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

March 13, 2022

Friends in Christ,

This life of faith sure changes and challenges us, doesn’t it? I find that Jesus doesn’t leave me much time to stay stagnant. There’s always someone new to love (that I might not want to!), some gift it’s time to share, or some way to journey deeper.

You won’t want to miss worship this Lutheran Schools weekend. If you come on Saturday, you’ll be blessed by Pastor Chamie representing the school and preaching. On Sunday, Ascension school students will sing, and Principal Rich Gregory will preach and dive deep into where Jesus is leading us, sharing stories of transformation from our campus, too. Jesus is at work at Ascension in some big ways, and we want you to know about it!

In gratitude for all the ways you are the hands and feet of 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

Note:

Remember to Spring Ahead before going to bed Saturday night.
Saturday, 6 PM (Irish-themed service) Chamie Delkeskamp
Sunday, 9 and 11 AM Rich Gregory

Prayer Vigil For Ukraine

Ascension is holding a prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine at 6 PM to 6:45 PM, Tuesday, March 15, in the church sanctuary. All are welcome. There will be prayers, lighting of candles and music.

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY

In the Garden, Pastor Chamie Finds Treasures for Mind, Body, Spirit

Did you know that a mere twenty minutes in nature has been proven to lower the stress hormone cortisol — and regular visits reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease? There are other health benefits, too.

Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp is well versed in such information, and learning more all the time.

She has been studying Horticultural Therapy in a program through Colorado State University since autumn of 2021. She completes her certification in the fall, adding this new strand of knowledge to Click HERE to discover what this means for Ascension.

Tomato Plants!

AN ADVANCE LOOK

Besides an array of tomato plants from which to choose, buyers at this year’s annual Tomato Plant Sale (April 29-May 1) will have a chance to preview locations for the new garden.

“We’re going to have a pop-up greenhouse where the future steel and glass framed greenhouse is going to go,” says Pastor Chamie Delkeskamp, “and an old utility sink that’s going to go where there will be the kitchen. When people come for the sale, students will be able to tell them about it.”

Our ECC students, Ascension School students, Sunday school students, confirmation students, and Senior High Luther Leaguers have planted over 900 tomato seeds in the past week – which includes more than 30 varieties of tomatoes! More than a third of the seeds have already germinated and our children and youth are tenderly caring for the baby seedlings. Come buy tomato plants, support our young people, and discover the vision of our new “One Ascension Oasis” (Ascension’s outdoor learning, worshiping, and gathering community) at the Annual Tomato Plant Sale and Garden Festival.

Adult Ed This Sunday

Naomi Mbise, from Tanzania, is an ELCA International Women Leaders Scholarship Recipient studying at Cal Lutheran.

Join us on Sunday, March 13, for Adult Education hour in Founders Hall at 10:10 to meet and greet her and to hear her story.

We will also hear an update from the amazing Holden Village in Washington.

Upcoming Adult Ed

March 20 Eric Berg and Pastor Jack will teach on the apocrypha book “Bel and the Dragon.”

March 27 Join Ascension member Ed Klodt at 10:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 27th, as he discusses his latest book, Inspiring Generosity, and shows us how great art can become an amazing devotional tool in our faith walk.

In Need Of Prayer

Click Here For The Ascension Prayer List

News Briefs

“Beautiful You” Donations Needed

The Women’s Interfaith Network needs YOU to donate clothing for young women ages 15 – 22. CLICK HERE for more info.

Dr. Carol Bartell Lecture at CLU

The governance of public schools is a rather complex issue that incorporates various government entities at the federal, state and local levels. Added to the mix are a variety of organizations and special interest groups that have an impact on what is taught, how it is taught, to whom, and under what circumstances. In recent times, schooling has become highly politicized. However, this is not new. To understand how this happens, this lecture will examine the structure of public education in the United States and how it has evolved. Ascension’s Carol Bartell, Dean and Professor Emeritus of CLU’s Graduate School of Education, will deliver this lecture March 31 at 10 AM via Zoom.

Click here for more information and to register.

Ways to Help Ukraine

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” – Mr. Rogers

The help pouring into Ukraine is encouraging. Our own Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief are answering the call with ways we can assist our brothers and sisters there.

We have a DOUBLING GIFT OFFER through LWR and the Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin: Our friends at Nelsonville Lutheran will double all gifts from congregations – up to $258,000 – for our neighbors suffering in the Ukraine crisis. CLICK HERE TO DONATE THROUGH LWR.

Our Lutheran Disaster Response is also on the ground in this crisis, accompanying our companion churches in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as the Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. HERE’S HOW TO HELP THROUGH LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE.

