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:

Rick Ertel, daughter Catherine, and all of Robin Ertel’s loved ones, on
Robin’s death

The family and other loved ones of Elena, Ralf Figueroa’s cousin, on her death

The family and other loved ones of Pastor Paul’s cousin Bill Gravrock, on his death

The three children — Margaret, Liz, and Jonathan — grandchildren and other loved ones of Pastor Doris Nolan, on her death

Pete Swavely and family, on the death of his brother, Andy

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

John Burgert, who is in the hospital with infections

Christophe

Fran Foresta

Seth Harris

EdenAnn Humphrey, one of our preschoolers and youngest members, is having eye surgery Feb. 3. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Dr. Velez and his surgical team at UCLA, for successful surgery and full recovery, and for EdenAnn’s parents, Rachel and Darren

Ed Klodt, for speedy and full healing following his succesful hip replacement surgery this past Tuesday

Chuck Marshall, Frances’ husband, for full healing after knee replacement surgery

Linda Morrow’s brother-in-law Jeff, for healing of an ulcer on his leg, complicated by diabetes and heart disease

Myrna Ott, healing from complications of diabetes

Cam Lorentson, undergoing chemo

Joyce Wilson, who has cancer and is in hospice care

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

Let us know if you have family and friends that you’d like to add to these prayers. May they all know the peace and presence of Jesus, and the loving support of community around them.

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Scott Clark, U.S. Navy

LCpL. Alexander Daley

Jack Ingles, USMC

Chief Patrick Maccarone, USN

PRAYER FOCUS

For those striving to lead in a non-divisive, compassionate, and effective way

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

Danny Cameranesi
Mary Cartrett

Sara Dahl

Donna Corra

Pastor Ron Cox

Karen Cirks
Margo Dameron

Kay Dawson
Julie Delvillar

Nicole East

John Ernst

Jackie Flame

Becky France

Paul Garretson
Jim Gilbert

Luke Graves

baby Marigold Halseth

Kim Harvey
Malia Hassenbein
Barbara Hearne

Chuck Heinrich

Jeff Hines

Peggy Hoge’s daughter, Tori
Penny Hunter

Marcia Jones

Sandy Kane

Aaron Keit
Scott Klipp

Eve Konstantine

Barbara Krum

Dick Krum

Valerie Krum

Judy Lange

RuthAnn Lawrence

Beth Lugo

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Beth Merrill

Lynne Merrill

Sandi Meyer
Jacob Miller

Kathleen Mullen

Eva Nehring

Mike Nichols

Valerie Olguin and daughter

Kate

Betty Olson

Tracy Olkowsky’s husband, Ken

Ron Peterson

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

Joan Sarmiento

Neida Sanchez

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

Jane White

Lauren Wilson

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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 PM

Sunday 9 and 10:30 AM

This Week At Ascension

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

February 2, 2025

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

Paul speaks so poetically in 1 Corinthians 13, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

This week as we gather for worship, we are going to reflect on Paul’s powerful words and how we might “Live Lovingly” as we continue on our theme of “Living Wisely and Well” in this new year.

We hope to see you in worship this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Chamie

Welcome Dave Nonnemacher

Dave Nonnemacher has been to Ukraine five times and expects to visit again in the spring. Those who know Dave best say they weren’t surprised he went to help people suffering amid the bombings and chaos that followed Russia’s invasion in early 2022. As his daughter Kara wrote in a public post at the time, “If you know my parents, you know they are doing what they always do. Asking ‘Lord, what will you have me do?’ and then doing in full faith.”

Dave, director of the New Horizons Foundation-USA, is visiting Ascension this weekend — for a special meeting and presentation Saturday, Feb. 1, to attend worship services, and to give an Adult Ed class, Feb. 2, 10:30-11:30 AM, Church Library.

We will hear how Ascension has a direct connection with people in Ukraine through the support we have sent with Dave to Ukraine. Dave will address your questions in response to his presentation.

Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine is our Monthly Benevolence for February. GIVE HERE.

He will also be part of a forum at CLU on Monday. Details are on the flyers below, and more information HERE.

Dave Nonnemacher will share videos, slides and his story from his fifth trip to Ukraine in November, 2024, when he delivered packages of food essentials, military grade tourniquets, and solar light kits funded by generous donors from our congregation and community.

