A Word from Diane
You’ve heard me say before that we in the church are in, among other things, the blessing business!

It is a significant thing to both offer and to receive a blessing, isn’t it?

In daily life we offer all kinds of blessings, most obviously when someone sneezes! But we also offer blessings when we say, “Be careful!” or “Drive safely!” or “Safe travels!” or “Do well on your test!” or “I hope your scan comes back negative.”

Just before the pandemic closed everything down, one of our families invited me to come do a house blessing for them. They’ve lived there a good while now, but when the time is right, I will go and offer an official blessing on their now newish and well-loved home.

Last Sunday, on behalf of us all, I offered several blessings on Doug in the words I spoke to him in worship, but perhaps nothing more important than, “Go in peace.” I can tell you from experience that it is very hard to leave a congregation you have loved. Even when you know it’s your call to do so, it’s hard to say goodbye in the way ministers must say goodbye.

So we do wish, in addition to so many other good things, a deep peace to Doug in this time of transition. He has blessed us all during his tenure at ACC. His gifts for ministry are many and his energy, enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity have brought blessings to us all again and again.

Next Sunday we will offer a blessing of a different kind when Jordan and Tyler Auble come to present their twin daughters for a blessing and to present themselves to be blessed again as the wonderful parents that they are. I pray that you will, too, will be present either in person or online to share in blessing this wonderful family and in welcoming Addison and Lucy officially into the fold.

That particular blessing that we offer also comes with some responsibility as we pledge ourselves to be there for these young girls throughout their lives in the church: to be their Children Worship & Wonder storytellers, their Sunday School teachers, their youth group leaders, their Vacation Bible School teachers, leaders, and snack providers, their friends, their encouragers – in other words, to be church for and with them.

May you find a blessing to give this week and may you offer one too, for it is our work as Christ’s church in the world.
I offer you peace & grace, Diane
Click the button below to register for in-person worship for any dates through the end of May. Be prepared to include the names of anyone attending with you. For those unable to sign up online for any reason, please call the office at 317-849-3957 and speak with or leave a message for Ruth Wolff.
Prayer Joys and Concerns

Among our Joys:

We welcome to the world Henry Matthew Borgman, born Saturday night at 11:12pm at 19.5 inches and 6.1lbs to Christina Noens Borgman and Adam Borgman. Thanks be to God!

Among our concerns please pray for:

  • Paul Ayers, in the hospital
  • Steve Belding, in the hospital
  • Joyce Coalson, recovering from surgery
  • Jim Hooser’s grandson, James Hooser, recovering from a bike accident
  • Karen Bayne, recovering
  • Carol Lu Knox’s son, Brad Bond
  • Liz Nelson, Theron Nelson-Mercer’s mother
  • Linda Belding as she continues recovery
  • Chris Higgins’ father, Geoff Higgins
  • Ruth Wolff’s mother, Cindy Method
  • Jessica McCracken’s step-father who in hospice care, Richard Solberg, and her mother giving him care, Linda

We continue prayers for:

  • Ben Hinton
  • Dan Pickerell
  • Mary Caress and Jerry Caress
  • Bev Goforth and Davis Goforth
  • Lee Ridoux
  • Mac Hunter

We lift up Pearl Ross on the death of her brother, Billy Ray Mitchell.

Among our Global community concerns:

We continue our prayers for all those whose daily lives are burdened by the sin of systemic racism, and for a spirit of courage in our pursuit to be actively anti-racist in all we do and believe.

We pray for our Global Prayer Partners, this week in Lesotho. 

Information for visiting or contacting Ben Hinton:
Ben Hinton's new address is 12999 N Pennsylvania St, Carmel IN. He loves phone calls - please call him at: 317-810-5236

Visitation Rules:
30 minute visits per person (one person at a time)
You must have a negative Covid test weekly
Call (317) 848-2448 and ask for Kimberly Taylor to schedule an appointment.

If you don't want to get a Covid test, then you can visit with Ben outside his window. The facility will be opening outdoor visits after April 2, which you can also do without a COVID test.
Dear friends,

Wow. Words can’t capture how incredibly grateful I am to all who were a part of my goodbye festivities and made them so special. Thank you to those who planned and helped prepare everything for the drive-through. My wonderful PRC outdid themselves (once again): Cindy Coble, Sue Shadburne Call, Sarah Reed, Brock McCracken, and Jim Powell. It was so touching to get to see so many familiar faces and have a few words of farewell with so many. Thank you to everyone who came through on Saturday, and an extra thank you for all the sweet cards and generous gifts. I can’t wait to frame my new chalice fingerprint artwork!

