I thought I’d be further along. I expected more. Officially it began with my confession of faith and baptism. I was young but sincere in my commitment and determination to live a Christ-like life. I’m almost 67 years old and I thought I’d be further along. Do you ever get discouraged in your Christian journey? Do you feel you’ve reached that special place of true discipleship? I hope you have. I’m not there yet. I struggle. Comfort comes in knowing that far better folk than me have faced challenges that took time. Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, before. When asked how it felt to fail 1,000 times, Edison replied, “I did not fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1001 steps….” I find that encouraging. The season of Lent is a time for me to think about where I am in my faith development. I’m at about step 489, so there’s room for experimentation. I still hope that one day I will complete my journey.
There are many steps to be taken before I fulfill my childhood commitment to God. Some include the following - just things I need more work on. Maybe this process will help me move closer to wholeness. My list includes:
- Be a little kinder to everyone and encourage others in their faith journey…
- Be more grateful to God who has blessed me beyond measure…
- Be more giving with my time, energy, and resources…
- Respect EVERY human life as a child of God, even if I don’t agree with them…
- Not only be tolerant of those who are different, but welcoming and gracious…
- Take RISKS for the common good; be BOLD in living my faith…
- Get out of my COMFORT ZONE and move into the startling work of the Gospel…
- Welcome change and be part of the change to benefit humankind…
- Always lean toward transformation and wholeness…
- Trust God and love as Christ loves…
My guess is I’ll never complete my list. There will always be a longer one waiting to replace it. This Christian journey is a lifelong enterprise. It is not easy - but what an adventure it is! When Pablo Casals reached the age of 95, a musician asked, “Mr. Casals, you are 95 and the greatest cellist who ever lived. Why do you still practice six hours a day?” To which Casals responded, “I think I’m making progress.” Why continue this journey to discipleship when completion seems so far away? Well, I still have a long way to go, but I think I’m making progress. I’m grateful for Lent that calls us to examine where we are on the faith journey. I hope you are farther along than I am. Peace and joy and wholeness be yours!
Love, Pastor John
|
|
Y'all know what's wild? Exactly a year ago this week, our wonderful Regional Minister, Rick Spleth, reached out to me on March 14 to ask if I had time to talk about a job in Indianapolis that he thought I would be a great fit for. And y'all, am I so glad that he did. Exactly a year ago tomorrow, March 17, was my first "interview" with Allisonville- a nice Zoom conversation with Diane. A Zoom meeting that I was an hour late to because I forgot about the time zone difference. Wow, am I glad that she didn't hold that against me!
Less than a month later was my first interview with the full (incredible) search committee, two weeks after that was my in-person visit and interview, and then a month after that I said the easiest "yes" of my life by accepting the call that y'all so lovingly extended to me. I don't know how many ministers, especially first-call ministers, have the privilege of saying their search process for their job was enjoyable, but I really loved each piece of my interview process with Allisonville.
Each step of this (very quick) search process felt like a dream to me. Not because of the speed, but because my heart was just so full and so excited throughout the whole thing. It all just felt so right, and it still does to this day. A lot has happened in this past year, and I know a lot is going to happen in this next year, but I'm grateful we are journeying this path together.
Peace and blessings,
Josh
|
|
Joys:
- Max Auble was able to have his wound vac removed! We pray for smooth healing.
- Dan Pickerell's surgery went well last Friday
Concerns:
- We offer love and condolences to Joyce Jones, whose brother Jack passed away on Saturday night. Services will be held in Tipton.
- We pray for Lesley Salmon, whose cousin, Margaret Waligora passed away.
- Ben Hinton, struggling with health concerns.
- Bonnie Ross, facing ongoing health problems.
- Carol Q. Cosby, has three broken ribs following a fall.
- Diana Moore, recently diagnosed with pneumonia.
Continued prayers for:
- Linda Belding and Lois Nahre's brother, Dave
- Chris Baker's son, Nic
- Cora King
- Dottie Lloyd
- Troy Snapp's stepmom, Judy Snapp
- Bob Hessong
- Davis Goforth
- Lee Ridoux
- David Parker
All who are grieving
All who are affected by COVID, even as the numbers go down. We pray that the case numbers continue to go down.
