2026.04.15

"…the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear… Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'" — John 20:19

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.'" — John 20:21

He says it twice. Don't rush past that.

The first "Peace be with you" is mercy. The disciples are hiding behind locked doors, hearts hammering with fear. Into that room Jesus walks — no rebuke, no conditions. Just peace. It finds them exactly where they are.

But then he says it again -  and everything shifts.

The second "Peace be with you" is a commission. The very next words are "As the Father has sent me, so I send you."Same greeting, completely different weight. The first peace says, you are safe. The second peace says, now go.

Most of us receive peace as a reason to stay put. But Jesus gives peace the way a coach sends a player back onto the field, not to end the game, but to get back in it. He doesn't wait for the disciples to feel ready. The commission comes before the confidence.

So here's the question for this week: What locked room have you been calling "peace" when Jesus might be calling it "preparation"?

The peace Jesus gives is real, but it was never meant to be a destination. It's the ground beneath your feet as you walk out the door.

Grace and peace to you, Pastor Erin

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

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

This Sunday's topic: Biblical Hikes, presented by Pr. Todd Iverson

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.

Join us for next Youth Focus Group meeting on April 26 at 10:20am in the Garden Room. We’ll be reporting on our progress and identifying the necessary information to bring to the May 17 semi-annual meeting.

Trinity is a church that thrives because of the people in it—and that includes you! Our Nominating Committee is currently seeking members to serve in a few important leadership roles that help keep our church running smoothly and faithfully. We’re grateful for those who have already stepped forward to serve.

We’re looking for: 1 Church Council member, 1 Staffing Committee member, and 1 Endowment Committee member. Descriptions of each role are linked here below.

If you’re interested in serving—or just want to learn more—reach out to any of our committee members: Lennie Weinerth, Karl Arasmith, Larry Nafie, or Anna Wagner.

We are accepting applications for TLC Endowment Fund Scholarships. You may apply if you are a member of Trinity Lutheran Church or actively involved in TLC’s ministry and if you plan to attend a college, university or vocational/technical institution in the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarship information and applications are available on the Church website and in the Narthex on the Information table. The application window opens Monday, April 6, and closes on Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have any questions, contact Kristie Wallace at (805) 208-3599 or you can e-mail her at kristielynnwallace@gmail.com

Help us build community by wearing a name tag during TLC worship and events. If you’d like one, please sign-up at the Welcome Desk by May 1.

Mark your calendars! TLC’s Vacation Bible School is returning this summer for a week of faith and fun from July 20–24, 2026. Each day runs from 9:00am to Noon and is open to children ranging from preschool age to recent Kindergarten graduates (children must be fully potty-trained to attend.) The registration fee is $30 per child, though scholarships are readily available to ensure every child can participate. Please be sure to sign up early, as registration officially closes on June 5 or whenever all spaces are filled.

The Salvation Army and TLC are teaming up for a special donation drive on May 17, from 10:00am to Noon. If you have any gently used items looking for a new home - including clothing, shoes, accessories, purses/handbags, small electronics, houseware, home decor or small furniture, please bring it to the church on May 17. A Salvation Army truck will be on-site, in the parking lot to collect your donation directly. To ensure all items are processed correctly, please bring your donations only during the scheduled time, as we cannot accept items before or after the event.

Our Pinewood Derby returns on Saturday, May 30, and now is the perfect time to start planning your car! Whether you're aiming for speed, creativity, or just the fun of building, we hope you'll join in.

Pinewood Derby kits are available through Amazon, Scouts.org, or locally at Ventura Hobbies.

A Pinewood Derby Workshop will also be offered on May 16 from 10am-12pm for anyone who would like help building or testing their car. More details coming soon!

Let’s celebrate the Easter season together - remember to bring your flowers to help our Easter Cross bloom in color.

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.

April 15 - Maren Beck
April 19 - Jeff Beeh
April 20 - Aidan Connelly, Kim Osher
April 21- Amya Morris, Crystal Ruedy

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

For Healing and Comfort

• Einar Rasmussen, father of Karen Foster

Let Us Pray for the Families who are Mourning the Death of

• Nancy Maxwell

Week 14 (April 5  - April 11, 2026)