Worship:

Saturday 6 PM

Sunday 9 & 10:30 AM

This Week At Ascension

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

May 18, 2025

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

Imagine it is a last day… perhaps the last day of the school year, or the last day in the town where you have resided for 20 years, or the last day before you die. What might you want your last words to be?

As Jesus’ crucifixion was nearing, he said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer… as I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Jesus’ last words were about love.

This weekend, we are going to talk about last words. At the 9:00 AM worship service, we are also going to hear some “last words” that our 8th grade confirmation students have to say about their faith as their confirmation journey comes to a close.

Though we are talking about last words, we are also talking about how those last words point us to ways to live life anew in the next chapter.

I am looking forward to worshiping with you all this weekend.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Chamie

Passing the Baton

 

Interim Children’s Ministry Director Jenni Klemp is passing the baton to Jenelle Smith who will officially become our permanent Children’s Ministry Director starting June 2.

First, a HUGE THANK YOU to Jenni Klemp. In the spring of 2024 when Ascension was searching for a new associate pastor and a new youth director, Pastor Tim asked Jenni Klemp if she would be the interim children’s ministry director for 10 hours a week until the new positions were filled and the church leadership had time to discern how to staff children’s ministry. A year ago, leadership chose to put top priority on finding a new associate pastor as well as finding and funding a full-time youth director for the 2024-25 fiscal year. When I (Pastor Chamie) came on staff this past October 1, Jenni agreed to stay for my first three months. But come January, we weren’t ready to launch into a new children’s ministry configuration. Jenni agreed to continue as interim. This spring, as we have been looking ahead to the next fiscal year and 2025-26 school year, everyone was in agreement that children’s ministry is a top priority of the church. Therefore a permanent (versus interim) part-time position has been put into place.

This month, Jenni will be wrapping up Sunday school for the school year and passing on the baton to Jenelle. Jenni’s last day in the children’s ministry position will be Sunday, June 1, which is also the last day of Sunday school. Jenni has done an excellent job this year.  I am so happy that Jenni will continue to be a vital part of our congregation as this is her family’s church home.

Jenelle Smith is no stranger to Ascension. She has served on a part-time basis as our Worship Coordinator. She will continue to do key pieces in coordinating worship, but will now be increasing her hours as she takes on children’s ministry. Jenelle loves kids. She has substitute taught at Ascension School and the students love her. She is very excited to be stepping into this new role. Jenelle will be shadowing Jenni this month while also working with me to prepare summer programming for our children and families.

I invite you to give thanks for Jenni, to welcome Jenelle, and to pray that we as a congregation “grow young” as we build our children, youth, and family ministries.

 

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Chamie

 

Pentecost Fair

We would love YOU to share a bit from your country of origin or ancestry!

In the Bible, the story of Pentecost is told in Acts 2:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place… Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; Cretans and Arabs…

What exactly is going on this story? Jesus lived and rose again and his Spirit fell upon his followers. From different backgrounds and speaking different languages, everyone came together in one place and they understood each other. Thousands of years later we celebrate this day each year, for it is the birthday of the church.

This year we want to celebrate Pentecost with one wonderful weekend worship service at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary on Sunday, June 8. Immediately after worship, we will invite people to come outside to the playground and taste and see a little bit about different countries from which our One Ascension community comes. The outline of the morning looks like this:

  1. Set up your country booth anytime between 8:30 and 10:00 AM (long table, two chairs, and a pop up tent provided out on the Ascension playground)
  2. Come to worship at 10:00 AM
  3. Be ready to warmly greet people at your booth at 11:15 AM

What should be at your booth? You can keep it simple with any sort of mementos from your country, like symbols from the country, a map, photos, artwork, fabrics, etc. Also, include food and/or drink (non-alcoholic) from your country. This could be simple, like pre-packaged candy from your country, or could be a cooked dish that people could sample or little cups of tea people could sample.

Please sign up HERE letting us know which country you will represent and if you will be teaming up with others. Also let us know if you need space in the Ascension fridge or freezer or if you need the oven/stove to keep food warm or prepare it. Thank you!

 

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Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study Wraps Up a Great Year

 

We thank Pastors Melissa and Scott Maxwell-Doherty for helping us to finish our Women’s Monday Morning Bible study this school year in such a beautiful way with their sharing stories from their life and ministries.

