“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:10–11
There are verses in Scripture that feel like they could have been written yesterday. This is one of them. We don’t need to imagine wars or disasters - we are living through them. Conflict, crisis, and climate shake the ground beneath our feet, literally and metaphorically. Jesus names this reality - He does not avoid it or soften it. But here’s what matters: Jesus doesn’t say these things to frighten us. He says them so we will not be surprised when the world trembles. So that we will know even in upheaval, God is still holding the story.
These are not signs of the end of hope, but signs that hope is needed. Not a shallow optimism that denies reality, but a deep, grounded, stubborn hope, the kind that clings to Christ even when the ground shifts. In the very next verses, Jesus promises: “Do not be afraid… not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” This is not a call to escape the world but to stand firm in it, knowing that God is not overwhelmed. The signs in the sky are not signs of abandonment, they are reminders that even when everything else shakes, God does not.
Practice for the Week When the news feels heavy or your heart feels weary, try this: Step outside. Feel your feet on the ground. Take three slow breaths. Look at the sky - even if it’s cloudy. Say aloud (or in your heart): “God is still here. I am still held.”
Then ask yourself gently: What does hope look like for me today? It doesn’t have to be big. Maybe it’s a call to a friend, a small act of courage, or simply showing up. These are your signs - not dreadful portents, but quiet reminders that the kingdom of God is near, even now.
Pastor Erin
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
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.
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.
Join neighbors in faith for a shared celebration of thanksgiving on Saturday, November 23 at 3:00pm at the Mission downtown. Hosted by the Ventura Interfaith Ministerial Association (VIMA), this gathering is a meaningful way to honor our diversity, lift up our shared values, and come together in gratitude as one community.
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! The Christmas season is almost here, and we’d love your help bringing a little sparkle to our spaces. If you enjoy decorating—or just want to lend a hand—we have two opportunities to join in:
Sanctuary Decorating - Friday, Nov 29 at 9am Come help prepare our Sanctuary for the season. Whether you can stay the whole time or just a little while, your help makes a big difference.
Gathering Space Decorating - Saturday, Dec 13, from 10am-12pm We’ll be setting up a pre-lit tree and adding festive touches to the Gathering Space. Feel free to bring an ornament or two, garland, or other decorations to share. Questions? Talk to Karl Arasmith.
We hope you’ll join in as we make our church warm and welcoming for Christmas!
We’re inviting individuals and families to help light the Advent candles during our worship services. If you’d like to take part, please contact the church office with your preferred date and service time.
Celebrate a cherished loved one this Christmas by dedicating a luminaria to be displayed on the altar. If you’d like to take part, please complete the dedication form and return it with your $5 per dedication to the church office by December 14. We kindly ask that you pick up your luminaria and take it home after Christmas Day.
Bring your favorite Nativity scene or crèche to be displayed in the Gathering Space on Sunday, December 14 during both services. It’s a lovely way to share a family treasure and add to the spirit of the season. If you have any questions, please reach out to Karl Arasmith.
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 19 - Kaya Morris, Joan Riedell November 22 - Caden Beeh November 24 - Mary Howard, Tommy Nast, Natalie Wallace
'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 45, 2025: Individuals in Person - 136 Estimated Individuals Online - 52
Attendance Week 45, 2024: Individuals in Person - 120 Estimated Individuals Online - 26
Have an Announcement to share? Send your request to the church office at least 7 days in advance by emailing office@tlcventura.org.
Do you have a celebration or joy you would like to share with the congregation? Email the office staff at office@tlcventura.org and it will be posted in the bulletin for all to read and celebrate with you.
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