Worship:
Saturday 6 PM
Sunday 9 and 10:30 AM
This Week At Ascension
Called to create opportunities for all people to become devoted followers of Christ
October 22, 2023
Moses and the Burning Bush, Dura Europas Synagogue, c. 250.
Friends in Christ,
This week we catch a glimpse into Moses’ relationship with God. It’s real. It’s intimate. It’s bold.
The story goes that Moses is leading God’s people and it’s not unfolding quite as he imagined, so he goes right to God about it.
This week, let’s wrestle alongside Moses and see if we don’t also emerge with a blessing.
In gratitude for all the ways you are the hands and feet of Jesus.
God’s Peace,
Chocolate Weekend is Here!
Ascension’s Fair Trade Month Celebration Continues!
Oct 22 – 10:30 AM. Ascension’s Library. Chef Ben Taylor of Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates in San Luis Obispo joins us, via Zoom, for Adult Ed Class to talk chocolate — Fair Trade, Ethically Sourced, Changing Lives & Really Good! We’ll be tasting some Mama Ganache chocolates too! They are sublime!
Now until October 27: 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 ordering form.
Paper copies are also available in the church office and in the special folder at the Information Desk in the Narthex. Orders can be placed until October 27 and will be 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.
Halloween is coming. And that means candy and fun treats, often made with chocolate. Most of the big brands of chocolate candy we see in store displays are not Fair Trade. In West Africa, where much of the world’s chocolate starts its journey, farmers live on less than $1 per day. Children work on cacao plantations. Many children are trafficked across borders. When we choose Fair Trade chocolate, we have a hand in empowering farmers and artisans and their families to thrive in fair and safe conditions—to send their children to school — to improve their lives and their communities – to care for our planet and its precious natural resources. So, let’s raise the bar & make it Fair Trade.
Let’s Be The Change We Wish To See!
Next Week
October 29
Presenter: Rev. Paul Gravrock
Topic: Martin Luther’s Understanding of Vocation
Being the Blessing, Together
By the time you read this, Cam Lorentson will have delivered 52 boxes of kits and quilts to the Lutheran World Relief Ingathering location in Camarillo for transport to LWR’s warehouses. Thank you, Cam!
Ascension Lutheran Church is shipping 513 personal care kits, 27 school kits and 49 quilts to LWR. We are so grateful!
We are grateful for HANDS that folded and tied personal care kits.
We are grateful for… …follow the journey, click here.
Gifts of Hope is On the Way
Gifts of Hope! Each November we lift up both local and global ministries to support, and encourage people to use these as ideas for alternative Christmas gifts to give your families and friends. You choose which of the four or all of them.
In families, ask your children or grandchildren which gift sounds good to them to give. This year, Ascension’s Early Childhood Center and School are lifting up ministries that help children. Whatever you give, may it bring you great joy as it will bless ministries near and far. To learn more and to give a gift, click HERE.
Whether your gift is $10 or $8,000 (as we just received), you will “be the blessing!”
Save the date:
First communion classes
For those first grade and up
Oct 29 or Nov 5 1-2:30
Adults attend with their child
Celebrate First communion Nov 12 in 9 am worship
“Come to the Waters” Advent Retreat
Saturday, December 2, 8:30 to 11:30 AM @ North Hollywood First United Methodist Church — Led by Pastor Chamie
The theme for this mini retreat is “Keep It Simple.” This is a perfect way to center yourself early in the season. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we can too often get overwhelmed. So on this mini retreat, you will find time to breathe deep and find some quiet space. We will explore practices that help us simplify life, simplify the season, simplify our minds, and simplify our expectations. When we keep it simple, we find that we can make more room for Jesus.
Note that this is the next mini retreat offered at NoHo First UMC with Pastor Chamie. Several others are coming in 2024.
Click here for more information.
Beautiful Christmas Greenery — Sales Support Carillons
The Carillons are selling Christmas greenery on the patio between Sunday services. There are many items to choose from for your home and as gifts for your family and friends. If you have a business, these make wonderful client gifts. You can preorder greenery until November 3. Please come by and take a look at our table on the patio. If you prefer to shop at home, check out our website. Orders will be ready for pick up on the church patio in early December. If you have any questions, please call Matt Cahill. Thank you for your support!
In Need of Prayer
Pericopes
This Week:
Exodus 33:12-23
Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Next Week:
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
Psalm 1
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Click Links for information:
Substitute Teacher Position Available
Instructional Assistant Position Available
Part-time Extended Care Aide – Contact School Office
SIGN UP HERE
Book Club Notes
The Ascension Book Club meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 in the Bethlehem Room, in the office building. The group chooses books based on members’ interest and discussion is led by one of the members. Books vary from popular novels to nonfiction. Please feel free to join us–we are a friendly group.
Upcoming books
Oct 19 “The Great Alone” by Kristen Hannah
Nov 16 “A City of Promise” by Beverly Swerling
Dec 15. “Christmas by the Book” by Anne Marie Ryan
In November we will choose books for the next few months. We are open to suggestions. Books should be available by Libby, local library, Amazon or thriftbooks.
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, Julie McCain, and Steve Herder
We are grateful for HANDS that folded and tied personal care kits.
