IN NEED OF PRAYER

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

Our newsletter prayer list focuses on Ascension members, family members, and friends only.

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:

The Castillo family as they mourn the death of their son/brother, Ryan

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

Courtney, who continues her battle with brain cancer, now in Oregon where she has moved in with her sister

Alan Kahn, who remains in critical condition in the ICU. Doctors believe he has developed a serious autoimmune disease called HLH that is challenging to treat. Asking for prayers his doctors determine an effective treatment and that recovery can begin. And prayers for his wife Debbie.

Raye Keene, who has been diagnosed with Leukemia

Noa Kaye Wise, age one, who is suffering from breathing issues

We keep these family and friends in our prayers as they have lost their homes in the recent fires. As we learn of ways that we can help them, we’ll pass that on to you. In the meantime, and continually, we will keep them in prayer.

Richard

Shannon, Vince, and Emerson

Amy

Brenda

Vince

Jordan, Eddie, Michelle and her mom

Roxanne and Geoff

The Egge family

The Udko family

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

LCDR. Alexander Daley

Jack Ingles, USMC

Patrick Maccarone, Chief Warrant Officer, USN

Jaden Rice, USN

PRAYER FOCUS

For our advent worship services and other activities, including Hanging of the Greens, that we may receive the gifts of God’s peace and the light of Christ, and share them with others this season

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Barbara Appleton
Pastor Sharon Amundson
Robert Andrews
David Ayers
Kyle Ayers
Alan Baker
Maria Bartush
Marie Baur
Dianne Beck
Gloria Benfatto
Denise Van Zago Bowen
Bonnie Braaten
Sue Browning
Jan Burgert
John Burgert
Danny Cameranesi
Mary Cartrett
Christophe
Sara Dahl
Karen Cirks
Margo Dameron
Kay Dawson
Julie Delvillar
Jim Dulther
Nicole East
Jackie Flame
Becky France
Martha Glynn
Eric Guetschoff
Baby Marigold Halseth
Diane Harris
Glennie Harvey
Malia Hassenbein
Rick Hillman
Jeff Hines
Penny Hunter
Alan Indictor
Ingrid Isaksen
Jeff
Marcia Jones
Sandy Kane
Aaron Keit
Scott Klipp
Eve Konstantine
Valerie, Dick and Barbara Krum
Kierstyn Lambert
Judy Lange
RuthAnn Lawrence
Beth Lugo
Nick Maccarone
Baby Magnus and family
Judy Marshall and Kirk Marshall
Jim McDonald
Bill McKinney
Beth Merrill
Lynne Merrill
Jacob Miller
Fred Morris
Kathleen Mullen
Eva Nehring
Joyce Nenne
Mike Nichols
Valerie Olguin
Betty Olson
Tracy Olkowsky’s husband, Ken
Ron Peterson
Keith, Laurie, and Trey Peyton
Gary Phillips
Patty Raffy
Logan Redmond
Patricia Reimnitz
Jerry Ross
Baby Noah Rowe
David Palma-Ruwe
Dee Ruwe
Jerry Ryckman
Neida Sanchez
Debbie Saunier
Carlah Schneider
Grace Sica
Jeff Specks
Karen Swanson
Kris and Pete Swavely
Kevin Tam
Dorothy Teufel
Jan Timmons
Gary Trumbauer
Susie Turner
Jan White
Celine Will
Lauren Wilson
Barbara Wolff

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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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SLL 1

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 6:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM

This Week At Ascension

Called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ

December 7, 2025

Second Sunday of Advent

Grace and peace to you my sisters and brothers in Christ,

As we light the second candle of advent this weekend, we’ll spend some time with one of Scripture’s most honest families—Zechariah, Elizabeth, and their miracle child, John the Baptist. Their story is filled with silence, doubt, waiting, and even a bit of wilderness, yet it becomes the soil where God grows His most important promise. This week invites us to discover how God is doing the same in our lives: working quietly beneath the surface, strengthening hope we can’t yet see, and preparing us for the Light that is on its way.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether God is moving when everything feels slow or uncertain, this message is for you. Come hear how the family tree of faith teaches us that God’s promises are always bigger than our doubts—and that even in a difficult season, hope is already growing. Join us in worship as we light our candles, and step toward the promise of Christ’s coming with Advent hope.

