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

April 10, 2022

Palm Sunday

Click HERE for more info about the art

Grace and peace to you, my sisters and brothers in Christ,

This weekend the Christian church around the world celebrates one of the most colorful events of its faith heritage-the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We call it Palm Sunday. This event was foreseen by the prophet Zechariah, and it had royal significance. Going all the way back to the anointing of Solomon in 1 Kings, the donkey was a mount that kings would enter the city on to celebrate joyful and peaceful occasions. And the Palm branches as we understand best from Revelation 7, were waved by people as they shouted “Hosana!” as a sign of celebration and victory. And yet… there is something ironic happening. Knowing what we know after the fact, that Jesus was the only one in Jerusalem that day that knew that very crowd that was shouting “Hosana!” would be shouting “crucify him!” just four days later changes the whole meaning. Turns out, it’s about humility. Let’s talk more about it this weekend in church.

Blessings,

Holy Week and Easter

April 10 Palm Sunday: 9 and 11 AM, Saturday observance April 9

April 14 Maundy Thursday: 9 AM Chapel and 7 PM Evening

Holy Communion at both the morning and evening services with bread baked by the Ascension School 6th graders

April 15 Good Friday: 11:15 AM Chapel and 7 PM Evening

April 16 Saturday Easter Service with Country Spirit, 6 PM

April 17 Easter Sunday:

7 AM Outdoor Sunrise Service in the future Garden Oasis

The service will be under the oak tree behind the modular at the far end of the big parking lot. Please note that walkways are primarily dirt and wood chips.

9 AM Traditional Festival Service with our Chancel Choir, Carillons

11 AM Contemporary Easter service with Praise Alive

Holy Communion will be served at each Easter service

10:30 Easter Egg Hunt

Easter mural

Pastors in front of mural 2021 (1)

maundy Thursday icon

Good Friday crosses

Easter 2021 parking lot

Easter - Pastor Tim in front of lily cross

Easter - children's chat crowd

Easter - parking lot 2 2021

Click HERE for an Easter/Holy Week invitation to download and share.

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

Give an Easter Lily for Remembrance

Majestic Easter lilies beautify our sanctuary each year—and you are invited to donate one or more in honor or remembrance of someone special to you. You can purchase an Easter lily by filling out a flower envelope in the pew rack and enclosing $9 for each lily ordered.

LAST CALL: Whether you are attending our school’s auction or not, you can still bid online if you register here, via our school site. Bidding ends at 7 PM Saturday night.

Nature Explore Applauds Ascension!

Our focus on nature and creation care is a big part of what makes Ascension Lutheran School such a special place to grow in learning. We are delighted that the school has not only achieved recertification through Nature Explore, but that this prized designation came with lovely kudos. Here is part of the letter received by Pastor Chamie:

“Thank you for being an instrumental part of our global movement of bringing the benefits of learning with nature to children everywhere! Through your work, you are making a difference by enhancing quality nature education, whole-child development, and the well-being of children and adults. We look forward to seeing your new additions!…Thank you for continuing to celebrate children and joy-filled learning in your outdoor classroom…” — Nana Gilson, Nature Explore

Take a look at Ascension’s page on the Nature Explore website

Our new accountant:

Welcome, Cecille Clayvielle!

Ascension’s new Senior Accountant, Cecille Clayvielle, undoubtedly deserves the title of She Who Came the Farthest to Join our Team. She made a journey of more than 7,000 miles, in fact, since the mother of three sons and grandmother of four granddaughters originally hails from the Philippines.

Her heart full of God’s love is right at home here. She notes that she chose her new post, out of several opportunities that had come her way, because she feels Ascension is like a family.

Certainly, Cecille’s faith has brought her through some dark valleys. She tells the story of her youngest son READ MORE

Help Support our Youth at the Chili Cook-Off

When: Sunday, May 1st from 1:00-6:30

What: Help pick up trash and replace trash bags

Where: Thousand Oaks Library Park

Why: This is a great way to support our youth as the Rotary Club donates money to us for helping in this way! We need more helpers to make this work though.

