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 HEALING FOR:

Dianne Beck

Vicki Calle

Courtney

Skip Craig, for relief of pain

Jerry Epstein, for successful surgery

Eric Guetschoff, for successful spinal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic this month

Hanna, Oak and Family

Aaron Keit

Dick Krum

Valerie Krum

Ruth Neumann, who hurt her kneecap in a fall, for smooth and full healing

Linda, for eyes and upcoming cataract surgery

Sharon, for smooth and complete healing after surgery

Pete Swavely, for smooth and complete healing from surgery, and continued healing for Kris Swavely

Susie Turner, for relief from painful injuries after a fall, and for full healing

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:

Scott Clark, U.S. Navy

LCpL. Alexander Daley

Jack Ingles, USMC

Chief Patrick Maccarone, USN

PRAYER FOCUS

For the students, families and staff of Ascension Lutheran School, and all Lutheran schools, as we complete Lutheran Schools Week, and for our children and youth as they participate in worship and service projects this day.

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

Karen Cirks

Gary Crizer

Margo Dameron

Kay Dawson

Julie Delvillar

Nicole East

Jackie Flame

Becky France

Paul Garretson

Jim Gilbert

Martha Glynn

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

Scott Klipp

Eve Konstantine

Barbara Krum

Dick Krum

Valerie Krum

Judy Lange

RuthAnn Lawrence

Cam Lorentson

Beth Lugo

Baby Magnus and family

Chuck Marshall

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Beth Merrill

Lynne Merrill

Sandi Meyer

Jacob Miller

Kathleen Mullen

Eva Nehring

Mike Nichols

Skip Nirenberg

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

Mary Schurter

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

March 16, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week at Holden Evening Prayer, I was so happy to see Sam, Kalin, and Henry. They graduated from Ascension Lutheran School in 2011. They were in my first class when I began as the 8th grade homeroom and religion teacher. Now they are in their late 20’s and all live in the area. Sam works in his family’s business, Kalin is an attorney, and Henry is working on his commercial pilot’s license. All these years later since they graduated from the school, Ascension church is still home for them. I adore them all. As we sat around talking for a long time after the end of the worship service, my heart felt full. It reminded me of the importance of Lutheran education, the beauty we have on this campus of being a church, school, and early childhood center all together as one.

On this Lutheran Schools Weekend, we will remember how God was faithful to Abram. We will remember how God has been faithful to all his children and to generations of Lutheran students. We will hear a word of encouragement to keep walking in faith.

Principal Rich Gregory will be preaching. Senior High Luther League youth James Halvorson and Ella Festerling will be sharing a testimony about winter camp. Students and families from the school will be singing, reading scripture, and serving communion. And on Saturday night, Nancy Lee is adding some Irish fun to the service in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day – and we are making Irish stew for afterwards.

It’s going to be a great time to be together. I hope to see you this weekend!

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie

Click Here to View/Download The Lenten Schedule

Let Your Light Shine: Creating a Lasting Legacy with Ascension Lutheran Foundation

Do you ever ask yourself, “How will my light shine for future generations?”

Legacy gifts – such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and beneficiary designations ensure that Ascension Lutheran’s mission endures for generations. These contributions help sustain essential programs, from youth education and mission work to local service initiatives that provide food, shelter and support to those in need.

1. A Growing Culture of Generosity

Recent legacy commitments have enabled the Foundation to expand its reach, supporting both long-standing ministries and new initiatives. “Each planned gift carries a story of faith and generosity”, says Sandra Howe, Board of Trustee of the Foundation.” Every planned gift strengthens the Foundation’s ability to serve.

We are grateful for your generosity, and the light you shine for future generations.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

2. A Legacy That Lights the Way

Each planned gift carries a story of faith and generosity.

• a lifelong devoted Ascension Lutheran member did a gift that is now funding scholarships for future faith and scholastic individuals

• another did a scholarship for future faith leaders and ensured that Ascension Lutheran’s worship and outreach programs remain strong

3. How You Can Let Your Light Shine?

The Ascension Lutheran Foundation invites members and supporters to consider how they can leave a lasting impact. Whether through a simple bequest or a more structured planned giving strategy, every legacy gift contributes to the Foundation’s enduring mission. Our email foundation@alcto.org.

In Faith and Gratitude.

Full Moon Hike is CANCELLED!

