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September 2026 Newsletter
Sunday Worship
10 AM
Sunday Fellowship
11 AM
Worship services will continue to be live streamed on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. You can either use the Facebook Link or the YouTube Link to see the live feed, or even worship a little later if you need to. Use the buttons below to choose which link fits your needs best.
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A Four-Sunday Worship Series
Celebrating 50 Years of Ankeny Christian Church
Fifty years ago, a handful of people in Ankeny dared to imagine a new congregation into being. Since then, God has been faithful through five decades of ministry — through a basement, a rented hall, and three additions to a building we now call home. Over four Sundays, we pause to remember, to praise, and to feast together, trusting that the God who has been faithful then and faithful now will be faithful always.
“For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
- Psalm 100:5
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August 30th
Enjoying/Dancing
Psalm 16
September 6
"The Wrong Person Doing the Right Thing"
Luke 7:36-48
Larry Squire Preaching
September 13th
With All Our Might
2 Samuel 6:12-22
September 20th
Abundant Surprise
John 2:1-11
September 27th
Let Everything That Breathes
Psalm 150
October 4th
A Feast For All The Peoples
Isaiah 25:6-9
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Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
Fifty years ago, a handful of Ankeny families gathered in Jerry and Gladys Sawyer’s basement and started something. They probably didn’t know exactly what they were starting, but they began to share hopes and dreams about how proclaiming the gospel in Ankeny, IA might look. And here we are, five decades, three building projects, and countless stories later, still gathering, still feeding people, still making room at the table to welcome whoever shows up.
Beginning September 13th, we are throwing a party. Not one Sunday, but four, running through October 4th, so that no matter which weekend works for your schedule, you get to be a part of it.
The team that has worked hard to plan our celebration events expressed some of the things that are important to them about Ankeny Christian Church, and perhaps some of these words will resonate with you: People. Friendships. Inclusion. Welcome. Close-knit community. Grace in shared humanity. Laughter, joy, playfulness. Little to no hierarchy – anyone can lead and serve. That isn’t a program description. That is 50 years of who we have decided to be together at God’s calling. This is our chance to celebrate that.
I am really looking forward to the ice cream on September 20th (the cake on
the 13th too, but ice cream will always get the edge with me), and singing around the campfire on the 27th – I can already taste the marshmallows! And, more than any of that, I am excited about hearing stories and memories from previous ministers and members and longtime friends that only they (and you) can tell. Fifty years of ministry doesn't belong to any one Sunday or any one person. It belongs to everyone who's ever called this place home, and I can't wait to listen.
Yet, we aren’t just celebrating what we have done. We want to do some things bigger. Since our beginning we have had it in us to feed people! It is in our DNA. So we are going to do some things we have ‘always’ done, but we are going to make them bigger:
You will note the food bowl is back! In addition to the money
collected for the food bowl (see that article below), we are also going
to try and Fill the Trailer! with food. Bring your non-perishable
food items for local pantries. Our goal for our 50 th anniversary is to fill
our 8x10 trailer with food over the course of the 4 Sundays.
Meals from the Heartland returns too, and this year our goal is
fitting: 50 volunteers for our 50th anniversary. We’ll have two
opportunities this year to package food: Thursday, October 8th, and
Saturday, October 10th from 9-11 a.m. Watch for a sign-up soon!
It is no accident that a church with a long history of feeding people closes this season with a banquet on World Communion Sunday, October 4th. The same instinct that fills a trailer with food for our neighbors is the instinct that sets a table wide enough for all peoples. That's not two different things we do — it's one thing, lived out in a lot of different ways.
So come celebrate. Come eat cake, or ice cream, or s'mores by the fire. Come hear the stories. Come pack a meal, fill the trailer, cast your Food Bowl vote. However you show up, you're part of what makes fifty years worth celebrating — and part of what makes the next fifty possible.
See you at the party!
Shalom,
Pastor Owen
| | If you know of any past members or friends of the church that sholuld be included in the 50th festivities please let Sarah know in the office. ankenyccdoc@gmail.com | | |
Property: September 2026 Newsletter submitted by Arnie Porath
Fire Pit: The fire pit is completed, the sidewalk from the parking lot and around the pit is poured, if you forget to bring your lawn chair, there are chairs in the north garage. The guidelines for usage are posted on the garage door area. Check with Sarah and the church calendar for availability. There is a key code lock with the garage door key inside of it. ENJOY!
Church trailer: Our church trailer is available for personal use. The trailer just got back from Texas and has been moving a lot of people around Iowa recently. Check with the church calendar for availability and get with Sarah for the sign-out sheet and keys.