Contact: Dianne Beck, Youth Director,

Letter from Eastern Europe, April 1

Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration: A Missionary Update from Slovakia

The following is a newsletter update from Rev. Kyle & Ånna Svennungsen, ELCA missionaries in Slovakia:

Greetings dear partners in ministry!

We are writing to you from Bratislava, Slovakia. At Bratislava International Church, our theme for Lent is ‘Walking with Jesus: Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration.’ This theme was chosen before the war in Ukraine began and it has taken on a whole new meaning in these last four weeks. Not only is there need for repentance, reconciliation, and restoration with our Creator; but also with one another.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MISSIONARY REPORT

Monday Morning Bible Study Devotional, April 4, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ:

I love stories—I love reading them, hearing them, telling them, writing them. It’s what propelled me into journalism, a career I relished for decades. What could be more fun than visiting with people and hearing their stories—and then writing them? I was constantly astonished at the lives people—just ordinary people like you and me—had lived.

It was enthralling. And it convinced me that everyone… (continue reading)

Thank you, Pastor Steve:

Baby Book Group

Pastor Julie’s Baby Book Group meeting last Sunday was, well, awfully cute. Pastor Steve subbed for Pastor Julie since she needed to be away with family. Participants each received a copy of the book, God’s Wonderful World. Babies, be sure to stay tuned for news of the next Baby Book Group and come, bring your blankets and parents for a guaranteed good time.

babies 3

babies 2

babies 1

New Mask Guidelines

Masks are optional throughout the whole service including singing. The communion servers will wear masks.

Attend via Zoom:

Help for Refugees

Ascension’s Matthew 25:35 ministry leader, Eloise Cohen, will be part of a panel taking about the Conejo Interfaith Refugee Welcome Team at Moorpark College’s Multicutural Day, April 12.

From the panel description: More than 76,000 Afghans have been brought to the U.S. since last summer, when they were airlifted from the Kabul airport during the chaotic final weeks of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This presentation will give background information about their resettlement and effort currently ongoing in Southern California, and specifically Ventura County, to assist them.

Go to the MCD Agenda to learn more and get a link to attend via Zoom.

Click HERE to help now.

Coming Up in Adult Ed

Sing a New Song

From where do the words of a song come? What is the inspiration? What is the intention behind the words?

I have written texts for twenty-seven hymns, many of which we have sung here at Ascension. Some were written in preparation for significant events, and some were written in response to events. Some just seemed to happen. In every case, it was and is my hope that God is glorified through the words of these hymns.

I invite you to join me for the Adult Sunday School class on April 24, where I will share with you the stories behind my hymn texts. We will likely sing a bit too.

Pastor Paul

CLICK HERE FOR INFO AND APPLICATION

Join The Green Faith Team

Nature Wants You!

Go out and thank God for God’s beautiful creation!

And join our Green Faith Team on Wednesday, April 27, at 7 PM, starting in the Bethlehem Room, and then walking outdoors on our campus, before sunset at 7:37!

(We meet on the “forth” Wednesday of each month because we are “for” creation!) Team leader: Kristine Werner.

~ Pastor Steve

yellow and purple flowers

poppies

GARDEN NEWS

Help is needed in this next month leading up to and through our annual Tomato Plant Sale and Garden Festival which is Friday, April 29, 2:30-5:30 and Sunday, May 1, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

If you are interested in being on the “Tomato Team,” contact Pastor Chamie at .

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and Compost: In the Outdoor Classroom – and at lunch – Ascension students continue working at perfecting their knowledge of what item goes where: chip bags in the trash, paper in mixed recyclables, and apple cores in the food waste composter. Students are learning about the wonders of composting and getting to play with worms.

