IN NEED OF PRAYER

A name is added to this list only with the permission of the person or the person’s family

If you have requested prayers for someone and their status has changed, please let us know (). We like to keep these lists updated, and we ask your help. Thank you.

Link to printable prayer page

Link to printable prayer pages for Leaders, Staff, and Partners

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

Lori Hillman and family, on the death of her uncle Johnny

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

Joyce, for smooth and complete recovery from surgery

Lori Hillman’s mother, Grace Sica, recently released from hospital but still dealing with multiple infections

Peggy Hoge’s daughter, Tori, for full and smooth recovery from surgery Dec. 14

Michael Nichols, for relief of pain from his rare type of blood cancer, and healing

Cheryl Wilhelm, now in hospice care, for peace, and for her family, especially daughter Jenna

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Barbara Appleton

Pastor Sharon Amundson

The Aqa family
Kyle Ayers
Alan Baker

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

Marie Baur

Gloria Benfatto

Bonnie Braaten

Sue Browning

John Burgert

Danny Cameranesi
Mary Cartrett

Christophe

Sara Dahl

Donna Corra

Pastor Ron Cox

Karen Cirks
Margo Dameron

Kay Dawson
Nicole East

John Ernst

Robin Ertel

Jackie Flame

Becky France

Paul Garretson
Jim Gilbert

Luke Graves

Kim Harvey
Malia Hassenbein
Barbara Hearne

Chuck Heinrich

Jeff Hines
Penny Hunter

Baby Isaac

Marcia Jones

Sandy Kane

Aaron Keit
Scott Klipp

Barbara Krum

Dick Krum

Valerie Krum

Judy Lange

RuthAnn Lawrence
Linda Livingston

Beth Lugo

Judy Marshall,

Sue May

Beth Merrill

Lynne Merrill

Jayne Messier

Sandi Meyer
Jacob Miller

Kathleen Mullen

Eva Nehring

Mike Nichols

Pastor Doris Nolan

Valerie Olguin and daughter Kate

Betty Olson

Tracy Olkowsky’s husband, Ken

Keith, Laurie, and Trey Peyton

Gary Phillips

Patty Raffy
Logan Redmond

Marilyn Reeves

Patricia Reimnitz

Dorothy Richardson

Marilyn Ripley

Melanie Ristow

Baby Noah Rowe

Dee Ruwe

Jerry Ryckman

Debbie Saunier

Jennifer Schwabauer
Arnold Schwarz

Grace Sica

The Siassi family
Dennis Smith

Jeff and Jan Specks
Karen Swanson

The Julian Swanson family

Kevin Tam

Dorothy Teufel,

Robert Teufel

Jan Timmons

Tony Torelli

Taty Valladares

Todd Wallace

Duane Warner

Jane White

Lauren Wilson

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Scott Clark, U.S. Navy

LCpL. Alexander Daley

Jack Ingles, USMC

Chief Patrick Maccarone, USN

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA, Southwest California Synod

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and staff

SWCA Synod Bishop Brenda Bos and staff

Our Channel Islands Conference:

New Hope, Agoura Hills

Mt. Cross, Camarillo

Christ, Goleta

King of Glory, Newbury Park

Holy Cross, Ojai

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Oxnard

Our Savior’s, Oxnard

Trinity, Santa Barbara

Emanuel, Santa Paula

Shepherd of the Valley, Simi Valley

Holy Trinity, Thousand Oaks

Trinity, Ventura

(To learn more, ask one of the pastors)

PRAYER FOCUS

For first responders and for all those impacted by the Franklin Fire.

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Here are Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories

1. Observe 2 PM Tuesday deadline for the following Thursday’s release (unless by advance arrangement).

2. DO NOT PRE-FORMAT MATERIAL. A text or Word file and photos or artwork in jpg or png format, along with any notes you’d like to make about presentation, links, etc. are preferred and will work best to get your message across.

More than HALF of our audience read the newsletter on their phones. The difficulty in reading PDFs on mobile devices was a key reason we switched to the new online format. By presenting information in a PDF, you are making it much harder for them to see it.

3. Keep the number of outside links to a maximum of 3. If your material contains more than three links, we cannot guarantee they will all work.

4. DO NOT EMBED LINKS. Links in flyers, png’s and pdf’s will most likely NOT WORK in the newsletter. Supply the URL and a link will be added.

