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
December 4, 2022
Second Sunday of Advent
Friends in Christ,
What brings you hope? In our Romans reading, Paul shares a blessing that is my prayer for you, and that I suggest you use to pray for others this week:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
This weekend, let’s talk about how we can abound in hope. And, don’t forget to join us on Sunday afternoon for snow (including hot lefse for sale) at 4 pm, and Hanging of the Green at 5 pm.
May you abound in hope!
Fun In The Snow!
Carols and Hanging Of The Green!
And So Much More! CLICK HERE FOR THE
Adult Ed This Week
Celebrating Advent in Word, Deed, and Song
Advent is the beginning of a New Church Year. It a season of preparation, reflection, and renewal that is celebrated by Christians throughout the world. How do we celebrate this season in our church and in our homes? How do you mark the season in your own families? Does the season become lost in the busyness of Christmas preparations? How can we make this season more meaningful? Join Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp and Carol Bartell as we share our Advent journey together in our Adult Education classes on December 4, 11, and 18.
News Briefs
Lefse Making
The high schoolers will be making Lefse on the evening of Friday, December 2 and morning of Saturday, December 3 in Pederson Hall, and we’re inviting everyone to join the fun and come help! The lefse will be sold, along with cocoa and baked goods at the Hanging of the Green on Sunday, December 4. If you’d like to help, please join us Friday, December 2 beginning at 5:00 PM or Saturday, December 3, beginning at 10:00 AM. Also, if you have any equipment you would like to donate to the cause, such as lefse grills, potato ricers, potato peelers, and rolling pins, those are also much appreciated. Contact Dianne Beck, Youth Director, at .
Cobbler Sign Ups
If you are coming to the Saturday, Dec. 17, Cowboy Christmas service and would like to have some of Nancy Lee’s famous Dutch Oven Cobbler afterwards, please sign up! She needs to know how much to make. CLICK HERE to go to our ALCTO.org Announcements page to Sign Up. If you need help, call the office.
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.
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.
TAIZÉ WORSHIP
When does adding equal subtraction? It is when adding an event to your calendar reduces your stress.
Each Wednesday evening in Advent (November 30, December 7, 14, and 21) we will have a Taizé service in our beautiful sanctuary from 7:00-7:45 PM.
Modeled on the worship style of the Taizé Community in central France, these simple services will take place in a candlelit setting. Seven or eight chants will be sung, a scripture passage will be read, and periods of silence will allow ample time for prayer and meditation.
Advent is a busy time, but adding these services to your schedule will create oases of calm for you amid the hustle and bustle of these days. Whether you want to join in the singing or bask in the singing of your fellow worshippers, please come. You will find yourself more centered and better prepared to experience the fullness of joy that Jesus’ birthday brings.
Pastor Paul On The Unique Benefits of Taizé
Support Ascension Lutheran School
We are dedicated to providing academic excellence through our Christ-centered teachings. Donate today and help support expenses for our continued success with our TK-6 program. Visit www.alschool.org/annualfund/ or contact Principal Rich Gregory at or 805.496.2419 for more info.
Last Call for Fair Trade Treats This Year…
We thought having a Fair Trade Pop-Up Sale would be a great way to close out what has been another great Fair Trade year at Ascension. We’ll have Fair Trade chocolates, coffee, tea, cheese and snacks to help you fill your pantry for holiday gatherings with family and friends. Small bags of mini chocolates make great stocking-stuffers too! This will be the final opportunity of the year to purchase tasty Fair Trade treats from us. Everyone is invited. We look forward to seeing you.
Fair Trade Pop-Up Sale—Thursday, December 8 – 2:30-4:30 PM — Ascension Back Parking Lot (Gate will open at 2:30 PM)
Thank You Ascension for your support of justice for people and our planet through Fair Trade.
Calendaring Retreat:
Setting 2023 to Life-Giving Rhythms
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
$50, Lunch Provided
Poet Mary Oliver wrote, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” As we begin a new year, you are invited to bring your calendar and join Pastor Chamie for a half day retreat where we will explore Christian rhythms of work and rest, of prayer and service. You will have time to ponder where and to what and to who God might be calling you in this next year.