Ascension Lutheran School is special. We know that, and we want to get the word out! Please watch this excellent new video about our school, and share with anyone who might be looking for a school that combines faith and top academic standards. We want everyone to know about our wonderful school.

CLICK HERE to watch video.

Save the Date

VBS Will be the Week of July 11 in the Mornings

In Need Of Prayer

Click Here For The Ascension Prayer List

Don’t miss another TWAA

Click HERE to receive a link to every issue!

Pericopes

This Week:

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16 (5)
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 22:14 — 23:56

Next Week:

Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (24)
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Luke 24:1-12

Best Practices for Submitting Your Newsletter Stories CLICK HERE

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MOMENTS WITH CHRIST This painting of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is part of Manuel Baldemor’s exhibit at the Atrium of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, which runs till March 31. It employs a technique that consists of letting the paint drop from the brush as the artist guides it. “In similar fashion, I can give homage and meditate on the drops of blood Christ shed for our sins,” Baldemor says.

Read more HERE.

The Artist and His Art

Manuel Baldemor

Manuel Baldemor is a Filipino painter, sculptor, printmaker, writer and book illustrator.

He is best known for his paintings on various media that depict scenes in simplified geometric forms with a folk art character. Most of his subjects in art are his hometown, its people, their everyday activities, and their celebrations.

His works are known not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. He is an artist-in-residence in Chile, Estonia, France, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and Portugal. His works is known internationally because UNICEF is reproducing his works as greeting cards that are distributed worldwide. (Wikipedia MORE INFO) (And HERE) (And HERE)

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Welcome, Cecille Clayvielle!

Certainly, Cecille’s faith has brought her through some dark valleys. She tells the story of her youngest son being stricken with leukemia when he was two and half years old. He endured chemotherapy off and on over the next five years.

“It was so awful, I was so afraid. You think, ‘Why my baby? Why not me?’” she remembers.

At long last, little Charles began to get better.

Then a lot better.

He became well and began to excel in school. He graduated and joined the Air Force and obviously became a star there, too, eventually working in intelligence.

“He graduated first in his class,” says Cecille, beaming.

There’s more.

Charles was recognized with Airman of the Year honors in 2017. During the time he was stationed in Japan, “he personally briefed President Trump. I am so proud to say that,” she says.

Now, having recently completed his service, Charles is studying to become a doctor — with the aim of joining Doctors Without Borders.

Cecille says, “I am thinking, ‘This must be the reason that God saved him from the leukemia — he’s meant for greater things.”

There were other times she leaned hard on her faith. Leaving her abusive first marriage — and the Philippines — in 1980 was one of them. Until she was able to bring them to the States, her two older sons stayed with her mother in Manila.

“It was hard…but I had to do it,” she says resolutely. At the time, if one called the police because of domestic violence in the Philippines, “no one would come. It was very different from here.”

Having worked in accounting for Philippine Airlines, she was able to get work in the U.S.

“The first boss I had sat down with me and trained me. I thought I was good when I graduated and passed the CPA exam, but I did not understand a lot of things. But he trained me and now I can examine any books. I’ve done forensic accounting.”

She lived in West Los Angeles, working at companies in Century City and Santa Monica, until she happened to meet Charles Clayvielle III. (Their son is Charles Clayvielle IV). They married in 1991.

Charles (senior) recently retired after six years in the navy followed by a stint as a federal employee with the Department of Homeland Security out of Point Mugu. The couple lived in Oxnard, then moved to Camarillo when they bought their current house. With them is their third granddaughter, A.J., short for Alyssa Jade.

“I never had a girl. I wanted so much to have a girl,” says Cecille with a laugh. “And now I have four granddaughters!”

The eldest is in her twenties, lives in Texas and just got married. The second lives and works in the Philippines, and just left California after visiting Cecille and her husband. The youngest isn’t even two yet. She also lives in the Philippines.

A.J. “goes to school in Camarillo. She is 13 years old. My husband takes her to school. She is his favorite granddaughter. They’re very close,” Cecille shares.