5. Let me know what you’d like. I can do the best job possible tailoring presentation of your article or announcement if I know your desires. Email and I will get back to you. As always, your suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome!

Thank you.

Stacy Smith Bosco,

Communications Coordinator

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Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Through January 16, 2021 (week 29 of 52)

FY2022 Received: $742,596

Budgeted: $749,542

Windfall/(Shortfall): $(6,946)

FY2021 Received: $763,747

Budgeted: $745,480

Windfall/(Shortfall): $18,267

Attendance

All three weekend services

Jan 10 – 16

In Person: 143

Online: 185

Jan 3 – 9

In Person: 155

Online: 185

Dec. 27 – Jan 2

In Person: 120

Online: 168

Dec. 20-26

In Person: 826

Online: 397

Dec. 13-19

In Person: 98

Online: 108

Dec. 6-12

In Person: 254

Online: 194

Dec. 4-5

In Person: 236

Online: 179

Nov. 27-28

In Person: 220

Online: 162

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Sam’s Tram Rolls Again

by Brian Festerling, SAM’s Tram Coordinator

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the SAM’s Tram service from Ascension has been pretty quiet. However, now that many of us have vaccines and feel more comfortable being out and about, it’s time to reintroduce the program! SAM’s Tram is Ascension’s Senior Adult Ministries transportation service. We match seniors from our congregation that need rides to local appointments with Ascension volunteers that are willing to drive.

RIDERS

If you’re a senior who needs a ride (or a caregiver for one), please contact me with the ride details. My contact info is at the end of the article. The more lead time you can give me — at least a week or two is best — the more likely I can find a driver for you. I’ll let you know either way. The service is free! If you feel compelled to give something, you can give your driver a dollar to go to Ascension’s Caring Ones to help the needy in our area.

DRIVERS

We’re always looking for more volunteer drivers to add to our roster. There is NO long-term commitment. I blast out detailed ride requests via e-mail to all of our drivers. You need only say “yes” to a ride that works for your schedule, and your only commitment is for that one ride. Many of us work and can only drive occasionally. That’s OK! The more drivers we have on our roster, the more likely we can fulfill a given request, and the workload gets spread around. This is a simple and effective ministry and we’d love to have you join us! Please call or e-mail me if you’re interested.

TESTIMONIAL

“[SAM’s Tram was] a blessing to my mom when she could not drive anymore. The friendly drivers got her to her weekly hair appointments, and occasional other doctor/dentist appointments. The social interaction with the drivers gave her a lift and became a bright spot in her declining life quality. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased when two drivers who were more frequent came to my mom’s celebration of life service. What a dedicated group of people, making a difference in the lives of our elders!” — Excerpt from a thank you note written by the daughter of one of our riders

FAST FACTS

– Pastor Steve started SAM’s Tram in 2011.

– Since 2017 we have had 287 ride requests and fulfilled 220 of them (77%)

– 69% of our requests are for doctor appointments, 9% for worship services, 8% for beauty/barber, and 14% “other”

Please pray for our SAM’s Tram riders and drivers, and contact me anytime if we can be of service to you, or if you you’d like to join us as a driver.

Sincerely,

Brian Festerling SAM’s Tram Coordinator

805-558-8076 (cell)

ps – we’ve had an uptick in requests and could always use new drivers.

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Gifts of Hope 2021 — Virtual Fair Trade Gift Fair

The Virtual Gift Fair debuted last year providing an online opportunity to shop for Fair Trade artisan handcrafts – Fair Trade “wearables & shareables” – from the comfort, convenience and safety of your home. The Gifts of Hope Virtual Gift Fair returns this year bigger & better!

We welcome FAIR ANITA to the Virtual Gift Fair this year providing an opportunity to shop for “cute + ethically-made + affordable” Fair Trade jewelry, textiles and accessories made by more than 8000 changemaking, talented women in 9 countries. These artisan women work to improve the lives of their children and their communities.

The mission of Fair Anita, started in 2015, is to create space for women to feel safe, valued and respected through dignified jobs and Fair Trade relationships. Fair Anita shares that for every dollar a woman makes, between 80-90 cents is reinvested back into her family and community, making sure children are fed and clothed, sending them to school, even putting them through college.

