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
August 10, 2025
Grace and peace to you, sisters and brothers in Christ,
Most people think “either/or.” Jesus did not.
Take for example the concepts of stability and adaptability. Most people think it’s one or the other. Either it’s all about stability (“if it ain’t broke- don’t fix it”) or it is about adaptability (“the only thing that is constant is change”) but it can’t be about both.
But why can’t it? Jesus typically thought both/and. And when it comes to discipleship not only are both important but both work together.
Stability is all about God’s nature. God’s goodness doesn’t change. Adaptability is all about God’s work, because we live in a changing world, God’s work changes.
So this weekend, let’s talk about how these two ideas work together, both/and so that we can grow in grace together.
Grace & Peace,
Children, Youth & Family Ministries Corner
by Pastor Chamie
Nurturing the “Bookends” of the Church
In my sermon the first weekend of August, I shared my theory that if we take good care of our “bookends” – the youngest and the oldest in our congregation – the whole congregation will stand strong. We hear in scripture both the call to “rise in the presence of the aged” (Leviticus 19:32) and to “let the little children come” (as Jesus says in Matthew 19:14).
Research shows that young people are more likely to stay connected to their faith when they have meaningful relationships with adults in the church beyond their own family. In fact, studies from the Fuller Youth Institute indicate that young people need at least five adults investing in them personally and spiritually to thrive in their faith.
Is the Holy Spirit tugging you to be one of these adults, perhaps through teaching Sunday school or being a middle school mentor? Beyond serving in the capacity of children or youth ministry, it is important for all adults to recognize that the church is a family and the children of the church are like our nieces, nephews, grandchildren… When adults smile and say hello to young people, it makes a difference. When older members are present, authentic, and willing to listen, mentor, and serve alongside young people, it communicates that they are valued and vital to the community.
One of the things that I love about weekly worship is that we are gathered across the generations. What a joy to see the littles running up for children’s time and what a joy to see the smiles of those in the pews who have lived many decades. I pray that as we soon begin a new school year, we will see growth in our connection across the generations.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie
Scrolling Together
On August 4, Pastor Steve led some of the members of the “Trinity Sisters” WMMBS table group led by Kim Overton to view and discuss the exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. This was Pastor Steve’s eleventh Dead Sea Scrolls tour with groups.
“The Trinity Sisters group from WMMBS sincerely thanks Pastor Steve for sharing his time, his biblical and historical knowledge and, most of all, his amazing sense of humor as we grow and learn,” said Kim.
And she added, “We’re not just women in a Bible study, we are the Trinity Sisters AND sisters in Jesus Christ!”
Amen, sister!
The last day to view the Dead Sea Scrolls at The Reagan Library is September 2, 2025.
Above, pictured left to right: Kim Overton, Deb Papageorge, President Reagan, Mrs. Reagan, Pastor Steve Herder, Tania Disselhorst, Sue Smits and Christina Myren
Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study: Sign up This Sunday, August 10
Need a ‘faith’ lift? Come join us!
This is it—Sunday, August 10 is the final day for sign-ups for Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study!
On Sept. 8, WMMBS will launch its 2025-26 year with an all-group Fellowship gathering in Founder’s Hall. Pastor Paul Gravrock will speak on one of Scripture’s most intriguing women, Rebekah.
Then, meeting on Monday mornings in small groups around campus (and one offsite), we will kick off this year’s studies with Meredith Storrs’ book, “Brave and Beloved”, focusing on some (for there were many!) women of the Bible who were instrumental in forwarding faith in the one, true God.
We’ll explore what it means to be a godly woman today—and what we can we learn from women in Biblical times.
Then, from January to May, we will delve into Dr. David Jeremiah’s study, “Matthew: The Arrival of the King.” Considered the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the book of Matthew emphasizes “the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah and that a new kingdom on earth had begun.”
You may sign up AUGUST 10, between services at the table on the patio. Cost: $35 for BOTH study books payable at registration (cash or check only).
Please join us!
CELEBRATING WITH LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF 80 YEARS TO SHARE GOD’S LIFE CHANGING LOVE WITH THE WORLD!
To celebrate LWR’s 80 years of being the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world, the Ascension community has responded with generosity!
We set a goal to send 800 kits to LWR. We will exceed that goal due to your generosity!
We have received your financial gifts and Thrivent Action Team grants to purchase materials for over 800 personal care kits, school kits and baby care kits. Materials have been purchased with your offerings! THANK YOU!
We wanted to encourage an intergenerational hands-on activity for the Ascension community.
Our first assembly of personal care kits involved families who attended this summer’s Vacation Bible School.
The school kits will be assembled by the children at Ascension Lutheran School during the last week of September. The baby care kits will be assembled by families with children at our Early Childhood Center this fall.
With your financial support and help in assembling our hundreds of kits, you are providing the best pathways out of poverty through education while also providing critical germ fighting supplies and the chance to regain dignity amid fear and uncertainty.
We are grateful to the Ascension Lutheran Foundation for approving our grant request for funds to ship our quilts and kits to Lutheran World Relief this fall. Thank you to all who made this generous gift possible.
Thank you for continuing the legacy of love through Lutheran World Relief!