We also would like to thank each of our small group leaders for all the work they did each week in preparing for this past year’s studies on Acts and Ephesians.

Pray about joining us again in September, women of Ascension, and friends.

Pastor Steve

Family Friendly Hike

Saturday May 31st @ 9 AM

Led by Pastor Chamie and Ms. Charlotte (Dr. Miranda who leads the school’s nature program)

The trail we will hike is 1 mile long and is called Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail. It’s also known as the Braille Trail. The official address is 482 Greenmeadow Ave, Westlake Village, CA 91361. We will meet in the parking lot by the entrance to the trail. Bring a snack, water and sunscreen.

There’s a lovely meadow nearby where we can rest and have a snack and play after our hike.

New Member Class Coming Up!

Would you like to take another step in your spiritual journey with God and Ascension Lutheran Church? If so, we would like to invite you to be a part of our next New Member class at on Sunday, June 22, from 12-2 PM. This meeting will focus on the basics of the Christian faith and on the ministry of Ascension. Childcare is available and a complementary lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP by June 16 so we can make sure to have enough food. To RSVP, email Jenelle Smith at , or call the church office at (805) 495-0406.

Ascension Joins 4 Other Congregations to Present ‘Informed and Engaged Support for Local Immigrant Families’ 

May 18 3:30-5 PM, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Being an immigrant church, the Lutheran churches have continuously provided welcome and hope to refugees and immigrants who have sought safety and hope in America’s communities. One of our basic faith commitments has been to welcome newcomers, especially those who are most in need. We know that this partnership with our global neighbors has transformed and empowered new Americans with encouragement and resources to begin a new life and become valued partners in our larger communities.

We are all deeply connected, and we are deeply concerned. In every part of our society, suspicion of the immigrant fosters an increasing sense of vulnerability and fear. The farming industry in our county relies on thousands of immigrant workers, many without permanent legal status.   The construction trades, the service industry, the health care industry, education, and our religious communities are all affected. 

On Sunday, May 18, an event called Informed and Engaged Support for Local Immigrant Families will be presented at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church from 3:30-5:00 PM. Speakers from Friends of Fieldworkers, Buen Vecino and 805UNDOCUFund will be on hand. This event is sponsored by Holy Trinity along with Ascension Lutheran Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, New Hope Lutheran Church and Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. A freewill offering for hygiene kits for field workers will be taken.

If you would like to learn more about how we can support our local immigrant families and our community at large, please join us on Sunday, May 18 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA.

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Wednesday Work Blessing – With Cal Lutheran’s Soon-to-Retire Dr. Tim Hengst

On May 8, the Wednesday Work Blessing was a delightful visit to Ascension’s and Cal Lutheran’s Dr. Tim Hengst who is soon retiring as their Dean, College of Arts and Sciences!

Let’s honor and thank him for his outstanding and popular teaching, excellent university administration, faculty athletic mentoring, Kingsmen Shakespeare leadership, and prolific and talented medical illustrator career. His work is published in over fifty medical textbooks. 

“He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Medical Illustrators in 2013. He has also worked as consultant for a commercial multimedia firm.

In addition to medical illustration, he produces digital fine art using original photography and Adobe Photoshop. He has exhibited in numerous regional art shows.”

Hengst has been working at California Lutheran University for 25 years, and is a Cal Lutheran alumni, graduating with the class of 1972 where he was an art major and played on the football team. Since working at Cal Lutheran as a faculty member he has served on the Alumni Board, the Board of Regents as an alumni and faculty representative, as well as being the executive director of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. Hengst also helped develop the Alumni Hall of Fame.

God’s blessings to Tim and Jeanne and their wonderful family that does so much at Ascension with each one sharing the love of Jesus in their daily ministries.

Dr.Hengst’s CLU faculty profile

Echo article about Dr. Hengst

Dr. Hengst’s portfolio website

Dr.Hengst named dean

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Gifts of Hope Gets Rolling

Last week, our Global Ministries team met on Zoom with Pastor Carmen Retzlaff (ELCA World Hunger) and Pastor Lisa Kipp (Lutheran World Relief) to begin our discussions of this fall’s Gifts of Hope! You are welcome to join our next discussion on Wednesday, June 4, at 3 PM, followed by our GMT meeting at 4 PM. 

Thanks to our chairperson Louise Evenson.

