Grace and peace to you my Ascension family!
It’s finally here! Rally Day has finally arrived and with it the beginning of our five part series on worship entitled “Get the Blessing/Be the Blessing.”
I hope you are excited as I am to enter into the important five week conversation. My goal is that this conversation helps us to grow as a church and accomplish our incredibly important mission “to create opportunities for all people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.”
And what better way to start this conversation than with a party? Join us. Enjoy the day! Be the church. Amazing things happen when we get together for worship.
See you Sunday at 10 AM!
Blessings,
Rally Sunday—it’s ON!
This year, our Rally Sunday celebration will be September 11. There will be one worship service, at 10 AM, with Blessing of Teachers and Backpacks. Then it will be on to a celebration with food, music, games and lots of fun!
Last year’s Rally Sunday was one of the most popular events of the year! We thank everyone who turned out, especially our crew of mighty volunteers — from setting up to running games to helping with the tear down afterwards. And, no surprise, we will need volunteers again, the day before and the day of the event. Can you lend a hand?
We need help with set-up (8:30-9:30), and also during the fun (11-1), and with clean-up (1-1:30). Plus: Cakes, Cookies, cupcakes or other treats. It’s for a cake walk, so please make sure your items are packaged in a transportable way!
A Five Week Sermon Series Launches this Weekend:
All of life’s events are more special when we celebrate them alongside of others. In fact, life is better together. So why would it be different with worshipping God each weekend?
We’re part of a community that has been coming together like this for centuries. In the process we Get the Blessing. But it doesn’t end there. The cycle continues as we become inspired together to serve others, just as Jesus and his disciples did. That’s when we begin to Be the Blessing. Let’s become inspired together to serve others, just as Jesus and his disciples did.
On Rally Day, September 11, and the following four weekends’ worship services, we’ll feature a sermon series focusing on worship themes that most of us never consider and why worship is so critical to a vibrant, joyful life.
Come join us in September and October to Get the Blessing and Be the Blessing.
Welcome, Jenelle!
Jenelle Smith is now officially our newest church staff member. She has joined the office team as our new administrative assistant. She will have a wide range of ministry responsibilities in addition to being the first smiling face visitors see when they come into the office. We are glad to have you with us, Jenelle!
Coastal Cleanup Day:
Saturday September 17, 2022, from 9 AM – Noon
Volunteer for a traditional single-day cleanup event. The City of Thousand Oaks is looking for volunteers to help collect litter along Arroyo Conejo Creek South and its tributaries. Volunteers should meet at Borchard Park picnic area C behind the tennis courts at 8:45 am to receive collection supplies and instructions. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring their own water bottle (refills available), face mask (optional), and gloves (a limited supply of nitrile gloves will be available on-site). A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.
You also can also participate by cleaning your neighborhoods, parks, and other local areas throughout the month of September, and continue throughout the year when you can. By doing this you help to prevent trash and recyclables from entering our storm water systems and potentially our waterways, coast and ocean.
CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION
Confirmation Orientation for 7th & 8th graders and their families is September 22, 5:30-6:30 PM. in-person.
What is Confirmation? A chance for 7th and 8th graders to dig deep into their faith (while having some fun, too!) It is also a two-year preparation period (don’t get intimidated!) for the service of Confirmation, where students essentially say “Yes” to God–that having learned more about their faith, they want to keep going in it!
If you’re a 7th grade family and not able to make the meeting, please email to set up a time to meet to go over the Confirmation requirements.

Now available on Amazon!
Our own Ascension member, Janet K. Gardner, announces the arrival of her new book!
With Scripture-mirroring poems, inspiring ink-washes, and discussion questions, Dandelion Tea in a Weedy World helps guide people of all ages into a deeper, more personal relationship with the Bible and God’s endless love.
Book signings coming soon! And Janet’s “Secrets of Dandelion Tea” Adult Ed coming to a Sunday in early 2023! Help spread the word!
Your reviews on Amazon are greatly appreciated. Thank you! (LINK)
Buto Service and Reception
The service honoring the life of Dr. Tim Buto will be September 24 at 2 PM in the sanctuary For those who can’t make it in person, the service will be streamed live on our website and Facebook page.
If you would like to attend the reception, you are kindly asked to RSVP through Signup Genius so the family can plan accordingly. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Upcoming Sunday School Schedule:
Sept. 11: No Sunday School, but join us for Rally Day!
Sept. 18: Re-Launch of Hands-on Sunday School
Register by clicking HERE
Check out the display at Rally Day to see what experiment we’ll be doing at our Re-launch on the 18th!

Save the Date 
September 25
10:10 AM

Community
Vigil for
Mark and Jacob Iskander
September 29, 4-6 PM, Three Springs Park
In Need Of Prayer

Grace and Mental Health- A support group
We are starting a support group for people who have been impacted by mental health issues in their families. The group will be based on the acclaimed book: Grace for the Afflicted and led by Ascension member Taty Valladares.
The group will begin in late September or early October. We are considering two possible times: Saturdays at 3pm and Tuesdays at 7:15pm. If you are interested, please contact Taty at or call 818 378 7205.
Minor Maintenance Ministries – a New Approach to an Old Favorite
Chances are you remember Minor Maintenance Ministries. 3M, as it is also known, was set up to connect volunteers with seniors who need help with small tasks that are sometimes difficult for them. We’re working to revive 3M and looking for volunteers to make it happen. Remember, these are minor jobs – sizes and times to fit any volunteer. In fact, have a look at the volunteer form task list and see for yourself! There will be a 3M Ministries table on the patio Sept. 11, Rally Day, with signup forms. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, contact Beverly David at (805) 428-5144.
Don't Miss Rally Day!
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 55: 1-5
Luke 19:1-10
Psalm 100
Next Week: