Fair Trade Products “Stop & Shop”

Stop By To Pick Up Your Online Order

Or Shop For Fair Trade Items

Coffee, Tea, Olive Oil, Nuts,

Chocolate & Cheddar CHEESE !

WHERE:

Outside on the Church Patio

WHEN:

2-4 PM Friday 11/12

2-4 PM Monday 11/15

Noon-2 PM Sunday 11/14

This Will Be Our Ascension Fair Trade – Last Call for 2021

With the cooler temperatures, many of us have transitioned from iced tea to hot tea. A cup of hot cocoa can be just the thing to have close by when enjoying that book you just can’t put down. As we gather during the holidays with friends and family, a tasty snack of cheese & crackers goes well with good conversation and laughter. Everyone is invited to “Stop & Shop” with us outside on the Patio.

For those who ordered Fair Trade products in October, your orders will be ready for pick-up.

For those who may not have been able to order in October, we have limited quantities of your favorites just waiting for you to take home & enjoy.

And, our order of delicious Red Barn Family Farms Heritage Cheddar Cheese (aged 1 yr) from Wisconsin arrived and is ready for purchase by all – no worries if you didn’t add cheese to your October order.

We hope you’ll “Stop” by our table on the Patio to share greetings & catch-up with us – we miss not being outside as we have done in the past and we look forward to the times like these when we can connect in-person.

You can also “Shop” if and as you wish from the items on the table… did we mention that the Equal Exchange chocolate chips (semi-sweet & bittersweet) make really yummy cookies? We’ve learned that the Equal Exchange chocolate chips and chocolate bars are made with Fair Trade vanilla from Madagascar – Ascension’s Gifts of Hope international focus this year is on ministries of the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar.

Coffee, Tea, Olive Oil, Nuts,

Chocolate & Cheddar CHEESE !

WHERE:

Outside on the Church Patio

WHEN:

2-4 PM Friday 11/12

2-4 PM Monday 11/15

Noon-2 PM Sunday 11/14

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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service 7th Annual Hope for the Holidays

(website link)

Today Mary Wennes and I joined a Zoom meeting with LIRS staff, and Pastor Sandra Carlson Alexis from First Lutheran in Baltimore, and Pastor David Glesne from St. John’s Lutheran in Bloomington, IL.

Ascension, with these two congregations, will serve as Regional Partner Hubs with LIRS this fall for the ministry “Hope for the Holidays,” one that we participated in last year with letter writing and Christmas greetings to children and families in immigrant detention centers.

We will do the same this year but in addition, we will be a Regional Partner Hub to receive the thousands of cards/letters that come from other congregations.

It is the work of LIRS to get the word out across our country for how to do these cards, and for the addresses of the three receiving congregations.

Our job as a Hub is to do four things:

Receive the cards;

Screen the cards (no envelopes, check messages);

Repackage the cards in packs of 50 (according to the directions given to us, for how many to….);

Send the cards (to one of the area immigration detention centers).

This year LIRS expects to receive a total of about 50,000 cards! Who knows, Ascension could be receiving/screening/repackaging/sending upwards of 20,000!

The deadline for us to send the cards to the centers is Dec. 11. If we receive cards after that, they will probably need to wait to be delivered next year.

Most of the cards will be in English or Spanish. Some, but not many, will be in French, Arabic, or Portuguese. Specific instructions will help us handle the cards in other languages.

To pay for our expenses here (packaging, postage) we will receive a $500 Visa card from LIRS. We will keep track of every expense. If more money is needed for supplies and shipping, LIRS will give us more as needed. Everything that we do needs to be listed on the LIRS Excel spreadsheets.

Besides this tangible way of serving, we will also be given the opportunity to donate financially to LIRS for LIRS to buy gifts for the children.

Last year thousands of children received a gift to open on Christmas morning. This ministry is one of a number of Outreach Ministries that LIRS sponsors throughout each year. “Stand Up, Speak Up” and “External Emergency Response” are two others. For each of these outreach ministries they use the acronym, A-D-A-P-T. Act, Donate, Advocate, Pray, Teach.

I complimented them on this excellent acronym for these ministries.

