With great gratitude and appreciation, we say a “kind of” goodbye to Jessica McCracken today. She is NOT leaving the congregation – she and Brock and Quentin and Joshua and Zachary are an integral part of us and that will not change – but she is finishing her service to ACC as Worship Band Leader and Lead Singer.
Jessica has sung professionally off and on for us at ACC for thirteen years, and this last time for eight years! What a gift she has been, and is, to us.
With another job, a husband, and three busy boys, Jessica realized early last March that the time had come to step away from the band so she could better juggle life and concentrate on her boys and all their activities. If you don’t know, Jessica is a great boys’ mom who loves all their activities and sports – she’s even been a coach!
She had JUST told Music Director Chris Higgins and me of her intention when we had to change directions for Covid-19. Out of her love for the church and loyalty to Chris and the Band, Jessica agreed to stay on for a time. I believe what I asked of her at the time was “a little while” until we could get settled into a new rhythm of online music and worship.
Jessica responded immediately that she would, and she has sacrificially given us more than ten months of beautiful, faithful service since then.
We thank you, Jess!
Your beautiful voice and sweet spirit have led us through a very difficult time in ways that have blessed us all. Week after week God’s Spirit has flowed through you to all of us in ways that were healing, hopeful, and reassuring.
We are blessed and fortunate not to really say goodbye, though. I feel sure that we will occasionally get to hear Jessica sing for special music in the future, and who knows?
Someday, some year, she might decide to come back on board professionally one more time! We can always hope.
Peace & Grace, Diane
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Concerns
- Ben Hinton, in ICU on a ventilator for several weeks
- Michele Godleske, whose brain tumor procedure went well on Tuesday
- Paul Ayers, hospitalized with pneumonia
- Jerry Fourman, recovering from shoulder surgery
- Julie Wilson’s mother, Linda Johnson, recovering well from surgery
- Jill Maple, Noble York’s daughter and Sue York’s stepdaughter, who is recovering from a pulmonary embolism caused by Covid-19
- Max Oldham, Kathy Speicher’s grandson, recovering from a head injury
For those undergoing treatment
- Joey Lee
- Michael Smith, Kathie Meyer’s stepson
Ongoing Concerns
- Ely Ayers
- Mary Caress
- Lori Corken
- Bonnie Ross
- Davis Goforth
- Bev Goforth
For all suffering with COVID-19 and for all the medical personnel caring for them
For all anti-racism/pro-reconciling work
For the healing of our nation and for the loss of life at the Capitol Building
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Staff "Out of Office" Monday in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
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The office will be "closed" next Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As the office is already closed due to the pandemic, this is a reminder that ACC gives the whole staff the day off in honor of the Rev. Dr. King.
As always, if need be, our ministers will respond to pastoral care emergencies.
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News and Thank You from Jessica McCracken |
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Over the past several years, it has been a joy to be a member of the ACC Worship Band. My time as lead singer and worship band leader has been one of musical growth, worshipful experiences, and fun! However, I have notified the church staff and Board Chair, Tim Armstrong, that I am resigning as Worship Band Leader effective January 31, 2021. If more time is needed to find my replacement, I will stay until February 14th.
This was an incredibly hard decision. As my responsibilities in both my home and professional life have increased, I found myself in a difficult place trying to manage everything. I hope to sing special music from time to time, and I will serve as a substitute singer if ever needed. To my bandmates Chris, Mason, and Michael, THANK YOU for making Wednesday nights so delightful for so many years. To Diane, Doug, and Tim, thank you for your unwavering love and support.
Blessings,
Jessica McCracken
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Thank You from the Burrells |
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We would like to thank all of you for the prayers, calls and cards that we received for the passing of our niece, Stacy Wells. We felt the love from each of you and God's presence surrounded us with comfort and peace. Our church family is such a blessing to us and especially at this time.
Love,
Don and Barb Burrell
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If you are responsible for a portion of the ACC Year-End report and have not yet submitted it to Ruth Wolff, please do so by this Friday, January 15th. It’s the best way we currently have to let our members and friends know that the work of Allisonville Christian Church has continued on in this challenging environment. Together we have accomplished much! Ruth’s email is [email protected].
Thank you!
Tim Armstrong
Council Chair
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An address update for your directory:
Tim and Brenda Gomolak
5250 E 9th St
Indianapolis, IN 46219
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Can you help drive Vicky Mwanza to ACC Preschool? She is the youngest member of the Kalala family which ACC sponsored when they came from a refugee camp in Namibia in 2015. We need a driver for Wednesday mornings, and Friday mornings and afternoons. Preschool hours are 9am to 2pm.
Please contact Carol Holzman at 317-341-3185 for more information. Thank you!
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Official Notice for January Congregational Meeting |
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The January Congregational Meeting to present the annual budget and the End of the Year Report to the congregation will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2020 at 11:30am on Zoom. You will receive both the budget and the report via email before the meeting. If you are not on email both will be mailed to you.
We are hoping to see MANY faces on Zoom that day to say hello to one another as well as do the business of the church! You can join using the link below.
Allisonville Christian Church is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Congregational Meeting
Time: Jan 24, 2021 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 830 8258 8896
Passcode: ACC!
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Exploring Worship Program Resumes January 17 |
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Creation Care Corner: Washing Cloth Face Masks |
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Many of us are now wearing cloth face masks daily. Thus, they require regular laundering. Because masks cover the mouth and nose, it is best to use natural laundry products that are free of toxins. You can launder your face covering to promote optimum health and sustainability.
Learn more about common laundry detergent ingredients, natural alternatives, best practices and even how to easily make your own detergent. Cloth Face Mask Information
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Save the Date for Book Club: January 26 |
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Our Book and Cookie Club will meet Tuesday, January 26th at 7:00. For those who are interested in joining our group, email [email protected] and she will send you the link for our Zoom meeting. We would love to have you.
We, as a group, have made a commitment to read more books by People of Color this year. Our next book is A Long Petal of the Sea by the acclaimed Isabelle Allende. It is a historical novel that covers a subject not frequently written about.
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The House of the Spirits, this epic novel spanning decades and crossing continents follows two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home.
“One of the most richly imagined portrayals of the Spanish Civil War to date, and one of the strongest and most affecting works in [Isabel Allende’s] long career.”—The New York Times Book Review
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Allisonville Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
(317) 849-3957
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