We invite other congregations to join us in this year’s Gifts of Hope as we always support:

Local ministries such as Harbor House and Friends of Fieldworkers;

A partner church in Africa;

ELCA World Hunger, God’s Global Barnyard. 

We will provide for you the printed and promotional materials for you to use. Simple share the stories and watch the Spirit work.

This year our gifts will be more needed than ever. Walk with us in this local and global work. 

“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.’

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 25:35-36, 40

World Fair Trade Day – Let’s Keep the Celebration Going! 

World Fair Trade Day was May 10 – how did you celebrate? 

Some Ascension Fair Traders joined with Fair Traders in LA at a very special Fair Trade dinner. The menu for the sold-out affair featured dishes (all plant-based) made with Fair Trade sweet & savory organic ingredients from around the globe. The restaurant – Flavors from Afar – is a social enterprise restaurant partnering with refugee and immigrant chefs to celebrate global flavors & create meaningful jobs through food. The chef for the special Fair Trade dinner was from Sudan – she and the staff prepared and served a delicious meal enjoyed by all. We invite everyone to check out the story of Flavors From Afar & its founder, Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, herself a refugee.   As Fair Trade is a global movement providing opportunities for small disadvantaged farmers & artisans, the May 10 dinner was indeed a celebration of justice for people & planet. 

May 10 was World Fair Trade Day but there’s nothing that says we can’t keep the celebration going!  The shelves of Fair Trade Lane are filled with delicous flavors from around the globe, ready to fill your shopping basket. 

We look forward to meeting & greeting you on Fair Trade Lane!  Be sure to check out the Sunday Fun-Day sample table too – chocolate, olive oil, za’atar spice blend, & four varieties of Fair Trade cheese from Red Barn Family Farms. 

Everyone is invited!

Kingdom Builders: Supermarket Gift Cards for Harbor House

When I went forward that Sunday and received, along with ninety-nine others, an envelope, I had no idea that it would contain a $100.00 bill to be used to further the work of God’s kingdom.

My first thought was to give the money to Harbor House to be used to benefit a needy single mother.  So I talked to Denise Cortez, and she suggested (having the perfect person in mind to receive the gift) that I use the hundred dollars to purchase four $25.00 gift cards from Ralphs or Albertsons.  After purchasing the cards, I gave them to Denise, who was delighted to give them to a single woman with four children.  Those five people were blessed by this anonymous gift of kindness given in Jesus’ name.

To continue the blessing, Paul and I decided that for each of the next six months we will supply Harbor House with two $25.00 grocery gift cards to be given to either the same mom or to someone else Denise chooses.

Then to make this a more significant project and to engage the loving community of Ascension, I want to invite you to multiply the blessing by purchasing one or more $25.00 gift cards from Ralphs, Albertsons, or Vons to be contributed to Harbor House.  There will be a box in each narthex on the weekends of May 18 and 25 for the collection of these gift cards.  Whatever you contribute will bless single mothers who come to Harbor Houses for aid.

Thank you for joining me in sharing Jesus’ love in this way.

Jean Gravrock

 

New Kingdom Builders Project: Hygiene Supplies for Women

Shelley Engle has been providing feminine hygiene products — rarely donated, yet very much needed – for Harbor House, a girls’ home in Mexico, a summer camp, and our own Ascension food pantry, for many years. Now Shelley is making collecting these supplies the focus of her Kingdom Builders’ project. She hopes to put together 100 packages of these products. At the same time, this project will bring attention to an often-forgotten need, and, it is hoped, spread the word for the future, to get donations of feminine hygiene products in an ongoing way.

There will be people collecting donated items on Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings as well as Pink Collection Boxes in both Narthexes.

“I will be collecting these items for the next two weeks, and beyond, as this is a monthly need,” says Shelley. “If you have any questions or would like me to pick up your donation, please call or text Shelley Engle (805) 368-2491.”

Here is a wish list of items needed:

Tampons – any size and quantity

Mini Pads and Maxi Pads – any size

Panty Liners

Menstrual Cups

Feminine Wipes

Period Panties – any size

Also accepted:

Baby Diapers – any size

Baby wipes

Join this Special Salute!

Add your contributions to George Lang’s Kingdom Builders seed money for the Conejo Valley chapter of America Supporting Americans. Be sure to attend the Salute to Our Troops event at Janss Marketplace June 14, 10:30-11:30 AM!