Women’s economic empowerment and leadership is key to overall economic growth and prosperity. More information, including many great photos, will be posted to the Fair Trade page on Ascension’s website. We invite you to check it out and learn more about Fair Anita.

For the months of November and December, 2021, Fair Anita will give Ascension a donation of 20% of online purchases made using Ascension’s special code – our code is ALCTO. Ascension will give this gift to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response. Mark your calendars and make note of Ascension’s special code. Here is the link to Fair Anita’s website for your shopping enjoyment.

We welcome back our friends at SERRV and are happy they are part of our Virtual Gift Fair again this year.

A name tells us much – established in 1949, the initials stood for Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocations. One of the first Fair Trade organizations in the world, SERRV now connects to 24 countries working to empower more than 8000 small-scale artisans and farmers through long-term trading partnerships.

With our support, SERRV can continue to combat poverty and work to help artisans and farmers build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. Letters spell out more than a name. Every letter has a purpose and stands for an important part of SERRV’s mission. Collectively, the letters SERRV describe the commitment to Fair Trade relationships based on dialogue, transparency, honesty and respect.

The word “Sustainable” is foundational and not limited to the environment. We again thank our friends at SERRV for making a gift of 20% of purchases using Ascension’s special ordering link to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response.

Here is Ascension’s special ordering link. More information and photos from SERRV will be posted to the Fair Trade page on Ascension’s website. The special ordering link is active and ready for your shopping. We will share updates from SERRV as they come in, including special SERRV promotions. Fair Trade Coffee, Tea, Olive Oil, Snacks and of course, chocolate, is available for purchase during the October 2021 Pre-Ordering Window (10/15/21 – 10/31/21).

The October 2021 Ordering Form can be found on the Fair Trade page of Ascension’s website, on Ascension’s calendar, in hard-copy in the church office, and HERE.

You can also send an email to us at and we’ll send out the ordering form to you.

Just as our Gifts of Hope Alternative Gifts provide hope for a brighter future for many, both near and far, our support of Fair Trade in its many wonderful forms provides hope to artisans, farmers, their families and communities around the world.

We remember that with Fair Trade, farmers and artisans are paid first and paid in full; promotions and the special gifts from SERRV and Fair Anita do not affect the fair wages, prices and treatment for those who produce the items and products we enjoy and give as gifts.

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Meet Emma Janzen (continued)

Emma volunteered at middle school and high school at the Lutheran church she attended in Peoria, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. In high school, she worked at a day care center. At Cal Lu, she worked with students via the AmeriCorps fellowship program. And she experienced work in a range of areas of ministry including children’s ministry at a summer program at a Lutheran church in Dana Point.

While her immediate family is in Arizona, Emma does have relatives who live nearby, in the Pasadena area. As far as adjusting to California life, she says she’s loving the weather here “and being so close to the beach is really fun.”

As part of the interview process, Emma says that she and Pastor Julie “had a meeting and talked about the church and all the different goals, and talked about my own spirituality.” Then Emma led some faith-filled fun for 4^th through 6^th graders at the school. And it must have gone well indeed, for now she is jumping into children’s ministry duties at Ascension — already laying plans for Kids in Christ programming (4^th through 6^th grade), Sunday School, and will soon start “putting together the Christmas program.”

Pastor Julie is excited to have someone on board who loves kids and building relationships, has a good sense of children’s ministry, and a deep faith herself. She’ll be an asset! In fact, every reference Pastor Julie called was emphatic that we would be lucky to have Emma on our team, and we shouldn’t let her get away. Emma will be at the elementary school and ECC and in worship—if you see her, welcome her and start getting to know her! And of course, pray for her and our Children’s Ministry, too!

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Pray, Advocate or Take Action this Jubilee Weekend

Jubilee USA needs our help to lift the voices of the faithful in defense of the world’s most vulnerable. Together, we can expand vaccine access across the world, fight climate change and achieve debt relief and increase aid for developing countries for pandemic recovery efforts. We are joining hundreds of faith communities taking action this month through this drive. Everyone can decide how they’d like to participate – from offering a prayer for vaccine distribution or increased aid for developing countries to calling members of Congress, signing a petition, hosting a discussion group or other activities.

As coronavirus wreaks havoc around the globe, we need to make a strong call to bring the world together for a just and equitable recovery. As you are likely aware, Ascension is a Jubilee congregation – and Pastor Steve is Board Co-Chair — and our Southwest California Synod is a Jubilee synod.