Wooden tables: We have 9 heavy wooden tables that we’re trying to cycle out. These tables weigh about 60 pounds each and it takes two people to move and set them up safely. We have 9 of them. They are presently stored in classroom (CR) 4……original pastor’s office. 4 of them are 6 feet long and 36 inches wide. 5 of them are 6 feet long and 30 inches wide. Beginning September 1 through September 15 if you would like one or more, take them. ON September 15, anything that remains will be donated to the Christian Conference Center in Newton or charity.If you would like to purchase a new 8 foot by 30 inch table (as seen in CR5) they cost about $150.00 each. Let me know. The two new tables in CR 5 were donated by a member of our congregation.
Window blinds: A couple of members of our congregation have donated the new window shades in CR 2, 3, 5, and the admin assistant’s office! These are a great addition to our church! They look great and are easy to use. Plus the cords (child danger) are a thing of the past.
Hand rail: There is a handrail on the east side of the sanctuary. A few months ago, property added a second handrail to the west side of the sanctuary at the steps. Some members have asked about also adding rails closer to the center of the stage. Property is evaluating the need for additional (more than the two that exist) handrails. Changes to our sound system are NOT complete and it is prudent to finish the sound system updates before time and effort goes into a project that may be remedied on its’ own. Please use the handrails that exist while we’re evaluating this dynamic.
Playground equipment: We’ve found a couple replacement pieces of equipment for the big playground in our northeast corner of our property. We are in the process of purchase and install in the coming months. The pieces being replaced are deteriorating due to usage. Woodchips: We will be getting some new playground woodchips in the next couple months and will need help getting those installed. More information to follow.
VOTING: our fellowship hall is a polling place for the upcoming September 8 and November 3 elections. Those parts of our building used by the election will not be available.
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Ankeny Love Lunches – 2026 Recap for Sunset Park Site
The 2026 version of Ankeny Love Lunches ended on August 21. Ankeny Christian Church was one of five congregations who participated in the Sunset Park site. Free lunches were served to children and accompanying adults every weekday from June 1
through August 21 – sixty days. The total number of lunches served during those 60 days was 6,660 or an average of 111 meals per day. That is a 10% increase over the daily average of 101 for 2025. Thank you to those who volunteered your time and energy in the preparation of and the serving of the lunches. During the two weeks ACC was the ‘lead’ church, 150 working assignments were filled by 24 ACC attendees and 24 volunteers of other congregations. Thank you, also, to those who contributed to ALL financially. Our special offering for ALL totaled $2,375.00. That is the second highest amount ACC has contributed since the start of the ALL program. All in all, a very successful effort for a very worthy local program.
Thank you!
Missions Committee
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Two October Events - Packaging Meals From the
Heartland
As a special part of our 50 th anniversary celebrations, our Missions Committee has selected Meals from the Heartland and its 2026 Hunger Fight as an opportunity for Ankeny Christian to be involved in a hands-on area-wide missions project. This five-
day event will be held October 6-10. We have spoken for and received two different packaging assignments. The first is on Thursday, October 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The second is on Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. It
would be great if we could have fifty ACC packagers involved between these two assigned sessions. The goal for this five-day event is to package 1.75 million meals. Sign-up sheets for these two sessions will be posted in early September. We need your help in doing our share in allowing Meals from the Heartland meet their challenging goal. Please be involved.
Thank you.
Missions Committee
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Missions Committee
Each Fall ACC highlights three events that provide financial benefits to various congregation emphasis. Donations to any or all are appreciated at any time. Indicate whichever you are assisting when making your donation.
September’s emphasis is the “Food Bowl”. Each dollar contributed equals one vote for the University of Iowa, Drake University, Iowa State University or the University of Northern Iowa. Be sure to indicate your choice with your donation which may be contributed anytime during
September. A weekly total will be posted on the scoreboard so feel free to add it as necessary. Pastor Owen will honor the winner at the conclusion of the tournament. Proceeds will be donated to the Ankeny Service Center’s food pantry. The previous highest total collected is $2735. The usage of the pantry increases regularly.
October’s emphasis, The “Shoe Run”, is ACC’s version of the original Hunger Hike which emphasized area youth and adults collecting pledges and marching to the Iowa capitol in support of funding and feeding the hungry. Our version is the children and any others that are really good sports using their shoes to collect money during the service as the music plays and others laugh and cheer. It is high intensity fun, fast and funny. Start now saving your loose change, load up on currency and/or bring your checkbook. Proceeds are donated to our child care center to provide Holiday gift cards to the employes who make sure God’s children have the best care. The event will be October 4 th during children’s moment.
November’s emphasis is the Silent Auction in conjunction with the Congregation’s Thanksgiving meal and celebration Sunday November 22. Donations of crafts, baked goods, collectables, toys, books, gift items and any treasures you care to donate will be available for bids before and during the meal. Items will be paid for and removed immediately following the meal. You are welcome to reclaim any items you donated but may not have received a bid. Remaining items will be donated to a thrift store. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide assistance to members and friends of ACC as necessary.
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Troop 88
Caleb Porath along with his Troop 88 and volenteers from our congreation packed and delivered 263 birthday bags for the food pantry.
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ARL Donations
All of your ARL donations made numerous cat toys and treat holders.
