He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. - John 21:17
In John 21:15-19, we find the disciples at the water’s edge, having breakfast with the risen Jesus. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus invites them to breakfast on the shore, where He already has fish prepared for them. The imagery is rich—wading in the water and sharing a meal with Jesus. These are not just casual activities; they are deep symbols of our faith.
First, the water reminds us of baptism, as we are washed of our sins and brought into the imagery of being immersed into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Just as the disciples waded through the water, so are we called to step into the waters of baptism, symbolizing our own death to sin and rebirth in Christ. Baptism is the beginning of our relationship with Jesus, marking us as His own and inviting us into a new life. The disciples’ encounter with Jesus on the shore signals a new beginning for them.
Second, the breakfast meal with Jesus points us to the sacrament of Holy Communion. Jesus shares food with them, just as He shares Himself with us in communion. In this sacred act, we remember Christ’s body and blood given for us. We are nourished spiritually, fed by His love, grace, and presence. Communion is an ongoing encounter with the risen Christ, a reminder that He sustains us in our faith and empowers us to live out His love in the world.
After the meal, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter affirms his love, and Jesus responds with a call to action: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” The act of communion, of being fed by Christ, is not a passive experience. It’s meant to propel us into action. As we are nourished by Jesus, we are called to take that nourishment and share it with others—bringing His love, compassion, and grace into the world. Baptism, communion, and the call to action are all intertwined in our journey of faith.
How are you being called to live out your baptismal identity, to actively share the love you receive in communion, and to bring Christ’s light into the world around you? In what ways can your daily actions reflect the risen life of Christ that you’ve encountered?
Peace, Pastor Erin
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
Thank You for Your Handiwork We are deeply grateful to the talented and caring members who lovingly created our prayer shawls. Your beautiful handiwork brings comfort and serves as a tangible reminder of God’s embrace to those in need within our TLC community.
Thank You for Your Hospitality A big thank you to Karen Jensen and the amazing FAM kids for the delicious volunteer appreciation cake last Sunday! Your generous hospitality was a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate all who serve.
Join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone—Don and Phyllis Wilt are marking their 70th wedding anniversary! What a beautiful testament to love, commitment, and a life well shared.
During this Easter season, let's enhance our celebration by adorning the cross with the gift of fresh flowers, symbolizing the new life and hope of Christ's resurrection.
Please bring your blossoms to the church so we can create a vibrant and fragrant display. Your floral contribution will be a beautiful testament to the joy of Easter that fills our hearts.
Join us for Young at Heart on Thursday, May 15 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Come enjoy food, fellowship, and fun! Sign up at the Welcome Desk to let us know you're coming.
Join us for a special worship service on Saturday, May 18 at 10:00am! During this single service, we will celebrate the confirmation of two of our wonderful TLC youth. Immediately following the service, we will hold our annual congregational meeting. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!
2025 TLC Endowment Fund Scholarships Trinity Lutheran Church members and active participants planning to attend college or vocational school in 2025–2026 are invited to apply for a TLC Endowment Fund Scholarship.
Applications and information are available on the church website and at the Welcome Desk.
Deadline to apply: May 23, 2025 – no late applications will be accepted.
Questions? Contact Kristie Wallace at (805) 208-3599 or kristielynnwallace@gmail.com.
Whale Watching Opportunity Exciting news for nature lovers in Ventura! If you're interested in experiencing the wonder of whale watching along our beautiful coastline, reach out to Bill Weinerth for details on an upcoming tour and how to reserve your spot.
Don’t miss this chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat!
Please join us to celebrate the life of Bill McKeehan Monday, May 19 at 1:00pm Trinity Lutheran Church All are welcome to attend and honor his memory.
Project Understanding is in need of canned and packaged goods, and heavy plastic bags.
City Center is in need of paper towels and toilet paper.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please place items in the baskets located in the gathering space.
May 7 - Joan Sheydai, Allison Staples May 9 - Luke Ortiz May 11 - Matthew Bovenzi, Dawn Buehler, Christian Laber, Sandra Mingus May 12 - Nicholas Wallace May 13 - Julie Dahl-Nicolle
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort
Amber Donahue
Mike Diaz
Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Passing of
'25 Goal based on 2.5%+ over '24 actuals - $548,020.88/52 weeks. '25 YTD Challenge Goal based on 50% over 5 Years (8.5%) - $646,641.45/52 weeks. We are in Year 5
Attendance Week 17, 2025: Individuals in Person - 128 Estimated Individuals Online - 44
Attendance Week 17, 2024: Individuals in Person - 156 Estimated Individuals Online - 58