All checks received by ALC designating LWR-Ukraine Crisis will be forwarded by ALC to Lutheran World Relief. Please indicate on the memo line on your check “LWR-Ukraine Crisis.”

World Water Day is Coming Up

On Saturday, March 12, at 10 AM, you are invited to join the Sierra Pacific Synod Hunger Network on Zoom for “Water Is Life!” an exploration of our faithful and grateful response to the amazing gift of water and the current global water challenges. Featuring: ELCA World Hunger Water Ministries with Rev. Michael Busbey.

SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 12!

Irish St. Patrick’s Day Service

On March 12, our 6 PM worship service will be turned over to the Emerald Isle – complete with piper and bodhran drum. If you remember last year’s very special St. Patrick’s Day-themed service led by Nancy Lee, you will no doubt want to make sure to come, and if you missed it, well, make double sure to be there this time. Sign up for Irish treats afterwards (click here), so she will know how much to make!

Bowls of Hope Needs You!

Volunteers are needed for the Many Mansions fundraiser, Bowls of Hope, at CLU March 20.

Here is the link for helpers

Whether you are able to volunteer behind the bowls or not, please do consider attending this delicious and worthy event.

Here’s the RSVP and learn more link.

Cookies Needed For Lenten Fellowship In Founders Hall

The Library Committee needs Cookies each week for the fellowship time in Founders Hall after the Wednesday evening service. The remaining dates this year are March 16, March 23, March 30 and April 6. If you want to provide cookies for any of these dates please call Dolores Ledbetter at 805-716-3045 or 805-750-7646.

SAVE THE DATE:

VBS Will be the Week of July 11 in the Mornings

OUR AFGHAN NEIGHBORS

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35

Many of you have asked “ How can we help Afghans who were evacuated from Afghanistan to the US?” CLICK HERE for complete information.

Take Faith Home with

Join Pastor Julie for a five-session series about doing faith at home. Faith 5 is a tool to use for about 5 minutes every day and see your family grow closer!

Between worship services from 10:10 to 10:50 in the Library.

We’ll hear the challenges and success of others and discuss practical ways to implement it in your home. Come to as many as you’re able (it’s easy to catch you up)! This practice works great with kids as young as 3!

March 13:

Bring your kids, because Sunday School (age 3– 6th grade) is available at the same time.

Donuts and coffee are on the patio just before!

Questions? Write

Part time employment position available at Ascension Lutheran School

Supervise students before and after school as well as during recess during school hours. Must be willing to be trained in CPR/1st Aid and have a live scan fingerprint. Experience in working with children is preferred but not mandatory. Must be 18+ years old. Part time position only within the hours of operation: 7:30 AM-6 PM – hours may be flexible $14 per hour. See Career Opportunities at ALCTO.org

Rose on the Altar

Jackson D Winfrey

Born: February 20, 2022

Proud Parents: Shane & Ryan Winfrey

Proud Grandparents:

Kim & Jim Overton

INTERNSHIPS AT ASCENSION

Attention Students in Accounting and Related Disciplines: We have two internship opportunities at Ascension, 10 hours a week each. Please check our Career Opportunities at ALCTO.org

Help Decorate the Makerspace Lab at Ascension Lutheran School!

Clean out your closet, garage, or office and donate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) items to help decorate the ALS Makerspace lab. We welcome the following:

Posters featuring STEM companies and careers
Old models, prototypes, and design plans from the fields of architecture, engineering, medicine, computer science, etc.
Posters, prints, and quotes from famous scientists and inventors
University pennants or posters
Fossils, rock and mineral collections, petrified wood, solar system mobiles, rockets, periodic tables, taxidermied specimens, and anything else STEM related.

Please bring donations to the Ascension Lutheran School office. Questions?

Don’t miss another TWAA

Click HERE to receive a link to every issue!

Pericopes

This Week:

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27 (5)
Philippians 3:17—4:1
Luke 13:31-35

Next Week:

Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8 (1)
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9

Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE

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Green and White Minimal Photographic Sleep Health Instagram Multi Page Post

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY

Continued from front page...

...what she has called her vocational tapestry of pastoral care and counseling, spiritual directorship and, of course, teaching.

Her new expertise is bound to profoundly enhance Ascension’s garden — today and as it will be when the lovingly and carefully planned new garden is completed.

Her journey into this arena began when she was reading a story about someone struggling with grief who had found relief by working with a horticultural therapist.

“I didn’t even know there was such a thing,” she admits.

But she was fascinated. At Ascension Lutheran School, planting bulbs after the tragic accident that took the lives of students Mark and Jacob Iskander in 2020 — and seeing their beautiful flowers blossom in the spring — seemed like a natural answer to their peers’ and teachers’ collective grief.

