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Food can be brought to the services. If you aren’t attending church, you can drop off in front of the church office 9-12:30

Time to stock up for the Project Response Food Drive coming up October 23!

Here are the top asks:

1. Boxed Cereal

2. Canned Meats: chicken, tuna, salmon, Sloppy Joes, oven-roasted turkey, Spam (all varieties)

3. Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, hand sanitizer, shampoo, Kleenex, toilet paper

4. Breakfast items: Pop Tarts, cereal bars, pancake mix and syrup

5. Beverages: water, sparkling water, juice boxes, shelf-stable milk and chocolate milk

6. Boxed meals: instant potatoes (e.g. scalloped potatoes), Rice-a-Roni

7. Packaged Fruits: canned/container: peaches, applesauce, fruit cocktail

8. Ready-to-eat items such as SpaghettiOs, Raviolis

9. Masa Flour, All Purpose Enriched Flour

10. Jam/jellies

11. Individual serving items (easy to eat in a person’s car)

Also:

Rice: canned, dried or packaged

Cooking Oil

Legumes-Beans: dried

Granola Bars- any type

Canned Vegetables: peas, carrots, greens (not corn)

Peanut butter

Pasta Sauces

Snack items: crackers, cheese, peanuts

Cookies and Crackers

All types of dried pasta

Soup- boxed and or canned

Cup of Noodles/ Top Ramen

Mac and Cheese

Barbecue Sauce

Condiments: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, etc.

Other Pantry Items: Any type of housecleaning supplies

Baby supplies/food

Food can be brought to the services. If you aren’t attending church, you can drop off in front of the church office 9-12:30

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New Staff Member Spotlight:

Meet Jenelle Smith

…CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Jenelle has acted in theatrical productions pretty much as long as she can remember, from early childhood through high school and on through university. Since graduating, she’s made the rounds of auditions and landed parts in short films and background work in longer productions — though “nothing big thus far,” she says.

Meanwhile, she has nourished an educational aspect to her work life, with stints as a preschool teacher, a substitute teacher and as a reading teacher.

Her family includes a number of educators. Other family members are in business.

She’s the only one with show business aspirations. Jenelle laughs. “I’m the oddball.”

We shall see. She certainly is showing the kind of drive it takes to make it in that highly-competitive realm: she has written and will direct and star in her own short film with production targeted for November.

She points out that with acting, “It’s hard to break through, but if I give myself the opportunity, I’ll show I’m not just waiting.”

Jenelle’s perseverance as well as her faith were strengthened at Oaks, which brings up a couple of key connections to her new Ascension community.

“When I was a sophomore in high school, that’s when I first met Mr. Gregory, who taught my Bible class,” she says of Ascension Lutheran School Principal Rich Gregory.

Jenelle’s mother works at Oaks, and her sister is an alumna of Oaks, too.

“My mom told me when Mr. Gregory was first hired here. I knew that the school was going to be so blessed by having him as principal and I knew he had such great character and had such a heart for the Lord. It has certainly been a blessing to get to see him every week again!”

Another relationship that began at Oaks is Jenelle’s association with her new office mate Diane Kusnierek.

“Debra Kusnierek and my older sister went to Oaks together and they’re best friends, like sisters. I know the Kusnierek family is such a lovely family. You definitely see the light of the spirit in that family,” says Jenelle, who is a member of California Community Church in Agoura Hills. “I thought if everyone at Ascension is like the Kusniereks, what a blessing it will be to work there.”

As for what she would like to say about herself or just in general to anyone reading this interview, Jenelle is quick to refer to scripture. Sharing scripture is “a special thing,” she likes to do, and a regular part of her life.

She thinks for a moment. “I know. Psalm 71:14. ‘As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.’

“No matter how bad things get, or where I am in life, there’s always a reason to hope in the Lord…It gives someone life when they feel they don’t have much left to go off of.”

Bringing people closer to God — Jenelle Smith is a natural.

