Lutheran churches hold Faith Family Festival

Lutheran churches from Ventura County are jointly sponsoring a Faith Family Festival Fri. and Sat, Sept. 26 and 27 at various sites in Thousand Oaks. All events are open to the public and free of charge except where noted.

The participating churches include congregations from Camarillo, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

•"The Healing Power of Laughter and Play," an interactive presentation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri., Sept. 26 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1601 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The Rev. Dr. Dick Hardel, former executive director of Youth and Family Institute in Bloomington, Minn., will facilitate the program. He is a Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey trained clown and a Lutheran minister. Call (805) 495-0406 for details.

•A Christ Clown Ministry Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Sat., Sept. 27 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1601 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The program is for high school youth to adults. Christ Clowns from the Life in Christ Circus will lead the workshop. Call (805) 4950406 to make reservations.

•A "Senior Synergy" Brunch and Workshop will be from 10 a.m. to noon Sat., Sept. 27 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, One W. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks.

The workshop, led by the Rev. Dr. Dick Hardel, will focus on leaving a legacy of faith and mentoring with laughter and joy.

Brunch cost is $5 per person. Call the Holy Trinity church office at (805) 4921234 for reservations.

•A Free Lawn Fair will follow the workshops from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Kingsmen Park, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Free parking is available.

The fair features live bands, street clown performances, drama and improv groups, games, exhibits and refreshments.

•The festival will conclude at 4 p.m. with a procession from Kingsmen Park to the university's Samuelson Chapel for an informal family praise and worship service. Hardel and Bishop Dean Nelson will lead the service, along with children's choirs, music and clowns.