Click HERE to contribute.

 

Pickleball-athon for the Win!

Ascension’s first Pickleball-athon was so much fun, people were asking when the next Ascension pickleball activity will be! Stay tuned for more information.

In the meantime, thank you to Pickleball-athon Kingdom Builder Tom Lindros, to all our great players and sponsors, and fans.

Reminder: all donations must be received by the end of the day on Monday May 19.

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Congratulations, Robert Steere!

We greatly appreciate you and your family at Ascension!

From the FIRST Naval Construction Regiment:

“Please join in congratulating SW1 (SCW) Robert W. Steere on his retirement after 21 years of distinguished service. He was joined by his wife, Ashley, daughters Ella and Audrey, parents Jeff and Julie, and other family and friends. Guest speaker EOC (Ret.) Cody Pauxtis shared stories of his time serving with Steere. CAPT Douglas Whimpey, Commodore, 1NCR, presented SW1 Steere with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of his exemplary service and dedication to the command, and LT Meyer presented SW1 with the flag.

“Fair winds and following seas!”

Ascension Lutheran Church in Ukraine

“The support that Ascension Lutheran has provided in tangible ways is a great encouragement to these brave men and women. I can clearly state that they all send their love and appreciation to the people of Ascension.”

 

Dave Nonnemacher, Ascension ‘Ambassador’ to the Ukrainian people, sent this very moving report— literally from the front lines of the Ukranian people’s fight for freedom.

(Click HERE to read Dave’s letter)

 

 

Applications Open for Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is accepting applications to their Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith program. This program is designed for lay leaders and clergy members from around the world who want to be effective advocates for climate justice. Students will grow their faith, practice skills, gain knowledge, and build community to allow them to address the climate crisis in ways that also address racial, gender, and economic injustices.

This two-semester program will begin September 2025 and end May 2026. A 100% online curriculum allows students from around the world to build relationships through bi-monthly small group meetings on Zoom. Since launching in 2021, students from 29 countries and five continents have participated. The full cost of the program is $600. Scholarships of up to $550 are available if needed, please do not let finances prevent you from applying. 

Applications are due June 15, 2025 and can be found HERE. 

More information about the Certificate can be found HERE. 

SAM’s Wants You: Looking for Drivers

 

Since 2011, SAM’s Tram has provided hundreds of rides for our Ascension seniors and other members who have mobility issues — to worship services, doctor’s appointments and other local destinations. What a blessing!

Now we need more volunteers on our roster of drivers. There is no long-term commitment. Many SAM’s Tram drivers work and can only drive occasionally. That’s OK! The more drivers 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!

Email and/or visit our alcto.org Sam’s Tram web page to find out more and sign up.

CLICK HERE

 

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Confirmation Overnighter

On May 18, our 8th graders get confirmed. They closed out the confirmation school year with an overnight on campus which included games in the dugout, a wild late night scavenger hunt all over campus, candlelit prayers in the sanctuary, breakfast Bible reading, and a game of soccer in acolyte robes (there is a good holy story behind this – ask a confirmand to explain). Pastor Chamie, Jen Avalos, Jeff Hengst, and Carlah Schneider chaperoned.

Youth Day of Fun, BBQ

 

Calling all our high school Luther Leaguers and incoming leaguers. We are excited for a day of fun and fellowship. We will be having a BBQ summer event on May 30th from 5pm-7:30pm. As an option bring your swim trunks and come ready for a surprise activity that will test your water skills and fill up on great food.

HERE is the sign up link. 

Hospital Visitation Class

 

Our pastors frequently make hospital visits and of course will continue to do so. Extra support from caring members is a big help, too! We want to ensure that our people in need see friendly faces and share prayers as often as possible.

If you feel called to join this ministry, or if you are not sure and would like to learn more, please come to the class. Speakers will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.

Cybercrime Protection Workshop

Event Schedule

2:30 – 3:00 PM | Appetizers

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Program

4:00 – 4:30 PM | Socializing

Calling All Graduates and Families of Graduates!

We are planning a congratulations tribute to all of Ascension’s sons and daughters who are completing graduation milestones in education this year — and WE DON’T WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE OUT! Families, we need your graduating student’s NAME, SCHOOL, COLLEGE DEGREE, if applicable, and a PHOTO. Please email to , or drop off your information at the church office.