Do you long to live less busy and more full? Do you want to intentionally make time for certain endeavors? How might organizing your calendar bring you closer to God? On retreat, you will have time for individual reflection as well as community time around the table.
Registration opens next week. For more information, contact Pastor Chamie at .
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 at on Sunday, January 22nd from 12-2pm. This meeting will focus on the basics of the Christian faith and on the ministry of Ascension. Childcare is available and a complementary lunch will be provided.
To RSVP, please call the church office at (805) 495-0406 or email Janelle Smith at .
Offerings & Attendance
Creation Care Tip:
Choosing a Tree
The most eco-friendly holiday tree option is a live, potted, native tree that you can plant after the holiday season. In California you can even rent a potted Christmas tree, and they will take care of it for you between seasons!
If getting a potted tree is not possible, reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing a locally grown cut tree, and making sure it gets mulched or otherwise recycled—rather than put into the landfill—when the holiday is over. We are lucky here in Thousand Oaks that our trees are picked up and mulched, and then we can go and pick some up for our gardens.
Studies have shown that cut or potted live trees are a much greener choice than an artificial tree. Artificial trees have all sorts of chemicals on them and in them that are harmful both to the environment and to us. But if you must have one; be sure to check the label for harmful chemicals.
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:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Next Week:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:5-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE
News Brief
Lefse Making
The high schoolers will be making Lefse on the evening of Friday, December 2 and morning of Saturday, December 3 in Pederson Hall, and we’re inviting everyone to join the fun and come help! The lefse will be sold, along with cocoa and baked goods at the Hanging of the Green on Sunday, December 4. If you’d like to help, please join us Friday, December 2 beginning at 5:00 PM or Saturday, December 3, beginning at 10:00 AM. Also, if you have any equipment you would like to donate to the cause, such as lefse grills, potato ricers, potato peelers, and rolling pins, those are also much appreciated. Contact Dianne Beck, Youth Director, at .
Cobbler Sign Ups
If you are coming to the Saturday, Dec. 17, Cowboy Christmas service and would like to have some of Nancy Lee’s famous Dutch Oven Cobbler afterwards, please sign up! She needs to know how much to make. CLICK HERE to go to our ALCTO.org Announcements page to Sign Up. If you need help, call the office.
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.
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.
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News Brief
Lefse Making
The high schoolers will be making Lefse on the evening of Friday, December 2 and morning of Saturday, December 3 in Pederson Hall, and we’re inviting everyone to join the fun and come help! The lefse will be sold, along with cocoa and baked goods at the Hanging of the Green on Sunday, December 4. If you’d like to help, please join us Friday, December 2 beginning at 5:00 PM or Saturday, December 3, beginning at 10:00 AM. Also, if you have any equipment you would like to donate to the cause, such as lefse grills, potato ricers, potato peelers, and rolling pins, those are also much appreciated. Contact Dianne Beck, Youth Director, at .
Cobbler Sign Ups
If you are coming to the Saturday, Dec. 17, Cowboy Christmas service and would like to have some of Nancy Lee’s famous Dutch Oven Cobbler afterwards, please sign up! She needs to know how much to make. CLICK HERE to go to our ALCTO.org Announcements page to Sign Up. If you need help, call the office.
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.
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.
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Ascension Lutheran’s 2022
Good News of Great Joy!
THOUSAND OAKS—Jesus, God’s love in person, is coming! In the spirit of Advent—preparation for the birthday of this Holy Child— Ascension is planning special events throughout the season. Please plan to join us!
November 27 – First Sunday in Advent
November 30 (Wednesday) – Taize Advent service, 7 PM
December 2 (Friday) at 5 PM and 3 (Saturday) at 10 AM – Lefse making, Pederson Hall
December 4 (Sunday) — Family Fun Snow Time, 4-5 PM; 5-5:15 PM Lighting of the Tree and Carols; 5:15-6 PM Hanging of the Green
December 7 (Wednesday) — Taize Advent service, 7 PM
December 9 (Friday) – School Christmas Program, 6 PM
December 11 (Sunday) — Compassionate Friends memorial service, 6 PM
December 14 (Wednesday) – Taize Advent service, 7 PM
December 16 (Friday) – Christmas Chapel, 11:15
December 17 (Saturday) – Caroling – Meet at the Bus in the big parking lot!, 12:30 PM (will be finished before 3 PM); Cowboy Christmas Worship Service 6 PM
December 21 (Wednesday) — Taize Advent service, 7 PM
December 24 (Saturday, Christmas Eve) – Christmas Eve services, 3 PM, 5 PM, 7 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM
December 25 (Sunday, Christmas Day) – Christmas morning service with Holy Communion 9:30 AM
Let’s Celebrate Christ’s Birth Together
Ascension will have five services on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, beginning at 3 PM and continuing every two hours through 11 PM. Special family services will be held at 3 and 5 PM. Traditional services are scheduled for 7 and 9 PM, while a candlelight communion service will be held at 11 PM.
