders serving as counselors. Activities include service projects and off-site trips like laser tag, fishing, tubing, and swimming.
- Children's Christmas Musical - an annual tradition where kindergartners through sixth graders perform a meaningful Christmas musical for the congregation.
- Family Events - about once a month the church hosts whole-family activities such as game nights, bowling, and retreats, emphasizing inter-generational discipleship.
All adult volunteers working with children and youth complete background checks and training before serving.
Women's Ministry: Bible Study, Quilts, and Prayer Shawls
Ascension's women's ministry offers several weekly and monthly gatherings.
On Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., women gather for fellowship with light snacks followed by a Bible study that typically follows the AALC Women's study for the year, though occasional topical studies are chosen. On the second and fourth Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., the Threads of Love quilting group meets. Experienced quilters and beginners work together to make quilts for community causes and to send to missionaries in Ukraine. On the third Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m., the Prayer Shawl Ministry brings together knitters and crocheters to make shawls for people suffering illness, with the group praying over each one before delivery.
The Grace Bible Study meets on the second and fourth Mondays periodically, choosing a book of interest and working through it together. Ladies Night events happen on an irregular schedule and range from game nights to movie nights to comedy outings.
Men's Ministry: Bible Study and Burgers
Ascension's men's ministry centers on two recurring rhythms. A men's Bible study meets Thursday mornings, diving deeper into God's Word with men of all ages welcome. Short-term men's Bible studies pop up throughout the year with topics that change frequently.
On the first Sunday of every other month at 5:00 p.m., Bibles & Burgers brings men together for a brief study and a casual but filling meal. Older grade-school students, teens, and adults regularly attend, making it an inter-generational gathering.
Connect Groups and the Wider Church
Ascension has launched a Connect Groups program as another way for members to gather around shared interests in smaller settings throughout the week, supplementing the larger Sunday gatherings.
A Confessional Lutheran Identity
Ascension Lutheran Church is in fellowship with the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC), a confessional Lutheran body formed in 1987 by congregations seeking to uphold the authority of Scripture amid a larger merger. The AALC's partnership with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was solidified in 2007. Ascension holds to the historic Lutheran Confessions as true statements of the doctrine of the Word of God and regards them as normative for its theology.
The church teaches that the Bible is the divinely inspired, revealed, and inerrant Word of God, the only infallible authority in matters of faith and life. It believes in Jesus Christ and the Good News of forgiveness of sins through His atonement, and in the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Counselor, and Guide, working through the means of grace - the Word and the Sacraments.
Visiting Ascension
The church office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 319-233-1358. Visitors are welcome anytime. People of all walks of life and all ages attend and are welcome.
Ascension Lutheran Church is located at 2211 Maynard Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701.