Blessings,

Hanging of the Greens Comfort & Joy is almost here! People have been busy getting ready, and this is going to be an event to remember — Sunday, December 7.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

During the 5-6 PM food & festivities time, we will have comfort and joy “stations.” Comfort stations include comfort food of soup, bread, and mac-n-cheese. Comfort dessert is lefse, sold by our youth as a fundraiser for winter camp (a longtime youth tradition that brings comfort). There will be a station to write letters of comfort for those homebound or in need of special cheer this year. Another comfort station will be tying Project Linus blankets for children in hospitals. People can gather around the comfort of two outdoor campfires. Joy stations include a bounce house and several silly games including “Snow Holes” (a version of Corn Holes).

Then from 6-7 PM we will gather in the comfort of the sanctuary for the joy of listening – and singing along – to the music of the season, decorating the tree, and turning on the Christmas lights for the first time!

Click Here For The Advent Gazette

Children, Youth & Family Ministries Corner

by Pastor Chamie

During my first pregnancy, Tim played Joseph and I played Mary, riding on a fake donkey, at his church’s live nativity scene. I had no need for “stuffing” with my growing belly. During that Christmas when I was pregnant, I decided that we wouldn’t “do the Santa Claus thing” with our kids. I will flash forward and say that didn’t actually happen. I ended up making gifts magically appear on Christmas morning for many years. However, early on we started celebrating St. Nicholas Day on December 6th by giving a secret gift or gifts to neighbors. They were simple gifts like candles or homemade cookies left at their doorstep. I wanted my children to begin to know the truth behind “Santa” and that St. Nicholas did, indeed, give gifts in secret. And most importantly St. Nicholas loved Jesus. I have shared this brief video with youth as we have talked about St. Nicholas.

I invite you to teach your children – or youth – the joy of giving an anonymous gift. One of the ways you can do this is by taking the name of a child from the “angel tree” this weekend at church and buying a gift for a child in need as we partner with Friends of Fieldworkers. This can be a great opportunity for you to shop with child(ren), talk about helping others, wrap the gift, pray for the child who will receive it, and then return it to church.

In the midst of this season, I also invite you to take the opportunity for your child to attend Sunday school or your youth to attend youth group or your whole family to attend Hanging of the Greens as a way to stay centered on “the reason for the season” – Jesus.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Chamie

It’s Time to Make Lefse!

This Norwegian flatbread is a longtime tradition at Ascension! The youth will once again be making and selling lefse as a fundraiser for winter camp and the summer trip. Youth are encouraged to sign up for a shift, but families and others who enjoy making lefse (or want to learn) are welcome to sign up as well; however, children need to be in upper elementary school or older to help. We will be prepping all the potatoes on Friday, December 5, 3:00 to 7:00ish PM and then rolling and cooking the lefse on griddles on Saturday, December 6, 9:00 AM to 2:00ish PM. Meet in the Pederson Hall (gym) Kitchen. Sign up here. For questions, contact Mr. Gottmer at or Pastor Chamie at .

Buy your lefse on Sunday morning, December 7, after worship or at Hanging of the Greens at 5:00 PM later that day!

We could use extra lefse griddles – if you have one we could borrow, let us know!

Adult Ed Dec. 7:

Facing Adversity During Advent

10:30 – 11:30 in the Library

Facing adversity during Advent involves finding strength in faith and community by focusing on the advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, despite difficult circumstances we encounter in our lives.

Carolyn Coleman-Grady is the author of two volumes of Facing Adversity Victoriously. She is a registered nurse and the founder of the Health Agency Friend with a focus on seniors. In her books, Carolyn unashamedly shares personal details of her life and the challenges she overcame through a strong faith and belief in God.

High School Youth Overnight

High School Youth Overnight on Saturday, December 13 – contact Mr. Gottmer for all the fun details and to sign up at . He will be showing his favorite Christmas movie and youth get to “camp out” under the big Christmas tree.

Patio Project Begins December 8

As John the Baptist would say, we’re “making straight the paths”—or at least the patio! Beginning December 8 and continuing for about two weeks, work will take place on the patio outside the west narthex and in front of the library. Our hope is to complete this project before Christmas Eve so that our welcome spaces shine with beauty for all who gather.

During this time, thank you for being patient, flexible, and kind as pathways shift and work crews do their part. How exciting it is to see this long-awaited improvement taking shape!

Hope Shines Bright at Sunday School!

Our current Sunday school series is “Lights of Christmas: Hope Shines Bright.” This series concludes on December 21.

Sunday school is offered at both the 9:00 and 10:30 AM services for children TK through 5th grade. The nursery is open for infants to 4’s and also has stories and activities to learn about Baby Jesus during this season.

Don’t Miss Your Photo Op!

This Sunday! Photographers will be standing by to snap your pictures!

Church Family Photo Directory!

