Our mission

is to invite all

people to celebrate

God’s presence, grow

in God’s grace, and

serve God’s

People.

MASTHEAD IMAGE

Less than ten miles to our south lies the busiest port in the United States. One quarter of all furniture, auto parts, apparel, elec-tronics and footwear sold in the U.S. comes through Los Angeles Harbor. Shown in all its glorious nighttime splendor is the 1,500-foot Vincent Thom-as Bridge which spans the main channel between San Pedro and Terminal Island. Built in 1963, the iconic suspension bridge sports 160 blue LED lamps which are illuminated by solar power.

If you have a panoramic scene of interest you’d like to submit for consideration as a LINK masthead, send it to DSnow@alcrpv.org.

MAY, 2016

Pastor’s Message

What a great start! I feel like we have been on a rollercoaster since I got here. I have gotten to sit

down with so many of you and listen to your heart for God and His church. I have been able to learn your names and have had the privilege to teach and preach. We are having a lot of fun and I want you to hear about the ex-citing things we have coming up, so I have a multi header newsletter article for you.

MISSIONSMy church friends from Birmingham are coming into town to build houses in Mexico through Amor Ministries. Amor is a great mission organization in Mexico with the purpose of building homes to help keep families together. There are two ways that we can serve together. Do you want to go to Mexico and build homes? We will leave after worship on Sunday June 12 and arrive home Thursday June 16. God will do amazing things through this time. Please contact me if you are interested. If you can’t go to Mexico, we are going to need host homes to house our Southern friends. Would you be able to open up your home on Saturday June 11, Thursday June 16 and Friday June 17? Call the church office at 310-373-0454.

BIBLE STUDIESTJ and I will be leading Bible Studies on Sunday morn-ings in the month of May. These studies will take place between services in the Social Hall and on the Patio. I will be teaching a class on the book of Galatians and TJ

will be teaching a class on becoming a Kingdom Spy. Both of these classes

will provide you with opportuni-ties to discuss the Christian

faith and learn some-thing about the great God that we serve.

Five months out…SUMMER IS FOR KIDS!

I will be planning some fun summer events for the children of our church. We will go bowling, ice skating and to a mud park! Be on the lookout for a summer schedule in the June Newsletter.

CHURCH PICNICYou have heard about it but it bears repeating… come on out and enjoy the picnic with your church family. This is a great time to introduce other people to the our

church and get them excited about being a part of this dynamic community. Sunday, May 15 at noon at Torrance’s Wilson Park.

THANK YOUThere are so many great people worthy of thank yous here. I would like to take this moment to appreciate three people in our congregation. Cammie Avers will be mov-ing back to Dallas so Stephen can finish his residency. She has been a blessing to our

music and youth programs. We appre-ciate you. Also, we will greatly miss Lyle and Linda Landhuis as they move to Colorado. This congregation has been a much better place because of what you have done. Thank you.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Scott Hawkins

Tass

anee

Pho

togr

aphy

Cammie Avers

Lyle & Linda Landhuis

Pastor Scott HawkinsSenior Pastor

OFFICE STAFFJoyce Bogard

Office ManagerDave Snow

Graphics and Media

STUDENT MINISTRIESTJ Spaeth

Director of Student and Family Ministries

Melissa SobeyKids Rock! Ministry Director

WORSHIPFaye Schwartz

Director of Worship and MusicDr. Joanne Althouse

OrganistMike Minjarez

Worship Leader

PRAYER REQUESTSDeanna Yu

PRESCHOOL STAFFDarlene Kurt

DirectorKaryn Luetje

Administrative Assistant

HEAD TEACHERSAnalisa Carrillo, Thilini Fernando, Tracy Gillis, Cathy Hamilton, Tammy Porter

CHURCH COUNCILJulie Botzong

PresidentRick Viersen

Vice-PresidentLisa Munoz

SecretaryPaul McLellan

TreasurerBob Anderson

FacilitiesKeith Vint

Business AdministrationSandy McElroy and Edward Zalewski

Members-at-Large

BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEEBetsy Anderson, Jim Fauk, Mary Ann Friedrich, Eric Jorgensen, Barbara Theroux

ALC People

Financial Summary

March Year-to-Date

Actual Budgeted Actual Budgeted

Weekly Offerings $40,862 $38,000 $111,005 $106,600

+ Other Income $3,200 $6,063 $15,330 $18,188

= Total Income $44,061 $44,063 $126,335 $124,788

- Expenses $42,653 $43,366 $126,179 $125,290

= Net Income $1,408 $697 $156 -$502

Mortgage Balance = $46,418

March Treasurer’s Report

Reunion RewindPreschool News

by Darlene Kurt

Preschool Director

On Friday, April 8th, past preschool teachers and directors gathered for a lovely reunion in honor

of the preschool’s 50th anniversary. (We are currently finishing up our 51st year.) Thank you, Dee Dee Skjervem and Betty Gardner, for making this event happen. Many travelled from afar. The Kochs drove the most miles, from Colorado, to join us. It was a treat to see so many treasured teachers. We started the event in the sanctuary with a slide show and prayer. Pastor Scott joined us with his guitar as we sang a couple of praise songs. Each director in attendance addressed the group with a special message. Letters were read from those who were unable to join