Sunny and friendly, Cecille also happens to be a terrific cook who provided delicious treats at her first two staff meetings. Yum!

We welcome you, Cecille, and we’re so happy to have you on board!

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A Missionary Update from Slovakia (continued)

Someone once said, “Sometimes in the worst of times, you see the best in people.” Despite how the world aches each day from more news of innocent lives being destroyed in Ukraine, we also see God at work in so many ways as a result of this war. We see people from around the world opening up their homes to Ukrainian refugees. We see donation centers overflowing with goods to be shipped to Ukraine or for refugees to pick up supplies as needed. We see free transportation offered for any Ukrainian refugees from the surrounding countries as they flee in search of safety. This is just a snapshot of the many other efforts we see from so many kind people. It seems the world is certainly walking with the people of Ukraine during these dark days, just like we believe Jesus is walking with them too.

We have been blessed to be able to buy goods and deliver them to donation centers. These donation centers put out new lists daily that call for items of greatest need. Kyle has volunteered at a donation center that organizes thousands of goods from clothing, to toiletries, to non-perishables and more. Some of these goods are shipped directly to Ukraine and other goods shared with refugees in our own community. Many of our friends here have opened up their homes to refugee families, people they’ve never met but happily welcomed. Others in our congregation have paid for hotel rooms that serve as temporary housing for refugee families.

The main train station in Bratislava has an ‘Info Point’ setup for all the Ukrainian refugees arriving there. Ukrainians can travel for free on regional trains and other public transportation in all of the neighboring countries. Some refugees have attended worship with us and we have helped with putting some up in hotel rooms. Many are unsure of where they are going, or where they might want to settle, and are unsure of when and if they will be able to return to their home.

Once they claim refugee status/seek asylum in a country, they cannot leave that country. It is a big decision for refugees to make when they are already overwhelmed from fleeing their war torn country. Many are mothers with children and the elderly who have just left behind the men in their life; husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, etc. These people are simply overwhelmed and exhausted. At the train station, they often collapse from pure exhaustion as they exit the trains. There is always a crisis team available to help with psychological and medical needs. At the Info Point, there are also people from the city office ready to offer assistance with housing, legal aid, and information about the city and the immigration process. A local cell phone company has even offered free SIM cards so refugees can use their cell phones.

There are two waiting rooms designated for the refugees; a family room and a general waiting room. In them are free microwave meals, coffee, tea, mattresses, blankets and more. The family room is mainly for mothers and children to use as they wait for their next train or need a place to spend the night. There are mattresses, travel cribs, high chairs, changing tables, toys, a TV with kids shows and movies, and couches. There are also free clothes, strollers and baby carriers for them to take if they need them. It is a helpful place of rest for these tired mothers and families.

Ånna organized a group from church to clean, disinfect, and organize these waiting rooms. They watched as families came and went, finding hope in the excited faces of children when they saw all the toys. It seemed to be for them a sense of something familiar in an unfamiliar time and place. They were even able to play with the children, and give just a moment’s break to their mothers. It is almost unbelievable for us to imagine what they are going through, but then we witness it with our own eyes. The strength and resilience we see in these mothers is truly inspiring. The bravery of the men who stay behind to defend their country, their home, leaves us in awe. We’ve heard their stories first-hand and see them walking with Jesus in bold ways. But most of all, we see Jesus in them and their experience, and our call to walk with them.

As we journey through the rest of this Lenten season, we invite you to notice with us all the ways in which the Ukrainian people walk with and embody Jesus. Be bold in your own response to walk with and embody Jesus for those in need in your community too. And most of all, we invite you to join us in unceasing prayer for peace to rise from the ashes of this war as soon as possible. Pray with us that leaders may see reason and the extreme toll this is taking on so many innocent people. Thank you for your concern and prayers. Your support carries us through each day. Know that even though we do it 5,000 miles apart, we are walking with you through this trying time and praying for you every step of the way.

