November 23, 2022

The poet Ann Weems writes:

“Too often our answer to the darkness is not running toward Bethlehem

but running away.

We ought to know by now that we can’t see where we’re going in the dark.

Running away is rampant… run and tranquilize, don’t talk about it, avoid.

When are we going to learn that Christmas Hope comes only when we turn

and face the darkness?

Only then will we be able to see the Light of the World.”

I love the Advent/Christmas season. I love the crowds. I love the generosity of people. I love the decorations, especially the lights (you can never have too many lights in my book). If I was to describe the hope of Christmas in a single word, it would be - LIGHT! Into our darkness comes the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. The light that is Christ causes us to stop our running and expand our imaginations to what could be. The light that is Christ comes as a shining star of hope - distant but very real. The light that is Christ comes as a welcome lantern leading us through the dark nights of doubt to triumphant faith. Jesus, the Light of the World, transforms our very existence.

As so often happens, God leads me to a new understanding of the Christmas hope each year. This year, it came in a simple story. “On Christmas Eve, a little girl was shivering in the cold. She slipped into a church to warm herself. She heard the minister say, “I am the light of the world.” After the service, she approached the Pastor and asked if that was what he meant. A bit taken aback, he replied, “Well, Jesus is the light of the world; I am just one little light.” She looked at him and said, “Well sir, I wish you would come down and hang around our alley, because it’s awfully dark down there….” There was my new understanding. Having been touched by the Light of Jesus, I’m now

a small light that must go into the dark alleys around me with Christ’s saving light. I must go to the dark alleys of prejudice with Jesus’ light of acceptance…. I must go to those who are lost and afraid, carrying Christ’s light of compassion…I must go to those who are grieving, carrying Christ’s light of love…. I must go to those who are searching for meaning, carrying Christ’s light of truth…. I must go to those raging with anger and fear, carrying Christ’s light of calming hope. Part of the Christmas wonder is discovering that as we receive the Light of Christ, we carry that light to others who also become part of the light. One day, there will be no more darkness. Stop the running to welcome the light - our Christmas hope.

Amen.

Love,

John

Happy Wednesday, Allisonville!

I hope that all of y’all have just the best Thanksgiving tomorrow! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m going to list 10 things I am grateful for right now!

1. My friends here in Indianapolis

2. The love that I feel from Allisonville

3. That I got Taylor Swift tickets

4. Beasley

5. Java House coffee

6. My new phone that came in surprisingly early

7. Our Senior Minister search committee and their hard work

8. My family

9. The ACC youth group

10. That TCU Football is 11-0

What are the ten things YOU are grateful for? Think about that in this time of gratitude, and I’ll see y’all Sunday for the first Sunday of ADVENT!

Peace and blessings,

Josh

Congregational Meeting and Combined Service - Sunday, December 4

December 4 will be a beautiful day of rejoicing as we worship together for a combined worship service at 10:30 a.m. followed by a congregational meeting. This is such an important event as our candidate for Senior Minister will be presented to the congregation for approval. The Search Committee will share their process in selection and why the candidate was unanimously chosen to be submitted to the congregation. Also, our Senior Pastor candidate will be present to offer some words of introduction. This is a day of great blessing. It is a day to give thanks that after a careful search for the right person to serve our congregation, a candidate will be presented to the congregation to approve and elect. There will be time to meet and visit with the candidate following the congregational meeting. Refreshments will be served! There will be cake and light appetizers served. What a day of joy is ahead!

Thanksgiving Special Day Offering

The Thanksgiving Special Day Offering supports Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) colleges, universities, and theological institutions. Disciples have a long history of post-secondary and theological education. This offering provides a direct connection to 15 colleges and universities, 7 seminaries and theological programs. Gifts from this offering continue the Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church.

There are envelopes in the pew racks for your offering this Sunday, or give online, or by mail. Thank you for your gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering!

From the Region: Indiana Youth Council Reinstated

The Indiana Youth Council (IYC) is a group of young people from around the state who serve as representatives for Disciples youth throughout the region. IYC plans and coordinates all youth events in the region except summer camps. Those applying for IYC positions should be active in their local congregation, attend camps and/or other regional activities, show interest in being part of youth ministry in the region, and exhibit good leadership qualities. Applicants should review the IYC Constitution and Code of Ethics before they apply. (please make a hyperlink in "IYC Constitution and Code of Ethics that goes to this link: http://indianadisciples.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IYC-Constitution-Code-of-Ethics-2022.pdf 

Application materials are due: January 9, 2023. Talk to Josh Jackson if you have any questions.

Church Office Closed - November 24 & 25

This is a reminder that the church office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open again on Monday, November 28.

Blue Christmas Service - Sunday, December 4

The Christmas holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones recently or in the past. The Blue Christmas service is an opportunity for us to gather together in our shared sorrow, to recognize the pain, and to move together into the wonder and beauty of the Advent season. It gives us a chance to express our needs and to experience the beauty of Christ coming to us once more as a child, bringing hope for better times to come. The service is scheduled for Sunday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Please join us for this special time of sharing together. Invite all who might be feeling sadness at this holy season. It is a simple but beautiful time of worship as we think of those in need of God’s loving care. Come and join us.