As we close out 2025 learning about the “Family tree of Jesus,” we hope that you know that YOU are a part of that family tree. As we enter 2026, one of our goals is to grow in connection with the church family. So we hope you will participate in this simple project!!!

Here are the details:

When? Sundays December 7, 14, and 21 and Saturday, Dec 20 after worship services (or email your photos into the church office by the end of the calendar year)

Where? At the photo station on the church patio on Sundays (weather permitting) or Founders Hall; on Sat, Dec 20, photos will be in Founders Hall (after Cowboy worship)

Who? YOU!!! We want photos of all of those who call Ascension Lutheran Church their home.

How? There are two ways you can get your photo in the directory: 1) get your photo taken at church or 2) send a photo via email. Our youth photographers will take photos after the worship services; you can do them individually or with your whole family. Or you can send a photo as a jpeg (medium) to . Note that these photos are chest and above, not distant photos. We want to see your beautiful faces!

Why? Because we want to better know each other and grow in community! Let’s be honest… I bet more of us than not see familiar faces every time we are on the church campus, but we don’t know the names of everyone!

Will this be published online? No. This will not be shared online, posted anywhere, or be available to the masses.

How will it be distributed then? You may request a copy from the church office for $5.

What information will be in there? Your name and best way(s) you would like to be contacted. (This is a great time to update/confirm your contact information, such as email, phone, and address.)

When will the directory be done? We hope to have this photo directory done by the end of January 2026, so we need you to get your photo taken or sent in the month of December!

This is Dedicated to the One(s) I Love

Have you made your poinsettia dedications yet? Each year, we dedicate the poinsettia plants that decorate our sanctuary in honor of, or in memory of, family members and other loved ones. Then, we publish the dedications both in print and online. The cost of a plant with your dedication is $12.

You may place your dedication/payment in the offering plate at church, or go to our online payment page under Other, HERE, and write poinsettia dedication in the note box. Then, make sure to email use your dedication () or bring it to the office on or before December 15.

Cowboy Christmas …and Cowboy Stew!

Get ready for a very special evening. Cowboy Christmas worship includes Western Christmas music, readings and surprises from Country Spirit & friends that’ll make you feel like you’re out in the wide open spaces, feeling close to God. Wear your Western clothes if you like. Afterward, enjoy Cowboy stew by Nancy Lee and Pastor Chamie, and Nancy’s legendary Dutch oven cobbler. (Stew & Cobbler signups HERE) Dec. 20 at 6 PM

Gifts of Hope Progress Report

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Gifts of Hope 2025!

As of November 30, we received $21,985 in gifts to help the Reconciliation Church and LWR activities in South Sudan; $19,100 in gifts for ELCA World Hunger; $15,555 for our friends at Friends of Fieldworkers; and $14,105 for our friends at Harbor House. This adds up to nearly $74,000!

There is still time to make Gifts of Hope donations. They’re especially needed in this year of funding cuts and job losses.

HERE is the direct link to donate.

Here is the itemized report as of November 30.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Tax Changes and Charitable Giving

Here is an interesting article about how new tax laws will impact charitable giving – and why now may be the best time to give. Thanks to our Ascension Foundation’s Lori Hillman for drawing our attention to it.

There’s Still Time to Take (Thrivent) Action for our Pantry!

We’re excited about the response to the idea of Thrivent Members multiplying their efforts to help the hungry by applying for Thrivent Action Team grants! A number of you have done so, and if you have not, well, there is still time to make the most of this opportunity!

Most Thrivent members have the opportunity to apply for two Thrivent Action Team grants annually valued at $250 each. At least five of our members have applied for and been given such a grant to help keep the Ascension food pantry shelves stocked so far. That’s $1,250 of groceries for our pantry!

Thrivent members may apply for grants until December 31, 2025 — with projects to be completed within 120 days.

If you need assistance in applying for the grant, please contact Louise Evenson.

Fair Trade Lane Open Three Dates December 2025

December Fair Trade Chocolates wide version

Sharing the Joy

Thanks to Cathi and Dave Peterson for the excellent presentation of the Moravian Christmas for our adult ed class last week.

The ELCA is in full communion with the following six denominations: the Episcopal Church, Moravian Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Church. This partnership involves mutual recognition of baptism and a sharing of the Lord’s Supper, allowing for joint worship and an exchange of members and clergy.

December Benevolence: Jubilee USA

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of religious, development, and advocacy organizations working to end global poverty and inequality by addressing the structural causes of financial crises. It advocates for financial reforms like debt relief, tax justice, and responsible lending to protect vulnerable people and economies worldwide. This not-for-profit, interfaith network includes over 75 U.S. organizations and more than 750 faith communities.