Adult Ed. Sept. 14, 10:30 AM:
Workshop on Estate Planning
Led by Grant Pederson, Estate Planning Attorney
Grant is a Board-Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is also an Accredited Estate Planner®, a designation awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. He is a member and past attorney chairman of the Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council. Grant is also a member of the Ventura County Bar Association and the California Lawyers Association – Trusts and Estates Section. More info about Grant
To Provide the Most Useful Workshop for Our Members, Grant Will Focus on a Q&A Format, So Bring Your Questions!
Grant’s Overview Will Be:
- “Hidden Consequences of do-it-Yourself Estate Planning”
- Does your current estate planning address current life circumstances?
- What might be the unintended tax consequences of an outdated trust?
- The costs and headaches of probate.
- How a comprehensive estate plan saves you time and money.
- Basics of charitable giving and tax savings.
- How does a no contest clause work?
Please join us on Sunday, September 14 and bring questions. Grant has agreed to stay after the workshop and answer individual questions.
Baptism this Weekend
Charles Bradley Mililani Toyama
Born: July 8, 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: RALLY SUNDAY!
On Sunday, September 7, we will have one worship service at 10 AM as we kick off a new school year. We will bless backpacks and educators. We will sing, pray, hear some good words, and celebrate communion. After worship, we will picnic and play with bounce houses, games, and fun fellowship.
Kingdom Builders Love Nature
Our Kingdom Builders’ dollars have found their way to doing good near and far, including nurturing nature through support for the National Parks Foundation.
As Kingdom Builder Karla Barner lets us know, after praying about it, she felt guided to use her gift “to help preserve our beautiful National Parks, where I see God’s glory whenever I visit” – like this photo she took of the Grand Tetons.
Karla, thank you for your care for God’s beautiful, beloved, and vulnerable creation. We are so blessed by our National Parks and we need to do all that we can to keep them protected and cherished for future generations.
Let’s Help Sarah Help Our Pantry!
Let’s fill the new Food Pantry Donation Boxes in the narthex, supplied by Sarah Davidson, who is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award. The need has never been greater. See Sarah’s flyer for needed items and more details. It’s another Kingdom Builders project.
Five Months, Five Books
The Women’s Ministry in-person Book Club meets the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 PM 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.
August: “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker
September: “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride
October: “Old Jules” by Mari Sandoz
November: “When We Had Wings” by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner
December: “God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen” by Rhys Bowen
HIKING UPDATE
The next church-sponsored hike is the Full Moon Hike on Friday, August 8, at 7:00 PM. The full moon hikes have the reputation of being the most popular of all the hikes!
The hike starts at the end of Mount Clef Road past the California Lutheran University swimming pools and tennis courts. The group will hike up to the cross that overlooks the Conejo Valley. It is the perfect spot to watch the full moon rise over the horizon.
The hike is short, but steep. Bring a flashlight.
We’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve—but in your hair?
It was Crazy Hair Day at school earlier this week, and this staff member really put his heart into it. Can you guess who?
Fair Trade August!
We look forward to meeting & greeting you on Fair Trade Lane in August! You’ll have not one… not two… not three… but four opportunities to visit Fair Trade Lane in August.
We were happy to open Fair Trade Lane on Saturday, July 26 after worship to greet new friends and friends we know. We’ll do our best to add a monthly Saturday evening to our Fair Trade Lane schedule for the remainder of this year. For all of you cheese lovers out there … we’re expecting the arrival of our Fall shipment of Red Barn Family Farms Fair Trade cheddar cheese in the next week or so.
Summer Sermon Series
This week we continue our Summer Sermon Series: Walk This Way… a fresh and simple guide to walking as a Christian.
Christians are people who build their lives on something bigger than themselves. They build it on the firm foundation of Christ.
Join us through August 31 as we go back to the basics of what it means to live as a follower of Christ in the world today.
Read Dianne Beck’s accompanying blog HERE.
Attention Families!
There are openings for 5th – 8th graders available at Ascension Lutheran School this fall. If you haven’t checked out the wonderful things going on at Ascension Lutheran School of late, you should!
Attention Job Seekers!
There are Career Opportunities at Ascension Lutheran School. Check out information for the Instructional Assistant and Extended Care job.
Or go to Ascension’s Career Opportunities page to see more availabilities.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY SURVEY
Sign ups are beginning for the Monday Morning Women’s Bible Study which resumes in September. Ascension women also have the opportunity to attend the monthly Word & Wine. As we make plans for the upcoming year, we would love to hear from women through this brief survey which can be completed here.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SURVEY
Summer Sunday School at the 10:30 worship service has been very loved by the children! As we gear up for the fall, we want to hear what parents want for Sunday school and children’s ministry as a whole. If you are a parent or grandparent of a child from 0 through 5th grade, please complete this brief survey.Thank you!
New for Young Families
Exciting news for parents of babies and toddlers — new parenting classes will become available starting in September at our Early Childhood Center’s Multipurpose Room. Parent & Me classes will start Sept. 2nd & 3rd. Baby & Me Play Group begins Sept. 29th. See Flyers for more information.
In Case You Missed It…
In Need of Prayer
Click here for this week’s Prayer List
Top of Page
Pericopes
This Week
Hebrews 6:13-20
Isaiah 43:16-19
Next Week
Psalm 95:1-7
Luke 4: 1-13
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