Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks https://www.htlcto.org A Lutheran Christian Church in Thousand Oaks Fri, 31 Mar 2023 21:10:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 noA Lutheran Christian Church in Thousand OaksA Lutheran Christian Church in Thousand Oaks JOIN US DURING HOLY WEEK https://www.htlcto.org/join-us-during-holy-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=join-us-during-holy-week Fri, 31 Mar 2023 21:10:02 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=69364 Palm Sunday: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Maundy Thursday: 7:00 PM Good Friday: 7:00 PM Easter Sunday: 9:30 AM 7 11:00 AM                

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Palm Sunday: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM

Maundy Thursday: 7:00 PM

Good Friday: 7:00 PM

Easter Sunday: 9:30 AM 7 11:00 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> SEEKING IN LENT https://www.htlcto.org/seeking-in-lent/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=seeking-in-lent Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:44:57 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=63934 SEEKING IN LENT If you want to find something, it often begins by asking questions. When was the last time I had the item? When do I remember seeing it most recently? Could I have put it down somewhere? Could it have fallen out of my pocket? Finding solutions to problems that may exist around us also begins with asking questions. Who knows something about this issue? What books might I read about it? What websites or videos might there be that talk about the issue? What is really happening? Who is being affected by it? What is the history or root causes of the problem? When it comes to spiritual matters, questions are important as well. In the Book of Matthew chapter seven Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find. For everyone who searches finds, and everyone who asks receives, and for everyone who knocks the door will be opened.” If you don’t ask a question, then you can’t receive an answer. If you don’t knock, no one will know you are at the door. If you don’t take time to do some seeking, then chances are you probably won’t do too much finding. For the season of Lent this year we will be using a devotional series from the Sanctified Art Creative Team. The series is based on questions arising from the Scripture readings each week. Some of the questions might be restorative like, “Can these bones live?” Some are more of a charge or a challenge like, “Who will you listen to?” and some are more hopeful like “How do we begin again?” By asking the questions we begin to discover the many things that the people in the Bible were seeking, things like clarity, connection, wonder, justice, and...

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]]> SEEKING IN LENT

If you want to find something, it often begins by asking questions. When was the last time I had the item? When do I remember seeing it most recently? Could I have put it down somewhere? Could it have fallen out of my pocket?

Finding solutions to problems that may exist around us also begins with asking questions. Who knows something about this issue? What books might I read about it? What websites or videos might there be that talk about the issue? What is really happening? Who is being affected by it? What is the history or root causes of the problem?

When it comes to spiritual matters, questions are important as well. In the Book of Matthew chapter seven Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find. For everyone who searches finds, and everyone who asks receives, and for everyone who knocks the door will be opened.” If you don’t ask a question, then you can’t receive an answer. If you don’t knock, no one will know you are at the door. If you don’t take time to do some seeking, then chances are you probably won’t do too much finding.

For the season of Lent this year we will be using a devotional series from the Sanctified Art Creative Team. The series is based on questions arising from the Scripture readings each week. Some of the questions might be restorative like, “Can these bones live?” Some are more of a charge or a challenge like, “Who will you listen to?” and some are more hopeful like “How do we begin again?” By asking the questions we begin to discover the many things that the people in the Bible were seeking, things like clarity, connection, wonder, justice, and balance.

In the process of contemplating the Biblical narrative, we may be drawn into the spiritual practice of staying curious, open-minded, and humble. It is an invitation to do our own reflecting upon what is it that we are seeking, and to examine if that aligns with the vision of what God may be seeking for the world.

I hope you will join in exploring the Scriptures with us at Holy Trinity during the Lenten season at our gatherings for worship on Sundays and Wednesdays. By doing some seeking together you never know what we might find.

-Pastor Erik

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]]> Tuesday Morning Bible Study ∙ 10:30 AM THE ARK OF THE COVENANT https://www.htlcto.org/tuesday-morning-bible-study-%e2%88%99-1030-am-the-ark-of-the-covenant/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesday-morning-bible-study-%25e2%2588%2599-1030-am-the-ark-of-the-covenant Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:27:32 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=61827 An examination of the Ark of the Covenant Starting February 21 The Ark of the Covenant is one of the greatest of all ancient treasures. It is the centerpiece of Jewish history, the ultimate prize in archaeology, and the subject of one of the greatest stories of all time. Enshrouded in centuries of history, legend, and mystery, the Ark of the Covenant has captured the imaginations of people around the world. Join author Randall Price as we look at the facts and fables surrounding this ancient religious artifact and how it might connect to our faith today. February 21: Tracing the Story of the Ark in Scripture   February 28: Searching for Understanding About the Ark March 7: Searching for the Location of the Ark March 14: Searching for the Truth about the Ark We meet at 10:30 AM on Tuesday mornings at church. Feel free to join in any session. —Pastor Erik We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM on the dates listed. An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org. Masks are optional.                

