Ascension Lutheran Church (Thousand Oaks, CA)

For Election Day, we share this message from Bishop Finck: Let us Pray for our nation and for an election process that will give witness to all of our citizens in this nation as well as those around the world that we are indeed a people that embraces civility, honesty, truthfulness, equality, liberty and justice for all.

Our 6th graders get to enjoy Language Arts everyday in our outdoor classroom. Discover the Ascension Advantage Small Class sizes, full school days/5 days a w...eek, enrichment courses (Spanish, music, PE, worship arts, etc.), 21st Century learning. www.alschool.org #ascensionlutheranschool #ascensionlutheranchurch #momsofconejovalley #privateschools #conejovalleyprivateschool #thousandoaks #westlakevillage #newburypark #simivalley #moorpark #christianschool See more

As many Americans are experiencing anxieties surrounding the election, The Lutheran World Federation sends us prayers from around the world. #ELCAVotes #ElectionDay

Friday, November 20th! 5:30 - 7:00 pm We’ll celebrate the opening of our #AscensionECC with prayers, dedication, food, and a concert with Christian country blue grass band Brush Arbor! Physically distanced, with masks on, in the big parking lot. www.brusharbor.com

This week’s devotion from Susanne Hopkins! Monday Morning Bible Study Devotional, Nov. 2, 2020 Dear Friends in Christ:... I was rummaging through an overflowing drawer when a piece of cardboard flew out and landed on the floor. I picked it up, turned it over. It was a little poem written by Vera Mae Thomas, The Cross in My Pocket. A memory surfaced. Decades ago, when my dad was awaiting a serious surgery and becoming increasingly anxious, I gave him a little pocket cross to hold onto. My hope was that it would remind him that he was in the Lord’s hands, that he was much loved. Perhaps it would help quell his anxiety. Maybe you need a pocket cross right about now. Amid the alarmingly escalating cases of Covid-19 and a host of other disasters, both man- and nature-made, the highest-stakes presidential election is tomorrow. It is a time fraught with anxiety. Fearful of violent protests no matter the presidential race outcome, some states have marshalled the National Guard. Cities such as Beverly Hills are boarding up pricey shops to deter looters. In recent days, several friends have told me they cannot sleep and have had to stop watching, listening or reading the news. The anxiety in our nation now exceeds that of any time in most of our lifetimes. I think it is time to hold onto the cross. I like what The Cross in My Pocket says: I carry a cross in my pocket With me wherever I go To remind me of the Lord Jesus The One who loves me so. It’s not a statement to the world Meant for all to see But a reminder of the covenant Between my Lord and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out coin or key I remember the cross of Jesus And the price He paid for me. The cross is not a good luck charm It casts no magic spells It simply means that I am a Christian And Jesus within me dwells. It reminds me of His saving grace The Truth that lights the way And to strive to serve Him better Each and every day. It reminds me, too, to be thankful For the blessings I receive And that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life If only I’ll let Him be. So I keep this simple cross with me Wherever I may be As a reminder of my Savior Who died on Calvary. No, this little poem doesn’t mention anxiety or stress, but it does reminds us to keep hold of the cross, whether in our pocket, around our necks, on the shelf or just in our hearts. The cross is our reminder that we are loved, that we have been saved at very great cost, that Christ dwells within us, and that we have much for which to be thankful. Remember Philippians 4:6a: Be anxious for nothing God’s got us. God’s got this. God bless America. --Susanne Hopkins

[Jesus] taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Ble...ssed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:2-9). See more

Thank you for recording this beautiful anthem!

Ascension FB Live

Today, I wanted to share with you my artwork, THE PROCESSION (serigraph, 2007). On All Saints Day, we honor every Saint--those whose names are well known, the u...nknown saints of every faith, and living people today who work to help others. One of my ideas for THE PROCESSION was to show how people’s lives were connected to each other and to the lives of all of the people who came before them. The figures in THE PROCESSION have come together not only with each other, but with the Saints and biblical stories they carry on banners, and that surround them as they walk through the mission. Each life is important to every other, and today we celebrate those who dedicated (and those who continue to dedicate) theirs to the common good. See more

On All Saints Day we read the Beatitudes, Jesus's template for the Christian life (Mt 5). It is often called the "Gospel within the Gospel." How counter-cultura...l these values are: poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, peacemaking, a hunger and thirst for justice, a willingness to suffer for preaching the Gospel. Yet these are virtues that we can all live. All of us are called to be saints in our own way. As Thomas Merton said, "For me to be a Saint means to be myself." Or as St. Francis de Sales said, "Be who you are and be that perfectly well!" Image: John Nava, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, Los Angeles.

This week, Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:00am-Noon!

Live-streaming worship today at 9:30 and 11:00. Remember that we fall back one hour this morning. At the 9:30 service don’t miss the new Chancel Choir piece and Margaret’s amazing postlude, so appropriate for today, All Saints Day, All Saints Sunday.

From a brother in Christ from Zimbabwe! Thank you, Pastor Mtata, and greetings to all the saints there. Thank you for your prayers for us as we hold you in our prayers. Especially greet our friends in Burure whom we have connected with through our Gifts of Hope. Be encouraged even as you encourage us.