The Peggy Lee Story

Join us for an intimate look at the life and music of Peggy Lee with rare videos provided by the Peggy Lee Foundation. Our speaker is Dr. Thom Mason (Dr. Jazz), Professor of Jazz Studies at the USC Thornton School of Music. He has extensive experience as an educator, jazz performer, and recording artist.

OWL's events are open to EVERYONE, so join us!

Luncheon and SpeakerMay 20

12:30 pm • $10

Directors present: L-R: Darlene Kurt (#6), Sandy Gruninger (#4), Dee Dee Skjervem (#3), Donna Neuner Russell (#2).

Not present: Carol Roscoe (#1) and Kay Gregory (#5).

us. Tributes were given to Keith Vint for his many years of dedication to the preschool. A potluck luncheon was served in the Social Hall along with several hours of fellowship, laughter, and the sharing of many photos. ■

SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN

preschoolOPEN HOUSE

Friday, May 65:30 – 7:00 pm

Everyone is invited to join us for refreshments on the preschool patio.

Come see the fabulous things our students are experiencing!

Leaving Union Station on Sunday, July 10Returning from Bisti, NM Saturday, July 16Open to upcoming freshmen through college students. Cost is $499. Space is limited, so sign up ASAP at our website

or contact TJ at 817-676-2985.

Four-week Summer School ProgramAges 2-5, Tuesday thru Thursday, 9 to noon

June 21 thru July 14, 2016.Please inquire at preschool office, 310-373-6083

or dkurt@alcrpv.org for more information.

April Council Meeting Highlights

O Discussed the depar-ture of Mike Minjarez and the impact that will have on the worship services.

O Discussed putting solar panels on our building to help save on energy costs and to help the environment.

O Discussed our church mortgage.

A Fond Farewell

It is with great sadness that we announce the impending departure of our Worship Team Leader, Mike Minjarez. By the end of May, he’ll be hitting the proverbial road with his girlfriend and musical partner, Valerie Ponzio, on a nationwide musical tour. We will miss his instrumental dexterity, vocal skills and passion for spirit-led worship. Break a leg, Mike and Val!

Keeping In TouchThis month, we are taking on the arduous task of updating every bit of your contact information. We’ve developed a new contact card that we’re asking each family to complete. It includes all of the 21st century modes of communication like email and even which social networking apps you use. Your cooperation will help us become a better family member to you, our family!

Worship and Music News

Student Scoops

Et Cetera

by Faye Schwartz

Director of Worship and Music

I’m sure that we all like going to pot-luck dinners—everyone brings

a different dish to share, and the com-bined dinner is enjoyed by all. Some-times we’re asked to bring something specific; more often we just bring our own specialty. We get to appreciate the talents of others, and the offerings are many and varied. It strikes me that we might use the “pot-luck dinner” metaphor when we think about our Ascension family’s work and worship. Our experience of weekly worship would be so much interesting and enriched if everyone brought something to the table to share. Sometimes we come to church expecting only to be prayed over, preached to and sung for. We resign our-selves to be passive spectators. This would be something akin to going to a pot-luck dinner, bringing no food to share, and sitting quietly in a corner while others are eat-ing and enjoying fellowship. Imagine how much richer our experience is when we actually join in and participate!

Sometimes our church services are described as “liturgical.” The word “liturgy” describes the various elements of the service, spoken and sung; it literally means “work of the people.” The liturgy – the church service -- is to be shared; it is not the

exclusive province of the pastor or the worship leaders. Others who are central to the worship experience include the communion assistants, the readers, the ushers, the greeters, the choirs, those who run the soundboard and media, and those who prepare the Sanctuary for wor-ship—like the pew team, the altar guild—and those who decorate the Sanctuary for the various seasons of the church year. Then there are the people who provide re-freshments and meals for fellowship after services, before Bible studies, and at various church activities. There are the counters, the leaders of Bible studies, Sunday-school classes and prayer groups…the list goes on and on. Where might you fit in here? What gifts would you like to share with the Ascension family as it joyfully works and worships together? What will you bring to the party? ■

What Will You Bring to the Party?