Jubilee has been instrumental in the cancellation of more than $130 billion in debt for the world’s poorest countries. These are debts often racked up by malign government actors in these countries but left for innocent citizenry to cope with. Jubilee follows Jesus’ sermon in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 4:14-21) in reading Isaiah 61 and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor, the year of — a year of freedom and debts being cancelled.

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IN NEED OF PRAYER

A name is added to this list only with the permission of the person or the person’s family

Link to printable prayer page

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

Cori Hengst and family

on the death of her grandmother,

Lilia Fortuna

Debbie Schaeffer,

on the death of her father

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

Brandt and Margy Oschner’s grandson Brandt, who is awaiting a heart transplant

Kris and Peter Swavely’s brother-in-law John, hospitalized in Colorado with severe COVID, and for his wife Lisa, Kris’ sister, who also has COVID

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Lara Abounayan

Kyle Ayers

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

The Bauer Family

Addie Behm

Gloria Benfatto

Debi Bing

Dominick Bosco

Skip Brenner

Mary Cartrett

Dominic Cavaliere

David Corra

Helen Cox

Linda Crabill

Diana Doerfler

John Ernst

Becky and Al France

Jane Ganske

Dennis Gillette

Malia Hassenbein

Penny Hunter

Bob Kielhorn

Dr. Allen Leland

Henry Leland

Grace Lugo

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Sandi Meyer

Shirley Meyer

Verlon Meyer

Bill Munn

Helen Nenne

Paul and Betty Olson

Laurie Peyton

Lois Phillips

Mike Ricci

Dave Rosinbum

Pastor David Palma-Ruwe

Dorothy Scholz

Barb Schornstein

Arnold Schwarz

Jan Timmons

Paul and Anne Urlie

Taty Valladares

Todd Wallace

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Connor Braaten, USMC

Scott Clark, U.S. Navy

LCpL. Alexander Daley

Cody Davidson, US Army

Tim David, US Army

Jack Ingles, USMC

ET1 Patrick Maccarone, USN

Jake Marshall, USMC

Scott Mochatel, USCG

LCJG Caroline Truesdell, USCG

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA

Southwest CA Synod Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and staff

Synod Bishop-elect Brenda Bos

Our Channel Islands Conference:

New Hope, Agoura Hills

Mt. Cross, Camarillo

Christ, Goleta

King of Glory, Newbury Park

Holy Cross, Ojai

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Oxnard

Our Savior’s, Oxnard

Trinity, Santa Barbara

Emanuel, Santa Paula

Shepherd of the Valley, Simi Valley

Holy Trinity, Thousand Oaks

Trinity, Ventura

(To learn more, ask one of the pastors)

PRAYER FOCUS:

The work of Jubilee,

that God guides and blesses the efforts toward equitable treatment and relief from debt, famine and disease, especially COVID, for the world’s most vulnerable populations

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Blessing Of The Pets 2021

Thanks to Pastor Steve for the photos!

2022-10-09 11.33.03 (1)

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Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Through October 3, 2021 (week 14 of 52)

FY2022 Received: $292,109

Budgeted: $328,819

Windfall/(Shortfall): $(36,710)

FY2021 Received: $288,878

Budgeted: $329,075

Windfall/(Shortfall): $(40,197)

Attendance

All three weekend services

Sept.27 – Oct.3

In Person: 195

Online: 159

Sept.20 – Sept.26

In Person: 167

Online: 175

Sept.13 – Sept.19

In Person: 202

Online: 176

Sept.6 – Sept.12

In Person: 310

Online: 128

August 30 – Sept. 5

In Person: 168

Online: 180

August 23-29

In Person: 190

Online: 212

August 16-22

In Person: 188

Online: 220

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Packing School Kits For Lutheran World Relief

barnyard

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A recap of the Youth Gathering

High School Youth Group Enjoys Farm Fun, Service, Sunsets, Mountain Tops, and mostly, Lots of Laughter and God’s Hand in it All.

by Dianne Beck

“Sometimes the best way to see God is by looking backwards.”

This was something a speaker at the recent Youth Gathering at Luther Glen said on our last day of camp, and as I look back on our week, I definitely see the hand of God in everything we did.