We are sorry to say that Full Moon 🌝 Hike for tonight is cancelled due to the windy weather and muddy conditions. We encourage you, though, if the skies are clear to step outside and look at the moon and enjoy the lunar eclipse. We will let you know when new hikes are scheduled.

Saint Patrick’s Day Special Service March 15

Mark your calendars for March 15 at 6 PM. That’s when Nancy Lee and Country Spirit will be honoring St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish-themed worship service that will be grand indeed, from pipes to poetry and lots of special music. Following the service, we’ll have Irish stew cooked by none other than Nancy and Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp, followed by Irish cookies and ice cream for dessert.

Please sign up for the stew and dessert so they will be able to tell how much to make!

Coming in Adult Ed March 23: Community Concerns

This Adult Ed class will discuss the role that ALCTO Community Concerns plays in our community. Come and learn more about the mission of ALCTO Community Concerns Team. Learn how we stay connected and support the different church ministries and other local nonprofit organizations in our local community. Chris Daleiden will be leading this class with a few special guests.

Adult Ed for March 16: Dementia and Care

Join us on Sunday, March 16th to discuss Dementia and care partner considerations.

Rebecca Smuck will provide information about how care partners and people with dementia can participate in authentic conversations and improve quality of life through prioritizing their relationships. She will incorporate her Master’s Thesis research and work as a speech-language pathologist to provide conversation strategies that promote improved outcomes for care partners and people living with dementia.

Please join us if you are caring for someone with dementia, want to participate more actively in conversations with people with dementia, or if you are interested in learning more about how you can support people living with dementia.

Pastor Steve will share briefly about our senior ministries at Ascension and a theological reflection on dementia. Dr. Max Fuhrmann, PhD. in Clinical Psychology Gerontology will be with us to share resources.

At 10:30 AM in the Library.

LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK: Praying in chapel for our wonderful school board (most of them pictured here). We give God thanks for our Christ-centered, vibrant and growing school, led by Principal Rich Gregory and ECC Director Jenni McCoy. Pastor Chamie serves as the pastoral liaison to our school.

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LUNCH BUNCH DELIGHT

Thank you, Becky and Don Halvorson for making the delicious sloppy joes for 73 Lunch Bunch attendees this week!

Thanks too to Pastor Larry and Chris, and many friends, for getting LB going again! It’s the second Wednesday noon of each month. Sign up by the first Wednesday by calling the church office.

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Kingdom Builders

Here are the groups of volunteers who accepted Pastor Tim’s challenge to spend $100 of God’s Money doing good toward building God’s Kingdom, and then reporting back.

Thanks to the combined efforts of our Generosity Team and Be the Blessing Team for making this happen. We can’t wait to see what these Kingdom Builders build.

SAVE THE DATE:

Kingdom Builders Get Rolling

Kingdom Builders is underway, and one of the projects you’ll be hearing more about is the April 13 Be The Blessing Bike Ride. Stay tuned.

(In cycling, “no drop” means nobody gets left behind.)

Dave, Drew and Jacoby Nonnemacher, Alton IA

Lights of Hope Along the Way

Using Ascension Lutheran Church benevolence offering funds, 30 Ray of Life solar light kits ($3,750) were assembled by middle school students in Alton, IA on March 7. Their teacher is Drew Nonnemacher, Dave’s son.

Through a special program called Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), these students have been awarded “tickets” for doing the “right thing.”

In addition to prizes for doing the “right thing”, the students chose to participate in this service activity. Dave’s sixth grade grandson, Jacoby, participated in this service project.

Calling All 6th-12th Grade Students!

We’re heading to the Moorpark Zoo on March 16th for a fun-filled day, and we want YOU to join us!

When: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $6 per student
Food: Food will be provided from 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Permission Slip: The bus link is included in the flyer and also HERE.

If you need more information, have trouble accessing the bus permission slip, or need help signing up, please reach out to Jennifer Avalos, Youth Director. She’s happy to assist you!

The full schedule and permission slip are in the flyer—don’t miss out! If you’re interested in attending, be sure to sign up soon!

God Bless

Sincerely,

Jennifer Avalos, Youth Director

CLICK HERE TO READ/DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

COOKIES NEEDED!

The Library Committee is once again offering cookies following our Wednesday evening Lenten services and we’re looking for help. If you are interested in contributing three dozen cookies or more on any of the six Wednesdays in Lent, please contact Dolores Ledbetter at (805)716-3045 or the church office.

