IN NEED OF PRAYER

A name is added to this list only with the permission of the person or the person’s family

If you have requested prayers for someone and their status has changed, please let us know (). We like to keep these lists updated, and we ask your help. Thank you.

Link to printable prayer page

Link to printable prayer pages for Leaders, Staff, and Partners

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

The family of Karen Lindgren, especially her husband of 62 years, Gary, on her death earlier this month

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

Barbara Krum’s sister, Sue Browning, hospitalized last week with low blood oxygen level

Jim Overton’s sister, Becky France, who has been in the hospital and undergoing tests related to fainting and seizures, for correct diagnosis and treatment and complete healing

Ken Woerman, who is the grandfather of Linda Morrow’s daughter-in-law, for complete healing after having been hospitalized

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Barbara Appleton

Pastor Sharon Amundson

The Aqa family
Kyle Ayers
Alan Baker

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

Marie Baur

Gloria Benfatto

Susie Bogeberg’s sister

Marylynn

Bonnie Braaten

John Burgert

Danny Cameranesi
Mary Cartrett

Sara Dahl

Christophe

David Corra

Donna Corra

Karen Cirks
Margo Dameron

Kay Dawson
Julie Delvillar

Robin Ertel
John Ernst

Jackie Flame

Ken Forester

Becky and Al France

Paul Garretson
Jim Gilbert

Luke Graves

baby Marigold Halseth

Kim Harvey
Malia Hassenbein
Barbara Hearne

Jeff Hines
Penny Hunter

The Iskander family

Marcia Jones

Sandy Kane

Aaron Keit
Scott Klipp

Eve Konstantine

Barbara Krum

Dick Krum

Valerie Krum
Judy Lange

RuthAnn Lawrence

Linda Livingston

Beth Lugo

Judy, Bruce and Kirk Marshall

Sue May

Beth Merrill

Lynne Merrill

Jayne Messier

Sandi Meyer
Jacob Miller

Kathleen Mullen

Eva Nehring

Pastor Doris Nolan

Valerie Olguin

Betty Olson

Tracy Olkowsky’s husband, Ken

Keith, Laurie, and Trey Peyton

Gary Phillips
Logan Redmond

Marilyn Reeves

Patricia Reimnitz

Dorothy Richardson

Marilyn Ripley

Melanie Ristow

Baby Noah Rowe

Dee Ruwe

Neida Sanchez

Debbie Saunier

Jennifer Schwabauer
Arnold Schwarz

Grace Sica

The Siassi family
Margaret Skinner

Dennis Smith

Jeff and Jan Specks
Karen Swanson

The Julian Swanson family

Kris and Pete Swavely

Bill Swiontkowski
Kevin Tam

Robert Teufel

Jan Timmons

Tony Torelli

Taty Valladares

Todd Wallace

Jane White

Lauren Wilson

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Scott Clark, U.S. Navy

LCpL. Alexander Daley

Jack Ingles, USMC

Chief Patrick Maccarone, USN

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA, Southwest California Synod

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and staff

SWCA Synod Bishop Brenda Bos and staff

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

For those experiencing major changes, for their sensing of God’s presence and love in times of transition, and their remembering that God uses change to accomplish His purpose and plan

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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

September 22, 2024

Grace and peace to you my family in Christ,

This week we are asking for a bit more of your time than usual. We want you to come to worship, stay for a quick congregational meeting and then hang out and spend some time in fellowship with your fellow church members.

Time is a valuable thing. There is football, chores, and, well, so many other things that might demand your time. But please, if you can, come and be the church this Sunday.

We will be talking about the mission that we share. About a new era here at Ascension. We will be singing and listening to great music. We will be eating together. It will be a good day, you will be glad you came and others will be glad you are there too.

So excited to celebrate and worship with you,

Blessings,

This Sunday – One Ascension Gathering

10 AM — One worship service only

There will be special music and everyone together for this, the only worship service of the weekend.

(There will be no Saturday service, or 9 or 10:30 Sunday morning services this week.)

Annual Meeting at 11:15 AM

Presentation of Annual Report, Ministry Objectives for our Future, Ratification of Budgets

The meeting will take place immediately after the worship service, about 11:15 AM, and last about a half hour. There will be nursery care for children 0 to 4 years old, and supervised games on the playground for those 4 and up.

The new Annual report is full of good information that’s fun to read about all the goings-on in our ministries and behind-the-scenes at church. READ IT HERE.

One Ascension Picnic, Noon

Our Men’s Ministry is providing hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks. And there will be a potluck. If your last name begins with the letters A-O, we’re asking you to bring a side dish for the picnic. If you’re an M-Z last name, we’re asking you to bring a dessert! Please bring your dishes to Pederson Hall before the worship service.