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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 HEALING FOR:

Julianne Ota, for smooth and complete recovery from shoulder surgery

Karen Shepersky, for smooth and complete recovery from foot surgery this week

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Lara Abounayan

Kyle Ayers

Kim Bach

Alan Baker

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

Vicki Brenner

The Bauer Family

Addie Behm

Gloria Benfatto

Carl Bohning

Debi Bing

Skip Brenner

John Burgert

Mary Cartrett

Homer Caston

Dominic Cavaliere

Beverly Clark

Linnea Cortlang

Linda Crabill

Carole Curran

Lilly Curran

Margo Dameron

Andrea Delkeskamp

Carl Dietrich

Jim Downs

John Ernst

Becky and Al France

Terry Gillette

Pastor Paul Gravrock

Becky Halvorson

Malia Hassenbein

Brenda Heinrich

Bob Herder

Penny Hunter

Ingrid Isaksen

Marilyn Johnson

Micky Johnson

Bob Kielhorn

Scott Klipp

Barbara Krum

Valerie Krum

Tania Lane

Jim Lawson

Dr. Allen Leland

Beth Lugo

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Colleen McCarthy

Sandi Meyer

Shirley Meyer

Verlon Meyer

Jacob Miller

Alyssa Mueller

Tomoko Mueller

Bill Munn

Angela Naginey

Tawne Newcome

Paul and Betty Olson

Carol O’Gorman

Orlando Orozco

Brandt Stephen Oschner

Julianne Ota

Dane Pederson

Cherie Pelton

Ashley Peyton

Laurie Peyton

Lois Phillips

Mike Ricci

Marilyn Ripley

Dave Rosinbum

Marilyn Rud

Dick Ruwe

Debbie Saunier

Dorothy Scholz

Barb Schornstein

Arnold Schwarz

Margaret Skinner

Jerry Smith

Sydney Squires

Dan Thiel

Jan Timmons

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 GLOBAL PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:

For our missionaries, Rev. Kristen Engstrom in Zambia, and
Rev. Wal Luot Reat serving in a South Sudan refugee
camp near the border with Ethiopia.

Center for Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS

Sister Emilia, Pastor David, in Pachacamac, Peru

Filadelfia Lutheran Church, Peru

Pastor John Rutsindintwarane, Rwanda

Our Companion Synods in El Salvador and Hong Kong

ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response

Corus/ Lutheran World Relief/IMA Lutheran World Relief/IMA

Eric LeCompte and the Jubilee USA Network

Bread for the World

Fair Trade

Guardian Angels

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Lutherans Restoring Creation

(To learn more, ask our Global Ministries Team.)

PRAYER OF PEACE:

For Ukraine, and help for all those who are suffering, grieving, or displaced, because of the evils of war.

PRAYER FOCUS:

For our One Ascension leadership in visioning and planning retreats as they continue to discern the Spirit’s direction in our ministries and activities, and for God’s blessing on and guidance for our Annual Meeting

Dr. Tim Buto Funeral Service

The funeral service for Dr. Tim Buto will be September 24 at 2 PM in the sanctuary.

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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

All three weekend services

July 2-3

In Person: 170

Online: 134

June 25-26

In Person: 142

Online: 129

June 12-19

In Person: 198

Online: 121

June 5-12

In Person: 212

Online: 145

May 29-June 5

In Person: 269

Online: 155

May 22-29

In Person: 271

Online: 130

May 15-22

In Person: 374

Online: 166

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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 & 11 AM

This Week At Ascension

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

September 25, 2022

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

When was the last time you thought about… really thought about the profound meaning of Holy Communion? For me it’s been a while.

So this week, as I have been preparing my thoughts on this 3rd installment of our Get the Blessing, Be the Blessing series, wow! The depth of the meaning of the bread and the wine and what eating and drinking them does for us and to us is unfathomable. There is a reason we are called to do it each time we gather for worship. I look forward to talking more about this this weekend.

Also, just another reminder that we are gathering in Founders Hall from 10:10 to 11 for our Annual meeting this Sunday.

See you there!

Blessings,

16th annual Blessing of the Pets!

6 PM, October 2, in the upper barking lot!

All are welcome!

Bring your pets— or bring photos of your pets. Invite your neighbors to come and bring their pets. If a dear pet of yours has died, bring a photo, and we will pray for your comfort, and give thanks for the joy and love that your pet did share.

If you don’t have a pet, you are welcome to come anyway, and enjoy this warm-hearted service in appreciation of all God’s wonderful creatures!

.

Annual Report and Annual Meeting

Once a year we produce an annual report that showcases everything that has gone on at Ascension over the previous year. Please take time to read it and join us in celebrating how much we’ve been able to accomplish together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Here is the Annual Report LINK.