On Sunday morning, Christmas Day, join the Delkeskamp Family for one of their favorite traditions — Christmas Morning Worship with Holy Communion at 9:30 AM.
Poinsettia Dedications
Would you like to dedicate a poinsettia plant for the sanctuary in honor of, or in memory of family members or other loved ones? Please use a flower envelope from the pew rack and write what you want to say. Place in the offering box or return to the office by Dec.16. Dedications will be published online and in print. Donations are $10 this year.
Family Snow Fun & Hanging of the Green
On Sunday, Dec. 4, there’ll be snow play fun right here in our parking lot, from 4-5 PM. Even better, our youth will be serving lefse, hot off the grill, with a selection of favorite toppings! What a tasty fundraiser!
At 5 PM, we’ll head into the sanctuary for lighting of the Christmas Tree and carols. Families with kids who might wish to head home after the first 15 minutes are welcome to do so, while the rest of us enjoy Christmas music together until 6 PM.
All are welcome! Bring your friends for the fun!
Dec. 4, 4-5 PM It’s Snow Time!
5-6 PM Hanging of the Green
Scenes from Last Year
Celebrating Advent in Word, Deed, and Song
Advent is the beginning of a New Church Year. It a season of preparation, reflection, and renewal that is celebrated by Christians throughout the world. How do we celebrate this season in our church and in our homes? How do you mark the season in your own families? Does the season become lost in the busyness of Christmas preparations? How can we make this season more meaningful? Join Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp and Carol Bartell as we share our Advent journey together in our Adult Education classes on December 4, 11, and 18.
Caroling!
Get the blessing, be the blessing as you bring Christmas joy! Meet at the bus in the big parking lot at 12:30 PM, Saturday, December 17. We’ll finish before 3.
School Christmas Program
One Ascension families, mark your calendars for December 9 at 6 PM!
Get Inspired with Our Advent Devotional
Need some special reading material for Christmas? Check out our Advent Devotional. Each year, members and the pastors of our congregation volunteer to write a devotional for the Advent season, and students from our school provide special artwork.
The booklet, which is a project of our Library Committee under the direction of Dan Lareva, is a wonderful vehicle for spending a little time each day thinking about Jesus and what His birth means. There will be printed copies available soon in the Narthex. You’ll also be able to find the writings on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Cowboy Christmas
You won’t want to miss this favorite Yuletide event. Special cowboy Christmas music and surprises from Country Spirit & friends that’ll make you feel like you’re out on the range, under a blanket of stars, feeling mighty close to God. Wear your Western clothes if you like. Afterward, enjoy Nancy Lee’s legendary Dutch oven cobbler.
Dec. 17 at 6 PM
If you are coming to the Saturday, Dec. 17, Cowboy Christmas service and would like to have some of Nancy Lee’s famous Dutch Oven Cobbler afterwards, please sign up! She needs to know how much to make. CLICK HERE to go to our ALCTO.org Announcements page to Sign Up. If you need help, call the office.
TAIZÉ ADVENT SERVICES
This year, Ascension is offering Wednesday Evening Taize services through Advent.
Taize services center on distinctive and repeated prayer chants, usually lines from the Psalms or other pieces of scripture, repeated or sung in canon. The repetition is designed to help meditation and prayer. There is scripture, and there is silence.
It is a special way to take time away from the bustle and stress of the outside world at this time of year, for awhile, and tune into what Advent is all about: a time of quiet waiting, a time of contemplation of the wonders and mysteries of God, and of course, of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14 and 21 in the Sanctuary – all at 7:00 PM
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