We do not expect the GMT to take on this large amount of work, nor our office staff, so we will be recruiting new volunteers to help us in the office/Bethlehem Room.

Thank you for helping us spread the good word about this outstanding ministry to bring hope and joy, in Jesus’ name, to the children and families in our country’s immigrant detention centers.

Volunteers are asked to sign up with Pastor Steve,

Approximate time frame for this ministry will be the seven weeks, October 25 through December 11.

We will need people to:

Sort and open the mail.

Screen the letters.

Bundle them in packages of 50.

Purchase shipping supplies with the VISA gift card.

Mail the packages with the VISA gift card.

Input the data into Excel spreadsheets.

Share the stories and photos through newsletters and social media.

LIRS will take care of all the thank you notes to the donors.

And Thank You for your prayers and participation,

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Garden News

Ascension Elementary students have been busy planting their parking lot garden boxes, each with a theme:

TK/Kindergarten 1: “The Touchy-Feely Garden” which includes soft plants, sticky plants, pokey plants, and coarse plants. These students will learn about this sensory garden and then pass their wisdom on to others.
Kindergarten 2/1st Grade: “The Smelly Garden” which includes lavender, alyssum, and sweet peas – one variety which is named “High Perfume.” Come later winter or early spring, you will definitely want to stop at this box for a whiff on your way into school or church.
2nd Grade: “Root Vegetable Garden” which includes onions, beets, radishes, carrots, and kohlrabi. These students will be enjoying root vegetable soup when their box is ready for harvest.
3rd Grade: “Salad Garden” which includes a variety of lettuces and greens. Students will also be growing hothouse cucumbers and tomatoes (in our pop-up greenhouse behind the modular) to put on their salads.
4th Grade: “Edible Flower Garden” which includes flowers that you can eat – like nasturtium, pansies, Chocolate Daisy, and a flower from China that is cooked tempura style.
5th Grade: “Victory Garden” which includes some of their favorite vegetable choices. This class is studying American History, so is learning about the Victory Gardens during World War II.
6th Grade: “Ruth’s Gleaning Garden” includes vegetables to share with Ascension’s food pantry on Fridays. Students are learning about Ruth in the Bible and the concept of “gleaning” – meaning that there is food to share.

November has already been a busy month for our garden and nature programs!

This sub team consists of people who are church members as well as parents (or a grandparent) of students who have been or are currently enrolled in the ECC and day school.

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Here is the letter about our new Interim principal that went out to school families earlier this week:

Dear Ascension Families,

We are happy to introduce our interim principal, Mrs. Staci Hammerschmitt. Mrs. Hammerschmitt isn’t a stranger to our community. She is a church member, school parent, and former school board member (she will be stepping away from her school board role while she is interim principal).

Mrs. Hammerschmitt has a B.A. in Child Development from Cal State Northridge as well as her multiple subjects credential. She spent six years as a classroom teacher in charter schools that had reading and writing workshop as well as project-based curriculum – two things that Mrs. Hammerschmitt is happy are a part of Ascension Lutheran School. After teaching in the classroom, Mrs. Hammerschmitt spent ten years as an independent homeschool teacher. She liked that the charter schools and the hybrid/homeschool program offered families choices. Again, this is something that she sees at Ascension – an honoring of parents in their child’s education.

A few years ago, Mrs. Hammerschmitt toured Ascension School for her daughters and was impressed at how students were lifting logs in the outdoor classroom and moving their bodies and doing things that she didn’t see students doing at other schools. She was also impressed with the caring teachers, knowing that she had found a place where teachers and staff truly valued each and every student.

As interim principal, Mrs. Hammerschmitt hopes to empower our teachers and specialty programs. She also wants to support all of our students, providing the differentiated learning that is needed for individual students to thrive. Mrs. Hammerschmitt will be serving as the interim principal on a three quarters time basis with lead teachers, Mrs. Bordokas and Mrs. Farrell, rounding out the collaborative team.

