Worship:
Saturday 6 PM
Sunday 9 and 10:30 AM
This Week At Ascension
Called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ
November 24, 2024
Christ The King
Grace and peace to you my family in Christ,
It is hard to believe that this weekend marks the last weekend of the Christian year. Yes, our year begins with the season of Advent which starts on the weekend of November 30/December 1st. That makes this weekend the last and, because of the rhythm of our calendar, the weekend of Christ the King.
You’d think then that we would be reading a story about Jesus sitting on a throne with his crown and scepter, but we are not. Instead, it is a scene depicting Jesus standing in front of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate telling him about a different kind of kingdom. A kingdom that is not from this world.
The scene itself indicates that Jesus’ kingdom is so different from the kingdoms of this world. Pilate is threatening him with power and Jesus is unmoved by it and unafraid. The reason is because Jesus’ kingdom is deeper, it is more effective, and ultimately more powerful because His kingdom does not originate in power. It originates in love.
Let’s talk more about this in worship this weekend!
Blessings,
CLICK HERE FOR THE ADVENT GAZETTE PREVIEW
Would You Remember Ascension on Giving Tuesday?
Let the pre-holiday countdown begin . . .
November 29th is Black Friday, when so many of us jam into lines for those must-have Christmas gifts. The 30th is Small Business Saturday, when we make an extra effort to support small businesses in our community. December 1st is . . . well . . . our day of worship, where we come together to thank God for his gifts throughout the year. December 2nd is Cyber Monday, when we allow our credit cards to roam the internet.
And December 3rd is Giving Tuesday, a day in which we give a little (or a lot!) extra to churches, charities and other non-profits. It’s a way of remembering the vital role of these organizations in addressing needs in our community and around the world.
Would you consider a gift to Ascension on Giving Tuesday?
Simply click on THIS LINK to give and to be a vital part of the ministries of One Ascension.
November Benevolence: Ascension Foundation:
You can help us build gifts that give
It started with a near $200,000 bequest to Ascension Lutheran Church from Conejo Valley pioneer Pete Pederson in in the 1970s. Today, Ascension’s Foundation prudently manages about $1.8 million in investments, a portion of the interest on which has, over the decades, benefited hundreds of students through scholarships, charitable organizations via grants, and Ascension itself (with projects not part of the annual budget).
And the money to invest and benefit so many comes from—you!
We want to grow our base so we can give even more to God’s people doing God’s work. This month, the Foundation is the focus of Ascension’s monthly benevolence program, and we invite you to:
♥ Make a donation to the Foundation (the church’s on-line giving page has a special tab for monthly benevolence);
♥ Consider establishing an endowment that could benefit others in perpetuity;
♥ Add a plaque to our Memorial Wall in memory of a loved one;
♥ Check out our website, ascensionfoundation.org, for more specific information.
Our Foundation, which has blessed so many, can bless even more with your help.
Your Gifts of Hope Make a Difference!
It’s not too late to contribute to Gifts of Hope 2024! CLICK HERE!
Adult Education for Sunday, November 24:
Lutheran Colleges and Universities:
Where have they been and where are they headed for the future?
Dr. Carol Bartell, Dean and Professor Emeritus, California Lutheran University will compare mission statements of the thirty-seven existing Lutheran colleges in the United States.
Prayer Power
It was such a blessing to be at November’s prayer gathering where many children, youth, and families were in attendance. I am thankful for the confirmands who read scripture and prayers and greeted and acolyted – Rylan, Brooklyn, Shaya, Jace, Ryder, and Daniel. Dianne Beck so beautifully read her newly published children’s book. Rich Gregory led the music. Tiffany Napierala made special tea bags for people to take home to make a cup of tea for their morning or evening prayer time. I shared some of our family’s prayer practices through the years. I almost always start and end my day in prayer and it makes all the difference in the world. If I miss a prayer time, I can feel it. I am less centered, less at peace. This past week I got to read a story to the TK class at the school. When it was time to close in prayer, several of the little children volunteered to pray. They were adorable! Their teacher picked one of them to pray and when I heard Easton’s sweet voice, my heart melted. Prayer is powerful. Let me know how I might pray for you. If your are looking for prayer books or resources, I am happy to help.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie
Get the real inside story…
…about the energy and excitement, the growth and increased activity here at Ascension in recent weeks. Do not miss out! Read the Pastors’ and Director of Operations’ REPORTS HERE.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
You Are Invited to a Presentation
by Pastor Lisa Kipp of Lutheran World Relief
In Founders Hall,
Wednesday, December 4
Informal gathering, 3:30-4 PM,
Presentation and question time, 4-5 PM
If you are a quilter or kit maker, or simply a compassionate person, this is for you!
Pastor Kipp will share updates photos and videos about LWR’s humanitarian response domestically and globally, including Asheville, NC, and Ukraine.