Looking Ahead in Adult Ed

Sept. 29 — “Serving Today’s Youth” Jen Avalos, Youth Director

Oct. 6 — “Caring for All of God’ s Creation” Beverly Selle

Oct. 13 — “Be the Blessing Ministry Focus” Ed Klodt

Oct. 20 — “Public Faith, Private Faith” Paul Evenson

October 27 — “Martin Luther’s Letters to Katie” Dr. Fred Tonsing, CLU Professor Emeritus

All classes are held in the Library, beginning at 10:30 and ending at 11:30. All are welcome.

E7FCA4D0-DA78-4C2E-89CB-C53F1766E91D

Senior Luther League Supports First Responders

Attention, everyone!

The Senior Luther League took part in a truly memorable 9/11 Service Day at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and we’re thrilled to share the highlights! Our Senior Luther League immersed themselves in meaningful activities, crafting delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, creating heartfelt cards to uplift our first responders, and assembling cheerful candy grams for the local fire station.

This year, we had the honor of supporting the Moorpark Fire Station. Senior Luther League gave out candy grams to show support to our first responders.

Don’t miss out on the incredible moments captured in the photos of our 9/11 Service Day. Stay tuned for more updates and heartfelt stories from our community service endeavors.

God Bless,

Sincerely,

Jennifer Avalos
Youth Director

Join us and help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief

September’s quilt tying session will be Tuesday, the 24th between 9 AM – noon, in Founders’ Hall.

Come for any or all of the time.

All are welcome!

Off to a Great Start!

Welcome Back, Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study! Our 2024-2025 WMMBS group, with 71 signed up, launched their new season this past Monday. For the Fall semester, they are focusing on the 12 disciples, and for Winter/Spring, they will delve into Ephesians. This lovely group also brings food for our pantry and is actively involved in a number of ministries all year. Thank you and may God bless this year of study, prayer, fellowship, service and advocacy. (Photo by Pastor Steve)

Cam 3

22 Years of Blessings!

This week, we celebrated the 22-year workaversary of Camden Lorentson!

You can tell that he is a loved man by the adjectives the staff used to describe Cam in this famed word cloud: Kind, Thoughtful, Loyal, Wise, Handy, Friend, Reliable and Fun, to name a few.

Or just ask anyone on campus — kids, teachers, pastors, members. Congratulations, Cam!

(Photos by Pastor Steve)

Congratulations Eric Sonstegard,

and welcome back from Colorado!

Your family and friends are glad to have you and Carrie May Sonstegard back!

Click HERE to see news release!

Thank you, Ascension!

I would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards, visits and meals you provided our family while I was recuperating from surgery. Your love, prayers and support were truly felt and appreciated. Prayers are such a powerful blessing from our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would also like to thank Pastor Steve for his devoted blessings and support through this difficult time. My family feels blessed to have had the warmth and love of the Holy Spirit through our Ascension Lutheran family.

Thank you all for your love and kindness to the Krums. You have been such an amazing blessing to us.

Barbara Krum

Fair trade soccer balls at chapel

Fair Trade & Soccer Balls?

YES! A Perfect Match!

We love Fair Trade coffee, tea and chocolate but Fair Trade soccer balls top our list of Fair Trade favorites!

Earlier this week, Ascension’s Fair Trade & Global Ministries Teams gave gifts of Fair Trade soccer balls to the students of Ascension’s Early Childhood Center & School. These soccer balls are extra special – they are Fair Trade and three special words are printed on each ball: Joy, Respect & Community. Good words describing Fair Trade. Good words to keep in mind every day.

We hope our young friends enjoy the soccer balls and we hope they celebrate those three special words every day: Joy, Respect & Community.

Fair Trade Lane – Special Time for Sunday, September 22nd

Fair Trade Lane will be open Sunday, September 22nd from 9-10 AM.

We’ll have Red Barn Family Farms Fair Trade Cheddar Cheese available along with all of the other delicious products on Fair Trade Lane.

If you’re not able to connect with us on Fair Trade Lane, send a note to us at

For those who like to plan ahead, Fair Trade Lane will be open again October 17th and October 20th.

Neal Scribner Remembered

Neal Leon Scribner’s memorial was held here earlier this week. He was the architect for our sanctuary and a hundred other buildings in our community, as well as buildings all over the country. He is remembered for his prolific and brilliant work, his public service, his family and faith. Thanks to the Scribner family, we have this scale model of our sanctuary.

model of Ascension by Architect Neal Leon Scribner

Click HERE to see the fun plans!

