After the success of the first Music4Meals event last December, coordinators Chris and Julie Marasco were encouraged to hold a summer event on Saturday July 26, once again assembling a free outdoor concert and asking attendees to bring in exchange food and supplies for the needy.

 “The event was a huge success”, exclaimed Julie Marasco, lead coordinator.  “The day was beautiful and the crowd included people traveling from outside Conejo Valley to help support the cause.”

 The “Music4Meals” event was held outdoors on the church grounds and featured talented local teen musician Hunter Buchanan, The Shades, Zen-Boogie, Masters of Space and Time, and Holy Trinity’s children’s choir The Aisle Cruisers.  The Shades features Johnny Garcia and Chris Marasco as guitarists and singers.

 “We’d really like to thank our local sponsors who supported their community by donating food and other materials:  Holy Trinity, Trader Joe’s in Thousand Oaks, Vons on Moorpark Road and Newbury Road, Ralph’s on Ventu Park, Costco of Westlake Village, Party Max, Subway, Mimi’s Café, Ameci Pizza and Stuft Pizza all of Thousand Oaks, California Pizza Kitchen in Westlake Village and Chili’s in Newbury Park.  Mike Stahl of ATK Audiotek donated their professional sound system for the event.

 Marasco was thrilled with the event’s results.  “So far we’ve raised over $1700 in cash and collected over 100 bags of groceries for the food shelters at a crucial time, which exceeded the results of our last event!  We’re really thankful for this community effort.” 

 All donated proceeds are being distributed to Lutheran Social Services, MANNA, and those who attend the weekly Monday night meals program hosted by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Join us beginning noon on Sunday, Sept. 7 for a celebratory hot dog lunch ($2), followed by an Ice Cream Social buffet ($1) including lots of fun and games, crafts, a jolly jumper, music and more.  Learn about our exciting and very different new Sunday School format including our new, special 1st Sunday worship services where we’ll ALL join in worship together – no Sunday School, Youth Education or Adult Education on those days!  Families and mixed-age groups of folks will serve as readers, ushers and greeters…and will share stories with the congregation about their traditions, faith journey and other topics.  The main elements of our worship remains the same.  Let’s join together and concentrate on what it’s all about – God!

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP HALL (AND SANCTUARY ROOF REPAIR) CAMPAIGN!  The Campaign continues forward with enthusiasm and commitment!  Holy Trinity members have now generously pledged $1,084,212 to the campaign.  Pledge cards have now been mailed out to all members in hope that all may participate in this important mission.  If you’ve already made the pledge – thank you!  If you’re considering a pledge, please remember that Holy Trinity needs your support.    Our membership is growing, along with our ministry to the church and community.  We have a need to be able to come together as a congregation for fellowship and ministry.  Our new Fellowship Hall will provide the space and resources we need for our work to flourish as we enter our next 50 years as a congregation.  And the Sanctuary roof repair is a huge part of this overall project, don’t forget!  Let’s push forward on our pledge goal of $1.5 Million. All members are asked to please pray, participate, and pledge (note that this pledge is in addition to our regular offering pledge).  Please call the church office at 805-492-1234 if you have any questions.  God Bless!  

The Channel Islands Conference of Lutheran Churches is sponsoring a Faith Family Festival beginning Friday evening at 7PM with an interactive presentation at Ascension Church by Dr. Dick Hardel (former Executive Director of Youth and Family Institute, minster, and Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey trained clown!)  Saturday there will be two morning workshops tailed to all ages:  A Christ Clown Ministry Workshop at Ascension 9-12 (call 805-495-0406 to make reservations) and a “Senior Synergy” brunch and workshop at Holy Trinity 10AM-noon led by Dr. Dick Hardel. (call 805-492-1234 for reservations).  Cost is $5 for each.       THE FREE LAWN FAIR FESTIVAL at California Lutheran University follows the workshops from 1-3:30PM.  Live bands, clown performances, coloring displays, drama and improv groups, games, a jolly jumper and more.  Lots of interesting exhibits, and refreshments available.   Festival concludes with a process from Kingsmen Park to the University’s Samuelson Chapel for informal family praise and worship service at 4PM; led by Dr. Hardel and Bishop Dean Nelson with children’s choirs, music (and divine interruptions by clowns!)  Mark your calendars now!!