Please join us for this informative presentation!
Rev. Lisa Kipp serves as the Director of Congregational Engagement at Lutheran World Relief. In her role, she leads a team that connects congregations across the United States with LWR’s work of bringing lifesaving aid and long-term hope to our most vulnerable neighbors around the world. As part of this work, she also oversees Lutheran World Relief’s Quilt and Kit Ministry, a program that has been a part of the fabric of thousands of Lutheran congregations for over 75 years. Prior to this role, Rev. Kipp served an ELCA congregation in Rochester, MN, for nearly twenty years. She continues to live in Rochester with her husband and three sons.
About Lutheran World Relief
Affirming God’s love for all people, Lutheran World Relief works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice and human suffering. Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, LWR tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being. They provide aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. They partner with local leaders to grow rural economies and build healthy communities, breaking the cycle of poverty so our neighbors all around the world can thrive.
What are they looking at?
Find out at out @ our Family Hike @ Sapwi Trails
Saturday, December 7, 9:00 AM
Join us for a One Ascension family hike led by Pastor Chamie and Charlotte Miranda, who leads the outdoor classroom at Ascension Lutheran School.
We will meet in the parking lot off Erbes Road across from Los Cerritos Middle School. We will start on the wide main path, which is stroller friendly. Anyone with a stroller can return on this path or others can do the more narrow, scenic loop back to the playground.
After the hike, you can head to your next thing or stick around the park for a snack and to play.
Pastor Chamie and Ms. Charlotte led a hike for the Early Childhood Center earlier this month with over 50 people in attendance; check out the photo of the group gazing up at the woodpecker. Look for many more hikes in 2025 as we begin our new hiking ministry!
ASCENSION’S AGAPE GIFTS IN UKRAINE
AGAPE—Selfless, Unconditional Love
As we mark the 1,000th day of the invasion of Ukraine, our friend, Dave Nonnemacher and his colleagues in the Mariupol Chaplains Battalion are delivering food supplies on our behalf. We worked with Dave on solar light kits and water purification kits earlier this year. (All of the light and water kits have been delivered and are now being used in Ukraine.)
Recently, Dave asked our Global Ministries Team to provide funds for military grade tourniquets and for food supplies. In response, Ascension’s AGAPE funds have provided 300 military grade tourniquets that each person carries with them as they provide humanitarian and medical care to people in Ukraine.
Our AGAPE funds have also provided bags of food supplies that are being delivered this week by Dave and the MCB.
AGAPE is in action in UKRAINE thanks to your gifts. If you would like to help replenish the AGAPE fund, please designate your gift to AGAPE funds at alcto.org or mail to Ascension LC, 1600 E Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
Survey for all parents of children up through 6th grade
Our Children’s Ministry Team of Nursery staff and Sunday School Volunteers gathered recently over lunch to vision and plan. We have a survey for all parents of ages zero – 6th grade. CLICK HERE for the survey.
Hanging of the Greens
This year instead of cold snow, from 5-6 PM we will have warm campfires, lefse and hot cocoa sold by the youth, food so you don’t have to worry about dinner, and activity booths including one for people of all ages to make an Advent wreath.
Then, beginning at six o’clock, various Ascension music groups and worship leaders will lead Christmas carols for all to join in singing. Children will get to decorate the big tree in the sanctuary. We will turn on the sanctuary Christmas lights for the first time!
Fair Trade and Thanksgiving Celebrations – A Perfect Pairing!
Fair Trade is a perfect accompaniment to a holiday gathering. Fair Trade cashews, almonds, dried mango, Medjool dates along with Red Barn Family Farms Fair Trade cheddar cheese make a great start for a festive charcuterie board. Many recipes need extra virgin olive oil. And then there’s dessert…Fair Trade pecans love being included in a delicious pie, there’s chocolate to enjoy in so many wonderful ways, and maybe a cup of Fair Trade coffee or tea to round out a wonderful celebration. The shelves of Fair Trade Lane are filled with your Fair Trade favorites ready for baking, cooking, snacking, gift-giving and of course, enjoying.
Fair Trade Lane will be open Sunday, November 24 (8:30-9 AM and 10-11 AM). Samples of Red Barn Cheese, Medjool Dates & Chocolate will be available on Sunday.
We’ve got special boxes ready for gift-giving – the boxes are $2 each plus the cost of the items you select to fill the box. Proceeds from the sale of the special boxes (just the boxes) will go to the Fair Trade Lane Scholarship Fund to send a farmer in the Mt Meru region of Tanzania to school to learn Fair Trade & sustainable farming skills & new techniques.
It’s a treat for us to greet you in person when you come to Fair Trade Lane, but if you can’t make it, send a note to us at and we’ll help you get your Fair Trade favorites.
