Rev. Ryan M. Hersch

Rev. Charlie Van Dyke

Tom Mueller
Parish Administrator

Dale Niehaus
Church Organist

Rev. Ryan Michael Hersch, pastor, received his Master of Divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in September, 2003, and was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on September 27, 2003.  He is currently studying for his Doctor of Ministry degree in congregational mission and leadership through Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Pastor Ryan's first call was to Alleluia Lutheran Church in Phoenix, where he served first as transformation pastor and then as lead pastor for nearly five years.  Pastor Ryan and his wife Adriana reside in Avondale, Arizona.
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Rev. Charlie Van Dyke, pastoral associate, first began service to Ascension in 2005. First ordained in 2002, Pastor Charlie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies and the degree of Master of Theology. With prior ministry experience in both the Roman and Independent Catholic traditions, he is now licensed as minister of Word and Sacrament in the Lutheran church. Pastor Charlie and his wife, Dr. Ingrid Haas, live in Paradise Valley.  
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Tom Mueller, Parish Administrator, oversees the functions of the church office, vendor agreements, purchasing, plant maintenance, financial maintenance and reporting, facilities use, and web maintenance.  He brings over 25 years of experience in retail management and buying to this position.  
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Dale Niehaus joined the staff at Ascension in 1991 as organist and choral accompanist. Having enjoyed his years of accompanying the congregation and working with the choir and soloists, he is very excited about the future at Ascension. "Soli Deo Gloria"
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Sandra Corbin is a part-time member of our office staff.  Sandra works closely with the Parish Administrator, assisting in many of the routine computer and database tasks that are done on a weekly basis. She also works on the production of the worship guide, newsletter, and ACT Weekly publications.  Sandra is also the “voice of Ascension” on our telephone system greeting.  She was a managing partner in a brokerage firm where she worked as a financial advisor for five years. Sandra currently teaches children with learning disabilities.
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Alice Paulson  We are deeply grateful for Alice Paulson and her commitment to participating faithfully each week in our office ministry.  Alice assists with a wide variety of tasks that include both people skills and record keeping.  As a member of the congregation she has chosen to offer her time and gifts several days each week.
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