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]]> An examination of the Ark of the Covenant

Starting February 21

The Ark of the Covenant is one of the greatest of all ancient treasures.

It is the centerpiece of Jewish history, the ultimate prize in archaeology, and the subject of one of the greatest stories of all time.

Enshrouded in centuries of history, legend, and mystery, the Ark of the Covenant has captured the imaginations of people around the world.

Join author Randall Price as we look at the facts and fables surrounding this ancient religious artifact and how it might connect to our faith today.

February 21: Tracing the Story of the Ark in Scripture  

February 28: Searching for Understanding About the Ark

March 7: Searching for the Location of the Ark

March 14: Searching for the Truth about the Ark

We meet at 10:30 AM on Tuesday mornings at church.

Feel free to join in any session.

—Pastor Erik

We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM on the dates listed.

An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org.

Masks are optional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> February 2023 Newsletter https://www.htlcto.org/february-2023-newsletter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=february-2023-newsletter Mon, 30 Jan 2023 21:10:26 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=57651 “Weeping together”To be true community, people need to be able to walk with each other through the highs and the lows. Paul talks about this as he addresses the early Christian community in Rome. He says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Most of us probably do not have much of a problem rejoicing with those who rejoice. It can feel good to celebrate a win with someone else because it can bring us joy too. By celebrating a high with someone else, we can live vicariously through them and experience having a similar kind of high.But what about weeping with those who weep?…

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]]> “Weeping together”
To be true community, people need to be able to walk with each other through the highs and the lows. Paul talks about this as he addresses the early Christian community in Rome. He says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Most of us probably do not have much of a problem rejoicing with those who rejoice. It can feel good to celebrate a win with someone else because it can bring us joy too. By celebrating a high with someone else, we can live vicariously through them and experience having a similar kind of high.
But what about weeping with those who weep?…

More

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]]> no“Weeping together”To be true community, people need to be able to walk with each other through the highs and the lows. Paul talks about this as he addresses the early Christian community in Rome. He says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Most of us probably do not have much of a problem rejoicing with those who rejoice. It can feel good to celebrate a win with someone else because it can bring us joy too. By celebrating a high with someone else, we can live vicariously through them and experience having a similar kind of high.But what about weeping with those who weep?… The post February 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.“Weeping together”To be true community, people need to be able to walk with each other through the highs and the lows. Paul talks about this as he addresses the early Christian community in Rome. He says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Most of us probably do not have much of a problem rejoicing with those who rejoice. It can feel good to celebrate a win with someone else because it can bring us joy too. By celebrating a high with someone else, we can live vicariously through them and experience having a similar kind of high.But what about weeping with those who weep?… The post February 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.Tempo Newsletter MAKING THE LIGHT BETTER https://www.htlcto.org/making-the-light-better/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=making-the-light-better Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:36:05 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=53579 The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem. As the light of the star led the wisemen to Jesus, light is also the focal symbol of the season of Epiphany. Think of the ways that light makes things manifest in our own lives. When you enter into a room and turn on a light, suddenly what is in that room appears much more clearly to you. You can see in a way you could not before. In the same manner, when the light of Christ enters our lives we can see more clearly God’s intentions for us and that God is ultimately a God of love and forgiveness who calls us to walk in that light. Light is a powerful symbol which is generally seen as a positive image for our spiritual lives. However, in reality, the everyday light that we use as a tool can have a shadow side to it as well. The most ancient source of light was fire. Fire allowed people to see at night in ways they had not experienced before. But light from a campfire or a torch also comes with smoke and too much smoke can pollute the air and come with coughing and sickness making it hard to breathe. Once electricity was invented...

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]]> The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem.

