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
March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday
Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem – Félix Louis Leullier
Grace and peace to you my sisters and brothers in Christ,
Palm weekend begins with celebration—crowds cheering, palms waving, hope rising. It feels like everything is finally coming together. But as we follow Jesus into Jerusalem, we discover that this is not a shortcut to glory. It is the beginning of something deeper.
This weekend, we’ll explore how Jesus chooses what Paul describes in Philippians 2 as the path of humility—emptying himself, stepping downward, and embracing the long way of love. Even as betrayal looms in Matthew 26, even as the cheers begin to fade, Jesus keeps going. He doesn’t turn back. He doesn’t take the easier road.
And that raises an important question for us: what does it look like to follow Jesus on that same path?
Join us for worship as we begin Holy Week together, reflecting on a love that does not take shortcuts—a love that stays, that gives, and that carries us all the way to the cross… and beyond.
Blessings,
Click Here To Go To This Week’s Regular Newsletter
Holy Week
Palm Sunday Services
March 29
9 & 10:30 AM
Tomato Sale and Petting Zoo following Services
Maundy Thursday
April 2
8:45–Service in School Chapel
(church members are welcome to attend)
7 PM Evening Service
We will remember the Last Supper and share Holy Communion with special flat bread baked by the youth and the bell choir playing.
Good Friday
April 3
11:15 School Chapel
(church members are welcome to attend.) This is a tenebrae service (we extinguish the candles as we hear the last words of Christ on the cross) and then conclude with singing “Easter Hallelujah.”
Good Friday Cantata—7 PM
Our Chancel Choir, led by Dr. Wyant Morton, will sing Franz Liszt’s introspective masterpiece Via Crucis (the Way of the Cross).
People can learn about The Stations of the Cross by walking through the display in the prayer chapel (created by Sarah Morton).
(See below)
Good Friday Cantata
April 3, 7 PM
Via Crucis (the Way of the Cross)
By Hungarian composer Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Liszt is often described as the ‘first virtuoso’ – a superstar pianist and composer who invented the piano recital and whose fame and following in the nineteenth century were unprecedented. Much of Liszt’s reputation hangs on sweeping virtuosic showpieces so technically challenging that only Liszt could play them. But at age 50 he took a step back, taking Holy Orders and embarking upon a new life of religious devotion and creative introspection.
One of the major statements of Liszt’s late period was Via Crucis, a journey through the Stations of the Cross for choir and piano, written in the last year of his life but was never performed in the composer’s lifetime. It wasn’t until 1929 that the work was given its first airing, on Good Friday, in the capital of the composer’s native Hungary, Budapest.
Via Crucis is unlike any other work in the repertoire: a concentrated ritual drama, ranging from liturgical chant to Lisztian chromaticism at its most searching and expressive. It sets a pianist and choir in dialogue with one another, each performing alone as well as together.
Holy Saturday
April 4—6PM
We will begin in the sanctuary as we long for the light, and we will conclude in the garden, remembering how the women met Jesus in the garden on Easter Morning.
After the service there will be cookies and coffee in the bungalow.
Easter Sunday
April 5
We will celebrate the God who makes beautiful things out of dust — and conquers death!
7 AM in the garden
9 and 11 AM in the sanctuary
10:30 AM Butterfly Release
We will celebrate new life in Christ with a butterfly release on the playground.
Easter Breakfast
Breakfast will be served by the youth from 8-11 AM in Pederson Hall
For Inside Insights in the Life of This Church, be sure not to miss these reports from Pastors Tim, Chamie and Steve, and Director of Operations Kaylee Searway.
CLICK HERE
LAST CALL for Easter Lily Dedications!
Majestic Easter lilies beautify our sanctuary each year. You are invited to donate one or more in honor or remembrance of someone special to you. You can purchase an Easter lily by filling out the flower envelope in the pew rack and enclosing $12 for each lily ordered. Or by emailing and sending $12 by check or online giving page under Other.
Dedications must be received no later than next Monday, March 30
Rose on the Altar
Kai Bosco Di
Born 3-24-26
Proud parents: Giulianna and Alvin Di
Proud grandparents: Dominick and Stacy Bosco
Adult Education
No class on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday.
Classes will resume on April 12 with ˆChocolate, Justice, and Faith” led by Andy Binsley.
Men’s Ministry: Fish in the Sand
Thank you so much to all who attended Fish in the Sand – Episode 2: A Weapon Against Discovery.