November 24
Help us make Bags of Love for Foster Children
Thanks to a generous Be the Blessing grant, we are planning to create Zeke Bags of Love for Foster children this November 24th between and after the church services.
Our goal is to decorate and donate 120 bags and pillowcases which will each also include the gift of the children’s book Zeke Can’t Sleep by Dianne Beck. This children’s book repeats the verse “Stars and moonbeams shine tonight, hugs and kisses hold you tight. Close your eyes, think good things, remember you’re loved, and dream sweet dreams.”
That message of being loved is an important one for all of us, but especially for foster children who are often displaced from their homes and need this reminder in their lives.
Please come any time you can on this day and decorate a bag, a pillowcase, or both. All supplies will be provided, including stencils and fabric pens to make these quite easily. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Dianne Beck at .
Hey 6th-12th Graders!
Get ready for an incredible weekend packed with fun, friendship, and faith at Winter Camp! Registration is NOW OPEN, so don’t miss out! Be sure to sign up by February 3, 2025, for just $225 per student. Enjoy dynamic worship sessions, engaging discussions, exciting activities, and starlit devotions that will inspire you.
Participation Incentives: Remember, by participating in fundraising events, you can help lower your camp costs! To register or if you have any questions, please contact Youth Director Jennifer Avalos at . Let’s make this an unforgettable journey together—thank you for your support!
Support Our 6th-12th Graders Lefse Participation Fundraising for Winter Camp!
We’re excited to invite you to support our youth! Mark your calendars for some fun-filled events: Friendsgiving Lefse Prep Day on November 29 from 3 PM to 8 PM—bring your favorite dishes for a cozy evening of gratitude while we prepare Lefse.
Then, join us for Lefse Making Day on November 30 from 9 AM to 2 PM—let’s whip up some delicious Lefse together! Finally, don’t miss our Lefse Sale Day on December 1 from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, followed by the Hanging of the Greens Service from 6 PM to 7 PM in Peterson Hall.
Participation Incentives: Parents and students can apply their fundraising efforts toward camp deductions, making Winter Camp more affordable for everyone! Let’s come together to create an unforgettable experience! Check out the above Fundraiser Participation Flyer for more details.
Ring! Ring!
Birthday Caller Needed
“Hello—and happy birthday! This is Ascension’s Telecare Ministry calling, and we want you to know that your entire Ascension family wishes you a happy, happy birthday and a great year ahead.”
That’s a Telecare caller in action—a kind person with a joyful “happy birthday” greeting, who calls members of Ascension on their birthdays.
We have seven dedicated people on our team, one for each day of the week. Each caller receives a monthly list of those celebrating birthdays and calls all those whose birthdays fall on his or her assigned day of the week.
We are in need of a caller to join our team. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn in the office:
THANKSGIVING DINNER BOXES
The food pantry has received a “Be the Blessing” grant to provide 18 Thanksgiving boxes for families that shop at the food pantry. We are calling out for parishioners to create written messages of Thanksgiving for each of the boxes. If you feel the SPIRIT, contact Linda Gray at .
1 Thessalonians 5:18. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Chronicles 16:34. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Book Club Notes
The Ascension Book Club meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 in the Bethlehem Room, in the office building. The group chooses books based on members’ interest and discussion is led by one of the members. Books vary from popular novels to nonfiction. Please feel free to join us–we are a friendly group.
December: A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Books should be available by Libby, local library, Amazon or thriftbooks.
In Case You Missed It…
In Need of Prayer
Click here for this week’s Prayer List
Pericopes
This Week
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
Next Week
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
Luke 21:25-36
Our Prayer
We pray that you may once again meet the Risen Christ through the Word and Sacrament ministry, and through the fellowship of this family of faith.
If you do not have a church home, we would like to invite you to worship with our Ascension family again.
All people who are baptized and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
May God bless you in your worship!
Pastors Tim Delkeskamp, Chamie Delkeskamp, and Steve Herder
Don’t miss another TWAA
Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE
Ascension Lutheran’s 2024
Click here to download Advent Gazette
Make Room for Peace this Advent
In the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the modern day cultural story is one of being frenzied, hurried, busy, and consumer-driven. But that is not – or at least shouldn’t be – the Christian story. Rather, the Christian story is about the God who is working to bring shalom – perfect peace. So this Advent, we will hold on the word “peace” as we make our way towards Christmas when we raise our candles and sing the words, “sleep in heavenly peace.” Our theme for each week of Advent is:
- Peace is Believing in the Future… no matter what your past has been
- Peace is Having a Heart of Gratitude… even when you have reason to be cranky
- Peace is Holding on to Your Faith… even when it seems futile
- Peace is Singing a Song… even in the midst of a storm
As we gather for Hanging of the Greens, it is all about setting our hearts towards peace as we set our focus for the season on Jesus. During the 5-6 PM fun and festivities time, come buy some lefse and hot chocolate from the youth and sit around one of the campfires. Make an Advent wreath and pick up your Advent devotional. Go to the “Holy Land Photo Station” and take a picture with our visiting pony and hold the sign “Starting the Journey to Bethlehem.” Pick up a slice of pizza and salad at our free pizza dinner at the picnic tables under the heat lamps.