As the light of the star led the wisemen to Jesus, light is also the focal symbol of the season of Epiphany. Think of the ways that light makes things manifest in our own lives. When you enter into a room and turn on a light, suddenly what is in that room appears much more clearly to you. You can see in a way you could not before. In the same manner, when the light of Christ enters our lives we can see more clearly God’s intentions for us and that God is ultimately a God of love and forgiveness who calls us to walk in that light.

Light is a powerful symbol which is generally seen as a positive image for our spiritual lives. However, in reality, the everyday light that we use as a tool can have a shadow side to it as well. The most ancient source of light was fire. Fire allowed people to see at night in ways they had not experienced before. But light from a campfire or a torch also comes with smoke and too much smoke can pollute the air and come with coughing and sickness making it hard to breathe.

Once electricity was invented and became a new source of light it seemed to be much cleaner than the old source of wood and fire. Indeed, it is cleaner on the surface, but if you dig down deeper you begin to see that the way it often gets produced can still be very destructive to our health and the health of our planet. Many power plants over the years have functioned on the burning of fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. These kinds of power sources have polluted the air in ways that have harmed people, especially the folks who live close to them. The emissions from these plants have also warmed our planet affecting the very climate itself and causing crazy, destructive weather patterns such as harsher hurricanes, more dangerous drought, and worse wildfires.

Light is a crucial part of our everyday existence, so we have made these trade-offs to have the comforts and conveniences we enjoy. But could the light be made better? One way it can be made better in a practical sense is by using renewable energy resources like wind and solar. In this newsletter you will learn how the “Green Team” at Holy Trinity has been meeting to discuss and make plans as to how we might make our use of light better by installing solar panels. Due to some recent programs and rebates the cost of solar has come down. While the initial investment up front will be large, the payback in terms of savings on our electric bill could make it worth it within 4-5 years.

Saving money is one of the big reasons the church council would like to do this project, but even more important, you might say is the way it will help us be better caretakers of God’s creation. By taking this step we will also be a witness to the community of how we seek to be good stewards of the gift of the earth we have been given.

Please mark your calendars to join us in person or online via Zoom for a special congregational meeting on Sunday, January 8 at noon, to hear about how we plan to pursue this project of solar panels for the church. We need your participation and approval to make this happen. As we enter into Epiphany let’s make the light even better!

—Pastor Erik

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]]> Tuesday Morning Bible Study ∙ 10:30 AM https://www.htlcto.org/tuesday-morning-bible-study-%e2%88%99-1030-am-6/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesday-morning-bible-study-%25e2%2588%2599-1030-am-6 Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:01:26 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=53564 Our first Bible study in the new year will be on the Book of 1 Peter. While not a long book, this epistle or letter is an important one in the early church, especially as it experiences persecution. 1 Peter reminds those who would follow Jesus that they are born anew into a wonderful inheritance as God’s own people: Trusted Called Made Holy Proclaiming This doesn’t guarantee that their faith won’t be tested or that they won’t experience suffering, but 1 Peter assures its readers that their relationship with God is guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the end, we won’t be put to shame. And in the meantime, we cast our burdens on Christ who loves us beyond measure! Schedule January 10 · Session One: A Tested People January 17 · Session Two: A Trusting People January 24 · Session Three: A Called People January 31 · Session Four: A Holy People February 7 · Session Five: A Proclaiming People Meet at 10:30 AM on Tuesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall. Feel free to join in any session. —Pastor Erik We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall on the dates listed. An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org. Masks are optional.                

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]]> Our first Bible study in the new year will be on the Book of 1 Peter.

While not a long book, this epistle or letter is an important one in the early church, especially as it experiences persecution.

1 Peter reminds those who would follow Jesus that they are born anew into a

wonderful inheritance as God’s own people:

Trusted

Called

Made Holy

Proclaiming

This doesn’t guarantee that their faith won’t be tested or that they won’t experience suffering, but 1 Peter assures its readers that their relationship with God is guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In the end, we won’t be put to shame. And in the meantime, we cast our burdens on Christ who loves us beyond measure!

Schedule

January 10 · Session One: A Tested People

January 17 · Session Two: A Trusting People

January 24 · Session Three: A Called People

January 31 · Session Four: A Holy People

February 7 · Session Five: A Proclaiming People

Meet at 10:30 AM on Tuesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall.

Feel free to join in any session.

—Pastor Erik

We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall on the dates listed.

An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org.

Masks are optional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> January 2023 Newsletter https://www.htlcto.org/january-2023-newsletter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=january-2023-newsletter Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:29:39 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=52354 “Making the Light Better” The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem…

The post January 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.