Here is a summary of what we discussed:
- Distraction keeps us from thinking deeply and listening for God
- Distraction can come in many forms. Even good intentions can sometimes be distractions (think of the story of Mary and Martha).
- Jesus told his disciples they were not of the world and prayed for their protection in the world. The world (all that is not of God) is a distraction.
- How to fight distraction – Allocate quiet time. Centering prayer. Think deeply, listen carefully. Have REAL conversations. Watch / listen / read media carefully. PAY ATTENTION!
Bible Verses:
• Luke 10: 38-42
• John 17: 14-16
The Next Event:
March 31st (Tues) at Barrett Automotive Group : 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Here’s the address: 31330 Oak Crest Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91361.
Episode 3: A God Complex
Jesus spoke of us needing to be “in the world, but not of it.” What went wrong with “the world?” WHO messed up and WHO is fixing it?
Bible Verses:
• Genesis 3: 1-7
• 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22
Media:
• TV: Breaking Bad
• Music: U2 – Tomorrow
• Film: The Life of Chuck, Inception
Dispatch From Ukraine
Dave Nonnemacher is currently in Ukraine on his ninth humanitarian trip — our ambassador of hope and light.
He has traveled with the Mariupol Chaplains to help distribute food and supplies, a journey fraught with danger. Please pray for Dave and his partners as the bombing continues daily (despite having faded from U.S. media).
(First video) “March 22 the village of Kamisivaha was hit with 18 guided missiles. This house is on Peace Street. No lie. We delivered packets on March 23.”
He also wrote: “Today we visited 3 Internally Displaced Person (IDP) families to deliver food packets. Three of the families have kids with very significant physical and/or mental issues. Many tears today, again.
“Air raid sirens are constant. The felt gratitude is real.“
Solar lights continue to be “a big need,” he says.
Stay tuned for more updates. Dave is returning April 6. You can still contribute on our Monthly benevolence Giving page under Humanitartian Aid for Ukraine. Click HERE for more
Picture this:
Hannah and Jude are showing us the new artwork in our food pantry, pieces by Michael Adams and our friend John August Swanson!
Thanks to Jude on our maintenance team for installing these pieces. The one of the welcoming Jesus is above the place where our guests sign in to our Friday Food Pantry.
“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:34-40.
(Photos by Pastor Steve)
Monday Morning Devotional
March 23, 2026
by Susanne Hopkins
CLICK HERE TO READ or DOWNLOAD
Fair Trade Lane in March:
Wearables & Shareables & Delicious Things to Eat & Drink
We all have at least 1 or 2 reusable bags that we take with us to the store. By using a reusable bag, we help our environment.
But how many of us have a reusable bag that helps fight human trafficking?
This month, Fair Trade Lane features a selection of beautiful Fair Trade tote bags from The Tote Project. The bags, made of Fair Trade, organic cotton, are handmade in a Fair Trade factory in India. The bags are beautiful on the outside and the inside – inside each bag is this message: “Hold on to hope that together we can end trafficking”.
The Tote Project donates 10% of its profits to support survivors and make an impact in the fight against trafficking, helping fund career academies for survivors and those at risk, awareness programs, trafficking prevention for foster care youth and therapeutic art and wellness classes for survivors and their children.
Fair Trade standards create demand for ethical manufacturing while lowering demand for forced labor. When you carry one of their totes, you “Hold On To Hope”!
Maybe you prefer to make an impact with a new pair of socks? Fair Trade Lane will have some Fair Trade socks from Conscious Step — socks that give water or protect butterflies or plant trees. For those planning to work in the garden, Fair Trade Lane has some terra cotta pots handmade by rural women artisans in Bangladesh with CORR-The Jute Works.
If a Spring picnic is on your calendar, Fair Trade Lane is fully stocked with nuts, olive oil, chocolate, cheese and other treats that make a difference & are delicious – all at the same time!
Everyone is invited. We look forward to meeting & greeting you on Fair Trade Lane!
Lenten Pauses
This Lenten season, our One Ascension family is reading Trevor Hudson’s book, Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days.
We are invited to take a pause and know we are with God — to focus on a word of the day, a brief reading, and a daily practice.
You will also see reminders of our daily focuses from the book and on social media.
Children, Youth & Family Ministries Corner
by Pastor Chamie
As we approach Holy Week, we invite your family into a journey that is more than just tradition—it is a chance to experience the deep love, sacrifice, and hope at the heart of Easter. Together, let’s prepare our hearts and homes to walk the story of Jesus in meaningful, memorable ways.