For our work and all work to be an anti-racist church and people
Global Ministries Prayer Partner: Ukraine, we pray for peace and an end to Russian aggression against our Ukrainian neighbors.
|
|
Blessings and Gratitude to Ryan Keys
A few short months ago, Ryan Keys came to ACC to serve as our Property Manager. What a priceless gift he has been! He has done an exceptional job of overseeing our large facility and making sure all was in order and did so with such positive energy and a true sense of mission. Ryan recently turned in his resignation and accepted a new position as Assistant Director of Conferences and Guest Housing with IUPUI. His many talents and warm personality fit the job beautifully. His final day with us will be March 27. Please take a moment to thank Ryan for his outstanding work and loving care for ACC. We will miss him greatly, but send him with blessings and thanks for serving with us with such dedication and love for the church. God’s kindest blessings go with you, Ryan!
Pastor John
(P.S. We are looking for someone to take over this important job at ACC. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Kendall Nagy, David Stansifer, or John Williams. Thanks!)
|
|
Dear Church Family
Thank you for your good wishes as I take some time with my family to travel to Amsterdam, Berlin, and Krakow. I’ll be gone March 21-29 leaving you in the very capable hands of Rev. Josh Jackson, Joyce Coalson, and the rest of our excellent staff. While I look forward to our trip, I also look forward to returning to our shared ministry at ACC. Blessings to you. I will be keeping you in prayer while I’m gone.
Pastor John
|
|
Nominations for Elders and Deacons
The Nominating Committee is accepting names for people to serve as Elders and Deacons for the coming term. Please submit nominations to any committee member: Mindy Armstrong, Sue Shadburne Call, Cindy Coble, Gary Hume, Christina Martin, and Sandy Nagy. Nominations are being accepted from now until Sunday, April 10.
|
|
Congregational Survey
An important Congregational Survey has been sent by email. The survey will be available both electronically and in paper form. Paper copies have been mailed to our members who receive their weekly BUZZ in the mail and will also be available anytime at ACC. We are asking for your responses by March 28. Thanks to all ACC members in advance for your participation and input in this most important process.
John Quick
Chair, ACC Search Committee
|
|
Buddy Bags - Sign-Ups & Collection Ongoing
We are preparing the Buddy Bags for the upcoming Spring break! We will be collecting and packing food donations for 90 Buddy Bags for students at Clearwater Elementary, Eastwood and Northview Middle Schools. We will be in the Narthex this Sunday, March 20, with a sign up sheet for food donations and monetary contributions.
Each bag cost approximately $25.00. Monetary contributions may be given at the sign-up table, placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church with a designation of “Buddy Bags,” or made by giving online and specifying your gift for the Buddy Bag program.
Please have your food donations to the church Narthex by Sunday, March 27. If you are interested in helping to shop for any remaining items, please let Loveta or Sandy know. We will be packing and delivering the bags on Tuesday, March 29, at 9:30 am. Come join us!
|
|
Holy Week Volunteers Needed - 1 more needed for Good Friday!
Our Holy Week services are being planned and help is still needed with the messages for the Good Friday Service on April 15. The service will be at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to those who have already volunteered for Good Friday and Maundy Thursday!
If you can help please email Pastor John at [email protected]. Thank you so much for your help! Blessings! - Pastor John
|
|
Easter Lilies on Sale Beginning March 27
Lilies will be used to adorn our sanctuary this Easter Season. If you would like to place an order, please watch for forms in the bulletin in the coming weeks! The lilies will be $10 per plant. Please provide cash or check (made payable to Allisonville Christian Church with "Lilies' in the memo) along with the order form and leave in the offering plate.
|
|
Easter Egg Hunt Volunteer Sign Up
Saturday, April 16th from 10-11am ACC is hosting our Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt is one of our most popular community events and we need lots of volunteers to help make it a great event! It is short and sweet and a great way to welcome our community. A few areas we need help are: Set Up & Clean Up Crew; people to run our game booths; people to run our crafts tables; people to play with our littlest hunters in the "Toddler Zone"; people to read or tell Easter Stories; people to hide Easter Eggs; and someone to be our "SWIM" / safety volunteer. You can sign up by clicking on the sign up genius link below or email [email protected].