The report also includes an important overview of our budget.

Church Council President Ed Klodt invites you to “read the Annual Report, come to worship this Saturday night or Sunday, and then come join us for the Annual Meeting” — this Sunday, September 25, starting at 10:10 AM, in Founders Hall.

Refreshments will be served.

CLICK FOR INFO AND FOOD LIST

Ascension is the Place To Be on October 9th!

On Sunday, October 9, there’s worship, learning, shopping & fun – all happening at Ascension!

This is a great opportunity to invite family & friends to join us at Ascension. There’s worship at 9 & 11 AM. There’s fun learning for children and grown-ups – “Hands-On Sunday School” during the 9AM worship service for children and the Adult Education hour moves outside with the opportunity for everyone to learn about Fair Trade personally and directly from Fair Trade artisans at the Gift Fair. And there’s shopping too.

Outdoor Fair Trade Gift Fair: Sunday, October 9th from 10 AM – 1 PM in the front parking lots. Vendors from Fair Trade LA will have lots of beautiful wearables and shareables available for purchase along with lots of wonderful stories to share about their Fair Trade journey and what Fair Trade means for them. Ascension’s Fair Trade Ministry will be there with Fair Trade coffee, tea, snacks, cheese and chocolate (in all of its wonderful forms) for purchase along with Fair Trade stories to share as well. Ascension’s Quilters will be there too with beautiful things their very talented hands have made. This event is open to the public. Let’s all be ambassadors of welcome to those visiting Ascension’s campus that day.

Volunteers are needed to help with setting up and taking down tables and to help vendors unload their merchandise. Contact us at for more information and to volunteer.

If you can’t make it to the Gift Fair or if you want to purchase your favorite Fair Trade products (coffee, tea, chocolate, snacks & cheese) before the Gift Fair, we’ve got you covered. There is Fair Trade Product Ordering September 16-26, 2022. The Ordering Form is posted on the Fair Trade webpage OR CLICK HERE. The form is also available in the church office and in the folder at the Information Desk in the West Narthex.

Everyone’s invited to join in the fun. We look forward to seeing you. Let’s Be Fair Out There!

Personal Care Kit

Spreading Love And Hope Through Personal Care Kits: A One Ascension Service Project

ONE ASCENSION will soon assemble, pack and ship over 1,000 personal care kits to Lutheran World Relief.

Through your generous gifts, materials are being ordered for 1000 personal care kits.

Groups at Ascension are scheduled to assemble the kits the first week of October.

ALC Foundation and our day school children’s chapel offerings are providing funds to ship our kits to an LWR warehouse to be distributed where they are most needed in the world.

People in need all over the world will receive these essential hygiene kits.

If you want to volunteer, contact Louise Evenson, or click here

If you want to donate funds for the kit materials, click here. (Select Other, and write “LWR-Kits” in the Note area)

If you want to see an LWR THANK YOU video, click here.

If you want to read the September, 2022 LWR Situation Report from Ukraine, click here.

New Staff Member Spotlight:

Meet Jenelle Smith

Using her talents to bring people closer to God is a goal, a purpose and a way of life for Jenelle Smith.

Ascension’s new Administrative Assistant shows that way of life right here, as she brings a vibrant personality and beautiful warm smile to our front office — perfect for a church receptionist.

“My faith is very important to me, so I’m happy to be working for a church, to come here and get to be part of the community,” she notes. “It’s going really well so far. I feel like I’m getting into the groove of things and getting to know everybody really well, which is awesome.”

Jenelle has lived in Agoura Hills since she was a toddler. She went to Oaks Christian School from sixth grade through high school, then went on to Azusa Pacific University, where she majored in acting for theater and film. She graduated from APU two years ago with a BFA.

This is where the goal and purpose come in.

She makes it clear, “Acting is important to me, but my faith comes first.” She envisions “acting, but always with a backdrop of faith in Jesus.”

click here to continue…

Five Week Sermon Series Continues this Weekend:

All of life’s events are more special when we celebrate them alongside of others. In fact, life is better together. So why would it be different with worshipping God each weekend?

We’re part of a community that has been coming together like this for centuries. In the process we Get the Blessing. But it doesn’t end there. The cycle continues as we become inspired together to serve others, just as Jesus and his disciples did. That’s when we begin to Be the Blessing. Let’s become inspired together to serve others, just as Jesus and his disciples did.

