I’ve been thinking about grief as the vast majority of our congregation’s members are grieving the death of Steve Belding. Losing any member always brings grief to the whole body, but this particular grief is shared so widely because of who Steve was.
In the last few days, several people have told me things like, “Steve was the first person who greeted me when I visited Allisonville,” “Steve never failed to make me feel welcome,” “Steve always asked me how I was,” “Steve was always on hand to help.” It’s because of who Steve was, that the feelings of grief and loss are widespread throughout the congregation.
That’s not the only reason we’re experiencing grief as a group, though. Personal losses for individuals ranging from other deaths of loved ones to loss of mobility to moves to relationship pain to illness – it all takes a toll. That doesn’t even include all the losses Covid has brought for the last fifteen months to us all individually and as a congregation.
Right now, people’s feelings are raw and we’re out of patience with the losses of familiar activities, freedoms, and “the way things were.” Often, we don’t even know what may be going on in another’s life or what challenges they are dealing with at the moment, right?
So, in this time of grief let’s be kind to one another and be there for each other.
One of the easiest ways to do that is to simply listen. Listen with acceptance and without judgment, letting them express their pain without trying to fix it.
Helpful things to say to a grieving person might include, “I’m so sorry,” “I love you,” “I’m here for you,” or “This is so hard.”
Things to avoid saying include, “Don’t cry,” “It could be worse,” “God needed him/her/them more than you did,” “He/she/them is in a better place,” “You shouldn’t feel that way,” or “You’ll be fine after a little while.”
Sometimes loving your neighbor is just being present with them in whatever they’re going through, whatever pain or grief they’re suffering – just being there. And often that is enough.
Grace & Peace, Diane
|
|
Changes in Sunday Morning Covid Guidelines
At their meeting last evening, the Reopening Committee approved some updates to our Sunday morning in-person worship guidelines.
- We will no longer take temperatures at the door.
- We will now seat worshipers three feet apart instead of six feet, but if there are those who feel more comfortable maintaining six feet of social distance, we will be happy to accommodate that wish.
- We will continue wearing masks for the time being; at this moment we are still under a mask mandate in Marion County, but beginning this Sunday worshipers may sing with their masks on.
- We are removing the Plexiglas barriers from the pulpit and the Communion table, but will leave the one in place at the Lectern for the time being until the Elders have the opportunity to discuss their comfort level with removing it.
-
Classes and other groups that want to begin meeting in person may reserve space to do so inside the building wearing masks or outside with masks optional. Click the link below. If you encounter any issues submitting your request, please contact [email protected].
We will continue making reservations for now, so we have contact information at hand in case we need to do contact tracing. Last Sunday when we had three visitors, we also realized that a side benefit of the list is the ability to reach out and welcome those who visit!
We celebrate that we are making progress toward a more normal worship experience even as we are also continuing to care for those among us, including our young children, who are not yet vaccinated.
A heartfelt thank you to the members of our Reopening Committee for their care, wisdom, and faithful perseverance!
|
|
Wear Red for Pentecost!
This coming Sunday, May 23rd, is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate the birthday of the church! One of our ACC traditions is to dress in red for worship on Pentecost because red is the liturgical color associated with the Holy Spirit whose appearance on that day resulted in the birth of the church.
The name Pentecost comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth” because the Jewish Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, comes on the fiftieth day after Passover.
Whether you’re worshiping at home or in person in the sanctuary you’re invited to celebrate the Spirit with your apparel. If you don’t have red, you can wear blue to represent the wind of the Pentecost Spirit.
2021 Pentecost Offering
“Be the New Church” is the call of this year’s Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Pentecost Offering that supports new church development and ministries here in Indiana and throughout the whole church.
The offering supports churches in formation and helps launch new congregations that will share the gospel in innovative and traditional ways. We invite you to share in this vital work of new church ministry through your offerings. You can give online, by mailing your offering to church at 7701 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250, or by bringing your offering with you to in-person worship.
May God continue to do a new thing through our DOC new church ministries!
|
|
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
JOYS:
- We give thanks for Addison and Lucy Auble and for their brothers Max and Emmitt and their mom Jordan and dad Tyler
- We are thankful, too, for the annual Pentecost Offering for new church ministries in which we are sharing this week and next.