We also need people who could donate Easter Candy (individually packaged & nut free) AND/OR Fill the Easter Eggs with donated candy prior to the hunt. You can grab a bag of eggs to fill from Pastor Josh's Office or bring the candy to the church.
Contact Josh or Liz Young with any questions!
|
|
Volunteers needed for Coffee Cafe!
This is a mission that takes little of your time but is a fun and fulfilling way to serve your church. Providing Coffee Cafe, casual fellowship is an important part of our Sunday morning schedule.
We have six teams of hosts which means that you serve just once every six weeks. We will provide training and you get dibs on the first cup of coffee! If you are interested, please contact Toni Medlen at [email protected]
|
|
YOU. Yes, YOU! We want to “Get to Know You”
I am looking for members who haven’t yet been profiled who are willing to be interviewed for a “Getting To Know Us” entry. I promise it’s painless, and will take less than an hour. Your interview can be “live” or via Zoom.
I’d love to talk to you! Please contact me at 317-965-7852 or [email protected] if you’re willing.
Thanks!
Ginny Campbell
|
|
Memorial & Endowment Funds Update - March 2022
The Memorial & Endowment Team; Tim Armstrong, Jessica McCracken, Nita Orth, Larry Rahn, and Kim Cook, will meet in early April to review requests for grants for projects or items above and beyond budgeted needs. These expenditures can be granted from earnings from our endowment funds, and/or Memorial funds, those gifts given in memory of members or family. If you are in leadership on an ACC committee or team and your group has a timely need, especially an outreach expenditure, capital need, or any other type of special project, please contact Kim at [email protected] for the request form. Also, if anyone has any questions regarding this committee or these funding sources, please contact Kim or any committee member.
Just a general reminder to the congregation - for 2022 pledges or offerings to operating fund, building fund, special day offerings, or any other gifts to ACC, remember that you can contribute online on our website, allisonville.org, by clicking the “give” button, drop your offering in the mail to the church, set up your contributions through your bank, or simply bring it with you and put it in the offering plate on Sunday mornings. Thank you very much!
|
|
Youth Group Meals for the Spring
We continue to have a signup to provide youth group lunch this semester. It is wide open, so please take a moment and find a day that you might want to bring lunch for the youth group. If you have questions, talk to Josh.
|
|
Mar 20 | Flocking Signups End Sunday
This is your LAST chance to flock someone or purchase insurance! We will stop taking flocking orders this Sunday, March 20. We will continue to move the flamingos around until we have completed the list, but after Sunday we will not be taking any new flocking requests! If you do get flocked though, you are still able to make a gift to have them moved somewhere of your choice. Thank you for all of your support with this fun way to raise money for our youth mission trip to Nashville!
|
|
Mar 20 | Blood Drive
Sign up to donate blood at our next Blood Drive on Sunday, March 20. Please contact Curt McCollister to sign up (317-842-5655), leaving a voicemail message with your name, phone number, and requested time. We will have slots available 8:30am - 12:15pm.
|
|
Mar 20 | Buddy Bag Sign-Up and Collection
We will be in the Narthex this Sunday, March 20, with a sign up sheet for food donations and monetary contributions. Contact Loveta Cain ([email protected]) or Sandy Nagy ([email protected]) with questions.
|
|
Mar 20 | Youth Group
This Sunday for youth group we will be continuing our program for Lent with some time in prayer and community with one another. Thank you to Tim and Mindy Armstrong for providing lunch!
|
|
Mar 20 | Lenten Study, 3pm via Zoom
|
|
Mar 20 | Anti-Racism Book Study 5pm via Zoom
The Anti-Racism Book Study will be discussing the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving. Our discussion will be taking place over four weeks (Feb 27, Mar 6, Mar 13, and Mar 20), 5:00 - 6:00pm.
If you would like to join us via Zoom please contact Cindy Coble at [email protected].
|
|
March 17 | Grief Group for This Week
Grief Group will meet Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom. Everyone welcome:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 113 1740
Passcode: 7srZvu
|
|
Mar 21 & 22 | No Lenten Study |
|
Mar 22 | ACC Book Club, 7pm via Zoom
Our next book club will be March 22, 7:00 pm, still via Zoom.