At Bible Study this past Sunday, as we shared Highs and Lows, each youth who went on the trip, along with myself, listed our trip as a high for the week, recounting the fun times, and admitted that one low was simply the adjustment of coming back home, even though we were all glad to be home and get some rest! I know that in my mind I’ve continued to hear our jokes, sometimes even saying them out loud when no one near me would get it, and have songs like “One Name Under Heaven,” “Reckless Love,” and “Knee, Knee, Clap, Clap” on repeat in my head as well. The week is one that will stay embedded positively in our memories and continue to bring us joy as we think back on it.

Each day was packed with activity and opportunities to connect with each other as well as people from all over California and places as far as North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, and Hawaii. In this one week, we were able to enjoy farm animals and a new puppy, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, great praise music and speakers, games and conversation, Disneyland, The Palm Springs Tramway, a service day at Helping Hands in San Bernadino, and the local fun of Oak Glen with apple turnovers and axe throwing.
Looking back, I think I saw God most in the way we all connected and got to know one another more and more each day. It’s not easy to hide behind your real self when spending a week together, which I believe is the beauty of going away together. We all see that it’s okay to be who we are and when we are, that’s when God and his love best shine through.

I am truly thankful for every person who went on the trip, every person we met, both near and far, and all the lasting connections and memories made.

If you or a high schooler you know would like to be part of another trip, stay tuned for our plans for an upcoming weekend retreat to Pismo Beach September 23-25th. If interested, contact Dianne Beck at .

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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

December 15, 2024

3 Advent

Grace and peace to you my family in Christ,

There is an old adage that describes God’s prophets as people who “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” John, with his camel hair clothes, his heavy imagery and his call to dunk ourselves in the cold, clear waters of the Jordan River was definitely more of an afflictor than a comforter!

But just as it is always darkest before the dawn, we need to be uncomfortable before we can discover the true comfort of our faith in Jesus. Our superficial peace needs to be disrupted before our true and deep peace can fill us.

Let’s explore this in worship this weekend as we worship and live out this beautiful Advent season!

Blessings,

rehearsal 2

Getting Ready for Christmas Eve

Our church musicians, worship leaders, and pastors are working hard as they prepare to make Christmas Eve very special.

Bell choir director Matt Cahill found a beautiful piece that weaves together bell music with a narrated account of the Christmas story told by a “donkey” and “sheep.” This special piece will be done at both the 3:00 and 5:00 family friendly services on Christmas Eve. What a blessing that our bell choir includes children, youth, and adults! And how awesome that we have confirmation students who are doing the narration!

We will also be blessed on Christmas Eve with the chancel choir leading music at the 7:00 PM service, the Praise Alive Band leading music at the 9:00 PM service, and Nancy Lee leading music at the 11:00 PM service.

New Member Class

Would you like to take another step in your spiritual journey with God and our church? If so, we would like to invite you to be a part of our next New Member class, Sunday, January 26, from 12-2:30 PM in the church Library.

Lunch will be provided. The class focuses on the basics of the Christian faith and on the ministry of Ascension. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have and to get to know others.

To RSVP or with questions, please call the church office at (805) 495-0406 or email .

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 HERE.) Dec. 21 at 6 PM

Photo: Three generations of pastors and Jubilee board members from Southern California — Caleb Lines, Steve Herder, and Bill Harman.

Adult Ed This Sunday – Jubilee and Report on D.C.

On December 15—this Sunday– Pastor Steve will be sharing about the work of Jubilee at 10:30 AM in the library. He is one of three pastors from Southern California representing us this week in Washington, D.C., where Jubilee Southern California is being honored!

The Congressional Digest has called Jubilee the last standing bipartisan effort on Capitol Hill.

The year 2025 will be a year of Jubilee! Plan now to pray and participate in it

Here is the link to donate to our monthly benevolence, Jubilee.

Here is Jubilee’s 2024 year-end report and a quick preview of Jubilee 2025.

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

Parents: Your Opinions Wanted

The children’s ministry team is excited to journey through Advent together each Sunday with children reading the words to the lighting of the Advent candle in worship and special lessons and projects in Sunday school. As we vision for the new year, we appreciate your feedback. It is not too late to complete the children’s ministry survey: CLICK HERE for the survey.