]]> “Making the Light Better”

The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem…

More

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]]> no“Making the Light Better” The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem… The post January 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.“Making the Light Better” The first church season of the New Year is called Epiphany. The name comes from a Greek word which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” It refers to the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. The first day of Epiphany falls on January 6, 2023, twelve days after Christmas and this first day is often associated with the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. Because of this it is sometimes called “Three King’s Day.” This connection is made due to the way that Jesus Christ was made manifest to the Magi through the star of Bethlehem… The post January 2023 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.Tempo Newsletter Tuesday Morning Bible Study ∙ 10:30 AM https://www.htlcto.org/tuesday-morning-bible-study-%e2%88%99-1030-am-5/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tuesday-morning-bible-study-%25e2%2588%2599-1030-am-5 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:08:07 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=48471 TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Angels Among Us In celebration of Advent, we will do a couple of sessions of looking at Angels in the Bible, including the angel that appears to Mary and the hosts of heaven that appear to the shepherds. What are angels according to the Bible? How do they show up? What role do they play in lives of people of faith? These are some of the questions we will look at during our time together. December 13: Angels as Strangers in our Midst December 20: Angels as Guardians and Heavenly Beings December 27: No Bible study during Christmas week January 3: No Bible study during New Year’s week We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall on the dates listed below. Masks are optional. An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org.                

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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Angels Among Us

In celebration of Advent, we will do a couple of sessions of looking at Angels in the Bible, including the angel that appears to Mary and the hosts of heaven that appear to the shepherds.

What are angels according to the Bible?

How do they show up?

What role do they play in lives of people of faith?

These are some of the questions we will look at during our time together.

December 13: Angels as Strangers in our Midst

December 20: Angels as Guardians and Heavenly Beings

December 27: No Bible study during Christmas week

January 3: No Bible study during New Year’s week

We will meet in person on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall on the dates listed below.

Masks are optional.

An online option is available. Let us know if you want the Zoom link by contacting churchoffice@htlcto.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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]]> CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE https://www.htlcto.org/christmas-eve-worship-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=christmas-eve-worship-service Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:57:05 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=48467 Join us Christmas Eve for Candle-light Worship Service 5PM: Music led by the Praise Band – Activities for Kids 7PM: Music led by Holy Trinity Choir and organ 9PM: Music led by organ and soloists

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]]> Join us Christmas Eve for Candle-light Worship Service

5PM: Music led by the Praise Band – Activities for Kids

7PM: Music led by Holy Trinity Choir and organ

9PM: Music led by organ and soloists

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]]> December 2022 Newsletter https://www.htlcto.org/december-2022-newsletter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=december-2022-newsletter Mon, 05 Dec 2022 18:03:11 +0000 https://www.htlcto.org/?p=46705 “From Generation to Generation” Who would you include in your faith family tree? Would you include a parent who prayed with you before bed when you were little, a grandparent who took you to church, or an aunt who sent greeting cards with Bible verses on them?…There are generations who have gone before us who make up our spiritual genealogy and have shaped our relationship with God who are both family by blood and family by faith.This was true for Jesus as well.

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]]> “From Generation to Generation”

Who would you include in your faith family tree? Would you include a parent who prayed with you before bed when you were little, a grandparent who took you to church, or an aunt who sent greeting cards with Bible verses on them?…There are generations who have gone before us who make up our spiritual genealogy and have shaped our relationship with God who are both family by blood and family by faith.
This was true for Jesus as well.

More

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]]> no“From Generation to Generation” Who would you include in your faith family tree? Would you include a parent who prayed with you before bed when you were little, a grandparent who took you to church, or an aunt who sent greeting cards with Bible verses on them?…There are generations who have gone before us who make up our spiritual genealogy and have shaped our relationship with God who are both family by blood and family by faith.This was true for Jesus as well. The post December 2022 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.“From Generation to Generation” Who would you include in your faith family tree? Would you include a parent who prayed with you before bed when you were little, a grandparent who took you to church, or an aunt who sent greeting cards with Bible verses on them?…There are generations who have gone before us who make up our spiritual genealogy and have shaped our relationship with God who are both family by blood and family by faith.This was true for Jesus as well. The post December 2022 Newsletter appeared first on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thousand Oaks.Tempo Newsletter