 

Easter Season 2025 Sermon Series

From locked rooms to lakeshores, from fearful silence to Spirit-filled witness, the Risen Jesus keeps showing up—bringing peace, calling disciples by name, healing, feeding, loving, and sending. In this Easter-to-Pentecost journey, we follow the Gospel stories of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and final teachings. Each week offers an invitation: to awaken to his presence, be changed by his love, and step into the Spirit-empowered life of faith.

Click here for preview/downloadable schedule

Outreach Sunday

The number one reason people come to a church is because of an invitation.

The number one reason people continue to come to a church is friendship.

One of the most important parts of being a Christian is fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples or bringing people to a life with Christ.

One of the best ways to live out a Christian life is being in a community like the church.

On June 1 we will make it easier to accomplish all of this. On June 1 we will have an Outreach Sunday where are asking everyone to invite at least one person to church. Our services and after our services will be focused on our guest. This will be a great church wide opportunity to reach out to someone during a Sunday that will be extra welcoming and appealing to someone who may not go to church, or for someone who is unsure of this God and church thing.

Your invitation may be the only opportunity for someone to know and experience a faith filled life.

Pray and ask God to guide you to invite that one person or multiple people to church on June 1!

Youth Leadership Camp

Calling all youth going into 7th through 12 grade next fall!!!

I am very excited that this summer we are offering a Youth Leadership Camp that is essentially FREE (thanks to a wonderful grant from the Ascension Foundation). The only cost is $50 for those who choose to go to Magic Mountain on the last day of camp (and don’t have a pass). The camp is from Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20. Monday through Thursday, camp is 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with Ascension being our home base (though we will load the bus for a couple of close excursions). Friday will be a longer day as we go to Magic Mountain. Also, we invite students and families to come to church on Sunday, June 22, where some students will be sharing and all students who attended camp will receive a special blessing.

Being able to have such a camp has been on my heart for quite some time. I believe that youth leadership training helps youth to thrive and flourish in all aspects of their lives. And if we want our church to grow into the future, we must equip and allow youth to lead now, not later.

So we are inviting students entering grades 7th through 12th (this will be a mix of school and church youth) in the fall to this incredible week. Youth will be exploring these three questions:

Who am I?
Where do I fit?
What difference do I make?

Youth will hear from a variety of amazing leaders, young and older. Youth will be empowered and equipped to be leaders on our One Ascension campus and in our community through the upcoming summer and school year. The leadership roles that they will take on will be great for college resume building.

Youth Leadership Camp activities include Bible studies, team building, a service project, training to lead a variety of ministries including summer children’s ministry activities, a trip to California Lutheran University, and on-site and off-site adventures.

You can register here. Students who register by Friday, May 9 get a $5 Starbucks gift card.

A couple questions that people have asked:

  1. Can my student bring a friend outside of Ascension Lutheran Church & School?Yes – share the registration link with them. Note, however, that we are equipping youth to lead ministries on the Ascension campus as well as in the community for the next year – for example, they might decide their ministry call is to help on occasion with Sunday school or in the food pantry or in worship leadership or with the Global Ministries Team or with partner organizations like Harbor House or James Storehouse.
  2. What if my child can’t be there every day that week?We would rather have your youth for part of the time than none of the time.

For other questions, wonders, ideas, concerns, please feel free to email me at  or call or text me at (805) 300-3456.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Chamie

​Happy Campers: Summer Sunday School

 

Starting June 16, children age 4 through 5th grade are invited to a special 8 weeks of Summer Sunday School during the 10:30 AM worship service (there will be no Sunday school in the summer during the 9:00 AM worship time). Children will begin in worship with their families. After “children’s time” in the worship service, they will go to the gym for summer Sunday school. They will return to the sanctuary for communion time with their families and for the closing song. There will be a “Happy Campers” Sunday school version for infants through 3-year-olds in the nursery.

Here is an overview of each week:

Catching Some Fish. Nothing passes the time quite like going out and catching fish. Kids will learn that we’ve been called to make sure people catch the good news of Jesus. Luke 5:1-11.

Putting Up the Tent. We must pay careful attention to pitch our tents just right. Kids will learn that Jesus deserves our attention. Mark 9:2-13.