Easter Lily Dedications

You are invited to donate one or more Easter Lilies in honor or remembrance of someone special to you. Fill out a flower envelope in the pew rack and enclose $9 each.

Fair Trade in March: Opportunities Near & “A Little Bit” Far ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

Ascension Fair Trade looks forward to opportunities in March to celebrate Fair Trade & everyone’s invited!

Fair Trade Lane will be Open:

Wednesday, March 12 at the conclusion of Lunch Bunch (1:45-2 PM)

Thursday, March 13 (2:30-4 PM)

Sunday, March 16 (8:30-9 AM & 10-10:30 AM)

Looking for a bit o’ Irish? Fair Trade Lane has an ample supply of delicious Irish Breakfast Tea!

Road Trip!

Everyone’s invited to join us for a road trip to the Ten Thousand Villages shop in Pasadena on Tuesday, March 25. The shop is filled with beautiful Fair Trade “wearable & shareable” handcrafts from around the globe – each with a story of hope and celebration. Space is limited. Details in the flier.

Questions? Contact us at .

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS:

Special service project happening on Sunday, March 16 – children are invited during and after Sunday school to pack kits for Friends of Fieldworkers.

Children can attend Sunday school at any time! We have Sunday school during the 9:00 AM worship following children’s time for children ages 3 through 6th grade (nursery care is also provided during this time). We have nursery care with Sunday school for 0’s to 4-year-old’s during the 10:30 worship service.
Join the new Children’s Choir during Lent!!! Starting this Sunday!!! Children’s choir will take place from 10:10 to 10:30 AM in the kindergarten classroom every Sunday from March 2 through April 6. Children’s Choir is for children age 4ish to upper elementary. They will be singing “Jesus Loves Me” on Sunday, April 13, at the 9:00 AM service. Many thanks to Kari Keit for taking the lead on this!
Special “Jesus Experience” during 9:00 AM Sunday school on April 6 as children learn all about Holy Week and Easter and get prepared for the special upcoming services.
Sunday, April 13, Palm Sunday – a definite “don’t miss” for families! The children’s choir will sing during the 9:00 worship. Everyone will get to wave palms. And then there is the tomato sale and petting zoo from 10:00 AM to noon in the garden. And a special Jerusalem donkey named Chloe will be at the petting zoo.
Sunday, April 20, Easter services at 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 AM. Another “don’t miss” day! Easter breakfast will be served in the gym during the morning by our youth. An Easter egg hunt will take place between the 9 & 11 AM services.

Robin Ertel Memorial Service

Saturday, March 15

12 Noon

at Ascension

CLICK HERE

Let’s Read Together for Lent

We’re doing a special series based on the book Liturgy of the Ordinary. Wednesday evening services during Lent will have a reflection about the book. It’s not too late to join in. We encourage you to purchase the book and read it as you follow the reading plan — then be sure to come to Wednesday night Soup Suppers at 6 PM throughout Lent. You can discuss the book, and delve further by attending worship at 7 PM and hearing sermons that tie in to the week’s themes. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD the reading plan.)

The book is available on Amazon, Thriftbooks, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com and other outlets.

Book Club Notes

The Ascension Book Club meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 in the Bethlehem Room, in the office building. The group chooses books based on members’ interest and discussion is led by one of the members. Books vary from popular novels to nonfiction. Please feel free to join us–we are a friendly group.

March: Profiles in Courage by John F Kennedy

April: Symphony of Secrets, by Brendan Slocumb (the One City One Book for Thousand Oaks available at the library)

May: Horse by Geraldine Brooks

June: Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea (This is about the “Donut Dollies ” of WW II)

Books should be available at Libby, local library, Amazon or Thriftbooks.

We need to upgrade our sanctuary’s sound system.

Can you help?

Maybe you noticed just before Christmas that we completed phase 1 of a 2-phase sound upgrade. (with a vision of a 3rd phase in the future) Thanks to a few generous families, we were able to purchase 6 new digital wireless headsets and 6 handheld microphones. I hope that you have noticed that the range of these new microphones is much better and the sound is much richer for the pastors, musicians and kids in chapel!

Phase 2 will involve:

– Switching to “in-your-ear monitors” from the large stage monitors we currently have on the floor
– A new custom fabricated drum cage- which will be much more sound-proof and much more aesthetically pleasing than the current one.
– A new sound mixing board which will give us more inputs and provide more flexibility with adding musicians and voices.

