Ascension Lutheran Church (Thousand Oaks, CA)

We are so grateful for the special people who continue to serve in our hospitals. These people save lives and have been there in the most difficult moments of C...OVID response. They show up in the worst moments and bring hope. They keep watch throughout the night. We appreciate their dedication to our community members. See more

Responding to the horror of gun violence in Atlanta and the vandalism of an ELCA congregation in Seattle, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued the following statement. https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8095

Several resources have emerged in the past 24 hours that may be helpful to both the immediate LSTC community and those beyond as we address anti-Asian racism/vi...olence in the wake of Tuesday’s mass shooting. Dr. Linda Thomas calls our attention to the March 24 (1-2 CDT) webinar put together by her friend, Dr. Kwok Pui Lan (see poster below). The link on the poster is incorrect; the correct link for registering for the event is: http://bit.ly/NoAntiAsianRacism Mayuko Yasuda, PhD student, writes to us from Japan, offering several resources and these words: It is, as always, time for solidarity among Asians no matter where we are, among/with all POC, and with everyone to dismantle white supremacy. Let us take care of one another, of those who are oppressed and violated. Mayu calls our attention to this website, which offers educational resources, organizations to donate to, and a mental health hotline: https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/ And, she invites us to read this statement and sign this petition by the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum: https://www.napawf.org/stopasianhate

Dear Ventura County Community Members, We are grieving with the Asian American community and all of the victims of the horrific shootings in Atlanta Tuesday nig...ht that took eight lives, six of whom were women of Asian descent. This is the latest in a series of heinous attacks against Asian Americans across this nation, and sadly, these are not isolated events. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a disturbing rise in inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence against Asian American communities. We will continue to ensure that our county is a place where all people are welcome and our diversity is celebrated. We stand in solidarity with members of the Asian American community and those facing discrimination, hate incidents, fear, and intimidation. We must do everything in our power to make their safety a priority and to stand against all forms of injustice. There is never justification for such violence and there is no truth to any account that blames any particular group for COVID-19 or any of its variants. We must do our part by continuing to encourage ongoing discussions around topics of race, and the longstanding history of racism in our country, to break down the barriers that separate us, no matter how uncomfortable these topics may be. Engaging in dialogue about these topics does not create divisiveness. Divisiveness already exists in our society, but through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, healing and change can begin. We ask all to stand in solidarity with members of our community who are experiencing this and other forms of racism and xenophobia. We must remain vigilant and continue working as a community to identify effective and actionable ways to address this and all forms of prejudice, stigmatization, and racism. Sincerely, Mike Powers County Executive Officer

As we thank God for Bishop Davenport, our synod bishop, Rev. Murray Finck, is asking our congregations to pray for God’s leading as we will be electing a new synod bishop June 4-5. Ascension’s Carol Bjelland serves on the synod committee preparing for that election.

Romans 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

The LWR 2021 Quilt and Kit Ministry Guide is now available! Your start-to-finish guide on assembling, packing, and shipping LWR Quilts and Kits to our neighbors in need around the world. Order a hard copy or download today! https://lwr.org/downloads/quilt-kit-ministry-guide-2021

February 18 Martin Luther, Renewer of the Church (10 November 1483 18 February 1546). Almighty God, we praise you for the men and women you have sent to call the Church to its tasks and renew its life such as your servant Martin. Raise up in our own day teachers and prophets inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to your Church and proclaim the reality of your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

This week’s devotion by Susanne Hopkins! Monday Morning Bible Study Devotional, Jan. 4, 2021 Dear Friends in Christ: It’s a brand-new year. Time to get cleaning.... I’m not talking about cupboards and refrigerators here; I’m talking about soul cleaning. Now’s the time for out with the old, in with the new. Out with the old: worries, resentments, regrets, pessimism, anger. In with the new: optimism, joy, hope, faith, and love. Create in me a clean heart, o God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 5:10a) With God as your cleaning partner, you can do it. You can relinquish those soul-sapping emotions and have a clean heart and a right spirit in this new year. It is time, as a sign on my office door reads, to accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be. Well, that was my idea for this week’s devotionalbut the Holy Spirit, working through a dear friend, had a better oneor at least a better way of expressing it. Just as I was writing notes for this piece, an e-mail popped into my inbox from a fellow Life Group member. This anonymously written dispatch said just what I was going to say (only it’s much cleverer!). It is too good not to share, and I daresay it has now been circulated to the ends of the earth, but in case you haven’t seen it, here it is: Welcome aboard Flight #2021! We are preparing for an on-time departure into the New Year. Please make sure your attitude and actions are secured and locked in an upbeat and upright position. All self-destructive thoughts should be turned off at this time and remain off forever. Any negativity, hate, and discouragement must remain completely stowed. In the unlikely event we lose altitude while under pressure, simply reach up and pull down a prayer. Prayers will automatically activate if you have faith. With faith, you will be able to assist other passengers. There will be NO BAGGAGE allowed on this flight. Now, Captain God has cleared us for takeoff. Our first destination is Love, with continuing stops at Peace and Joy. Before you deplane make sure you don’t leave any of your hopes and dreams behind. Once these are lost, they cannot be reclaimed. If there’s anything we can do to make your flight more enjoyable, please do the same by paying it forward. We wish you a pleasant flight! Amen. --Susanne Hopkins

Worship in the Home for Epiphany of Our Lord (Wednesday, January 6) is now available. Epiphany offers an occasion for a blessing for a home. An order for blessing is included that you may use in your own home. https://blogs.ELCA.org/worship

Now available: schedule for the 2021 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering! https://bit.ly/3ay9gHB Register today!

Today is the eleventh day of Christmas. Receive this Christmas blessing.

For Epiphany Sunday, I wanted to share EPIPHANY (serigraph, 1988). The Magi and their companions travel the serpentine trails through many exotic countries. Th...ey search the constellations and the stars for a sign. Angels gather around the brightest star to help them in their search . One of the Wise Men looks at the chart of constellations with his magnifying glass, another searches the sky with his telescope. They travel with their camels, horses, and donkeys carrying their gifts and treasures, and exotic birds and dogs. The tapestries that drape the animals depict ancient symbols including the Lion of Judah, the lamp in the darkness, the rain falling on the parched ground, the key to the locked door, and the gates to the city. The hills are covered with many kinds of plants, shrubs, and trees, deepening the colors and details. See more

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

Ascension Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, CA - Live Facebook Stream

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.

Ascension FB Live

Today is Reformation Day! By the end of the seventeenth century, many Lutheran churches celebrated a festival commemorating Martin Luther's posting of the Ninet...y-five Theses, a summary of abuses in the church of his time. At the heart of the reform movement was the gospel, the good news that it is by grace through faith that we are justified and set free. (Bread for the Day 2020, p. 415) See more

You're Invited - Prayer Services & Dialogue Around Our National Election

Protect yourself and your neighbors wear a mask, practice physical distancing and wash your hands. We all share the responsibility for creating a healthy society, as Martin Luther reminds us in his 1527 essay Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague.

A morning devotional reflection from Pastor Steve a few days before the election. One of our devoted people of prayer at Ascension emailed me last night saying that she may have to turn off the news the next few days. She wrote: I think it might be best if I avoid the national news for a few days. ... Is there a Bible verse or two that you might suggest that would help me stay grounded in Christian Faith-I am tryingThanks. Whatever your political thoughts, perhaps everyone feels that way sometimes. This was my response to her. [Ironically, posting this on social media now!] Good morning, .... I hear you and I understand. Yes, I think the less news and the less social media the better. And more reading/listening to the Word, and also listening to music that uplifts you and brings you joy. Yesterday on my long walk (from home to work!) I listened to the music of the band Brush Arbor. www.brusharbor.com. They will be the band for our ECC celebration on Nov 20 in the big parking lot. You could find their music on YouTube. I know you have your own favorite music too. Bible readings Jeremiah 29: verses 7 and 11-13 Pray for the shalom of the city. The four chapters of Philippians. Colossians 3:12-17 Psalms 103, 139, and 145. Micah 6:8 As we read the Hebrew prophets, they were constantly talking about faith in God and justice to neighbor, in the context of their political situation. The day before Good Friday, Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers! John 17 That to me speaks volumes. God bless us with peace and our country with civility and unity, Pastor Steve

Get a little glimpse of the space around and behind the modular as Pastor Chamie invites you to an important work and pray day on Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a next step of living into our vision of becoming a church and school in a garden. Signup link is in comments https://vimeo.com/473543990

"Please join me for this special occasion to pray for the good of our nation on the eve of Election Day. Even as we pray, we are called to participate in our na...tion’s electoral process as one way God works through us to love and serve the neighbor (Matthew 22:39)," invites Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her election statement (10/28/20 - https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8075) See more

November 1st and 5th 6:00pm PST https://fb.me/e/1yEZKzNK4

Based on Micah 6:8