Ukraine relief is our monthly benevolence for February. This aid will be distributed directly to Ukrainian civilians through the Mariupol Chaplain’s Battalion.

Join us for this special presentation. Founders Hall

Word & Wine: Gathering for February is Wednesday, February 26, 7-8:30 PM

Women of all ages are invited to join us for our SECOND “Word & Wine” on Wednesday, February 26, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, at the home of Ascension Church member Lisa Burns.

We ask you to RSVP so that we can properly prepare.

Pastor Chamie will lead a conversation/activity on “The Circle of Women.” Learn about a “circle of women” in the Bible as well as how we might find welcome and strength and friendship in the circle of women who call Ascension “their place.”

Come as you are as we spend time together and share over a glass of wine or sparkling non-alcoholic cider or a cup of tea.

For more information, contact Pastor Chamie at or call the church office at (805) 495-0406. Sign up HERE.

Wednesday Work Day Blessings

Today Pastors Tim & Chamie went to visit long time church member Paul Trent who owns The Sofa Guy on T.O. Blvd. They got to talk with Paul about how his faith influences his work… in things like how he treats people and runs a business with integrity. They got to pray with Paul and two of his employees.

We give thanks for Paul singing in our church choir on Sundays. We also give him thanks for donating the sofas in the three pastoral offices.

Wednesday Work Day Blessings is about the coming to visit church members in their places of work as the pastors listen and learn and pray for members living their vocational call in everyday life. Call the church office if you would like them to come visit you on a Wednesday.

Dead Sea Scrolls With Pastor Steve

Gather a small group to tour the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Reagan Library, and invite Pastor Steve to be your personal docent! He has an annual membership to the Library and Museum and can bring three people in with his pass.

The exhibit will be there until Sept. 2 with the scrolls being changed out every three months and then are returned to storage in complete darkness for five years to help preserve them.

Pick a Monday or a Thursday and he’ll be glad to accompany you for a couple of hours at the Reagan, and help you to read some of the scrolls.

Thanks to all who came to his class last Sunday!

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Statement on Executive Orders

Here are Bishop Eaton’s Statements in Response to News This Week Regarding Executive Orders

Pastoral Message on Executive Orders

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Statement on Immigration Executive Orders

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Letter from Rwanda

Dear Fr. John, and of course Pastor Steve,

Greetings from Kirehe District.

Fr. John, thanks for sharing with me the financial gift from Ascension Lutheran Church.

Pastor Steve, Deeply appreciated for financial gift from you personally and Ascension Lutheran Church. Your prayer and financial support is greatly appreciated.

Your support makes impact at multiple fronts such as training women and men to protect the trees they had planted, schools and Medical clinics have developed task forces for long term sustainability of the schools and Medical clinics as well as the forests they planted. For example, today we met women of Gatore and heard their stories of how they benefit from the forest they planted. Jacqueline from Gatore said “The trees we planted five years ago have been protecting our banana trees and houses from strong winds. These trees are also helping to bring rain, we get some branches for firewood. We make small bridges and houses from the trees we planted….”

At Nyarubuye, the meeting we held with the community this afternoon energized communities to plant more trees around the school and Medical clinic. Each pupil and parents have adopted a tree. Here are the pictures of the kids adopting tree. We have a Rwandan proverb “igisha umwana akili muto kulinda ibdukikije” (teach a child to take care of a tree from early age).

Thank you Pastor Steve, thank you Father John.

Food Drive: Let’s GOOOOOOOOOOO!

Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about the Food Drive, they might want to contribute something! Let Chris Daleiden () know if you are available to help Sunday, Feb. 9.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Lunch Bunch is Coming! (NOTE NEW DEADLINE FOR SIGNUPS!)

Have you heard the great news? Pastor Larry and Chris Wagner are going to start hosting the Lunch Bunch once a month starting February 12, the second Wednesday of the month.

On February 2 there will be a Lunch Bunch signup sheet available for you to sign up between worship services. You may also call the church office no later than Wednesday, Feb 5, (805) 495-0406, to sign up.

They need help with setup, serving and cleanup. If you can, please contact Chris to volunteer, at .