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Pastors Class
Langley, Harrison, and Sophia along with their mentors, Cathy, Arnie and Georgene joined Pastor Owen for Pastors Class this Summer. We took a "Tour of Life" during sessions on June 11th, July 16th and August 6th, where we explored faith as a lifelong journey. On our journey we had experiences that taught us how following Jesus meant always learning as disiples, having rest and recreation, walking with the Spirit in prayer, eating together, sharing memories and hopes, and even how Christian faith has hope even in the face of death. We also packaged 50 sack lunches for the food pantry at New Beginnings Christian Church because as disiples of Jesus we serve. We look forward to baptisims and confirmations soon!
| | Kirby Marks joined us in Worship before the Legacy Lunchen | | |
Kudos and Celebrations
• PRC Committee for its faithful service, patience, and leadership.
• June Love Lunch Volunteers: Cyndi B., Shanon B., Chuck F., Karen F., Angela J., Judy J.,
Judy K., Marlys L., Kayla L., Morgan L., John L., Bev M., Zach N., Georgene R., Steve R., Madilyn S., Larry S., Nancy S., Mary St. C., Gwen S., and Bob T.
• June Special Offering contributors for supporting the Love Lunch ministry.
• Des Moines Homeless Shelter Meal Servers: Gwen Stafne, Steve Raver, John Lindley, Judy
Krase, Larry Squier, Nancy Squier, Latisha Ukpabi, Madilyn Shreffler, Chuck Fausch, Darin Leach, and Lori Leach.
• Care Connection Committee: Pat Warner, Colleen Porath, Shelby Skinner, Judy Johnson, Marlys Lapham, Vicki Ulrich, Susan Dawson, Ursula Miers, and Georgene Raver for their compassionate support of grieving members.
• Sarah Green for faithfully maintaining church attendance records.
-Those who helped in worship in Lori's and my absence while on vacation 7/19- Melanie Tipton(Lori's sister), Lisa Grace, and Larry Squire
-Those who helped while I was preparing for camp- Joel Aurand, Karen Faush, and Shanon Buckroyd
-All the people who helped with brush clean up- Rob Duffy and Arnie Porath for several weeks help. July 4th helpers Owen and Elian Cayton, Gary Black, Glenn Smith, Steve Raver, Chuck Fausch, John Lee, and Colleen Porath.
-Pastors Class Mentors, Arnie Porath, Cathy Helmke, and Georgene Raver.
-Judy Krase for reading to the 3 and 4 year old
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September Birthdays
Angela Johnson 9/3
Tanya Cox 9/6
Daette Lambert 9/8
Diane Aurand 9/9
Marlys Lapham 9/10
Corbin Widaman 9/10
Deanna Clingan-Fischer 9/14
Norma Sperry 9/19
Randy Wehofer 9/19
Wesley Helmke 9/20
Kingston Ukpabi 9/22
Sally Hanley 9/22
Susan Hanley 9/22
Jodi Murphy 9/23
Logan Olson 9/24
Zola Parker 9/24
Emily Porath 9/24
John Lindley 9/25
Nate Shellberg 9/29
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September Anniversaries
Darin and Lori Leach 9/5
Jon and Jennifer Hauschildt 9/6
Glenn and Jo Ann Smith 9/8
Curt and Megan Narwold 9/20
Larry and Nancy Squire 9/28
| | If you would like to continue (or begin) to contribute to the work of the church financially, you can mail in a check to 2506 SW 3rd Street Ankeny, Iowa 50023 or you can give online by clicking the link below. There you can set up one time or recurring donations. | | |
Current Office Staff:
Pastor Owen Cayton, Senior Minister
pastorocayton@gmail.com
Nathan Green, Music Director
nategreenaccdoc@gmail.com
Sarah Green, Office Manager
ankenyccdoc@gmail.com
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2026 Leadership
Officers:
- President: Eleke Ukpabi
- President Elect: Shanon Buckroyd
- Past President, Chair Personnel Committee: Randy Wehofer
- Secretary: Latisha Ukpabi
- Treasurer: Curt Narwold
- Member at Large: Bob Turner
- Check Writer: John Lee
- Chair of PRC: Shanon Buckroyd
- PRC Members: Shanon Buckroyd; Rob Duffy; Karen Rawson; Dan Fliger; Bob Turner; Linda Lamont
- Nominating Committee: Lisa Duffy; John Sayre; Lisa Vroegh
Current Committee Chairs:
- Christian Education: Lori Krase-Cayton and Mary St. Clair
- Stewardship & Finance: David Rawson
- Property: Arnie Porath
- Worship: Daette Lambert
- Social Life: Team Party Squad
- Missions: Robert and Emily Dalluge
- Evangelism: Open
- Endowment: Judy Krase
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Ankeny Christian Church
2506 SW 3rd Street
Ankeny, Iowa 50023
515-964-1083
ankenyccdoc@gmail.com
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