December 22nd – Ice Skating Fellowship for 6th–12th Graders (10:30 AM–2:30 PM)

We’re excited to invite all 6th–12th graders to join us for an awesome day of ice skating, fellowship, and FREE food! It’s going to be a fun and festive time, and we’d love for you to bring a friend along. We’ll be using the Ascension Church bus for this event, and everything you need to join is included in the flyer and the schedule for that day.Please note that permission slips are required for this event, and the cost for ice skating is $15 per student. To receive the permission slip and more details, please contact Youth Director Jen Avalos at

We can’t wait to see you there for an amazing time together!

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Preparing the Way: Caring for Those in Need

Inspired by Luke 3:1-6, in Sunday School one of our classes made a gratitude tree. Children’s Ministry families joyfully assembled Care Kits for the local homeless that receive services from Harbor House. Just as John the Baptist called us to “prepare the way for the Lord” by turning our hearts to God, our acts of kindness and care are ways we can share God’s love during Advent.

This service project was partly made possible through a Be the Blessing Grant.

Refreshments Needed

Our 10:30 service continues to grow and the after-worship fellowship needs your help. Can you help to provide refreshments for our weekly gathering? Doesn’t have to be a meal, just something you would like to share with your Ascension community.

We generally serve 40-50 people. If that is too much, bring what you can or partner up with a friend. Check out this link and sign up if you would like to help serve. There will also be a signup sheet available at the refreshments tables.

If you have any questions reach out to Tim Schneider-() or Tom Lindros ()

Please bring your food items to the kitchen in Pederson Hall before the 10:30 service.

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SHARING THE JOY OF NATURE:

We had a great Ascension family hike last weekend! Despite the warm, sunny California day, the theme was “snow.” Pastor Chamie hid frosted pine cones all along the trail for kids to find. Families learned about Coyote Bush which is flowering right now and looks like snow when you shake it — which the children loved doing (check out the photo).

After the hike, “snowy” doughnuts were available (i.e. powdered sugar doughnuts). Many families stuck around the park to play after hiking. And then some families stayed so long, they ended up going out for lunch together. Pastor Chamie and Charlotte Miranda (who leads the school’s Nature Lab) are excited to hike again with families in the new year. Stay tuned for our next adventure. How good to be in creation and connect with our Creator!

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THE SEASON OF GIVING

Our Confirmation youth are shown tying fleece blankets for Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children 0-18 in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.

Fair Trade Lane:

That’s A Wrap for 2024

In this season of Advent, Fair Trade Lane lifts up peace with “Extra Peaceful” Organic Olive Oil from Sindyanna of Galilea. What’s inside the bottle matches the label on the outside – this Fair Trade olive oil comes from an organization led by Arab and Jewish women working together for their families, their communities and for peace.

The shelves of Fair Trade Lane are filled with sweet & savory items for holiday celebrations and gifts. There are Fair Trade woven baskets from Uganda filled with Fair Trade favorites packaged and ready to go. Special Fair Trade Lane boxes are available for those who want to create their own gifts.

Fair Trade Lane will be open Sunday, December 15 (8:30 – 9 AM & 10-11 AM)

An amazing year on Fair Trade Lane comes to a close Sunday, December 15. We thank everyone for making 2024 a truly wonderful year for Fair Trade at Ascension.

We’re working on the Fair Trade Lane schedule for 2025 – stay tuned for updates.

Help Decorate Rose Parade Floats!

Now is the time to make your plans for joining the Ascension group at this year’s Rose Parade float decorating excursion! Our fearless leader, Lauren Godfrey, provides details of this awesome event and fun volunteer opportunity. (Please let her know if you are planning to come as soon as you can — laurengodfrey@roadrunner.com ):

Many folks have always wanted to help decorate floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade, held each year on New Year’s Day. Now’s your chance!

We’ll be using a Thrivent Action Team to bring a bus-load of volunteers to Pasadena to help the Petal Pushers decorate floats. Each year, in exchange for bringing together nearly 5000 volunteers to help decorate a warehouse full of floats, the Petal Pushers receive a substantial discount on the parade entry fee for the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float.

Our shift will be Dec. 30 from 4:00 – 12:00pm or “until completion” in Irwindale.

The theme for this year’s Rose Parade is “Best Day Ever!” – intended to celebrate life’s best moments, big or small, that fill us with joy. The theme for the Lutheran Hour Ministries float, the only Christian float in the parade, is “Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born.” It will feature two angels calling viewers to the birth of Jesus and to the church. Stained-glass windows will depict some of the best days of Jesus’ life.

