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
January 1, 2023
2 Christmas
Annunciation to the shepherds, late 15th Century miniatrue, Flemish
Grace and peace to you my family in Christ,
Did you know that January 1 is not only the start of the New Year, but also the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus? It is a day Christians honor and celebrate the name of Jesus— ‘the name above all names’… the name which means ‘God Saves.’ How fitting that the first day of the year points us to the one in whom we put our hope— Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
As we stand on the threshold of the New Year, what hopes do you bring? What needs to be restored, reset, or renewed?
Join us this weekend as we begin 2023 worshipping God together, centering our lives on Christ, and considering the ways we can be bearers of Christ’s love in our homes, our work, our communities, and our world.
Blessings,
Amanda
Eighth Annual ‘Ascension Lutheran Church & Friends’
Rose Parade Float Decorating Excursion
Friday, December 30, from 4 PM to 12 PM
(or “until completion”)
Friends of all faiths are invited to join us!
Volunteers must be 13 years old or older.
This is a great volunteer opportunity for seniors since there is a lot to do while sitting down.
If you are interested, please contact Lauren Godfrey (805) 807-9032
Calendaring Retreat:
Setting 2023 to Life-Giving Rhythms
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
$50, Lunch Provided
You are invited to join us for another calendaring retreat as we set life-giving rhythms for 2023. We will be gathering on Saturday, January 7, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ascension Lutheran Church. If you have gone on a calendaring retreat before, you will experience both old and new things. If this will be your first calendaring retreat, I hope you will find it rich and meaningful. This is about looking at our calendars as coming out of our “being” – who we are – first and foremost. Then we decide what things we want to be doing. The ancient Christian church has much to say about how we order our days in ways that draw us closer to God and to the people God made us to be. The cost of the retreat is $50 and covers lunch and materials. If you want to come with an immediate family member – like your spouse or your teen or college student – ask me about reduced rates. You can sign up simply by emailing me at . Here are a few photos from a calendaring retreat in January 2020 before everyone’s calendars went topsy turvy. But no matter what the next year might bring, prayerfully pondering how we want to spend our days is a really good place to start.
Ascension’s New Member Class
Would you like to take another step in your spiritual journey with God and Ascension Lutheran Church? If so, we would like to invite you to be a part of our next New Member class on Sunday, January 22 from 12-2pm. This meeting will focus on the basics of the Christian faith and on the ministry of Ascension. Childcare is available and lunch will be provided.
To RSVP, please call the church office at (805) 495-0406 or email Janelle Smith at .
Here’s Your Chance to Join Our Bell Choir!
Carillon rehearsals are every Tuesday, beginning on January 3rd, at 7 PM in the sanctuary.
Beginning Bell Class will also be every Tuesday, beginning on January 10th, at 6 PM in the Sanctuary.
In Need Of Prayer
Flowers on the Altar
The flowers on the altar are in honor of the life of John Karl Beyer, 1901-1991, charter member of Ascension, from his family
Green Faith Creation Care Tip
New Year’s Eco Resolutions
News Briefs
End of Year Gift
Your financial giving to the ministry of Ascension: Thank you for your faithful tithes and offerings this year! We have been able to use them to build God’s kingdom in beautiful ways. If you have inadvertently fallen behind on your pledge and are able to do so, please send an end-of-the-year gift. “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18
Sunday School
Sunday School: for age 3-6th grade, with a focus on hands-on activities and fun! Children are dismissed after the Children’s Message in 9 am worship, and your child is welcome to join mid-year.
Senior Luther League
Senior Luther League (High School): Sunday night Bible Study resumes January 8th in the dugout, from 5- 7 pm.
GriefShare
The holidays can be especially tough for those who grieve. Share with others who understand. GriefShare is meeting at 1 PM Thursdays in the chapel. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Brenda Heinrich at (805) 279-4235.
Adult Education
Sunday morning classes for adults will begin again on January 15th with an Author and Poet Faire. The remainder of January will focus on the church of the future. February will focus on the church in the world. All sessions begin after the conclusion of the 9:00 am service.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Thrivent Members, remember: You can direct Choice Dollars to Ascension! If you have any questions about directing Choice Dollars or making a personal donation, contact the Thrivent call center at 1-800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” at the prompt.
Offerings & Attendance
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
Don’t miss another TWAA
Pericopes
This Week:
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 8
Phillipians 2:5-11
Luke 2:15-21
Next Week:
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17
