One Ascension’s Annual Meeting Lays Out the Road Ahead

Opening with a welcome from One Ascension President Jeannette Ruggiero and a prayer by Ascension School Board President Scott Bean, last Sunday’s Annual Meeting provided a roadmap for the exciting year ahead, gave an update on the congregation’s land sale, and locked in the 2023/24 operating budget.

Following a successful year of Get the Blessing – Ascension’s endeavor to help members and others experience God’s blessings through worship and ministry – Pastor Tim charted a course that will now guide us to Be the Blessing. He reminded the 75 or so meeting attendees that God blesses each of us so that we can, in turn, bless others. While Ascension already does that in a multitude of ways, Be the Blessing opens the doors to growing current ministries and creating new ministries and endeavors that will help more and more members participate in ministries that they feel called to.

Pastor Tim aligned the different Be the Blessing initiatives with Ascension’s motto: Invite, Grow and Serve, as seen in this chart:

Look for more information about Be the Blessing – and how you can participate – in the coming weeks.

Attendees also received an update from Immediate Past President Ed Klodt on the land sale that will pay off the short-term loan to complete the Early Childhood Center. The buyer of this land is building a three-story apartment building with 79 apartments, six of which are designated for low-income housing. It’s a complex project that has been subjected to numerous starts and stops, delaying our sale. 

Ed reported that the land sale continues to move slowly through the City of Thousand Oaks, and that a review of the buyer’s plans by the Planning Commission has been moved from its original date in October to next March. He reminded us, however, that this sale and the land’s development are consistent with Ascension’s mission and ministries in that the buyer’s project will provide badly needed housing in the community, especially for those with lower incomes. Plus, it puts 79 families within walking distance to Ascension.

The buyer has committed to continuing to reimburse Ascension for the costs of the loan until the sale is completed so that the delays have little financial impact on Ascension.

Ed thanked Bob Woodward and Creighton Van Horn for their ongoing work in shepherding this multiyear land sale project.

Annual Meeting attendees also approved the One Ascension annual report and ratified the 2023/24 budget.  Read and/or download the annual report and budget  HERE.

Ascension Foundation member Al Baker led us in the closing prayer. And the meeting was adjourned.

Ascension’s Gifts of Hope Ministry: A Look Back and “Thank You”

In the coming weeks, Ascension’s Gifts of Hope Team will be sharing information about Gifts of Hope 2023 and the many opportunities to bring hope to those in need in our local and global communities.  A “look back” is helpful history. A “look back” can inspire the future.  

In 2011, Ascension’s Gifts of Hope gifts helped bring electricity to the community of Burure, Zimbabwe.  In 2014, Ascension’s Gifts of Hope gifts helped build infohuts in Burure. Infohuts are cargo shipping containers converted to classrooms with about 20 computers.  Students use the infohut computers to learn about God and the world around them, to learn traditional school subjects, and to learn about health, safety and peacebuilding. In 2023, Ascension’s VBS wanted to “Shine Jesus’ Light in Burure” with offering gifts to keep infohut computers powered up and connected to the internet.  If you were wondering how Gifts of Hope gifts inspire the future, our friend Ninelihle Dube shares her infohut experience.  Nina is an ELCA International Womens Leadership Program Scholar, currently a sophomore at California Lutheran University.  Many of you may have met Nina when she’s joined us for worship and other events at Ascension. 

“My journey at InfoHut, an initiative of the Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, was an extraordinary experience that left an indelible mark on my life. As a resident of a developing country, I faced numerous challenges in accessing quality education and gaining essential life skills. However, InfoHut provided me with an opportunity to not only learn computer operations but also acquire vital life skills in shaping my future. Beyond my individual growth, InfoHut’s impact on the local community was evident and far-reaching. By providing education and life skills training, the initiative empowered individuals from marginalized groups, such as women and youth.

My experience at InfoHut in Zimbabwe was nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of the Lutheran Church, I not only acquired computer operation skills but also honed essential life skills that have been crucial to my personal development. The impact of InfoHut extended beyond the individual level, as it empowered marginalized groups and contributed to the progress of the local community.

As I look back on my time at InfoHut, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a better future for myself and those around me. The experience instilled in me a sense of responsibility to pay it forward by helping others access education and life skills, just as I did. InfoHut’s commitment to education and empowerment continues to inspire me, and I will carry the lessons learned with me throughout my life journey. Thanks to Ascension Church for their work and big contribution.”

Forever grateful,

Nina Dube

We join with Nina in saying “Thank You” Ascension Community for VBS offerings and Gifts of Hope in 2011, 2014 and years past. Gifts of Hope 2023 will touch the lives of many – in Tanzania, Ventura County, the Conejo Valley and the world.  We look forward to sharing more news and information with you in the coming weeks. 

Fair Trade Chocolates for the Holidays? Yes, Please!

We think every month is a time to celebrate Fair Trade! This year, we have a special way to keep the Fair Trade celebration going! Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates made with Fair Trade, organic and ethically -sourced ingredients are available for ordering!  There are 6 boxed sets of chocolates to select from including milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vegan chocolate.

Here’s the order form. Paper copies will be available in the church office and in the special folder at the Information Desk in the Narthex.

Orders can be placed until October 27th. We’ll have your orders ready for pick-up before Thanksgiving. Chocolates make a great gift to share – chocolates that care for people and planet make an extra special gift.

Signup to bring eats: HERE