All friends – OF ALL FAITHS and whether you’re an Ascension member or not – are invited to join us!

Volunteers must be 13 years-old and over.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for seniors since there’s lots to do while sitting down; we save the scaffold climbing for the younger, more nimble folks.

We will be meeting in the Ascension Lutheran Church parking lot at 2:15 PM

NOTE: VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER WITH ME (NOT ON THE PP’s WEBSITE! – so If you’d like to join us, please let me know so I can let the Petal Pushers folks know how many we’ll have in our group. laurengodfrey@roadrunner.com

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A TIME OF COMFORT

Last Sunday evening, for the eleventh year, we hosted the Ventura County Compassionate Friends interfaith candle lighting ceremony. It is a time to share the grief of so many families who have lost a child or a sibling in death. We keep each of these families in our prayers and care. Ascension members who had a part in helping with this service were: Pastor Steve, Lan Merrill, Aidan Delkeskamp, Nathan Halvorson, Nancy Lee, Kim and Jim Overton, Cam Lorentson, Diane Kusnierek.

This service is under our prayer ministries and our Community Concerns Team at Ascension. To learn more about this group of Compassionate Friends of Ventura County (which started 21 years ago) and who love and support each other, go HERE for the local Compassionate Friends website.

And remember, our GriefShare group meets Thursdays at 1 PM in the Sonrise Room.

We kindly request that anyone who would like their contributions to be counted for this tax year, please get them in no later than Friday, December 27. Even earlier would be appreciated!

Pardon Our Dust!

A Prayerful Vision Takes Shape on the Church Patio

As work on the church patio progresses, an exciting vision for the space is coming into focus. Our pastors have proposed creating a beautiful 7-circuit prayer labyrinth on the patio, situated just outside the sanctuary and prayer chapel. This addition aims to provide a serene and reflective space for individuals and groups to deepen their spiritual practices.

The idea of a prayer labyrinth has sparked thoughtful conversations with vendors during discussions about the patio’s stain and finish. These experts have raised insightful questions and helped the team explore a variety of options that align with both the aesthetic and functional goals of the project.

While the excitement to bring this vision to life is palpable, the church leadership is committed to making well-informed decisions. To this end, the team has decided to pause and await the completion of our reserve study in January. This study will provide critical financial insights, ensuring that the final plans align with both the church’s vision and long-term sustainability goals.

Thank you for your patience as we bring this vision to life. We look forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead as we continue to build this sacred and inspiring space.

Kaylee Searway
Director of Operations

WELCOME BASKETS FOR REFUGEES AT CLU

Nina Dube and her Global Studies Club at Cal Lutheran completed their service project for the Conejo Interfaith Refugee Team this past week, reports Carol Bjelland. “We had a great meeting with them and their professor about student engagement in community service. We look forward to more opportunities,” she says. The club members shared their plan/process of informing CLU students, staff, and faculty of their activities and talked about how they went about collecting the items for their kits.

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.

Humanitarian-Minded Gather for Special GMT Meeting

From Baltimore Harbor to Asheville, N.C., to South Sudan to Turkey — Lutheran World Relief’s humanitarian response was the focus when Pastor Lisa Kipp of LWR led a special meeting of our Global Ministries Team here Dec. 4.

Pastor Kipp shared stories and videos that showed just how much congregational gifts to LWR mean to recipients in the United States and overseas, whether it is after an earthquake, hurricane, flood, or crippling bridge collapse. LWR is currently working in 36 countries and will mark its eightieth year of service next year.

Some 27 Ascension members in attendance were joined by guests from four other Lutheran congregations: Emmanuel, North Hollywood; Our Redeemer, Oxnard; Holy Shepherd, Simi Valley; and New Hope, Agoura Hills.

Two congregations represented at the gathering have just begun making quilts for LWR. GMT celebrates their efforts as well as those at congregations who have found themselves in this ministry of hope for decades.

GMT leader Louise Evenson thanked everyone for their contributions to bring hope to others, including all those who helped after the meeting to fold tablecloths, and pack up and load cars with various items to be returned. Special thanks to Louise for organizing the event, to Pastor Steve for his technical support and hospitality for our guests, Marcia Koenig for bringing poinsettias for the tables and fresh, sweet grapes for our pre-gathering time, for Bonny Chick who welcomed our guests, and for Paul Evenson who brought the coffee to go with the various sweet treats at the meeting.