Among our concerns please hold in prayer:
The Belding and Jacobs’ families in the death of Steve Belding on May 17th.
Our sister Pearl Ross on the recent death of her brother, Billy Ray Mitchell.
- June Cotton, in hospice care and near the end of life. Please keep her daughter, Dee Williams, and granddaughter, Chrissy Domi, and the rest of the family in your prayers.
- Paul Ayers, at home recovering from pneumonia
- Erika Krumwied Cooper, who is 7 months pregnant and is battling a difficult case of Covid
- Joyce Coalson, recovering from surgery
- Jim Hooser’s grandson, James Hooser, recovering from a bike accident
- Karen Bayne, recovering from a badly broken hand
- Carol Lu Knox’s son, Brad Bond
- Liz Nelson, Theron Nelson-Mercer’s mother
- Chris Higgins’ father, Geoff Higgins
- Ruth Wolff’s mother, Cindy Method
- Ben Hinton
- Mary Caress and Jerry Caress
- Bev Goforth and Davis Goforth
- Lee Ridoux
- Mack Hunter, recovering from a broken hip
Among our communal and global concerns:
We continue our prayers for all who are suffering with Covid. Here in the U.S. younger people are now being hospitalized and for the people of India who are still in a Covid crisis.
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 an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine. In recent days, the violence has spread from Jerusalem to Gaza and many innocent lives have been lost. We pray for a just peace in that land that is so dear to many.
We pray for our Global Prayer Partners, this week in the Philippines.
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.
|
|
Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 6, 2021
4:00 p.m. via Zoom
A special meeting of the congregation of Allisonville Christian Church has been scheduled for Sunday, June 6, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The purpose of this meeting is to forward the unanimous recommendation of both the Search Committee and the Council to the congregation for final approval of the appointment of a new Associate Minister. The candidate will be joining us following the vote.
We hope to see everyone!
Tim Armstrong
Council Chair
|
|
Coffee Café Announcement
Our "Lemonade Cafe" was a huge success last week so immediately after worship service on Sunday, we will have it out front by the bell again. We will be serving water and lemonade and maybe some extra treats. In the interest of trying to keep our environment safe, please try to bring your own container, but we will have disposable cups for those who forget. Hope to see you there for friendship and fellowship. Does anyone know the history of the bell?
|
|
Thank You, ACC!
From Second Helpings:
I am a board member and volunteer at Second Helpings and want to thank you and the entire Allisonville Christian Church for sponsoring our Culinary Job Training Class. In these challenging times, you are making a difference!
Jeff Hokanson
From Bethany Fellows:
Thank you for your donation to Bethany Fellows! Because of your gift, Bethany can continue its vital ministry to newly ordained ministers, even in the midst of a pandemic. Bethany has worked to adapt and create opportunities for young clergy to connect and pray together. We could not have done this without donors like you! Thank you for caring for and supporting Doug in his participation. Thank you for being part of Bethany Fellows!
When we asked Amy, a neighbor experiencing homelessness, what she would tell you, she said, "Thank you to those who gave money so Horizon House can get me what I need."
Amy was living unsheltered and first visited Horizon House to use our shower facilities. A friend on the streets told her that it was a great place to come to take care of her personal needs.
Amy is just one of the many neighbors experiencing homelessness that visit Horizon House. Since the start of the year, our Service Center has already had over 5,300 visits and nearly 2,000 unique neighbors have been served.
With gratitude,
Teresa Wessel
Executive Director
|
|
Bread for the World
Proverbs 31:8
Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.
ACC has chosen once again to participate in the 2021 Bread for the World Offering of Letters on behalf of hungry people in the U.S. and around the world. Currently, Bread for the World is asking Congress to make the Child Tax Credit permanent and to increase U.S. leadership and funding for global nutrition.
By writing a brief letter or sending an email to your senators and your representative, you can help to end hunger. The letters and emails from many different Indiana churches will be combined and referred to when Bread for the World meets with our legislators later this year. Every email and letter count. Please send yours and advocate to end hunger worldwide.
Easy-to-follow instructions are available in the links below including an instructional handout and sample letter.
|
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
Allisonville Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
(317) 849-3957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
