Meet the Ascension Staff

Pastor Joel Vano is moving forward

Pastor Joel began serving at Ascension in the fall of 2014.  He has recently accepted a call to serve as the pastor of another church.  We are currently in the process of finding the next pastor whom God will send to us.

Jessica Anderson — Office Volunteer

After our long-time office manager, Brenda Larson, retired in April 2018, and our office volunteer, Jessica Anderson, has moved with her family to another area, we are currently looking for volunteers to fill in and help with office work.  If you have basic office skills and are interested in learning how to support the ministries of Ascension in an administrative way, please contact your lay minister or the congregational president for more information.  Office hours are flexible and can be discussed to see what works best for you.  In the meantime you can always call (952-890-3412) and leave a message if you have a question for Ascension's leadership.   E-mail is also a great way to contact the congregational leadership.

Mike Tomlinson – Choir Director

After 12 years as Ascension's choir director, Mike has felt God calling him in a different direction for his life.  We have appreciated the many songs he has worked on with our choir, and we know that God will continue to bless him in whatever venture he undertakes serving the Lord.  Mike's last Sunday was December 14, 2025.  Thanks for all the years, Mike.  Many blessings on this outstanding vocalist and choir director!