It has successfully won over $130 billion in debt relief for the world’s poorest nations.

This year, in South Africa at the G20 Summit, the IMF meetings in DC and in Canada at the G7 Summit, Jubilee advocacy included delivering more than 200,000 petitions to world leaders calling for debt relief, economic aid and changes to the financial systems to end poverty and heal our planet. With the Jubilee 2025 – 2030 campaign underway — including more than 300 partner organizations in a 160 countries — Jubilee continues working in a nonpartisan, positive way toward eliminating crippling debt throughout the world.

You can DONATE to Jubilee HERE.

Book Club:

Happy reading!

See you all on our usual 3rd Thursday of the month (Dec. 18) at 1:30 PM in the Bethlehem Room.

December: “God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen” by Rhys Bowen

January: “The Book Club for Troublesome Women,” a 2025 historical fiction novel by Marie Bostwick about four suburban housewives in 1960s Virginia who form a book club.

bread group Manyki-optimized

Grateful in Ukraine

Dave Nonnemacher has returned from his latest visit to Ukraine. He provided the $250 for this delivery of bread to villagers. The solar light kits Ascension and others have provided are highly valued (and more are needed) as you can see in some of the scenes in the video of the Mariupol Chaplains Brigade.

We Love Our Littles! Nursery Care Available

We have wonderful nursery care staff at our 9 and 10:30 AM worship services. During the season of Advent, our infants to 4-year-olds will have special activities to help them learn the story of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. Nursery care is also provided on Christmas Eve at the 3, 5, & 7 PM worship services.

Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year Now Available!

Click here to apply

Check out our Admissions Page for more information including:

Our current tuition chart for this school year (please note that tuition rates for 2026–2027 may change slightly, pending an upcoming school board vote)
The 5 easy steps to apply to Ascension
Important admissions dates to keep in mind

Admissions page

Monday Morning Devotional

December 1, 2025

by Susanne Hopkins

CLICK HERE TO READ/DOWNLOAD

Advent & Christmas Events

at Ascension

Sunday School will be in session for Advent 1 through Advent 4 at 9:30 and 10:30 AM

December 5 (Friday) 3-6 PM… and December 6 (Saturday) 9 AM-2 PM Lefse making in Pederson Hall – all hands welcomed, especially 6th-12th graders and their families.

December 6 (Saturday) 9-11:30 AM Hanging of the Greens, Sanctuary Decorating Prep, Founders Hall

December 6 Shop & Volunteer—Holidays in the Village, Saturday, Dec.6, 11 AM – 8 PM

December 7 — Buy your lefse on Sunday morning after worship or at Hanging of the Greens at 5:00 PM later that day!

December 7 — Church Family Directory Photo Shoot, Sunday, after worship services

December 7 — Adult Ed. Facing Adversity, 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Library

December 7 “Hanging of the Greens: Comfort & Joy,” 5-6 PM Food & Festivities, 6-7 PM Carols & Lighting of the Tree

December 11 (Thursday) – 2:30-4 PM Fair Trade Lane open

December 12 (Friday) – 6 PM School Christmas Show, “A Christmas to Celebrate”

December 13 (Saturday) – Enchanted Forest Outing to Descanso Gardens, arriving for 5:30 PM entrance

December 13— Fair Trade, 5:45 – 6PM & 7-7:15PM

December 14 (Sunday) – Fair Trade Lane open 8:30-9AM & 10-10:30 AM;

December 14— Blood Drive, Sunday Dec.14, 8:15 – Noon

December 14— 9 AM School Students Sing a Song from their Christmas Show

December 14— Fair Trade, 8:30 – 9AM & 10 – 10:30 AM

December 14— Church Family Directory Photo Shoot, Sunday, after worship services

December 14— 7 PM,Compassionate Friends Memorial Service

December 18 (Thursday) – 9 AM ECC 2-year-olds Program in front of ECC

December 18— Book Club, 1:30 PM, Bethlehem Room

December 18 – 2:30-4 PM Fair Trade Lane Open

December 19 (Friday) 9:30 AM ECC 3- and 4-year-olds Program, sanctuary

December 20 (Saturday) 6 PM Cowboy Christmas, followed by Cowboy stew, cobbler & ice cream

December 20— Church Family Directory Photo Shoot, Saturday, after worship services

December 21 (Sunday) 9 AM Choir Cantata

December 21— Church Family Directory Photo Shoot, Sunday, after worship services

December 21 — Caroling, 3-5 PM — meet at the bus in the big parking lot to sing at skilled nursing facilities & homes of homebound members