The overall effect this upgrade will have is that the chancel will look much cleaner, transitioning from the 9am service to the 10:30 service will take much less time, the sound at the 10:30 will be much improved, and our school musicals will have more ability to amplify the actors’ voices!

The good news: Not only have we covered the cost of phase 1, but we have also raised 38-48k of the 68k we need to complete phase 2. We would really love to be able to raise this money and purchase this equipment as soon as possible. Maybe we could even get some of this equipment in time for Easter?!

Might you prayerfully consider going above and beyond your regular giving to help us get to the finish line?

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact or email me!

Pastor Tim

Mark Your Calendar!

Tomato Sale,Garden Festival, and PETTING ZOO!

Friday, April 11, 2:30 to 4:30 for ECC & Ascension School Families

Sunday, April 13, 10:00 AM to noon for EVERYONE – Church, School, & Community

The children and youth of Ascension Lutheran Church & School are once again growing tomato plants. All proceeds from the sale of the tomato plants goes to support outdoor/garden campus programs. There will be other garden goodies as well. On the day of the school-only sale, bunnies will be the featured animal. On the day of the Sunday sale, everyone is invited to come to the Ascension garden* after worship to check out all the plants for purchase, tour the garden area, peek in the beautiful new greenhouse, and enjoy a petting zoo.

*The Ascension Garden is located at the far end of the big parking lot where the “bungalow” – the small modular building – sits. Go down the ramp to the right of the bungalow to discover a wonder of plants and goodness!

New Classes Springing from “Bible & Blue Zones” Class

Rev Fit & Rev Well Walk

The 4-week Bible & Blue Zones class led by Pastor Chamie concludes February 6. The class has been exploring the intersection of faith and scripture with nine key attributes of people living long and healthy lives. These attributes include things like going to worship, having purpose, managing stress, eating lots of fresh foods, and moving your body every day. As part of Bible & Blue Zones, church member Dianne Beck shared about the exercise ministry certificate she earned right prior to Covid. Now she hopes to provide the following classes and is looking for input for the best days and times:

What is a Rev Fit Class?

Rev Fit classes are foundationally based upon God’s word, always beginning with a God-centered intention and Bible passage, followed by a warm-up, movement that involves cardio, strength, and flexibility, and then ending with a longer cool-down time that includes guided prayer and meditation on the beginning intention and Bible passage. The classes are designed for all fitness levels, showing modifications for different levels. Class times range from approximately 40 – 60 minutes.

What is a Rev Well Walk?

Similar to the Rev Fit class, each walk begins with a God-centered intention and Bible reading, then some questions to contemplate or talk about with a friend during the walk. The walk ends with a cool down stretch and prayer.

Location:

Rev Fit – Ascension Lutheran Church (Room to be announced)

Rev Walk – a local park, probably Conejo Creek by the Thousand Oaks Library

Instructor: Dianne Beck (Certified Revelation Wellness Fitness Instructor)

Email me anytime with questions or feedback: beckdianne713@gmail.com

What days/times work best for you? Complete This Survey: CLICK HERE.

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Top of Page

Pericopes

This Week

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35

Next Week

Isaiah 55:1-9
1 Corinthians 101-13
Luke 13:1-9

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 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:

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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Click Here to View/Download The Lenten Schedule

Let Your Light Shine: Creating a Lasting Legacy with Ascension Lutheran Foundation

Full Moon Hike is CANCELLED!

Saint Patrick’s Day Special Service March 15

Coming in Adult Ed March 23: Community Concerns

Adult Ed for March 16: Dementia and Care

LUNCH BUNCH DELIGHT

Kingdom Builders

SAVE THE DATE:

Kingdom Builders Get Rolling

Lights of Hope Along the Way

Calling All 6th-12th Grade Students!

COOKIES NEEDED!

Easter Lily Dedications

Fair Trade in March: Opportunities Near & “A Little Bit” Far ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

Road Trip!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS:

Robin Ertel Memorial Service

Let’s Read Together for Lent

Book Club Notes

We need to upgrade our sanctuary’s sound system.

Can you help?

Mark Your Calendar!

Tomato Sale,Garden Festival, and PETTING ZOO!

New Classes Springing from “Bible & Blue Zones” Class

In Case You Missed It…

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Pericopes

Our Prayer

Don’t miss another TWAA

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