Once again, our friends down the street at Temple Adat Elohim are hosting a Christmas Day dinner for those looking for a place to go. It is a beautiful tradition.

We LOVE Our Advent Wreaths!

The Hanging of the Greens craft activity that keeps on giving! What a great reminder not only of each week’s Advent focus, but of the love and fun experienced at Ascension that night.

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

Advent at Ascension Events:

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) – Mini cantata, Dietrich Buxtehude’s Magnificat, 9 AM worship, Youth Worship Day (middle school and high school invited to 10:30 worship) followed by lunch and 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

Merry Christmas!
We cordially invite you to join us for Christmas worship at Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks. In a world fraught with anxiety, conflict, and war, we invite you to experience the great and mysterious peace of Christ as we gather at Christmas to raise candles and sing “sleep in heavenly peace” and hear a message of hope for the year ahead.

All services include holding candles and singing “Silent Night.”

3 PM – Family friendly service with the Carillons bell choir under the direction of Matt Cahill and the Christmas story narrated by children and youth, Pastor Chamie preaching

5 PM – Family friendly service with the Carillons bell choir under the direction of Matt Cahill and the Christmas story narrated by children and youth, Pastor Chamie preaching

7 PM – Worship with music by the Chancel Choir led by Dr. Wyant Morton, Pastor Tim preaching

9 PM – Worship with music by the Praise Alive Band led by Melissa Berg, 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

We’re excited about sharing these special services with you!
Pastors Tim, Chamie, and Steve

Have Your Heard?

A new kind of Lunch Bunch is coming back once a month, beginning Wed., Feb 12, at noon, thanks to Pastor Larry and Chris Wagner, and friends!! Founders Hall.

An answer to many prayers!

Welcoming Guests

Studies show the number one reason people go to a particular church is because of friendships. Wearing your name tag is one of the easiest ways to make a guest feel welcomed and help new and existing members become better acquainted with one another. Wearing a name tag is an effortless way to reach out to people to just start a conversation. You never know if God puts you in a place to make a positive impact on someone. It’s a good thing to remember. Name tags are on the magnetic white boards at one of the two church entrances. If you cannot find your name tag, please tell the church office and they will order you a new one.

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Pericopes

This Week

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

Next Week

Micah 5:2-5
Psalm 80:1-7
Luke 1:39-55

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

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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.

Back To This Week At Ascension

IN NEED OF PRAYER

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA, Southwest California Synod

PRAYER FOCUS

Here are Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories

Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Attendance

Sam’s Tram Rolls Again

Gifts of Hope 2021 — Virtual Fair Trade Gift Fair

Meet Emma Janzen (continued)

Pray, Advocate or Take Action this Jubilee Weekend

IN NEED OF PRAYER

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA

PRAYER FOCUS:

Blessing Of The Pets 2021

Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Attendance

Packing School Kits For Lutheran World Relief

A recap of the Youth Gathering

This Week At Ascension

Grace and peace to you my family in Christ,

Getting Ready for Christmas Eve

New Member Class

Cowboy Christmas

Photo: Three generations of pastors and Jubilee board members from Southern California — Caleb Lines, Steve Herder, and Bill Harman.

Adult Ed This Sunday – Jubilee and Report on D.C.

Carolers, Let’s Bring Cheer

Parents: Your Opinions Wanted

December 22nd – Ice Skating Fellowship for 6th–12th Graders (10:30 AM–2:30 PM)

Preparing the Way: Caring for Those in Need

Refreshments Needed

SHARING THE JOY OF NATURE:

THE SEASON OF GIVING

Fair Trade Lane:

That’s A Wrap for 2024

Help Decorate Rose Parade Floats!

A TIME OF COMFORT

Pardon Our Dust!

A Prayerful Vision Takes Shape on the Church Patio

WELCOME BASKETS FOR REFUGEES AT CLU

Poinsettia Dedications

Humanitarian-Minded Gather for Special GMT Meeting

We LOVE Our Advent Wreaths!

Make Room for Peace this Advent

Advent at Ascension Events:

Have Your Heard?

Welcoming Guests

In Case You Missed It…

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Pericopes

Our Prayer

Don’t miss another TWAA

Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE

Get Inspired with Our Advent Devotional