With the stability of Mrs. Hammerschmitt in place to lead our teachers and staff, the school board will take the next step forward in the search for Ascension’s next permanent principal.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim Delkeskamp & The Ascension School Board

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Ascension Lutheran Church CAREER OPPORTUNITY

YOUTH DIRECTOR

Position Title: Youth Director

Reports To: Children, Youth, and Family Pastor

Summary: This is a part-time, 25-30 hour per week position, working primarily with youth from 7th grade-12th grade. This position is responsible for collaborating with the Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Pastor in “growing faith that lasts”. The position requires an active faith life, experience working with youth, and excellent critical thinking, organizational, and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead weekly Bible study and informal weekly gathering for high schoolers.

• Be a primary point of contact for high schoolers and their families; be intentional about building relationships with them, including via 1:1 meetings.

• Lead and plan service projects and fun activities throughout the year.

• Mentor and work with youth to develop youth leadership. This includes electing and utilizing class representatives for each grade.

• Participate in and support milestones, for grades 7-12.

• Collaborate with CYF Pastor in leading and directing Confirmation program (7th-8th grade).

• Lead and plan, or delegate fundraisers.

• Ability to work overtime to plan and lead 2-5 retreats throughout the year a plus.

• Maintain a system of communication that keeps parents well-informed.

• Regularly engage with the youth committee as they assist with events, communication, and parent engagement and volunteering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Active, demonstrated Lutheran faith.

• Passion for and experience working with youth.

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and open-mindedness.

• Ability to receive and adapt to feedback; teachable.

• Strong administrative, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Shows initiative as well as follow-through.

• Ability to work independently; team player who will work toward our common goal.

• Ability to operate personal computer and software programs.

Work Environment

The Youth Director will often work in a typical office environment, utilizing a personal computer and normal office equipment to perform the necessary job duties. A significant portion of this person’s time will be spent leading engaging with youth and leading youth ministry events.

Ascension’s Philosophy of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

The CYF Pastor’s vision for ministry is fundamentally collaborative and team-based, and the right candidate for this position will have that orientation as well. The vision has a few key principles, including: equipping families to do faith together, worship, practicing faith, making the church a safe place, and developing significant intergenerational relationships. More information about the vision will be provided at a first interview or on request.

To Apply Please email your resume to .

Employment Opportunity

Position Title: Extended Care Attendant

Summary: Main responsibility is to supervise students as they arrive to school from 7:30-to the start of school. The position is 7:30-9:30, Monday – Friday. Must be 18+ years old. A background check, CPR/1st aid training, and TB test are required at time of hiring. The school will give more details on this to the applicant. $14.00 per hour, no benefits or school tuition discount. Please send resume to Connie Angress, If you have questions please contact Connie Angress at 805-496-2419.

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Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Through November 6, 2021 (week 19 of 52)

FY2022 Received: $422,103

Budgeted: $442,264

Windfall/(Shortfall): $(20,160)

FY2021 Received: $433,501

Budgeted: $447,980

Windfall/(Shortfall): $(14,479)

Attendance

All three weekend services

Nov.1 -Nov.7

In Person: 297

Online: 178

Oct.25 – Oct. 31

In Person: 255

Online: 167

Oct.18 – Oct. 24

In Person: 174

Online: 191

Oct.11 – Oct. 17

In Person: 182

Online: 147

Oct.4 – Oct. 10

In Person: 188

Online: 183

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

Aug. 30 – Sept. 5

In Person: 168

Online: 180

Aug. 23-29

In Person: 190

Online: 212

Aug. 16-22

In Person: 188

Online: 220

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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:

Diana Doerfler, for healing from infection

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Lara Abounayan

Kyle Ayers

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

The Bauer Family

Addie Behm

Gloria Benfatto

Carl and Treva Bohning

Debi Bing

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

Sandra Howe’s cousin Lisa and her unborn baby

Penny Hunter

Bob Kielhorn

Jack Koenig

Dr. Allen Leland

Grace Lugo

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Sandi Meyer

Shirley Meyer

Verlon Meyer

Bill Munn

Helen Nenne

Paul and Betty Olson

Carol O’Gorman

Brandt and Margy Oschner’s grandson Brandt

Laurie Peyton

Lois Phillips

Mike Ricci

Dave Rosinbum

Pastor David Palma-Ruwe

Shari Saucerman

Dorothy Scholz

Barb Schornstein

Arnold Schwarz

Frances Thorsen

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 LOCAL PARTNERS IN MINISTRY:

Friday ministry with those who are homeless

Conejo Elementary Tutoring

Our Friday Food Pantry and Project Response

Habitat for Humanity

CASA of Ventura County

United Way of Ventura County

Lutheran Social Services

Jail Ministry

Blood drives

Manna

Many Mansions

Pi House

Women’s Interfaith Network

Caring Ones

(To learn more, ask our Community Concerns Team.)

