2026.02.18

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; 
in your great compassion blot out my offenses. - Psalm 51:1 

As we begin our Lenten journey with ancient words from Psalm 51:1 we are reminded that Ash Wednesday invites us into honest reckoning. We mark our foreheads with ashes and hear the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." It's sobering. It's humbling. And yet, there's something strangely liberating about it too. 

When we acknowledge our mortality, our limitations, our need for mercy, we stop pretending. We stop performing. We stop trying to hold it all together on our own. We remember that we are dust, yes, but we are beloved dust, held in the hands of a God whose steadfast love never wavers. 

The psalmist doesn't come to God with excuses or justifications. There's no "I'm not as bad as..." or "At least I didn't..." There's just this raw, honest plea: Have mercy on me. And the real miracle - God does. Because of God's great compassion we are forgiven. 

Lent isn't about self-punishment or proving our worth through discipline. It's about making space to receive what we cannot manufacture on our own. It is about mercy, grace, transformation and life. 

A Practice for This Week:  This Lenten season (yes all 40 days), try beginning each day with this breath prayer: 

Inhale: "God, have mercy" Exhale: "I am held in your love" (try this for 3 or 4 breaths) 

Let it be your first conscious breaths before you reach for your phone, before you start your to-do list. Let it ground you in the truth that you don't have to earn God's love today. It is already yours. 

You are dust. You are beloved. Both are true. 

Grace and peace, Pastor Erin

Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and families for the recent passing of Anthony Diaz, father of Mike Diaz.

Please join us for Adult Forum every Sunday from 10:20am to 10:50am in the Garden Room.

Upcoming Topics:
February 22.  Taking Care of Your Heart, presented by Karen Jensen, RN PhD
 

We invite you to join us for worship and fellowship throughout the season of Lent as we gather for reflection, prayer, and community.

Wednesdays – February 25 through March 25
12:30pm Worship Service
5:45pm Lenten Soup Supper
6:30pm Worship Service

Our Lenten Soup Suppers have returned and will continue every Wednesday throughout Lent at at 5:45pm. Join us for a simple meal and fellowship during this meaningful season.

We still have a hosting opportunity available for March 4. If you’d like to provide a soup supper for our church community, please stop by the Welcome Desk and add your namer to the sign-up sheet.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent household collection for Downtown Ventura Partners! 

There is still a need for sheets, blankets, dishes, pillows, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, small table and a couple of chairs. Contact Leo in the church office (805-644-7474) to make arrangements for pick-up if you are unable to bring the items to the church.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year has opened up for general registration to the community and will stay open until all spots are filled. To secure a spot, please email tlcpreschool196@gmail.com with your name, your child’s name and date of birth, your phone number, and your preferred enrollment days.

The 3rd Annual Pinewood Derby is officially set for May 30. It’s time to start brainstorming those high-speed designs. Keep a close eye on the bulletin for registration info and race-day details!
 

On May 16, from 10am to Noon there will be Pinewood Derby Workshop in the Fellowship Hall. This is the perfect opportunity to test your car on the official track or get building advice from our team of enthusiasts. Whether you need a little help or a lot, come join the fun!

• Jonelle, cousin of Joanne Cornelius
• Judy, cousin of Joanne Cornelius
• Bill Burton
• Dennis Tierney
• Kristy Gray, daughter of Jerry and Sharon Mittelholtz

• Larry Mendoza, father of Manny Mendoza
• Anthony Diaz, father of Mike Diaz