“Now he is God not of the dead but of the living, for to him all of them are alive.” - Luke 20:38
In Luke 20, the Sadducees come to Jesus with a riddle meant to mock the very idea of resurrection. They don’t believe in life beyond death, and their story of seven husbands is meant to trap Jesus in contradiction. But instead of debating, Jesus gently reframes the entire question. He tells them they’re thinking too small. Resurrection, he says, isn’t just about carrying earthly categories into eternity - it is about being fully alive to God. And then Jesus says this: “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. For to him, all of them are alive.”
What a radical word of hope. We see absence, but God sees presence. We mark time by loss, but God holds time in love. The ones we miss are still alive to God, not as ghosts or memories, but as beloved, known, held. Jesus reminds us that resurrection isn't only about what comes after death; it’s about being claimed by a God who always chooses life. Right now, in this moment, you are alive to God, fully seen, fully loved, still part of the ongoing story of grace.
Practice for the Week Take a moment this week to light a candle in quiet remembrance of someone you’ve lost — not just to grieve, but to give thanks that they are still alive to God. As the flame flickers, ask yourself gently: What might it mean for me to live today as someone who is fully alive to God? What would change if I believed that love truly doesn’t end, not in death, not in distance, not in time?
If you'd like, write their name on a piece of paper and place it somewhere you’ll see it. Let it be a note to your soul: Still loved. Still alive. Still held.
May you find connection and peace in the practice, Pastor Erin
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to friends and family of former member Roy Todd at his passing. Please keep them in your prayers during this time of loss.
Thank You for a Successful Book Give-Away! We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make the November 9 Book Give-Away another great success! This event could not have happened without the incredible support and hard work of: Frank Maggio, the Endowment Committee members (Sharon Mittelholtz, Karen Jensen, Lily Hamming, Debe Bylo) Joanne Cornelius, Rosemary Reitz, Bill Flothmeier and Jerry Mittelholtz.
On December 9, Downtown Ventura Partners — a local nonprofit that provides weekly breakfasts for those in need on Ventura’s West End — will host a special holiday luncheon for their walk-up clients, who usually number around 60 individuals.
Trinity has volunteered to help by providing shirts of all types, gently used shoes, toiletries, scarves, beanies, and socks to be distributed at the luncheon.Beginning Sunday, November 16, labeled bins will be available in the Gathering Space near the pew for your donations.
The next Young at Heart Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 20, at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Be sure to sign up at the Welcome Desk so we know you’re coming!
Worship Tech Team Training Scheduled We’ve set a date for our next Worship Tech Team training! Join us on Sunday, November 23 at 12:15pm to learn how to operate the soundboard and other tech equipment that help make our worship services run smoothly. If you’re interested or have questions, please contact the church office.
Join us on Wednesday, November 26, for our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service at 6:30pm, followed by a Pie Socialhosted by the Worship and Creative Arts Ministry. Come enjoy fellowship, delicious pie, and time to connect with one another in gratitude and community.
It’s Lefse-Making Time at TLC! Get your griddle, stick, pastry board, and cloth ready! Join Rebecca Iverson in the TLC Kitchen on Saturday, November 29 at 1:00pm for lefse-making, fellowship,and a wonderful way to kick off the holidays! The sign-up sheet can be found on the Welcome Desk, and for more information contact Rebecca at 715-966-2015.
Decorating Volunteers Needed! We invite you to join us as we prepare our Sanctuary for the upcoming season! Please come help us decorate on November 29 at 9:00am. We appreciate any time you can spare to make our church beautiful for the Christmas season.
December 13 - Help us decorate the Gathering Space for Christmas. December 14 - We invite you to display your nativity scene or creche during the morning worship services.
More details on time and how to sign up are coming soon!
City Center is in need of cleaning supplies, paper goods and canned and packaged grocery items. Please place your donations in the baskets located in the Gathering Space.
Thank you for your ongoing support! As a reminder, residents at The City Center purchase their own food and household items, so your contributions help them redirect those funds toward their children’s needs, such as school supplies and clothing.
November 12 - Christian Montecino November 14 - Elijah Young November 15 - Ellen Laber November 16 - Karl Arasmith, Ellen Harriger November 17 - Kimberly Petty November 18 - Krista Van Wagner, Corrie Wanning
'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 44, 2025: Individuals in Person - 156 Estimated Individuals Online - 23
Attendance Week 44, 2024: Individuals in Person - 137 Estimated Individuals Online - 42