on Catalina for summer camp August 11 thru 15. We shall kayak, swim, hike, play basketball, vol-leyball, paddle-board and all that good stuff. So go fill all your apps with all this data and drag your friends along for the fun. Text or call TJ

with any questions at 817-676-2985. Email's TSpaeth@alcrpv.org ■

TUE

WED

THU

THU

TUE

TUE

JUNE 28 JULY 20 AUG. 18

JUNE 23 JULY 26JULY 5

10AM-6PM 8:30AM-6:45PM NOON-7PM

1PM-3:30PM 11AM-6PM9PM-10:30PM

$50+ FOOD

FERRYTICKET

+ FOOD

$15+ FOOD

$25

$75Paintball

$30+ FOOD

Middle- and high-school students, better brace

yourselves for another madhouse funfest of a summer at Ascension! In addition to the action-packed events listed below, we'll be returning to the badlands of Bisti, New Mexico July 10-16. Look for the flyers in the Social Hall to get you informed and registered. We'll also be returning to Campus by the Sea

26231 Silver Spur RoadRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275Phone 310-373-0454 • Preschool 310-373-6083Web: alcrpv.org • Email: Office@alcrpv.orgFacebook: Ascension Lutheran RPV

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

THELINK

THELINK is published monthly except for January and July. It is mailed to members and friends of Ascension Lutheran Church. To make address corrections, please contact the church office.

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage PAID

Torrance, CA 90503Permit No. 360

Time-Dated MaterialMay, 2016

Outreach Update: Niger Missions Habitat

During Lent 2016 (2/10 thru 3/26), we took a worthy mission under our wing. If you recall, Ashley Moman is a missionary’s missionary of sorts in the nation of Niger, Africa. She runs the Maradi Guest House where people from all over the globe reside while serving the Lord and the grateful people of this impoverished land. Your donations provided her over $5,500 which she used to upgrade the habitat with new paint, countertops, curtains, furniture, appliances and a much-appreciated library. We will continue collecting funds for her cause at the Outreach section of the ALC website where you will also find a link to Ashley’s blog which includes her own up-dates to activities at the house.

Ashley Moman

Before

After

After

AfterBefore

Before

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

8:30 am Worship Service (S)

9:45 am Choir Rehearsal (S)

9:45 am Bible Studies (SH & P)

10:30 am Worship Service (S)

7:15 pm High-School Intersection (Promenade Starbucks)

9:30 am Caring Through Prayer (Off-site)

12:30 pm GGs Group Meeting (SH)

6:00 pm Lighthouse Student Ministry (L)

6:30 pm Kids Rock! (S)

7:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (S) 5:30 pm Preschool Open House (PS)

5:00 pm Contemporary Worship (S)

Mother’s Day 8:30 am Worship Service (S)

9:45 am Choir Rehearsal (S)

9:45 am Bible Studies (SH & P)

10:30 am Worship Service (S)

7:15 pm High-School Intersection (Promenade Starbucks)

9:30 am Caring Through Prayer (Off-site)

8:30 am In Cahoots Men’s Breakfast (SH)

6:00 pm Lighthouse Student Ministry (L)

6:30 pm Kids Rock! (S)

7:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (S) 9:00 am Linked to Christ Bible Study (FR)

5:00 pm Contemporary Worship (S)

8:30 am Worship Service (S)

9:45 am Choir Rehearsal (S)

9:45 am Bible Studies (SH & P)

10:30 am Worship Service (S)

12 noon Church Picnic (Wilson Park)

7:15 pm High-School Intersection (Promenade Starbucks)

9:30 am Caring Through Prayer (Off-site)

Deadline for all June LINK newsletter event listings or

article contributions. Email to DSnow@alcrpv.org

7:00 pm Council Meeting (FR) 6:00 pm Lighthouse Student Ministry (L)

6:30 pm Kids Rock! (S)

12:30 pm OWLs Luncheon (SH) 5:00 pm Contemporary Worship (S)

8:30 am Worship Service (S)

9:45 am Choir Rehearsal (S)

9:45 am Bible Studies (SH & P)

10:30 am Worship Service (S)

7:15 pm High-School Intersection (Promenade Starbucks)

9:30 am Caring Through Prayer (Off-site)

7:00 pm Women’s Evening Bible Study (FR)

6:00 pm Lighthouse Student Ministry (L)

6:30 pm Kids Rock! (S)

10:00 am Link Folding Team (FR)

7:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (S)

9:00 am Linked to Christ Bible Study (FR)

1:30 pm Ascension Book Club (FR)

5:00 pm Contemporary Worship (S)

8:30 am Worship Service (S)

9:45 am Choir Rehearsal (S)

9:45 am Bible Studies (SH & P)

10:30 am Worship Service (S)

7:15 pm High-School Intersection (Promenade Starbucks)

Memorial DayOffices Closed

9:30 am Caring Through Prayer (Off-site)

