“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11
These words were spoken around a dinner table, where guests were choosing (maybe pushing one another strategically out of the way) to sit in places of honor and to try to be seen as respected and important guests. I imagine it wasn’t so different from how we sometimes navigate our own lives: hoping to be noticed, needing to be valued, and trying to prove we belong.
But Jesus flips that logic. He invites us to a different kind of table, a different kind of kingdom, where humility isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Where we don’t have to strive for a seat, because there’s already one prepared for us. Humility, in Jesus’ world, is about trusting that we are held, seen, and loved, not because we’ve earned it, but because we belong to God.
This week, I wonder what it would look like for us to step back instead of forward, to listen more than we speak, to serve without needing credit. (but I hope you do get credit in some way for the work you do) True humility doesn’t mean shrinking, it means standing with grounded confidence in God’s grace. And when we live that way, we not only find peace, we help others find their place at the table, too.
May that kind of peace live in you, Pastor Erin
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
Please join us as we celebrate the lives of our friends:
Sandy Peveler Saturday, September 13 at 11:00am Reception following in the Fellowship Hall
Vicki Laux Saturday, September 20 at 11:00am Luncheon to follow (RSVP to Elisa Takaya at elisa.takaya@gmail.com)
Online Worship Back on Schedule Beginning September 7, our livestream will return to the 9:00am service. Watch on our YouTube channel or at TLCVentura.org.
God’s Work. Our Hands. – THIS SUNDAY Let's put our faith into action! Come join Pr. Todd on Sunday, September 7, at 12:15pm in the Fellowship Hall for our "God's Work, Our Hands" event. We'll be assembling homeless kits to help people in need right here in our community.
Dine Out for TLC Youth – Monday, September 16 Support TLC Youth by enjoying a meal at Presto Pasta (5722 Telephone Road). Dine in or take out for lunch, dinner, or both — and 20% of your purchase will be donated to TLC Youth.
TLC will begin showing The Chosen, Season One, on Mondays at 3:30pm in the Fellowship Hall starting September 8. Each of the eight one-hour episodes will be followed by a short conversation. Come watch, share, and grow together in faith.
For questions, contact the church office or John Crowley.
As part of our annual 360 review process, the Staffing Committee invites everyone in the congregation to share feedback for our staff: Pastor Todd, Pastor Erin, Leo, Tilford, and Melanie Each staff member has a short Google form, and you’ll find all by clicking the link below.
Love to Sing? Our TLC Choir begins a new season on Wednesday, September 10, at 5:30pm. Whether you’re brand-new or returning, come add your voice — we’d love to have you!
We invite you to find comfort and support in our Grief Support Group, led by Pastor Erin and Doug Miller. Starting Monday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m., this group will meet for 10 weeks. While attending every session is helpful, we understand if you need to miss one or two.We're here to walk alongside you on your journey.
Our Young at Heart luncheons will resume in October. Watch for the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Desk and join us for food, fellowship, and fun!
Wednesdays at 9:30am - Pr. Erin Martinson’s Bible Study Thursdays at 1:30pm - Pr. Todd Iverson’s Bible Study September 27, 9am-1pm - Touch a Truck Event, TLC Parking Lot
City Center is in need of paper towels and cleaning supplies.
Project Understanding has closed down, but any grocery donations we receive will be taken to The City Center. Please place items in the baskets located in the Gathering Space. Thank you for your ongoing support!
September 4 - Nancy Maxwell, Lea Young September 5 - Nancy Hammett, Maxine Nafie, Noah Panapa September 6 - Edgar Terry September 8 - Gavin Badillo
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort
Ann and Tom, sister and brother-in-law of Debe Bylo
Dylan Gray, grandson of Jerry and Sharon Mittelholtz
Karen Jensen
Pat Morris
Mike Diaz
Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Death 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 34, 2025: Individuals in Person - 152 Estimated Individuals Online - 38
Attendance Week 34, 2024: Individuals in Person - 149 Estimated Individuals Online - 58