Calling All Writers!

Contributors Wanted for 2024 Advent Devotional

Writers and anyone with a bent for writing, you’re invited to contribute to this year’s Advent Devotional. You’ll recall that each year, students from Ascension Lutheran School provide the artwork and members provide devotions for the booklet, edited by Dan Lareva, that has been a special part of the season here for many years. It’s a welcome way to share Advent together and set our minds each day on the reason for the season.

Sign up now by clicking HERE.

Dates to Remember!

___________________

Sunday, September 29

Senior Luther League to Dave & Buster’s, 5-7:15 PM (see flyer this page)

Saturday, October 5

Noon-3 PM Blessing of the Animals and Family Fun Pet Fair (see flyer this page)

Weekend of October 5-6

Sermon by our new Associate Pastor, Reverend Chamie Delkeskamp at all worship services

Wednesday, October 9

Senior Luther League to Christian Athletes Event, 6:45 PM (see flyer this page)

October 19-20

Official Installation of Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp

FOOD, FOLKS & FUN

Senior Luther League is heading to Dave & Buster’s on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 5 PM-7:15 PM for a night of fun, games, and bonding. Parents, please ensure your child brings money for arcade games and food as they enjoy this exciting evening with their peers!

GOLD MEDAL ACTIVITY

The Senior Luther League will be supporting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) event on Oct. 9 from 7 PM to 9 PM at Moorpark High School, featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as the guest speaker. Please arrive by 6:45 PM, and join us for an inspiring evening open to all ages!

News Briefs

Communion Helpers Needed

We need some extra help for our special worship service Sept. 22 at 10 AM. This will be the only worship service for the weekend as One Ascension gathers for worship at 10, followed by our Annual Meeting at 11:15, followed by a One Ascension Picnic at noon. If you wish to help, contact Worship Coordinator Jenelle Smith at .

Pizza Night ECC Fundraiser

Here’s a yummy way to support our early childhood center: On Monday, Sept. 23, from 3:30-9 PM, Toppers Pizza in T.O. is donating back 20 % of pre-tax sales generated by Ascension Lutheran’s Early Childhood Center group. Bring the family or make a phone order and be sure to tell them you’re there for the ALECC fundraiser. Click here for more details and coupon.

Conejo Free Clinic Provides Mammograms

The Conejo Free Clinic is offering a service of free mammograms to individuals that are uninsured or underinsured and need a mammogram. This is entirely free of charge and Conejo Free Clinic is doing this to assist in early detection of breast cancer. Routine mammograms save lives! Appointments Call (805) 497-3575.

It is just one of the services made available at the clinic, one of our community benevolences. Click HERE for more information.

Confirmation Orientation Night

Confirmation orientation for families will be September 19, 6 PM-7:30 PM. We will be going over the calendar and what the students will learn. We will be meeting at the Sanctuary Patio before going to Pederson Hall/Gym.

As a heads up, confirmation fees for 7th grade will be $100 and 8th grade $130.

Initiatives & Training Opportunities for Election Time

Our ELCA Advocacy has a number of useful, non-partisan workshops and other trainings covering a variety of topics to help people get involved in the upcoming election. Sept. 19 in an online workshop called “Crucial Conversations: Techniques for when Opinions Vary.”

There are information resources available for those considering becoming poll workers, and those who want to learn more about Discipleship in Democracy (without jeopardizing one’s non-profit status). For more info see HERE.

Harbor House Concert 4 the Conejo

Harbor House is planning a fun-filled evening of live music, delicious food and exciting silent auction items. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 7 PM, at Emmanuel Church: 588 Camino Manzanas in Thousand Oaks. Find out more and purchase tickets for this fundraiser HERE.

THANKSGIVING DINNER BOXES

The food pantry has received a “Be the Blessing” grant to provide 18 Thanksgiving boxes for families that shop at the food pantry. We are calling out for parishioners to create written messages of Thanksgiving for each of the boxes. If you feel the SPIRIT, contact Linda Gray at .

1 Thessalonians 5:18. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Chronicles 16:34. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Click HERE to download or print coupon.

October: The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules by Catherina Sunberg

November: The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

December: A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

Books should be available by Libby, local library, Amazon or thriftbooks.

Maintenance Hotline Email

We now have a dedicated email to use if you see an issue on campus that needs immediate attention, such as leaks. It is: .

Ascension Event Calendar

In Need of Prayer

Click here for this week’s Prayer List

Pericopes

This Week

Romans 12:3-8
Acts 2:42-47

Next Week

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50

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 and Steve Herder

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