PRAYER FOCUS:

For our Gifts of Hope friends in Madagascar and New City Parish, SERRV and Fair Anita, may God bless them and their work toward helping the church, people in need, and the environment, and may the good fruits of their labors be known and shared widely

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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

Wednesday 9 AM

This Week At Ascension

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

November 16-17, 2021

Last Call For Fair Trade Products

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Dear friends in Christ at Ascension,

On this Veterans Day we share this litany and prayer:

A Litany for Veterans

On this day, we remember those who have served in our armed forces. Pause for silent reflection

Prince of Peace, even as we pray for an end to war, we give thanks for our soldiers’ courage, for their love of country, and for their work to bring peace to our world.

Healer of All, bind up the wounds of all who have served,

Show us how to comfort those who are hurting.

Merciful God, all suffer the cost of war.

We remember widows and widowers, orphans, and all those separated from those they love.

We pray, Gracious God, that swords will be turned into plowshares and that peace will reign.

We give thanks for all who have served. Shield from danger those who bravely protect us. With them, may we glory not in war, but in your love and righteousness. Strengthen us to be your peacemakers in the world. Amen.

Amen! This weekend in worship we lift up our international focus with our Gifts of Hope, the Lutheran church in Madagascar! In the adult education class at 10:10 we will zoom with our friends in Madagascar, our missionary Pastor Themba, and physicians at the Lutheran hospital there! You won’t want to miss this exciting hour.

For those who are learning about our Gifts of Hope and those who participated the last sixteen years, we invite you to go our website www.alcto.org/gifts-of-hope to learn and to give in this annual alternative Christmas giving opportunity! Yes, you could complete your Christmas shopping by this evening with this Gifts of Hope website!

Love and blessings in Jesus,

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

News Briefs

Kids in Christ Kickoff Event Rescheduled

Join us for our kickoff Kids in Christ event of the school year! November 15th, 2021, from 3:30 PM- 5:00 PM — come when you can it’s okay to arrive late! This event is for 4th-6th grade students. Join Pastor Julie and Children’s Ministry Director Emma as we will be gathering for a snack, games, and other faith filled fun! Please email Emma, with any questions!

Parenting Discussion

Pastor Julie’s series on parenting is in its final two weeks. Parents, whether you have already attended or not, you’re welcome to come. Each week is a stand-alone topic, between worship services from 10:10 to 10:50 in the Library. Video curriculum includes a compelling blend of real-life stories and interviews with parents. Then, we have time to connect and discuss.

November 14: Spark—How do I create a flourishing connection with my kids?

December 5: Plan—What do I do next?

For more information or questions please send an email to or call (805) 495-0406

Hope for the Holidays

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has launched its sixth annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. The program collects cards and gifts for distribution at migrant detention centers across the country and at shelters along the border, reminding individuals and families that they are not forgotten during the holiday season. Ascension will be one of three congregations in the country to receive cards for LIRS!

See the letter from Pastor Steve and email him if you’d like to help with this ministry project. Thank you!

Audit Report

Ascension’s latest audit report is now available for viewing. In the interest of security, only hard copies are available. If you would like to read the report, please let us know by emailing to make arrangements. Thank you.

GriefShare

GriefShare is meeting at 1 PM Thursdays in the prayer chapel. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Brenda Heinrich at (805) 279-4235.

Gifts Of Hope 2021

Welcome Reverend Robin Brown

Our guest speaker this week is the Rev. Robin Brown. She serves the ELCA as Director, Congregational Generosity, supporting congregations partnering with ELCA ministries: ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Global Mission and Fund for Leaders. Robin was ordained in 2003 and has served congregations in Northeast Iowa and Metropolitan Chicago. She received her MDiv and DMin in Preaching from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Before being called to rostered ministry, she worked in National Account Sales and Marketing with foodservice customers such as Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts. Robin also serves on the Metro Chicago Synod candidacy committee. When she isn’t busy with her church work, she can often be found reading, gardening, learning French or enjoying the company of her grandkids.

