Our history bears this out. The first church, built at Madison and Fairview in 1949 and seating about 70, gave way to the second church built on Dopp Street in 1967 (our present East and West Halls) with room for nearly 200. In 1980, a new education-administrative wing (our hearth room, offices, youth and choir space) allowed our growing ministries to expand even further. Then, in 1993, construction of our current sanctuary and lobby created space to welcome more than 300 worshipers, with room for choirs, organ, bells and praise band, and a big lobby area for fellowship. Finally, in 2006, to accommodate and grow our multiplying ministries with children, youth, families and small groups, Ascension erected a two-story building called the Spiritual Growth Wing. All of these expansions happened only because we embraced Jesus’ desire to grow his church and found God blessing our faith, vision and sacrifice. Thanks be to God!

Now, God is calling us to imagine Ascension’s future growth again: To vision Ascension as a vibrant, growing ministry center in Waukesha and the world, for the sake of the future, so new generations may come to know his love in this place. Since our current ministries in joyful worship, spiritual growth, caring relationships and mission outreach are expanding to a point where our facilities are full, and our parking lot maxed out, we need to plan for the future. We fully expect to continue growing, our numbers increasing as new people find Ascension and make it their spiritual home. So, in accordance with our long-range facilities plan, we bought four homes to the east to create real possibilities for expansion. Our 2020 Vision plan includes a beautiful new and larger worship sanctuary, a bigger parking lot to match, and additional space for many new ministries. This exciting future is now in sight!

Over the years we have borrowed funds in order to expand our facilities, expand our ministries and prepare for our future.  This has allowed us to boldly follow God's vision for growth and has made possible many life changing ministries.  We currently own 2.2 million from past growth opportunities.

Based on our current payment schedule and interest rate (4%), it will take us 34 years to pay off this debt with the additional interest costs of $1,952,980; and, if our interest rate were to reach 5.3%, we would be paying interest only and never pay off our principal. Faith in God often requires sacrifice in the present for reward in the future. For example, by raising an additional $1,000,000 over the next three years to be used towards our debt, we would save $1,390,221 in future interest costs, allowing that money to be used to grow our ministries. By knocking Goliath down now, we are free to look beyond today and walk with genuine hope towards God’s vision for our future.

We are standing at the edge of the valley of our tomorrow, but Goliath blocks our way. There’s no way around this giant. It must come down. The challenge is huge, just like it was when the Israelites camped on the edge of the Valley of Elah afraid to cross over because a nine foot Goliath stood in their way. But then a little shepherd boy walking by heard God’s call to face the giant. Armed only with a slingshot and trusting God to help him, David took down Goliath with a single small stone. When the Israelites saw big Goliath fall, they surged forward with shouts of victory and joy. (1 Samuel 17)

Do you believe, with God’s help, we too could see our debt Goliath begin to totter downward? We do, but only if we find the courage to face it now. Only if we trust God can we make a victory where others see defeat. Only if we all step out in faith like David, ready to let God use what we have in surprising ways. Our Goliath may be $2.2 million tall, but fear not. When God’s people show up ready for battle, giants come tumbling down! It will take prayer. It will take courage. It will take sacrifice. But with God all things are possible!