Setting Out Your Sleeping Bag. When you’re “roughing it” you have to give up your warm house and comfortable bed. Kids will learn that following Jesus sometimes means giving something up. Matthew 8:18-22.

Going on a Hike. During your trip, it’s nice to go out to the hiking trails and explore nature. Kids will learn that Jesus sends us out to help and serve others. Luke 10:1-17.

Making S’mores. No camping trip would be complete without fixing up s’mores. Kids will learn that Jesus is the bread of life that makes us complete. John 6:25-40.

Singing Campfire Songs. Nothing’s more joyful than singing songs under the stars. Kids will learn that they should praise Jesus joyfully. Luke 19:28-40.

Telling Campfire Stories. It’s nice to sit around the campfire and tell each other stories. Kids will learn that we have the best story ever to tell: Jesus is alive! Luke 24:13-32.

Keeping the Fire Going. When the camping trip is over, make sure to put out the campfire out. Kids will learn that with the promised Holy Spirit, the fire of good news will never go out. Acts 2:1-12.

Summer Camp Luther Glen Rebound II

Attention High Schoolers (Grades 9-12)!

Are you an 8th grader who just graduated and ready to dive into high school life?

Or a 9th-12th grader looking for an unforgettable summer experience?

Then Rebound II Summer Camp at Luther Glen is calling your name!

Mark your calendars—July 20th-25th, 2025! We’re heading to an amazing camp for a week full of adventure, fun, and faith!

Here’s what you can expect:

✨ Epic Worship & Inspirational Scripture
✨ Outdoor Adventures – Explore God’s beautiful creation
✨ Adorable Farm Animals – Get ready to meet some fuzzy friends
✨ New Friendships – Hang out with high schoolers from other churches
✨ Tons of Fun Activities – Games, challenges, and surprises!
✨ Meals Provided – All meals are included (except for Disneyland meals , so bring a little extra for that!).

💸 Cost: $630 per student. This covers everything for the week, including meals, activities, and lodging— and Disneyland!

🌟 Can I bring friends? YES! The more, the merrier! Invite your friends to make this week even more unforgettable!

🌟 Ready to sign up? Don’t wait! Registration is open NOW, but hurry—the deadline is June 16th!

To get started, contact Youth Director Jennifer Avalos () for all the details and next steps. Let’s make this summer one for the books!

Can’t wait to see you there!

 

Join us this spring and summer as we live in the resurrection hope of Jesus!

“Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!”

2 Corinthians 6:13 (MSG Translation)

Click here for a preview of great things ahead at Ascension this spring and summer!

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.

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.

Book Signing Event

With her “Facing Adversity Victoriously” devotional, Ascension’s own Carolyn Coleman-Grady gave readers moving insights and powerful tools for tapping into faith in troubled times. Now she has FacingAdversity Victoriously, Volume 2: God is More Than Enough and will be signing copies of the book here the morning of May 25.

An article in The Wave describes the book as “an inspiring 30-day devotional that offers readers a guiding light through the trials and tribulations of life that may test one’s faith and ultimately find their way to Jesus.”

It continues, “Coleman-Grady was inspired by the holy spirit to write this book from a biblical and practical perspective, aiming to encourage readers to embrace the hand of God amid obstacles that hinder spiritual growth.”

“’It was time to release others, and myself, through the act of repentance,” said the author. “I wanted God to transform my life and help me to become Christlike. Though my experiences may differ from others, our need for the Lord is the same. We cannot live life well without Jesus.’”

On site the books are $20 signed. For more information, check out facingadversityvictoriously.com.

 

Coming June 8!

Mark your calendars for one great worship service followed by a Pentecost celebration!

Sunday, June 8 is Pentecost Sunday – the birthday of the Christian church all around the world. We will have ONE worship service that weekend at 10:00 AM on Sunday which will feature music from the chancel choir, the carillons, the worship band, and Nancy Lee from the Saturday evening service.

Following worship, we will have a “Pentecost Fair” on the playground. This multicultural event will feature pop up tents representing the various countries from which our One Ascension families originate. Learn about these countries, the churches in that area, and taste foods from the featured countries.

Watch for the sign up if you want to host one of the tables. If you would like to be a part of the planning team, contact chairperson Michael Adinew at or Pastor Chamie at .

In Case You Missed It…

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Top of Page

Pericopes

This Week

Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
John 13:31-35

Next Week

Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53

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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