Then we get to kick off the season with songs and scripture in the sanctuary at 7 PM. There will be an opportunity to hang an ornament on the tree. Our youth will adorn the sanctuary with poinsettias. All of our musical groups – plus a couple of guest musical groups – will share beautiful music. And for the first time of the season, we will see the Christmas lights come on in the sanctuary. It will be a great night!
Poinsettia Dedications
Would you like to dedicate a poinsettia plant for the sanctuary in honor of, or in memory of family members or other loved ones? Please use a flower envelope from the pew rack and write what you want to say. Place in offering box or return to office by Dec. 15. Dedications will be published online and in print. Donations are $10.
Advent at Ascension Events:
November 29 (Friday) 3-8 PM, and November 30 (Saturday) 9 AM-2 PM Lefse making in Pederson Hall – all hands welcomed, but especially 6th through 12th graders and their families as lefse sales will go towards youth winter camp and events
November 30 (Saturday) 9-11:30 AM Hanging of the Greens Prep, Founders Hall
December 1 (Sunday) First Day of Advent, 5-6 PM Hanging of the Greens, Fun & Festivities, 6-7 PM Carols & Lighting of the Tree
December 5 (Thursday) – 2:30-4 PM Fair Trade Lane open
December 7 (Saturday) – 9 AM One Ascension Family Hike, Sapwi Trails
December 8 (Sunday) –9 AM School Students Sing a Song from their Christmas Show at 9 o’clock service; 10:00 AM Children’s Ministry Service Project: Holiday Sock Care Kits, meet at picnic tables; 6 PM Compassionate Friends memorial service
December 12 (Thursday) – 2:30-4 PM Fair Trade Lane Open
December 13 (Friday) – 6 PM School Program, “Christmas to Celebrate”
December 15 (Sunday)– 8:30-9 AM and 10-11 AM Fair Trade Lane open
December 19 (Thursday) – 9 AM Honeybees & Ladybugs Program ECC outdoor space
December 20 (Friday) – 9 AM Bumblebees, Hummingbirds, Dragonflies, Fireflies, and Praying Mantises Christmas Program, Sanctuary
December 21 (Saturday) – 2:30-4:30 PM Christmas Caroling, meet at the bus in the big parking lot; 6 PM Cowboy Christmas Worship Service
December 22 (Sunday) – Youth Worship Day (middle school and high school invited to 10:30 worship) followed by lunch and ice skating. ice skating
December 24 (Tuesday) – Christmas Eve services, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM with Holy Communion
December 25 (Wednesday) – Christmas morning service with Holy Communion 9:30 AM
Come Celebrate with Us on Christmas Eve with Very Special Worship Services!
All services include holding candles and singing “Silent Night.”
3 PM – Family friendly service with the bell choir and the telling of the Christmas story by youth and children, Pastor Chamie preaching
5 PM – Family friendly service with the bell choir and the telling of the Christmas story by youth and children, Pastor Chamie preaching
7 PM – Worship with music by the chancel choir, Pastor Tim preaching
9 PM – Worship with music by the Praise Alive Band, Pastor Tim preaching
11 PM – Worship music led by Nancy Lee, Holy Communion, Pastor Tim preaching
And then join us Christmas morning at 9:30 AM for carols and communion, Pastors Tim & Chamie team preaching
Carolers, Let’s Bring Cheer
Bring some joy to those unable to come to worship this season! Meet at the bus in the big parking lot. 2:30-4:30 PM, Saturday, Dec. 21
Get Inspired with Our Advent Devotional
Thank you, Dan Lareva, for 21 years this year of shepherding the creation of our annual Ascension Advent Devotional! Each year, members and the pastors of our congregation volunteer to write a devotional for the Advent season, and students from our school provide artwork. The booklet, which is a project of our Library Committee under Dan’s direction, is a wonderful vehicle for spending a little time each day thinking about Jesus and what His birth means. Printed copies will be available. You’ll also be able to find the writings on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Cowboy Christmas
If you’ve been to one of these services before, you know how special cowboy Christmas worship can be. There’s music and surprises from Country Spirit & friends that’ll make you feel like you’re out under a blanket of stars by a campfire, feeling mighty close to God. Wear your Western clothes if you like. Afterward, enjoy Nancy Lee’s legendary Dutch oven cobbler. (Cobbler signups on ALCTO.org) Dec. 21 at 6 PM
Back To This Week At Ascension
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
Kicker:
Headline
TEXT