I’d like to also say thank you to each of you who contributed so generously to the love gift I received on Sunday. I was so moved by your generosity.

It has been a true joy to become family here at Allisonville Christian Church. From the moment I arrived, you have welcomed me with open arms and a loving spirit - you’re the best of what church is and should be. And I depart with that same sense of gratitude, though now accompanied with sadness because I know how much I will miss you. 

Nonetheless, we believe in a God who stands with God’s people through all things (including you and me) - through all times, through all places, through all circumstances. So, even with sadness, I trust that God will continue to work in our world and in our lives, guiding us toward being more loving and more welcoming than before, toward advocating for the least of these, toward being all of who God has made us to be. Thank you for being companions on the journey and for sharing life with me. God is good! Amen.

With love and gratitude,
Doug
Vicki Holland Memorial Service

Our dear sister Vicki Holland who passed away last June 27 will be remembered at a memorial service in our sanctuary on Saturday, May 15th at 1pm. If you plan to attend please sign up by following the link below.
Address Correction

The Kalala family's new address is:
2952 E. Tabor
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Outreach Co-Chair Announcement

The Outreach Ministry is pleased to announce that Carol Holzman has graciously accepted the Outreach Ministry co-chairmanship beginning in June. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate, Carol. You will find this ministry very rewarding. 
From the Financial Team (Financial Secretaries - Treasurer - Bookkeeper - Stewardship):

The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples' new church development. Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new congregations are part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs. Gifts from Allisonville members and friends for this offering are divided equally between the Indiana Region and New Church Ministry. Please give generously!
Coffee Café Announcement

We are still hoping to have Lemonade Cafe outside behind the church on Sunday, May 16. Watch the weather and check out the ACC Facebook page on Friday & Saturday for further notice. If we can have it, BYOB (Bring Your Own Container) to get a drink. Please try to maintain the usual safe distance from your church family members & we would suggest masks, especially if you are not vaccinated yet. Will confirm in church on Sunday.
ACC Book Club

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. via zoom.

We will be reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.

Outstanding.... [A] rich, rewarding read about family ties, perseverance, and women's friendships and fortitude." ― Booklist (starred review) 
LIFE Class Update

The LIFE class is on hold so as not to interfere with in-person worship. We are working on a change of time and venue. Stay tuned for the announcement of when the LIFE class will resume meeting.
Virtual Scripture Readers

Virtual scripture readers are needed. Please contact John Quick ([email protected] or 317-294-2709) if you would like to record scripture.
Save the Date and Register for In-Person VBS Today!

Mark your calendars for VBS 2021: Discovery on Adventure Island! We'll be convening for in-person VBS this year July 5-8 from 5-7:30pm for children 5 yr - 5th grade. In following CDC guidelines, registration will be limited, so be sure to sign your child up today. You can do so at www.allisonville.org/vbs. Those who wish to volunteer for the event can also sign up there. We hope you'll join us on a quest for God's light and love! See you there!
Learn about our Region's Summer camp program and register online today at http://indianadisciples.org/commissions/commission-on-faith-formation/#camp
Help for ACC members and family to sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations

Currently to sign up for the Covid-19 vaccine you can go to the state of Indiana website: https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov and sign up for a vaccination or you can call 211 to sign up. 211 is a helpline phone call. But for anyone still having difficulty in getting signed up for their COVID-19 vaccination, there will be help from ACC members. If you or a family member needs help, call the church office at: 317-849-3957. Leave a message for Ruth Wolff, providing your name and phone number, and an Allisonville CC member will call you back to help get you started. A reminder that right now this is for people who are 16 and older.
Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors

ACC has been informed that there is a path to vaccination for those who might be unable to leave their homes to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Contact the Indiana Department of Aging and Disabilities with FSSA: 317-803-6131

You will be asked to give them your zip code and other information, such as date of birth and address. This is so that they know if you are in their service area. You may have to make an appointment for someone to get back with you, but reports are that they will follow up with you.
Family Promise: Night Without a Bed
How many apartments will we be able to rent as shelters this June? The answer is up to you!
Last April, Greater Indianapolis rallied to help Family Promise raise an unexpected $125,000 to rent 10 apartments as shelters for 12 months. It meant our shelter never had to cut capacity while congregations could not host families. We're pleased to share more than 73% of families either took over the leases (and we rented new apartments) or found permanent housing elsewhere. As of today, 100% of the families that left shelter successfully have retained housing!
Check out the Allisonville Christian Church team page, check out our progress and give today to support families through Family Promise: https://www.givegab.com/teams/allisonville or click the button below.
Allisonville Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)

(317) 849-3957