Palm Sunday – March 29
Children and youth are invited to be part of our joyful palm processional at either worship service:
9:00 AM – Meet in Founders Hall before the service
10:30 AM – Gather at the front of the sanctuary during the children’s time
After worship, stay for a morning of fun with our Tomato Sale and Petting Zoo—including a donkey to help us remember Jesus’ humble and powerful entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Week Experiences for Youth – March 29
4:00–5:30 PM (6th–7th Grade)
Create Holy Week Boxes—a hands-on way to experience the story of Jesus each day at home, along with a guided journey through the Stations of the Cross.
5:30–7:00 PM (8th–12th Grade)
Participate in a meaningful Seder Meal, remembering Jesus’ Last Supper. Youth will engage the story through shared food, conversation, and clips from The Chosen.
Confirmation Bread Baking – Wednesday, April 1
Confirmation students are invited to prepare the bread for our Maundy Thursday communion—a special and sacred act of participation in worship. Meet in the gym kitchen
Easter Sunday Celebrations
Sunrise Service (Garden) – Youth-led, a beautiful way to begin Easter morning
9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary)
Butterfly Release – 10:30 AM (Playground)
This year, we are bringing back a beloved tradition: a butterfly release!
Why butterflies?
• They are a powerful symbol of new life in Christ
• They offer something unique and memorable for our children and families
• Our campus, as a Nature Explore and National Wildlife Sanctuary space, is a perfect place for them
Before and after the release, enjoy music and our Butterfly Activity Station, featuring:
• Butterfly bookmarks with Bible verses
• Stickers and temporary tattoos
• A collaborative butterfly mural
• Easter-themed crafts, games, and activities celebrating the joy of the resurrection
Easter Breakfast (8:00–11:00 AM, Gym)
Come hungry! Our youth will be serving a delicious breakfast as a fundraiser for summer events—a wonderful way to support them while sharing a meal as a church family.
Come be part of the story!
From waving palms to breaking bread, from quiet reflection to joyful celebration, Holy Week and Easter offer something sacred for every age. Bring your family, invite a friend, and step into the hope, wonder, and new life we celebrate together!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie
Scholarship Applications Now Available
Attention Students and Families: Applications for scholarships are now available through our Ascension Foundation. To request a scholarship, visit the scholaraship page on the Ascension Foundation website HERE.
or pick up a scholarship packet in a rack in the Ascension office hallway. The deadline for completed applications is April 24, including two letters of recommendation.
Many thanks to our Foundation and to the Ascension families whose generosity makes these scholarships possible.
Adventures in Rome! A “Vacation Bible School Experience”
Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2, 9:00 AM to Noon
*with Grandparents’ Sunday on June 28
We are inviting children who have completed TK through 5th grade to “journey to Rome” with us this summer! The Bible will come to life right before your eyes! In “Rome,” everyone gets to explore first-hand the culture of the Apostle Paul’s world and how he came to know Jesus. Children will experience the trials, victories, and celebrations of this unique Bible hero. Early Bird Registration is $60 if signed up by May 1. Youth and adult volunteers are needed to make this an amazing week; please let our Children’s Ministry Director, Jenelle Smith, if you are able to volunteer at .
*We know that many grandparents love to have their grandchildren at VBS, so this year we are adding a special “Grandparents’ Sunday” where you can come to either the 9:00 or 10:30 AM service for a special blessing of grandparents and a special grandparent/grandchild activity on that day. REGISTER HERE PAY HERE
Dear Church Family,
I am so happy to announce that Camp Discovery (formerly the school’s “Staycation”) is now a summer camp open to the whole Ascension Community – church and school!
I am so excited that Jessica Placas-Hengst is leading this program (she’s incredible). If you don’t know her, she is a long-time faithful church member who goes to the 10:30 worship service where her husband plays in the band and she is mom to the awesome Owen and Kate. She is the new director of the school’s extended care program.
I am so excited to partner with her this summer. Ms. Jenelle and I will both be involved with Camp Discovery. I will be leading weekly Camp Discovery chapel every Wednesday under our giant oak tree on the back side of our campus. In the midst of Camp Discovery, Ms. Jenelle and I will be leading a “Vacation Bible School”* week Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 2.
You can choose to either do just VBS only from 9:00 to noon (and register with the church; registration opens January 22) or do the full day Camp Discovery.
It is going to be a fantastic summer!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie
P.S. We’re so excited about Camp Discovery for Summer 2026! Find out why in this video.
In Need of Prayer
Click here for this week’s Prayer List
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Pericopes
This Week
Palm Sunday
Next Week
Easter Sunday
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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