"Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him." - Matthew 4:10
Jesus is hungry, from spending forty days in the wilderness, fasting and vulnerable. The tempter comes with reasonable-sounding offers: turn stones to bread, prove yourself, take a shortcut to power.
But Jesus knows something crucial. Not every opportunity is from God. Not every open door is meant to be walked through. Not every voice that sounds persuasive deserves our attention.
"Away with you," Jesus says. This is not a long theological debate. It is a clear boundary being laid. It is the freedom to say no to what doesn't serve life, love, or truth. Even when we are tired, even when we are hungry, even when the offer sounds appealing, there is a boundary.
We face our own temptations in the wilderness that are not always dramatic,they are often subtle. It is the voice that says we are not enough unless we prove ourselves. It is the shortcut that compromises our integrity. The thing that promises to fill us but would ultimately empty us.
Lent invites us to practice Jesus' clarity: to notice what we're actually worshiping and what we are actually serving. And to say, with compassion for ourselves but firmness of spirit, "Away with you."
Practice for the week: Notice this week when something like a habit, a thought pattern, a temptation, or an obligation, pulls you away from what you know is life-giving. Practice saying, out loud or internally, "Away with you." (even if it feels odd) and name out loud what you are choosing instead. Maybe something like…
"I worship God. I serve love. I choose life."
Feel the power of a clear “no” in service of a deeper “yes”.
Peace to you this season, Pastor Erin
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
We’re delighted to share that Bishop Brenda Bos will be joining us on Sunday, March 1! Bishop Bos will be preaching at both services, and we look forward to hearing her message and welcoming her into the life of our congregation.
We hope you’ll join us for this special morning of worship—and plan to stay for fellowship between services to greet her personally. It will be a meaningful time together.
Please join us for Adult Forum every Sunday from 10:20am to 10:50am in the Garden Room.
This Sunday's topic: Synod Partnership, presented by Bishop Brenda Bos
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
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.
Please join us for the next Young at Heart Luncheon on March 19 at noon! The sign-up sheet can be found on the Welcome Desk.
Join us as we walk through the story of Jesus’ final days, from Palm Sunday to the joy of Easter morning.
Sunday, March 29 9:00am – Palm Sunday Worship 11:00am – Palm Sunday Worship Thursday, April 2 6:30pm – Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 3 Noon–3:00pm – Stations of the Cross 6:30pm – Good Friday Service Saturday, April 4 7:20pm – Easter Vigil Sunday, April 5 6:30am – Easter Sunrise Service (at the beach) 9:00am – Easter Sunday Worship 11:00am – Easter Sunday Worship
Are you thinking about making TLC your church home? Join us for our New Member Reception on April 19 — a relaxed time to learn more about who we are, ask questions, and explore what membership means.
If you’d like more details, feel free to contact the church office. We’re always happy to chat and share more about life at TLC.
City Center is in need of toilet paper and paper towels, diapers (sizes 5 & 6) and groceries of any type. 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.
February 25 - Lucy Donnelly, Elena Grewe February 27 - Erin Jones, Dylan McClary February 28 - Mitchell Macintyre February 29 - Laura Powers March 1 - Scott Barradas
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort
Jonelle, cousin of Joanne Cornelius
Judy, cousin of Joanne Cornelius
For the families who are mourning the death of:
Larry Mendoza, father of Manny Mendoza
Anthony Diaz, father of Mike Diaz
Week 7 (February 15 - February 21, 2026)
Giving through Week 7: Current Week - $9,024.29 2026 YTD - $87,261.39 2025 YTD - $79,258.16
'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.
Attendance Week 7, 2026: Individuals in Person - 135 Estimated Individuals Online - 36
Attendance Week 7, 2025: Individuals in Person - 144 Estimated Individuals Online - 42
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.