May 2016 310-373-0454alcrpv.org

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 FACILITY KEY: (S) Sanctuary (SH) Social Hall (FR) Fireside Room (O) Office (K) Kitchen (P) Patio (L) The Loft (PS) Preschool (N) Nursery

 

All

Altar CarePew Team Counters

Sat 5:00

Communion Greeter

MediaReader

Sunday 8:30

Communion Greeter

LiturgistMedia

ReaderSoundboard

Usher

Sunday 10:30

Communion Greeter

MediaReader

SoundboardUsher

30 / 1 7 / 8 14 / 15 21 / 22 28 / 29Anne Pepys Anne Pepys Anne Pepys Anne Pepys Anne Pepys

Carol Epp Margaret Lee Joan Weissenstein Julie Garbe Anne ViersenDorothea Bodison Tina Virgil Jim Anderson Mel & Marie Kausen John Stolpestad

John Stolpestad John Stolpestad Betsy Anderson Jackie Wehmeyer Lore StolpestadShannon Sklow Linda Herzberg Betsy Anderson Ellen Hearton Sandy McElroyLinda Herzberg Beverly Teresinski Linda Herzberg Beverly Teresinski Linda Herzberg

Kyle McElory Kyle McElory Ben Snow Kyle McElroy Kyle McElroyFaye Schwartz Sandy Haffey Lexie Tucker Sandy Haffey TBDDwight Garbe June Kuehn Beverly Clower Beth Barnes Beverly Clower

Wayne & Katrine Otsuki Mel & Marie Kausen Marvin & Margaret Lee Dwight & Julie Garbe Rohn & Barb TelferPastor Frank Remski Bob Anderson Katrine Otsuki TBD Joe Barnes

Toni Maberry Katrine Otsuki Jake Jacobsson Barbara Theroux Barbara TherouxBeth Barnes Kay Anderson Barb Telfer Beverly Clower Kevin Wheaton

Herb Epp Wayne Otsuki Bob Anderson Rick Viersen Bob AndersonJohn Stolpestad Betsy Anderson Paul McLellan Bill Thomsen Joe Davis

Jim Fauk Larry Andrews Beverly McLellan Kurt Meyer Vic GardnerDwight Garbe Marvin Lee Joan Weissenstein Rick Viersen TBDCynthia Puerto June Kuehn Faye Schwartz TBD Betsy Anderson

Doris Prior Alan & Tina Virgil Jackie Wehmeyer Doris Prior Meredith McBrideLisa Munoz Gary Wissinger Lisa Munoz Gary Wissinger Lisa Munoz

Mike Dunton Ed Zalewski Ryan Colburn Faye Schwartz Ed ZalewskiGary Wissinger Gary Wissinger Lisa Meliota Ed Zalewski Gary Wissinger

Jeff Kuehn Lisa Meliota Jim Anderson Bret Botzong Lisa MeliotaJune Kuehn Renee Skinner Betsy Anderson Renee Skinner Renee Skinner

In Service: May 2016“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” – 1 Peter 4:10 May Birthdays

1st Fred Cromer, Shari Gilster, Regina Lande

2nd Ana Lilia Diaz 3rd Nicholas Graves 4th Tasha Diaz, Marilee Wheaton 5th Caroline Cromer, Rachel Lowe 6th Vern Stange 7th Trevor Hughes, Justin Rajewski 11th Joslyn Barnes, H. Charles Foster,

Anders Jameson, Helen Liesenberg 15th Jackie Wehmeyer 16th Holden Withers 17th Jan Denham 18th Ivy Chin, Matthew Withers 19th Steve Friedrich 20th Emma Cool 21st Ann Aikens 23rd Marc Krause, Brittany Manning 24th Paul Stovner 26th Justin Hertzmann, Dorothy Weeks 27th Karen Murray, Anneliese Solberg,

Olivia Wilkins 28th Laurie Foster 30th Gabrielle DeBernadetto,

Carissa Murray, Rohn Telfer, Eve Throne, Gary Virgil

31st Todd Ramsey

MAY 8

Men...Feasting...With Men.TuesdayMay 108:30 am

Bring your appetites and maybe a friend to enjoy great food, conversation and fellowship.

Sign-up sheet is in the social Hall. $10.

SUNDAY, M AY 15 - 12 NOO

N

An event ten years in the making!

Bring all your friends andextended family for food, fun and

frolicking in the South Bay sun.Softball • Sack Race • Tug-O-War

Badminton/Volleyball Water Balloon Toss

3-Legged Race*Several event volunteers are needed

to help coordinate. Please call the office.W IL S O N P A R K - T O R R A N CE

CH

URCH PICNICCH

URCH PICNICFun for

the whole

family!