“We didn’t even know,” she says, “we had done some horticulture therapy right there.”

Then Pastor Chamie was in a Barnes & Noble store, and saw the book The Well Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature by British psychiatrist and gardener Sue Stuart-Smith. The book was featured in a display, impossible to miss. She ended up making it the focal point of a study at Ascension.

“I think God just puts things together and says, 'I’m going to lead you this way,'” observes Pastor Chamie.

She sits in the quiet space near Ascension’s Memorial Wall after morning chapel. The scents of sage and citrus blossoms waft around in a light breeze. Pastor Chamie’s excitement over the Ascension Garden as a place of healing, worship and learning lights up the imagination like the sunshine lights up the patio in the wake of a passing cloud.

On the school side, she envisions three aspects of Garden use: Nature Explore, Academic Excellence and Therapeutic.

Ascension, as you likely are aware, is a Nature Explore certified school. This hard-earned designation means that the school meets a high standard of providing outdoor learning — in art, music and other disciplines — and free play opportunities.

Toward Academic Excellence, “We are focused on the best possible learning…My hope is we can raise up kids who come up with brilliant solutions to climate change and learn for the future.”

She describes the enterprise and academic learning greenhouses of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where students learn about plant growth and business, and sell their crops such as poinsettia plants at Christmas. Our planned garden greenhouse will afford Ascension such opportunities.

And toward therapeutic ends, there are the previously-mentioned health benefits, the calming impact of the outdoors — and the fact the environment can be safe and mask free at the same time.

For the church, the possibilities for great things from the Ascension Garden are seemingly endless:

The planned outdoor worship space;
A water feature with nooks nearby for prayer;
Food and cooking events, from-garden-to-outdoor kitchen-to-table;
Greenhouse gatherings for prayer, classes, support and creation care groups;
Potentially, farmer’s market events we can open up to the community, sharing the light and love of the church with those who don’t know the church

…and so much more in this space of flowers and beauty all around.

“I think of Pastor Steve and Senior Adult Ministries,” enthuses Pastor Chamie. “I didn’t realize there are so many adaptive garden tools for people who have arthritis, for people who use walkers, for people with vision challenges….

“I learned about how we do gardening for people who have dementia, and it was amazing. They’ll remember, ‘I was in the garden,’ or ‘I used to live on a farm.’ Food in itself brings back memories; flower scents bring back memories.”

Pastor Chamie’s coursework has also covered how caring for plants and growing food has been shown to help some people struggling with addiction, or eating disorders.

The next phase of the Ascension Garden build isn’t pretty — unless you’re one of the souls who appreciates the loveliness of dirt in vast quantities, and drainage and sewerage.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Pastor Chamie is one of those souls.

She is highly enthused about the work of the garden’s brilliant design and engineering planners including Ascension members Blanca Hoffmeier, Wes Meyers, and Jeff Hengst.

Also aboard the team is Jack Koenig, a great garden booster, supporter and team member, who views the garden as key to Ascension’s healthy future. Among other things, he has contributed numerous nature books and items, from puzzles to a birdhouse.

“We have Debra Kusnierek on the garden team,” adds Pastor Chamie. “She has studied environmental science and occupational therapy. She is going to be doing a project with us for her graduate work this spring. Debra was looking at all our plans and what we’re doing and says the space and design are so forward-thinking.”

Another Ascension alumna, Emily Bean, is on the team as well. Her class, the class of 2019, had donated a $2,000 gift to the garden fund. Emily reached out to her fellow alums and asked what they would like to do with it. It was decided that they wanted a bench and a tree placed in memory of their late classmate Braden Wilson, who died of Covid in early 2021.

A tree will be planted in the name of our late sister in Christ, Ascension member and teacher Susanne Maliski as well. We can sit under it and tend it, and think about how she would have loved it because she loved the students and loved this place.

It will be a garden for all our days in so many ways, sharing the love and light.

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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:

Scott Klipp (Todd's brother), who is recovering from having his small intestine removed and awaiting a transplant

