Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” - Mark 10:15-16
I recently came across a helpful distinctive question that reshaped the way I move in my spiritual journey. The question is this - Are you seeking to DO something or are you seeking to BE something.
It is an interesting and difficult question. One much like the pronouncement that Jesus conveyed to the rich young ruler. I have been sitting with that question. In life we are continually asked what we DO, as a way of helping others define who we are,…and that is a question of purpose.
We WANT our lives to have purpose. However, I believe, beyond even more deeply than purpose, we really would like our lives to have meaning. We want meaningful relationships and experiences, and we want a meaningful existence. Although meaning and purpose are not mutually exclusive, without meaning we frequently lose the depth of purpose. We seek meaning to be able to give our purpose “legs”. So when Jesus says “you lack one thing” I wonder if it is not the depth of meaning.
We may have all the “things” this world can offer us, but without Christ, without meaning and belief, what do we really “have”?
Peace, Pastor Erin
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.
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.
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. He will be sharing a SITREP (Situation Report) from time to time to keep us connected.
Are you seeking spiritual direction, life coaching, or grief counseling?Pastor Erin is here to offer a listening ear and support as you navigate life's challenges.Your first session is completely free. After that, there will be a nominal fee for church members. Pastor Erin can be reached at pastorerin@tlcventura.org or by phone at 805-644-7474 to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward greater peace and fulfillment.
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 17 - Megan Bovenzi, Karen Jensen, Hector Ortiz October 18 - Mulvina Smith October 19 - Victoria Laux, Anneke Zeko October 20 - Ethan Nicolle October 21 - William Grewe October 22 - Ethan Lietz, Nick Mohler, Bill Weinerth
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and families for the recent passing ofRochelle Nagy, grandmother of Danielle Mendoza.
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Comfort, Healing and Strength: Mulvina Smith Nancy White Chris Wilson Belinda Olson Bill Weinerth Mike Diaz The family of Rochelle Nagy, grandmother of Danielle Mendoza at her death.