To Give to Lutheran Disaster Response, visit their webpage HERE.

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Monday Morning Bible Study Devotional, April 4, 2022 (continued)

has a story. Everyone—not just politicians, celebrities, writers, artists, adventurers and the like. Some of the most inspiring stories came from salesclerks, piano teachers, former addicts, hairdressers.

The ones I liked best were the faith stories, people recounting their spiritual journeys and how they had discovered God’s staunch faithfulness, His provision, His protection, His guidance. Those were exhilarating.

You know, all of us who are Christians have a story like that. And we’re supposed to tell it.

He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation…” —Mark 16:15

“Preach the gospel”? Well, that might be a stumbling block for most of us, since the vast majority do not have the gift of preaching. And yet we’re called to tell the story of Christ. Indeed, in a world where hope is vanishing amid rampant evil, hatred, plague and violence, people need more than ever to know Christ’s gospel of love, forgiveness, redemption.

I have to admit, I have been remiss in this. Maybe you have, as well. Feelings of inadequacy, fear, awkwardness and shyness work well in silencing the story. So how might I—and perhaps you, too—overcome them and get the word out about Christ?

I think we tell the best story there is: our own.

After all, we know that story—no more education or knowledge required and no one better to tell it. I’ve been trying out this theory—albeit tentatively. It’s kind of funny what happens. The more examples I share of God’s goodness to me, His provision, His care and love…well, the joy and gratitude just spill out.

Is it catching? Well, here’s the best part. It’s not my job (or yours) to convince people to accept Christ. That’s God’s work. It’s only my job to tell my own story, just plant little seeds of faith. It’s up to God to make them grow.

The world needs to hear our stories of grace, hope and love. This week, why not ask God to open some doors (even one door) of opportunity for you to share your journey with Christ?

You might just change someone’s life.

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.—Philemon 1:6

—Susanne Hopkins

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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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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:

Shari Saucerman, for complete and swift recovery from
heart surgery this past week

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

Lara Abounayan
Kyle Ayers
Karen Barrows
Maria Bartush
The Bauer Family
Vickie Beard
Addie Behm
Gloria Benfatto
Carl Bohning
Debi Bing
Skip Brenner
Mary Cartrett
Dominic Cavaliere
Beverly Clark
Nancy Coffman
Linnea Cortlang
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
Scott Klipp
Barbara Krum
Valerie Krum
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:

Ask God to build up our resiliency, optimism,
hope and confidence in God’s presence in today’s world.

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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 COMFORT FOR:

Pastor Julie McCain and family, on the death of her grandmother, Naomi

Manuel Abounyan and family, on the death of his mother, Marie

Prayers for the family of Susan Baird on her passing

PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR:

Nancy Hoffman, scheduled for surgery to remove a tumor April 11

Laurie Peyton, who has a broken back

Shari Saucerman, as she awaits delayed heart surgery

CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:

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 Congregations In The ELCA, Southwest Synod

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and staff

SWCA Synod Bishop Brenda Bos and staff

Our Channel Islands Conference:

New Hope, Agoura Hills

Mt. Cross, Camarillo

Christ, Goleta

King of Glory, Newbury Park

Holy Cross, Ojai

Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Oxnard

Our Savior’s, Oxnard

Trinity, Santa Barbara

Emanuel, Santa Paula

Shepherd of the Valley, Simi Valley

Holy Trinity, Thousand Oaks

Trinity, Ventura

(To learn more, ask one of the pastors)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Remember in prayer our neighbors in countries and regions beset by conflict, civil unrest or violence, including places we have forgotten because they have slipped from headlines. Pray for healing, hope, and strength for our neighbors who suffer trauma, loss displacement or uncertainty, and pray that leaders will work to resolve conflicts, reconcile enemies and forge new relationships based on justice, respect for human life and mutual concern.

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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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