December 24 (Wednesday), Christmas Eve services, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11 PM

December 25 (Thursday) Christmas morning service with Holy Communion, 9:30 AM

Community Holiday Dinner 2024 - chd 2025 English

Shop & Volunteer

Our Community Concerns Team leader, Chris Daleiden, is also leading this community event! She is asking for help with more volunteers. Thank you!
And in the midst of this event, Chris is wonderfully promoting donations for our Friday Food Pantry, which is being used now by our neighbors more than ever. —Pastor Steve

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Top of Page

Pericopes

This Week

Isaiah 2:1-5
Luke 1:57-67;76
Matthew 3:1-11

Next Week

Micah 5:2-5
Psalm 146
Luke 1:26-38x

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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Ascension Lutheran’s 2025

Advent Gazette

Click here to download Advent Gazette

Advent invites us to trace the branches of Jesus’ family tree. It’s a story full of surprising people, faithful ones, flawed ones, dreamers, doubters, and those who said “yes” to God. This great story of God is also our story. As we follow the roots of Jesus’ coming, we discover that we, too, are part of the family tree of hope.

Advent Candle Lighting

As we light the Advent candle each week in worship, the children will gather around the Advent wreath for Children’s Time and a child and/or youth will do the candle reading for the week and light the candle.

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. (Cost is $12.) Place in offering plate or return to office by Dec. 15. Dedications will be published online and in print.

Come Celebrate Christmas with us!

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

Christmas Eve Services

3 & 5 PM – Family-friendly services with the bell choir and telling of the Christmas story with youth and children cast (including “donkey,” “sheep” and a “sheepdog”), Pastor Chamie preaching. (If your child would like to participate, contact Ms. Jenelle at )

7 PM – Worship with music by the chancel choir, Pastor Tim preaching

Nursery care provided during 3, 5 & 7 PM Services

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

All Church Christmas Outing!

Sat, Dec 13.

Pastor Chamie has loved to take her kids and out-of-town family to go to the yearly “Enchanted Forest of Light” at Descanso Gardens. If anyone from Ascension is interested in going together, we invite you to buy tickets for the 5:30 PM time slot on Sat, Dec 13.

After you have secured your tickets, let Pastor Chamie know if you would like to ride on the church bus and she will put you on the list – or if you are going to drive separately, she will know to meet you at the gate. The tickets tend to go quickly at Descanso, so getting them before Thanksgiving is advised.

School Christmas Show!

“A Christmas to Celebrate”

Friday, Dec. 12 @ 6 PM

Cowboy Christmas

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 to sing at skilled nursing facilities & homes of homebound members 3-5 PM, Sunday, Dec. 21

Get Inspired With Our Advent Devotional

Thank you, Dan Lareva, for 22 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:

We keep these family and friends in our prayers as they have lost their homes in the recent fires. As we learn of ways that we can help them, we’ll pass that on to you. In the meantime, and continually, we will keep them in prayer.

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

PRAYER FOCUS

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

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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 sisters and brothers in Christ,

Click Here For The Advent Gazette

Children, Youth & Family Ministries Corner

Pastor Chamie

It’s Time to Make Lefse!

Adult Ed Dec. 7:

Facing Adversity During Advent

High School Youth Overnight

Patio Project Begins December 8

Hope Shines Bright at Sunday School!

Don’t Miss Your Photo Op!

This Sunday! Photographers will be standing by to snap your pictures!

Church Family Photo Directory!

This is Dedicated to the One(s) I Love

Cowboy Christmas …and Cowboy Stew!

Gifts of Hope Progress Report

In Case You Missed It:

Tax Changes and Charitable Giving

There’s Still Time to Take (Thrivent) Action for our Pantry!

Sharing the Joy

December Benevolence: Jubilee USA

Book Club:

Happy reading!

Grateful in Ukraine

We Love Our Littles! Nursery Care Available

Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year Now Available!

Monday Morning Devotional

December 1, 2025

Advent & Christmas Events

at Ascension

Shop & Volunteer

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Pericopes

Our Prayer

Don’t miss another TWAA

Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE

Advent Gazette

Advent Candle Lighting

As we light the Advent candle each week in worship, the children will gather around the Advent wreath for Children’s Time and a child and/or youth will do the candle reading for the week and light the candle.

Poinsettia Dedications

Come Celebrate Christmas with us!

All Church Christmas Outing!

School Christmas Show!

“A Christmas to Celebrate”

Cowboy Christmas

Carolers, Let’s Bring Cheer!

Get Inspired With Our Advent Devotional