“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” - Luke 10:27

This verse is often quoted, but it’s worth slowing down to really understand it.

Jesus is describing a love that is full-bodied and wholehearted, not just belief, not just emotion, but a way of living. To love God with heart, soul, strength, and mind means bringing our whole selves into the relationship.  It includes our deepest desires, our energy, our intellect, and our spiritual longing. God doesn’t ask for perfection, just presence. Our presence.

But then comes the second half, of the verse:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

It’s easy to spiritualize faith, to keep it private and internal. But Jesus insists our love for God must spill outward. It must take on shape in how we treat those around us, especially the ones we’d rather avoid or overlook.

This kind of love asks something of us.  It asks for our time, attention, humility, and empathy. It also gives something back.  It gives purpose, connection, and glimpses of God’s kingdom here and now.

This week, we ask: What does it mean to love God today?  What does it mean to love with all I am? And who is my neighbor IN this moment?

God meets us in the asking.

Grace and peace, Pastor Erin
 

Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
Weekly Bulletin
 
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and families for the recent passing of Paul Campbell, father of Erica Brege.
 

We recently heard from two of the incredible missions Trinity supports in South Africa.

From Mpophomeni Art Centre:
Here’s a recent note from Muzi Ndlela, sharing their gratitude for Trinity’s support:

Hi Frank, I hope this email finds you well. We have received the funds from Trinity today in the morning. We are so grateful for this assistance as it is our only source of funding for the whole year. I am sure that young artists will be so excited about the news. Our challenge is that art supplies are very expensive here in South Africa. We would appreciate if we can able to secure a sponsorship for just art supplies. If anyone might be interested in sending us art supplies we will appreciate it a lot. Thank you again for considering me and Mpophomeni young artists.
Kind regards, Muzi Ndlela

From Masibumbane Mission:
Their latest report highlights a life-changing skills program in partnership with the Dream Centre. Thirty individuals—including clients with disabilities—have started a sewing program to gain certified job skills and support.

Click below to read the full report and see photos:
 
Read the Masibumbane Report
 

Final Call for Church Directory Updates
We’re almost ready to print the updated church directory! This version includes revisions from earlier this year, and this is your final chance to check your information. Printed copies are available for review in the Gathering Space.

Still missing your photo? If your picture isn’t in the directory, there’s still time! Send a photo to Anna, or stay tuned — we’ll be scheduling a few Sundays for photo-taking. This will be a continuing project, and we’d love to include you!

If you have any updates or changes, please contact Leo at office@tlcventura.org  or Anna at abcwagner12@gmail.com as soon as possible.
Review Directory
 

Join Bill Weinerth for an unforgettable whale watching trip on July 24, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Pricing: Ages 13 and Older: $85.00
Senior Citizens: $79.00
Children (3-12 years): $64.00
Infants (Under 3 years): Free.

For more details, please contact Bill Weinerth 805-647-5038 or bweinerth@hotmail.com
 

Walk for Tender Life!
Join the Trinity Team for the Tender Life Maternity Home Walkathon on Saturday, July 26, at River Community Church. Registration opens at 8:00am with the walk kicking off at 9:00am. This gentle, under-2-mile walk supports a great cause. Find more details at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space, or ask Karen Nelson.
Learn more about the Walkathon
 

Thank You for a Wonderful July 4th!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our July 4th celebration a success!

Special thanks to Nancy Bocovich and John Crowley for the hot chocolate and popcorn, Doug Miller and Larry Nafie for managing the parking lot, and Robert Hamming for assisting with Sunday sign-ups.

And an extra special thank you to Joanne Cornelius for coordinating the entire event—we’re so grateful!
 

Are you curious about the history of Trinity Lutheran Church? We've got exciting news! TLC author Paul Muller has written a book all about it. You can meet Paul and get your own copy of his book in the Gathering Space after both services on July 27. All donations for the book will benefit the TLC Neighbor Aid account.
Learn more about For All the Saints
 

Follow TLC Youth on Instagram!
Our TLC Youth Instagram page is back up and running! Gabby has started posting updates from VBS and will continue sharing what our youth are up to. Check it out and stay connected: https://www.instagram.com/tlcyouth_ventura/
 

Interested In Being an Assisting Minister
We're looking for volunteers to serve as assisting ministers on Sunday mornings! If you feel called to lead in worship, join us for a training session on July 21 at 5:30pm. All are welcome - no experience needed! Contact Pr. Erin for questions. 
 
  • Project Understanding is in need of ravel size toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion and soap.
  • City Center is in need of 6 diapers and paper towels.
Your support is greatly appreciated. Please place items in the baskets located in the gathering space.
 

July 9 - Amy Dimmick 
July 11 - Noah Laber, Stephen Wall III 
July 12 - Nathan Donnelly, Brieann O’Neill 
July 13 - Richard Silbert
July 14 - Phyllis Wilt 
July 15 - Elizabeth Wolfe
 
Please keep the following people in your prayers:

For Healing and Comfort
  • Sandy Peveler
  • Christina Cox and unborn baby, daughter-in-law of Karen Jensen
  • Mike Diaz
Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Passing of:
  • Gene Schmidt, father of Sandy Michalec
  • Paul Campbell, father of Erica Brege