We will be discussing The Rabbit Effect by Kelli Harding. How kindness can change your health. Goodness knows this is relevant during our past two years of isolation in an endeavor to stay safe.
|
|
Mar 24 | Mary Martha Circle at 1pm
Mary Martha Circle will meet Thursday, March 24, at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Our lesson will be from our study book, Fruit of the Spirit, Chapter 5.
|
|
Mar 27| Buddy Bag Food Donations Accepted
Please consider a food or monetary donation to help make one of these bag recipients’ break a little more enjoyable.
Please have food donations to the church Narthex by Sunday, March 27.
|
|
Mar 29 | Buddy Bag Delivery
We will be packing and delivering the bags on Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30 am. Come and join us!
|
|
Seeking Virtual Scripture Readers!
|
|
Sunday Walking Inside Ministry (SWIM) Team Update
In preparation for the resumption of our full Sunday services, our Sunday Walking Inside Ministry Team (SWIMmers) comprised of volunteers from our church is being reactivated! We are actively looking for two (2) volunteers, one for each service, to serve as SWIMmers..and we need your help!! To refresh everyone’s memory, the SWIMmer perform the following services during his or her tour of duty:
- 1st service: 9:20am-10:45am
- 2nd service will be from 10:45am-12:00pm.
- Full details will be provided to each volunteer
- Insure that all outside doors are locked throughout our entire building
- Be a visible presence by walking a prescribed route throughout our buildings and classrooms
- Greet newcomers and provide necessary directions
- The SWIMmer is merely providing a moving set of eyes to be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles or personnel.
- No special training is required and you will be briefed on your exact role.
If you have volunteered in the past, you may access our Sign Up Genius using the button below. If you have not yet served as a SWIMmer just contact me directly and I’ll answer any of your concerns or issues. Thank you for your consideration!
Gary Lawrence
(317)413-4245
|
|
Flowers for Worship in 2022
The sign-up is now available online and in-person for 2022.
|
|
Exploring Worship and Worship and Wonder Volunteers
Would you like to be involved in our children's ministry? We are still in need of volunteers for both Exploring Worship and Worship and Wonder. Here are a brief description of the roles we are needing to fill:
W&W Greeter - The Greeter helps to welcome the kids to Worship and Wonder and assists the Storyteller in crowd control and keeping the ministry flowing.
W&W Storyteller - The Storyteller leads the lesson directly from the Worship and Wonder curriculum. We have access to the official W&W training.
EW Teacher - The Teacher leads the activity for the day, such as the sharing of joys and concerns, reading the scripture for the day, etc.
EW Shepherd - The Shepherd assists the Teacher in getting the kids to the EW space and keeping the activity going smoothly.
If you are interested in any of these roles or if you would like more information about them, please reach out to Josh!
|
|
COVID Guidelines for Worship - UPDATED 3/2/2022
After careful consideration, our COVID team has updated our guidelines to move us closer to a
more “normal” use of our facilities. Beginning, March 6, we will observe the following:
- Masks are optional during worship and other activities. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so. Our number one goal continues to keep everyone safe, comfortable and healthy.
- Please seat yourself for worship; all pews are open. Be aware that some worshipers may still prefer a little space between them and their pew mates, so just do a quick check in with them about their space preferences.
- We will continue to observe our offering time and communion as we have been doing during the COVID restrictions. It was agreed that it was healthier to have limited contact with offering trays and communion ware until numbers are significantly down.
- Hymnals will be returned to the pews and ready to use on March 6.
- The Membership Committee will begin our Coffee Cafe after Easter.
- You may schedule groups or class meetings at the church. Please call the office to reserve a room or follow the link below. Zoom calls for meetings are still an option depending on the group’s preference.
- Greeting one another is encouraged, always respecting one another’s comfort. Instead of hugs and handshakes, fist bumps or elbow bumps are suggested. Social distancing continues to be encouraged.
- The Nursery is open each Sunday morning, along with Children’s Worship and Wonder and Exploring Worship which are in session each week.
We are moving closer to a sense of normal for our life at the church. It is our prayer that we can
continue to care for all among us with the deepest Christian care. These guidelines are subject
to change depending on need. Thank you for your patience and for participating fully in keeping
everyone safe and healthy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
