Lutheran church hosts alternative boutique

Each year Ascension Lutheran Church launches a special Gifts of Hope project sponsored by the church's Missions Committee through Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Global Missions.

To raise project funds, the church will provide alternative holiday gifts for sale during a gift bazaar in Founders Hall at the church on Nov. 10, 11, 17 and 18 between worship services. An Equal Exchange coffee table will also be available at the bazaar.

Gifts of Hope will support a village education project in the Central African Republic among the poor where the literacy rate is as low as 13 percent and about two-thirds of the girls receive no schooling. The project can help villagers build a permanent school, supply classrooms, train teachers and assist students with their fees.

The church is at 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

For more information, call (805) 495-0406, e-mail info @ascensionlutheran-church.org or visit www.ALCTO.org.