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

July 3, 2022

Eastern Orthodox depiction of the Seventy Disciples and Apostles

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

Our gospel lesson this week reminds us that we are a community called together for a purpose.  We worship God and proclaim the good news of His son Jesus.  And in this process, we get to experience the joy of the Holy Spirit working through us.

And speaking of worship, each week I get to hear from people about how good it feels to be back to worshiping in the sanctuary together again, there is a sense that we are recovering from the crazy time of covid.  I agree.

To continue this journey back, over the next month, we’ll gradually reintroduce three more of the practices that are a familiar part of church. We will come back to passing the peace, greeting each other face to face again. At this point it will simply be verbal greetings; we still want to be sensitive to those who wish to refrain from handshakes, but it will be peace, nonetheless.

Then, we will restore the passing of our offering plates. Many people have commented on how they have missed this incredibly important act of worship and the “box in the back” is just not the same.  We hear you.

Finally, the next step will be to return to serving communion at our communion rails for those who chose to receive communion in this manner.

While each of these have been on the “safe to do” list for some time, we have been cautious for the sake of people’s comfort levels.  The point has been to worship the best we can, while making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. We continue to remain vigilant and we continue to invite those who feel most at ease wearing masks to please do so. Thank you for your wonderful faithfulness and I am grateful for the way we have gotten through these times together.

Blessings,

Flowers on the Altar

The flowers on the altar are in honor of the 74th anniversary of the founding of Ascension Lutheran Church, July 4, 1948

Given from the estate of charter members John and Myrtle Beyer

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Congregational Meeting

Church Council President Carrie Leonard presided over our Annual Meeting June 26.

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Held between worship services, the meeting began with fellowship and breakfast treats. We filled Founder’s Hall.

Congregational Meeting
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Treasurer Mike Marvin went over the new budget, which was then voted in unanimously.

Congregational Meeting
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Pastor Tim talked about Ascension objectives for 2022-2023.

Congregational Meeting
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Ascension Early Childhood Center Director Jenny McCoy delivered some great news about our thriving ECC’s budget surplus and went over plans for the future.

Congregational Meeting
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The meeting also included Pastor Julie’s opening prayer, comments and prayer by Incoming Council President Ed Klodt, a video presentation by Bob Woodward and Creighton Van Horn regarding our lower lot land sale, and the announcement of Mara Hassenbein as our new Worship Coordinator.

Congregational Meeting
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New Worship Coordinator: Mara Hassenbein

Mara Hassenbein is assuming the new position of Ascension Worship Coordinator. She will work behind the scenes to prepare and manage a variety of aspects of our worship services.

For anyone who knows Mara, it’s easy to see why Pastor Tim thought of her as the ideal person for this post. Not only is she a top administrative assistant, she is also a long-time Ascension member and a Women’s Bible Study regular of years’ standing. All three of her children attended AL School. She is a former leader of our preschool moms’ group and has been involved in other activities, too.

Mara’s heart, faith, experience, artistry and sharp organizational skills are already assets for the Ascension office. Now she will contribute them as part of our worship team as well.

Congratulations, Mara!

Roses on the Altar

Walker Mark Nahan

Born: 6-24-22

Proud Parents: Jennifur and Josh Nahan

Proud Grandparents: Carlah and Tim Schneider

Roses on the Altar

Lyla James Woolsey

Born 6-21-22

Proud Parents: Christina and Tyler Woolsey

Proud Grandparents: Diane and Robert Starzak

Coming up in Adult Ed:

Stop the Bleed

Learn how to save a life!  Life threatening bleeding can result in death within minutes before professional rescuers can reach you. The National Stop The Bleed program teaches citizens how to control severe bleeding by applying direct pressure, packing the wound, and applying a tourniquet. Led by Diane Starzak

Sunday July 24th    10:10 am

Founders Hall

No pre-registration needed

Adult Ed July 10 & 17 at 10:10 AM

Michelangelo

One of the greatest creators of sacred art in history is Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, known simply as Michelangelo. Join Pastor Steve for this two-part Adult Ed series on Michelangelo and his journey in creating the Pieta, the Sistine Chapel paintings, and his statue of David.

The class will feature Bishop Robert Barron’s “The Pivotal Players” video in which Bishop Barron and his team travel to locations that played a significant role in the formation and vocation of Michelangelo, which in turn formed the life of the church.

Summer Sunday School

This summer, we’re trying something new and focusing on hands-on projects in Sunday School, as we have tons of fun and learn about the fruits of the Spirit.

This summer, we’ll move Sunday School back to being during our 9 am service, just for the summer.  Be sure to give Pastor Julie your feedback about which option you prefer.

Join us, even if you’ve been away for a while!

Children age 3-6th grade will leave after the children’s message and can be picked up at the picnic tables.

If you plan to have your child attend and haven’t registered them yet, please do so HERE prior to sending them: LINK

Summer Schedule:

July 3-August 28:  Sunday School!
Sept. 4: Labor Day Weekend, no Sunday School
Sept. 11: Rally Sunday, with food and games after worship.

Can’t wait to see you this summer!

Flat Jesus Challenge

Pastor Julie recently talked about the Flat Jesus Challenge in her Children’s Chat at worship. Kids can color in this drawing of Jesus and take it with them wherever they go! It’s a vacation time activity that reminds us Jesus is with us always, near or far.

Here are the instructions:

Take me with you on vacation…To the beach, the park, and even the gas station. Snap a pic and include me, too. Remember I am always with you!

Download your Flat Jesus HERE.

Post pics on facebook or Instagram—and tag Ascension

Or send to Or text to Pastor Julie: (310) 938-1346

Still Needed For VBS:

1. Help with decorating. 12-4 Saturday July 9 and 12-2 Sunday July 10. Come for ANY amount of time. Every little bit helps! Email Pastor Julie to let her know you’re coming.

2. TO BORROW: CD players with speakers and a selfie stick.

From the Global Ministries Team:

Dear Ascension Lutheran Church Members & Friends,

How is God calling you to LOVE your neighbor? How will you show your love for your global neighbor? continue reading…

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

Pericopes

This Week:

Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66:1-9 (4)
Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

Next Week:

Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Psalm 25:1-10 (4) 
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37  

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