Barbara Krum, who fell and broke her wrist, for smooth and complete healing

Valerie Krum, who is recovering from a knee replacement

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Lara Abounayan

Kyle Ayers

Karen Barrows

Maria Bartush

The Bauer Family

Vickie Beard

Addie Behm

Gloria Benfatto

Teri Bettum

Carl Bohning

Debi Bing

Skip Brenner

Mary Cartrett

Dominic Cavaliere

Beverly Clark

Nancy Coffman

David Corra

Linda Crabill

Harry Delkeskamp

Carl Dietrich

Diana Doerfler

John Ernst

Becky and Al France

Jane Ganske

Terry Gillette

Malia Hassenbein

Bob Herder

Shaeley Huber

Penny Hunter

Marilyn Johnson

Micky Johnson

Bob Kielhorn

Jim Lawson

Dr. Allen Leland

Grace Lugo

Judy Marshall

Sue May

Colleen McCarthy

Sandi Meyer

Shirley Meyer

Verlon Meyer

Kevin Morrow

Bill Munn

Angela Naginey

Jim Neumann

Paul and Betty Olson

Carol O’Gorman

Orlando Orozco

Brandt Stephen Oschner

Dale Ota

Laurie Peyton

Gary Phillips

Lois Phillips

Mike Ricci

Marilyn Ripley

Dave Rosinbum

Pastor David Palma-Ruwe

Tom Saldin

Debbie Saunier

Dorothy Scholz

Barb Schornstein

Arnold Schwarz

Margaret Skinner

Jerry Smith

Dan Thiel

Jan Timmons

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:

Harbor House

Tuesday 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:

Prayer service for Ukraine Tuesday, March 15, 6:00 PM Ascension sanctuary. All are welcome.

Light a candle

Sit in silence

Sing a lament

Kneel in prayer

Stand for peace

Pray for the people of Ukraine and surrounding areas.

“When our song says peace and the world says war, we will sing despite the world. We will trust the song, for we sing of God who breaks the spear and sword and stills the storm of war.” Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #709

“This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine.” #887

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9

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Ascension Lutheran Foundation Scholarships

It’s that time of year for scholarship application submissions. Scholarship applications are now available for high school seniors and continuing college students.

To be eligible, all applicants are required to submit two (2) Scholarship Recommendation Forms (completed by a teacher or other qualified person) which are found HERE.

A. Interested students can apply in two ways:

1. Download the SCHOLARSHIP PACKET and print it out, or pick up a copy at the church office, complete the packet in its entirety, and mail the form to:

Ascension Lutheran Church Attention: Scholarship Committee
1600 East Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

2. Or fill out the application on-line through the Foundation website.

B. When is it due?

1. Deadline for applications is April 22, 2022. If you have any questions regarding how to apply for scholarships, you may email Foundation Grants and Scholarships Chairperson HERE.

C. Distribution The recipients will be recognized in a church service on June 12th, 2022.

Thank you and God Bless.

Ascension Lutheran Foundation Scholarship Committee

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OUR AFGHAN NEIGHBORS

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35

It’s now been almost six months since the fall of Kabul prompted the largest military evacuation of refugees in history. In a matter of weeks, more than 76,000 Afghans arrived in the US, all but about 10,000 of whom have since been resettled in communities across the country. The sheer number of new arrivals has posed significant challenges both for the government and the nine refugee resettlement agencies tasked with assisting them. It has taken time for us to get the necessary information about how we can help.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is one of the nine resettlement agencies doing this work. We have been in contact with them and joined webinars to learn more about how to help. LIRS is involved on many levels, (and is now monitoring the situation in Ukraine) but is not the resettlement agency for our area. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is the agency helping in the greater Los Angeles area and our friends at LIRS have encouraged us to work through them. Our local Conejo Interfaith Refugee Team is now working with IRC to assist some of the newly arrived Afghan families.

The attached flyer provides a sign-up genius and more detailed information about how you can help. Ways to help:

Donate to Ascension’s Matthew 25:35 dedicated fund for refugees and immigrants and designate for Afghan resettlement OR
URGENT NEED FOR TRUCKS, DRIVERS, FURNITURE MOVERS
Donate to United Methodist Church’s dedicated Fund. (link below)
Give items of need by using the sign up genius. (link below)
Donate to the wish list at IRC (link below).
For more info, contact Ascension’s Global Ministries & Matthew 25:35 Outreach Team Ministry Teams:

NOTE: LINKS ON FLYER ARE INACTIVE

USE LINKS BELOW.

DIRECT LINK TO INTERNATIONAL RESCUE — LA.

DIRECT LINK TO SIGNUP GENIUS TO VOLUNTEER ITEMS OR SERVICES

DIRECT LINK TO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WESTLAKE

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Attendance & Offerings

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Offerings to Date

Through February 27, 2022 (week 35 of 52)

FY2022 Received: $922,434

Budgeted: $897,589

Windfall/(Shortfall): $24,845

FY2021 Received: $934,398

Budgeted: $891,700

Windfall/(Shortfall): $42,698

Attendance

All three weekend services

February 26-27

In Person: 264

Online: 165

February 19-20

In Person: 192

Online: 134

February 12-13

In Person: 183

Online: 179

Jan 31-February 6

In Person: 218

Online: 163

January 24-30

In Person: 174

Online: 205

Jan 17-23

In Person: 169

Online: 170

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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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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