This weekend and for the next three weekends’ worship services, we’ll feature a sermon series focusing on worship themes that most of us never consider and why worship is so critical to a vibrant, joyful life.

Come join us in September and October to Get the Blessing and Be the Blessing.

Register by clicking HERE

Fourth Grade Class Field Trip to Santa Cruz Island

Here’s video of our fourth grade class field trip to Santa Cruz Island: CLICK HERE.

Follow Our School Activities On Instagram!

Children, Youth, & Family Career Opportunities

CYF Administrative Position

CYF Program Leader

First Communion!

Those 1st grade and up are invited to be a part of the First Communion Milestone, alongside their families. As a part of the class, we’ll bake bread for Communion! RSVP to , so that we can be sure to have enough bread baking supplies, but come, even if you forget to RSVP!

First Communion Class (choose one):

Sunday, Oct. 2, 1-2:30 pm

Students with a parent or significant adult, in the gym

OR
Sunday, Oct. 9, 1-2:30 pm

Students with a parent or significant adult, in the gym

First Communion Services (choose one):

Saturday, October 15, 6pm

Sunday, October 16, 9 am, 11 am

In Need Of Prayer

Click Here For The Ascension Prayer List

Coming Up in Adult Ed.:

Jesus’ Third Way

When Jesus instructed us to “turn the other cheek,” he made it clear he was rejecting the idea of answering violence with violence – the “eye for an eye” found in the book of Exodus. But Jesus is not advocating submission to violence, either. In fact, he gifted us with a third way.

Come to Adult Ed. Sunday, Oct. 2, at 10:10 in Founders Hall to learn more about it. Pastor Tim will lead this class.

Jesus’ third way involves wisdom and peace. It’s never been more needed than in this time, when there is so much talk of our country being polarized, when controversial topics lead to division. How do we find the path toward agreement to work our conflicts, even the toughest ones, through Jesus? Theologian Dallas Willard once questioned why there aren’t adult ed. classes in HOW to turn the other cheek. That’s a call to action. Join us!

Buto Service and Reception

The service honoring the life of Dr. Tim Buto will be September 24 at 2 PM in the sanctuary. For those who can’t make it in person, the service will be streamed live on our website and Facebook page.

If you would like to attend the reception, you are kindly asked to RSVP through Signup Genius so the family can plan accordingly. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.

Community

Vigil for

Mark and Jacob Iskander

September 29, 4-6 PM, Three Springs Park

Click HERE for details.

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, Steve Herder, & Julie McCain

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Pericopes

This Week:

1 Corinthians 10:14-22
Luke 22: 14-22

Next Week:

Acts 2:43-47

Time to stock up for the Project Response Food Drive coming up October 23!

Here are the top asks:

New Staff Member Spotlight:

Meet Jenelle Smith

IN NEED OF PRAYER

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

PRAYERS FOR OUR GLOBAL PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:

PRAYER OF PEACE:

PRAYER FOCUS:

Dr. Tim Buto Funeral Service

Here are Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories

Attendance

Attendance

Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Attendance

Sam’s Tram Rolls Again

Gifts of Hope 2021 — Virtual Fair Trade Gift Fair

Meet Emma Janzen (continued)

Pray, Advocate or Take Action this Jubilee Weekend

IN NEED OF PRAYER

PRAYERS OF COMFORT FOR:

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

PRAYERS FOR SAFEKEEPING:

Prayers For Our Congregations In The ELCA

PRAYER FOCUS:

Blessing Of The Pets 2021

Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Attendance

Packing School Kits For Lutheran World Relief

A recap of the Youth Gathering

This Week At Ascension

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

16th annual Blessing of the Pets!

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Annual Report and Annual Meeting

Ascension is the Place To Be on October 9th!

Spreading Love And Hope Through Personal Care Kits: A One Ascension Service Project

New Staff Member Spotlight:

Meet Jenelle Smith

Five Week Sermon Series Continues this Weekend:

Register by clicking HERE

Fourth Grade Class Field Trip to Santa Cruz Island

Children, Youth, & Family Career Opportunities

First Communion!

In Need Of Prayer

Coming Up in Adult Ed.:

Jesus’ Third Way

Buto Service and Reception

Community

Vigil for

Mark and Jacob Iskander

Our Prayer

Don’t miss another TWAA

Pericopes

Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE