“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. - Mark 10:15-16
This passage is not unfamiliar to us. We know that Jesus tells the disciples and the people “let the little children come to me “ (Mark 10:14) And He then uses this interaction as a way to teach all of us to welcome the children.
Jesus often physically touched people and/or WAS touched by others. In a world where we are more and more devoid of human contact, (because of Covid, or concerns about permission, or appropriate touch), it has been more difficult to find ways to be genuinely supportive and affectionate. There are many people who ache to just be appropriately touched without fear of abuse or manipulation, or exploitation. So we continue to practice and find in-roads and ways to build trust every time we meet.
These are important practices to which we need to keep paying attention. Little ones often echo the worldview of their parents, and they often are rewarded for those imitations. Conversely, children sometimes react against the beliefs of their parents, and that creates conflict. It takes a lot of work, and education and life experience to grow beyond the patterns that we learn as children.
It is no surprise that Jesus picked up the children and blessed them “even if” or maybe “ESPECIALLY if” it bothered the disciples. Children are an important part of community life, they are our future.
What are ways that Jesus makes it clear to you to safely engage with others?
Peace, Pastor Erin
Join Us for a Season of Learning and Connection! Download our schedule to see what's happening at TLC, mark your calendar, and join us for our Fall activities!
If you consider TLC your church home, whether or not you’re a member, we’d love for you to add or update your information in our upcoming Church Directory! Please take a moment to review your details. Click the links below to add/update your information or review the current directory.
If you'd like to update or add your picture, send a photo to Leo at office@tlcventura.org or find Anna between services to have your picture taken.
Blessing of the Quilts Last Sunday, we witnessed the blessing of 370 quilts, which will soon be on their way to Lutheran World Relief for global distribution. Our talented TLC quilters have spent the last year lovingly crafting these quilts. A special thank you to Judy Eldeb and her quilting team for their dedication and beautiful ministry.
As All Saints Sunday approaches on November 3, we take a moment to remember members of our church and families who are no longer with us. To include a recently-departed family member in the service, send a photo with their birth and passing dates to office@tlcventua.org by October 28.
Join us for the this month's Young at Heart on October 17! The sign-up sheet is available on the welcome desk.
On Saturday, October 19, get ready for a frightfully fun night under the stars! We'll kick off the evening with a pumpkin painting extravaganza at 5:30pm. Bring your own pumpkins and let your creativity run wild with our paint and brushes.
Then, settle in for a screening of the classic Halloween film, Hocus Pocus, at 6:30pm on the TLC lawn. Don't forget to bring your favorite snacks, drinks, cozy blankets, and chairs to make the most of this magical movie experience.
Our annual Book Give-Away will be on October 27, in the fellowship hall between services and after the 11am service. We will be accepting donated books the week of October 21-26. Drop the books off in the garden room, or you may see Leo for assistance. On October 27, donations of food or other items will be taken to Project Understanding or The City Center, and cash donations will go to Trinity’s Neighbor Aid fund to help families in need.
Pastor Todd's Naval Service Update Pastor Todd is currently serving with the Navy aboard the USS KIDD (DDG 100) in Everett, Washington, from October 8 until his return on November 2. While he is away, he will be sharing updates and sending us a SITREP (Situation Report) from time to time to keep us connected.
Please keep him, the crew, Rebecca and Amelia in your prayers during this time.
Pastor Erin is a certified Spiritual Director and an ELCA Life Coach. She is also taking classes on Grief Coaching. If you would like to have someone to talk to about your life with God or helping you to reach a goal, feel free to contact her to set up a time to talk.
Spiritual Direction - Support in grounding spirituality in everyday living and/or deepening your relationship with God.
Life Coaching - Helping you to reach your goals in a specific timeframe.
Grief Coaching - Journeying alongside you on your pathway through grief.
Irma Tierney is recovering from a broken hip, and a meal train has been set up to support her and Dennis. If you'd like to bring a meal or donate a Grubhub or DoorDash gift card, click on the link below or contact our Faith Community Nurse, Karen Jensen, RN, PhD at 805-644-7474.
Next Blood Pressure Check: October 20 Blood pressure checks are available the 1st and 3rd Sundays in the prayer room between services. Our faith community nurse, Karen Jensen, RN, PhD, will be on hand.
Project Understanding is in need of any type of nonperishable food items and heavy plastic grocery bags.
City Center is in need of any type of cleaning supplies and size 6 diapers.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please place items in the baskets located in the gathering space.
October 9 - Kaja Boas, Benjamin Laber October 10 - Marilee Stockman October 11 - Reed Childress October 12 - Eva Connelly October 13 - Saundra Hynek, Nancy White October 15 - Todd Iverson
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
Nancy White for healing and comfort.
Belinda Olsen for comfort and strength.
Bill Weinerth for healing and comfort.
Mike Diaz for comfort and strength.
Family and friends of Shawn Faye, friend of Amber Newman (TLC Preschool Office Manger,) at his death.