Choir Cantata - December 11

“What Child Is This?” by Joel Raney is the beautiful cantata that our ACC Choir will be presenting in both worship services on Sunday, December 11. The choir under the fine leadership of Chris Higgins and accompanied by Tracy Noens have been working hard on bringing a very special message to the ACC community this Advent season. Please join us and invite your family and friends to be your guests as we celebrate together the wondrous coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A special orchestra of local talent has been rehearsing as well and will accompany the choir. It promises to be a beautiful offering of our good news. Join us Sunday, December 11 for “What Child Is This!”

Christmas Eve Traditional Service - December 24

On Saturday, December 24, at 7:00 p.m., we will gather for our annual Christmas Eve Services in the sanctuary. It is always a beautiful and meaningful service as we share scripture, music and the gift of communion together. Please plan to join us for this sacred night and bring your family and neighbors. May your hearts be full as we prepare for Jesus’ birth once more.

Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25

On Christmas day, Sunday, December 25, we will have a combined service at 10:30 a.m. joyfully celebrating the birth of our Lord. Many will be joining families for special observances, but if you are able, please plan to join us for this very special time together. “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Thank You to the Membership Committee

A HUGE THANK YOU to the Membership Committee and the Stewardship Committee for pulling together as two groups of amazing hard-working people to host the big Celebration Dinner this last Sunday. Many people came in to work on Friday and Saturday. Then came back on Sunday morning to prepare and serve the meal, then clean up. I also want to thank all of our congregation for attending. It was a wonderful turnout and a beautiful day of blessed fellowship.   

-Cathy Wilson & Toni Medlen

Address Update for Christy Keltner

Christy Keltner's address has been updated! Her new address (and Robert's new address as well) is 6517 Aintree Place, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

November 26 | Hanging of the Greens

Please join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens on Saturday morning, November 26, at 9:00 am. We will decorate the church for Christmas and all are welcome to help out. Donuts will be provided by your WASL Team!! Hope to see you there.

November 26 | All-Day Crafters Group

Still need to finish that scarf? Have a few more photos to add to that scrapbook? Need to put the binding on that quilt? Or simply need time to sit and stitch and chat? Then come join the Crafters' Group this Saturday, November 26th from 9:00-4:00 for our first annual All Day Crafters' Day. We will gather in the Family Room and spend the day finishing up Christmas presents, working on projects and enjoying the companionship of this great group of creative people. If you can't come for the entire day feel free to drop in for a while. We plan to order pizza for lunch or you may to bring something if you'd prefer. If you have any questions please contact Carol Wakefield at clwakefield@gmail.com.

November 27 | Coffee Cafe

Coffee Cafe this Sunday, November 27 will be in the Family Room. Come join us for coffee, treats, and fellowship!

November 29 | ACC Book Club

The Allisonville Book Club plans to read a murder mystery next - Maisie Dobs by Jacqueline Winspear. This is the first of about 20 books in the series. We will meet on November 29 at 7:00 via Zoom.

This book is a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, an Agatha Award Winner for Best First Novel, a Macavity Award Winner for Best First Novel, and an Alex Award Winner. Maureen Corrigan for NPR's Fresh Air program called it "Compelling...powerful. [Maisie Dobbs] testifies to the enduring allure of the traditional mystery...even though I knew what was coming this second time 'round, its final scene is still a punch in the gut."

December 3 | Men's Breakfast at Skillets Pancake House

The men's breakfast group will be meeting for breakfast and fellowship at Skillets Pancake House on Saturday, December 3 from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. Come out and join for some hearty breakfast food and good fellowship to jumpstart your weekend!

December 14 | Prime Timers Lunch

Prime Timers in December will be held again this year at Kopper Kettle in Morristown on Wednesday, December 14th at 12:00 pm. The price of $25 will include a complete chicken dinner, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. If you prefer cod, the charge will be $28 with everything included. All dinners must be prepaid because the restaurant wants to do one bill. Larry and Pam Rahn are coordinating this year, so checks should be made out to Larry or Pam; they will write the check for the bill. Your reservation will need to be in no later than December 7th and space is limited. You can contact Pam Rahn at pjrahn@hotmail.com or at 317-379-3888. Copper Kettle is a beautiful setting to share Christmas Joy!

Seeking Virtual Scripture Readers

Virtual scripture readers are needed. Now scheduling for January and February 2023. Please contact John Quick (317-294-2709, qman21611@gmail.com) to sign up!

Youth Group Meal Signup

It's that time of year again! Weekly youth group is back, and if you would like to serve and help out with our youth ministry a great way to do so is to provide the weekly meal for the group. Josh will communicate instructions with you the week before, but please click the link below to sign up for a Sunday (or two) to bring lunch for our young people! If you have questions, talk to Josh.

Exploring Worship and Worship & Wonder Volunteers for 2022-2023

Would you like to be involved in our children's ministry next year? We are seeking volunteers for both Exploring Worship and Worship & Wonder. Here are brief descriptions of the roles we are needing to fill:

W&W Greeter - The Greeter helps to welcome the kids to Worship & 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 & 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!