Greetings, Reverend Lancelot Themba Mkhabela

We will also be hearing from ELCA Missionary Themba this weekend via video. Themba serves as regional representative for Madagascar, West Africa and Central Africa. Born and raised in South Africa, Themba studied culinary arts and hospitality management at Le Cordon Bleu before heeding the call to pastorship. He received his MDiv from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. His first call was on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he started a steel pan orchestra, served on the boards of Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, and cofounded Junior Achievement of the Virgin Islands.

Garden News

November has already been a busy month for our garden and nature programs!

The Design/Contracting Garden Sub Team met to review the detailed plans of the new central garden sent by our architect. Blanca Hoffmeier, Creighton Van Horn, Wes Meyers, Jeff Hengst, and Pastor Chamie all gathered around the renderings to work on the next steps forward in seeing the new garden and outdoor learning-gathering space become a reality. This sub team consists of people who are church members as well as parents (or a grandparent) of students who have been or are currently enrolled in the ECC and day school.

FIND OUT WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE DOING!

Double Ordination:

Cole Allen McGlynn and Amanda Mariah McGlynn

Sunday, November 21 4:00 PM at Ascension

Amanda has been called and is now serving King of Kings Lutheran Church in Oceanside!

Recently, the congregation of Our Savior’s Lutheran in San Clemente voted to call Cole to be their pastor. We are delighted to witness these milestones and offer prayers of gratitude!

Light reception to follow

ALS Interim Principal

Dear Ascension Families,

Click here for more info

Ascension Lutheran School Annual Fund
The Ascension Annual Fund is critical to the Elementary school’s success and an excellent opportunity for you to contribute to the One Ascension Community. At Ascension Lutheran School tuition alone covers about 90% of basic operating costs. We depend on generous giving to carry on the academic excellence and Christ-centered teaching we offer every day. Please take a moment to read our letter to you providing more details.

CLICK HERE

Or to donate today visit www.alschool.org/annualfund/.

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GIFTS OF HOPE PRESENTS OUR 2021 SILENT AUCTION

Barnyard Quilts!

Jan Burgert and Ascension’s quilters have done it again. They brought God’s Global Barnyard to life in these little quilts for children.

In 2019, we did this for the first time: a silent auction for two quilts with proceeds going to God’s Global Barnyard. Now, we offer these beauties for your bid.

Thanks to our quilters for contributing their creativity and skill in bringing God’s Global Barnyard to life for a couple of little ones. Lots of good dreams will happen when wrapped in these cozy quilts.

Bid forms on the patio November 14 and 21, and December 12. Silent auction ends December 12 at 2 PM Questions? Please email

jeffrandcamonroof

WARNING: Phishing and Spamming

As many of you are aware, online/cyber crime has increased exponentially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we’ve not only had email phishing attempts with miscreants posing as Pastor Tim and other Ascension notables – trying to get your personal information, convince you to purchase gift cards for them and other nefarious deeds – a phishing TEXT showed up on a member’s phone recently. Fortunately, she knew it wasn’t really Pastor Tim.

Sadly, spammers have intruded on our livestream chat space, too. We are able to block and remove them when we know of them. If you see a spammer gatecrashing our online worship, please let us know by emailing , or texting (818) 621 3542. Thank you.

Youth Director

Extended Care Attendant

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Attendance and Offerings

Click here for the latest figures

In Need Of Prayer

Click here for our Ascension Prayer List

Pastors’ Reports

from Council Packet 11-21

Make Your Amazon Shopping Count

Attention Amazon shoppers: when you choose Ascension Lutheran Church & School as your Amazon Smile recipient, donations add up for our smile account. It costs you nothing and the selection of products is exactly the same. To go to Ascension’s Amazon Smile page, CLICK HERE.

Pericopes

This Week:

Psalm 146
Matthew 25:35-40

Next Week:

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

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Thank you.

Stacy Smith Bosco,

Communications Coordinator