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(Click HERE to download/print full 2025-2026 calendar.)

Who are we? Ascension’s Children, Youth, & Family Ministries has nine core commitments that shape everything we do.

1. Anchored in Jesus
At the center of our ministry is Jesus Christ. Being anchored in Him means more than simply carrying a Christian label—it means a deep commitment to Bible study, discipleship, and faith formation that goes beyond pizza parties and games.

2. Formed by Good Stories
We believe stories shape us. Many young people live under false narratives such as thinking the are not “enough.” We want them to know the true story: God’s voice calling them beloved. We also teach the big story of Scripture and equip families with books that nurture faith.

3. Quieted in Peace
Amid high rates of anxiety and stress, we want church to be a place where children and youth experience the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding. Studies show faith communities reduce loneliness and depression, and we want our ministry to be that safe and peaceful refuge.

4. Welcomed in Worship
Children belong in worship. At Ascension, they aren’t separated out but participate intergenrationally, joining the whole church family in the beginning part of worship before going to Sunday school (if families so choose).
Research shows that children who worship with all ages are more likely to remain active in the church as adults.

5. Connected to Community
Young people thrive when they are truly known. We seek to surround every child and teen with at least five caring adults in the congregation who know their name and walk alongside them, helping them grow in faith and spirit.

6. Nurtured in Nature
God’s creation reveals God’s heart. Our schools are “Nature Explore” certified and our church embodies this spirit. We invite children and youth to encounter the Creator through the beauty of creation. Time in nature reduces anxiety, strengthens health, and provides a counterbalance to our screen-saturated world.

7. Rooted in Simplicity
We believe in the beauty of a simple, good life. Our ministry doesn’t depend on flashy programs or big facilities. Instead, we focus on practices that are real, meaningful, and sustainable—helping families rediscover that the sweetest things in life are often the simplest.

8. Empowered to Lead
Children and youth are not just the church of tomorrow; they are leaders today. Following insights from the book Growing Young, we give them meaningful roles in leadership—not just on stage, but in how they show up in their schools, homes, and neighborhoods. Leadership builds confidence, respect, and lifelong discipleship.

9. Inspired to Serve
Faith is lived out in love. We want our children and youth to embrace Micah 6:8—doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Serving others grows empathy, compassion, and resilience, while making a real difference in a hurting world.

September 1 to October 5 - Season of Creation

Special Events

Sept 7 Rally Sunday, 10:00 AM (lunch afterwards)
(Children can bring their backpacks for a special blessing & gift)

Oct 4 Blessing of the Animals, 6:00 PM, big back parking lot, all pets welcome Oct 5 First Communion, 9:00 or 10:30 AM Worship*

Oct 5 Full Moon Hike, 6:00 PM, California Lutheran University

* First Communion Class and First Communion Sunday is for those in 1st grade or older who haven’t yet participated in communion. Class times (pick just one) are: Sunday September 21, 12:00 to 1:15PM, or Monday September 22, 8:00 to 9:15 AM, or Monday September 22, 3:30 to 4:45 PM.

Service Project

Packing LWR Kits

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 1: Back to School Blessings

Memory Verse: "Don’t forget to do good. Don’t forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings." Hebrews 13:16 NIRV

Sept 14 - Sept 21 - Sept 28 - Oct 5*

October 6 to November 23 - Season of Ordinary Time

Special Events

Oct 18 "Team Family" Fall Fun Gathering, 4:30 PM - we will make succulent pumpkins, bake mini pies, play games, and see faith woven into it all

Oct 26 Reformation Sunday Worship, 9:00 & 10:30 AM
(Bibles gifted to 2-year-olds, 2nd graders, and 6th graders at both services)

Nov TBD Family Hike & Park Play Date

Service Project

Food Drive

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 2: Books of the Bible: Old Testament

Memory Verse: "God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:16 NIrV

Oct 12 - Oct 19 - Oct 26 - Nov 2 - Nov 9 - Nov 16*
(No Sunday school on Nov 23)

December - Season of Advent & Christmas

Special Events

Dec 7 Hanging of the Greens, 5:00 Fun & Festivities, 6:00 Service in the Sanctuary

Dec 13 Enchanted Forest of Lights - Descanso Gardens, leaving Ascension @ 4:00 PM, families can ride the church bus if they so choose

Dec 14 Children sing in worship

Dec 24 Christmas Eve services at 3*, 5*, 7, 9, & 11
* Kid-friendly worship at 3:00 & 5:00; children can come 15 minutes early to put on shepherd or angel outfits and be part of the living nativity scene

Service Project

Gifts of Hope, Toy/Gifts Drive

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 3: Lights of Christmas

Memory Verse: "Life was in him, and that life was the light for all people." John 1:4 NIRV

Nov 30 - Dec 7 - Dec 14 - Dec 21*
(No Sunday school on Dec 28)

January 11 to Feb 15 - Season of Epiphany

Special Events

Jan TBD Family Game Night

Service Project

Poverty Encounter/Children’s Hunger Fund

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 4: Bible Science

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:9 NIV

Jan 11 - Jan 18 - Jan 25 - Feb 1 - Feb 8 - Feb 15*
(No Sunday school on Jan 4)

February 22 to April 5 - Season of Lent, Holy Week, & Easter Sunday

Special Events

Feb 18 Ash Wednesday, Soup Supper @ 6:00, Worship @ 7:00

And new and old this year - Soup Suppers & Holden Evening Prayer with Fireside Story Time for children ages 4 through 5th grade. Families are invited to join us for Soup Suppers at 6:00 PM for 5 Wednesdays from February 25 to March 25. Then at 7:00 PM, adults (and children if you so choose) can go to Holden Evening Prayer in the sanctuary. But this year we have an option for children to participate in Fireside Story Time in the Library which will include stories, quiet music, and an activity.

Mar 29 Palm Sunday, Tomato Sale & Petting Zoo Apr 2 Maundy Thursday

Apr 3 Good Friday

Apr 5 Easter Sunday, worship services at 7, 9, & 11 AM with Easter breakfast served all morning by the youth; butterfly release at 10:30 AM on the playground

Service Project

Disability Awareness - Joni & Friends, Guide Dogs

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 5: 40-Day Challenge

Memory Verse: "In the same way, let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring praise to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NIrV

Feb 22 - Mar 1 - Mar 8 - Mar 15 - Mar 22 - Mar 29*
(No Sunday school on April 5, Easter Sunday, all families in worship)

April 12 to May 31 - Season of Easter & Pentecost

Special Events

Apr TBD Family Hike & Park Play Date

May 24 Pentecost Sunday & International Fair

Service Project

Foster Care - including James Storehouse & the Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation

Sunday School, 9:00 or 10:30 AM

Series 6: ActsÉ a Study of the Early Church

Memory Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria." Acts 1:8

Apr 12 - Apr 26 - May 3 - May 10 - May 17*
Last day of school year Sunday school is May 17.

*End of the Sunday school series, so the day names will drawn for a special gift.

Coming Summer 2026

• Faith-based Days Camps (think VBS, but even better, and many weeks with many options)
• Grandparents’ Weekend
• Family Nights