Valentine’s Day the Fair Trade Way

Fair Trade Lane is ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day the Fair Trade Way! Everyone is invited to come by and find that something special from the heart for family members, friends and for yourself. There will be Red Barn Family Farms Fair Trade cheese, olive oil & spices from Galilee, for you coffee lovers, there’s “Love Buzz” & “Mind, Body, Soul” and special Fair Trade chocolate treats. Of course, we’ll have Valentine stickers & materials for you to decorate your Fair Trade favorites and make them into fun Valentine gifts.

Fair Trade Lane will be open Sunday, February 9 (8:30-9 AM & 10-10:30 AM) and Thursday, February 13 (2:30-4 PM). If you can’t make it, send a note to use at , and we’ll be in touch about getting your Fair Trade favorites to you.

Fair Trade Lane Open Dates February 2025

Winter Camp Deadline Soon

Hey 6th-12th Graders!

We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for Winter Camp 2025! This is going to be an amazing weekend of fun, fellowship, and growing in faith. The weekend will include dynamic worship, thought-provoking discussions, exciting activities, and inspiring starlit devotions.

Key Details:

Register Deadline: February 3-5, 2025
Camp Dates: February 28 – March 2, 2025
Cost: $225 per student (sign up by February 3rd to secure your spot!)
Incentive: Participation in fundraising events can help lower your camp cost.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend! For registration or any questions, please contact Pastor Chamie at or me, Youth Director Jennifer Avalos, at .

Thank you so much for your support. We can’t wait to see you there!

Blessings,

Jennifer Avalos
Youth Director

Exciting News! Sip of Faith is Coming

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our podcast, A Sip of Faith! This podcast will offer a relaxed, heart-to-heart space to discuss faith, life, and the sufficiency we find in Christ. Picture sitting down with a friend over a warm drink, sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and finding encouragement for the everyday challenges we face.

Each episode will cover a variety of topics that we believe will resonate deeply with our listeners. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting episodes to come:

“You Are Enough: Embracing Your Worth in Christ”– A reminder of how God’s love defines our value.
“Finding Peace Through Christ in Busy Times”– How to navigate life’s chaos with a heart at peace.
“Coffee & Tea , Conversations, and Christ: Why Community Matters”– The importance of authentic fellowship in growing our faith.
“Facing Struggles With Faith: A Testimony of Hope”– Real stories of overcoming hardships through God’s grace.

We’re also excited to invite guest speakers from our community to share their powerful testimonies and insights on how faith shapes their lives. It’s going to be an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!

Meet Your Hosts:

The podcast will be hosted by our Youth Director, Jennifer Avalos, and Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp. Together, they will bring wisdom, warmth, and deep faith to each episode, creating uplifting and impactful conversations for everyone listening.

We Need Your Help!

As we prepare for launch, we’re looking for someone who has experience with podcast and video editing. If you know someone with a passion for audio and video production who would be excited to help us bring A Sip of Faith to life, we would love to hear from them! This is a wonderful chance to be part of something meaningful and help spread encouragement and hope. Contact: or to let us know.

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.

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Pericopes

This Week

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Luke 4:21-30

Next Week

Isaiah 6:1-8, 9-13

Psalm 138

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

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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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,

Welcome Dave Nonnemacher

Dave Nonnemacher will share videos, slides and his story from his fifth trip to Ukraine in November, 2024, when he delivered packages of food essentials, military grade tourniquets, and solar light kits funded by generous donors from our congregation and community.

Ukraine relief is our monthly benevolence for February. This aid will be distributed directly to Ukrainian civilians through the Mariupol Chaplain’s Battalion.

Join us for this special presentation. Founders Hall

Word & Wine: Gathering for February is Wednesday, February 26, 7-8:30 PM

Wednesday Work Day Blessings

Dead Sea Scrolls With Pastor Steve

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Statement on Executive Orders

Letter from Rwanda

Dear Fr. John, and of course Pastor Steve,

Food Drive: Let’s GOOOOOOOOOOO!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Lunch Bunch is Coming! (NOTE NEW DEADLINE FOR SIGNUPS!)

Valentine’s Day the Fair Trade Way

Winter Camp Deadline Soon

Exciting News! Sip of Faith is Coming

Refreshments Needed

In Case You Missed It…

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Pericopes

Our Prayer

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