He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 2:4 (NRSV)
As Advent begins, Isaiah offers us a glimpse of God’s promised peace, a world where conflict is transformed into cooperation and tools of war become tools for life. It’s a breathtaking vision of what happens when God’s justice and love reign fully on earth. Peace can feel distant, yet Advent reminds us it has already begun through Christ. Each time we choose patience, listen with compassion, or offer grace, we become part of God’s work of peace in the world.
Practice for the Week: Make space for peace. Each day, pause for a few quiet moments. Turn off distractions, breathe deeply, and invite God’s peace to fill your heart. Then carry that peace into your words and actions throughout the day.
Prayer: God of peace, let Your calm and kindness take root in me. Teach me to live in Your peace, and to share it wherever I go. Amen.
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 the friends and families of:
Carly Martinez, sister of Darlene Scaman
Martha Carolyn Meyer Perez, birth mother of Rikke Wilson
Please keep them in your prayers during this time of loss.
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Pat Morris Saturday, December 6 at 12pm Trinity Lutheran Church
Please join us for Adult Forum every Sunday from 10:20am to 10:50am in the Garden Room.
Upcoming Topics: December 7 – Military Chaplaincy and Christian Faith with Pr. Todd Iverson December 14 – Stress During the Holidays with Karen Jensen, RN, PhD
The 2nd annual lefse making tradition at TLC was a huge success this year! Participants enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, mixing, rolling, and grilling the delicate potato flatbreads to perfection. A big thank you to Rebecca Iverson for organizing this memorable event. We can't wait to continue the fun next year at the 3rd annual gathering!
Join us for a Bible Study led by Pastor Todd, beginning on Monday, December 8 at 7:00pm. We’ll meet at Rincon Brewery (4100 Telegraph Rd., Ventura). All are welcome!
Another Opportunity to Help the Community On December 9, Downtown Ventura Partners—a local nonprofit that provides a weekly breakfast for those in need on the West End—will host a holiday luncheon for their walk-up clients. Trinity has volunteered to help by providing shirts and hoodies of all types, gently used shoes, toiletries, scarves, beanies, and socks.
Donation bins are located in the Gathering Space near the pew. Thank you for supporting our neighbors in need.
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.
Join us this Christmas as we gather to welcome the birth of Christ.
12/24 at 4pm - Christmas Eve Family Worship 12/24 at 9pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with the TLC Praise Band 12/25 at 10am - Christmas Day Worship
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.
Come spread holiday cheer with us as we go Christmas caroling! We will be meeting on December 10, at 6:00pm at the church to sing classic festive songs and bring joy to the neighborhood. All voices are welcome; please come and share in this wonderful tradition!
Come join us on Saturday, Dec 13, from 10am-12pm to decorate the Gathering Space for Christmas. A pre-lit Christmas tree and some ornaments will be provided. Bring an ornament or two, garland and any other festive decor to transform the Gathering Space. Talk to Karl Arasmith if you have any questions.
Thank You to Our Christmas Decorating Team! Thank you to Raquel Haar, Alexis Haar, Axel Haar, Reilly Beidebach, Nancy Bocovich, John Crowley, Dan Lincoln, Nancy White, Karen Jensen, and Pr. Todd Iverson for decorating our worship space for the Christmas season. Your efforts set a beautiful atmosphere for our Advent and Christmas celebrations.
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.
The next Young at Heart Luncheon will take place on Thursday, December 18 at 12pm in Fellowship Hall. Be sure to sign up for the luncheon! You can find the sign-up sheet on the Welcome Desk.
City Center is in need of dish and laundry soap, paper towels, 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.
December 3 - Sean Park December 6 - Madeline Becker, Geoffrey Nicolle December 7 - Holland Kemble, John Stef December 8 - Bill Wagner December 9 - Daniel Staples
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort
Craig and Donna Johnson
Lady, niece of Nancy White
For the families who are mourning the death of:
Carly Martinez, sister of Darlene Scaman
Martha Carolyn Meyer Perez, birth mother of Rikke Wilson
'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 47, 2025: Individuals in Person - 134 Estimated Individuals Online - 33
Attendance Week 47, 2024: Individuals in Person - 138 Estimated Individuals Online - 52
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.
Get the Latest Youth happenings at TLC! Receive the latest youth updates by downloading the Remind App or Text Group. Add the class below or Text 81010 with the group you want to follow: High School Youth - @snrhgh High School Parents - @hsparnt Middle School Youth and Parents - @mddle Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlcyouth_ventura/
Opt-in to paperless quarterly giving statements: If you'd like to receive your quarterly giving statements via email, please send your email address to office@tlcventura.org.
