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Dear ACC,
It's only Wednesday, but this has already been a busy week. I wanted to highlight two wonderful aspects of our ministry that I experienced for the first time and, perhaps, you may not know much about either.
On Tuesday evening, our young adult group kicked off a book study. We're reading and discussing Kate Bowler's Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved. The book is part memoir of a rising Christian scholar laid low by a cancer diagnosis and part theological reflection of a follower of Jesus trying to make sense of her faith in the new reality created by a serious disease. Not only did it prompt great discussion among our group, but I could already see the ways these conversations were helping us build community by sharing our own thoughts and stories with each other. I'm excited about where it might lead. If you know of others in their 20s and 30s who might appreciate this type of community, get them connected with Josh or me.
The other highlight of my week (thus far) was learning about our involvement with Family Promise. This organization addresses homelessness in Indianapolis by providing shelter to families in ways designed to create long-term housing security. Churches, like ACC, come alongside the organization and families by providing linens, household items, and meals to those moving through the program. The organization made a major shift during COVID by focusing efforts on getting families into apartments (instead of temporary shelters, like churches), with the idea that after completion of the program, the families can take over the lease and have a permanent place to live.
While their work is inspiring, our discussion also reminded me of how great a need exists. Because of finite resources, the organization turns down hundreds of people a week. The availability of apartments for rent at prices the organization can afford, especially in areas safe for families, is quite limited. Family Promise, with ACC's support, is doing amazing things but there's so much more that has to happen to make homelessness a thing of the past in our community. I went to bed last night with a far greater appreciation for the roof over my head and a renewed commitment to finding ways of ensuring others have a roof over theirs.
Steadfast in hope,
Beau
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Joys:
- We rejoice that the nominating committee has begun its work. If you feel called or you have been asked to lead in a new way at Allisonville, we pray that you may follow God's call.
- We welcome Megan Holtman as our new nursery attendant. She is one of the teachers in our preschool. Feel free to say hello to her on Sunday if you see her working in the nursery!
Concerns:
- We hold in prayer Pam Rahn who is recovering from a stay at the hospital.
- We pray for Hosanna, the 17-month-old son of Israel and Carol Badibanga as he was admitted to Riley Children's Hospital.
- We pray for Marcea Jenkins, Pearl Ross' neighbor, who had a bad fall.
- We continue to pray for Bob Hessong, Bill Shadburne, Sandy Zimmerman, and Alex Hofer.
We pray for all who are grieving.
We pray for all who are affected by COVID.
We pray for a meaningful and effective solution to end gun violence in our society.
We continue to pray for our work and all work to be an anti-racist church and people.
Our Global Ministries Prayer Partner this week is Sri Lanka.
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Preschool is Hiring
The ACC Preschool is hiring Lead and Assistant Teachers! If you or someone you know is interested in any of these positions, you can email your resume to our preschool director, Laurie Highsmith, at lhighsmith@allisonville.org.
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Easter Egg Hunt Volunteers
Looking for a way to help out with a fun, welcoming event for our neighbors? Click the button below to sign up for different ways to help out with this year's Easter Egg Hunt. It is on Saturday, April 8, and we are asking volunteers to arrive at 9:00 am. Contact Rev. Josh Jackson (jjackson@allisonville.org) or Liz Young (elizpowell@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
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Easter Flowers - SOLD OUT
Thank you everyone for your support in buying flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. We are sold out and will not be taking any more orders! Your enthusiasm is much appreciated. Thank you again!
-The Worship Committee
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Flocking Continues
The flamingos are making their way all across town! You can still flock people if you have not already. This fundraiser is especially helpful for our youth group mission trip to Los Angeles in June. Let's help send our kids to California by sending flamingos to our friends' houses!
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Youth Group Spring Retreat
Our youth ministry is hosting a spring retreat this year! It will be April 28-30 and we will head to Camp Bedford, the Disciples of Christ church camp south of Bloomington. It is $25 per person. Financial support is available if you need it to go on the retreat! Talk to Josh if you have any questions.
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Youth Group on Sunday
Join us for youth group on Sunday at 12:00 pm! We will help sort and count food for Buddy Bags and head to Nicey Treat as a reward! What a great time to bring a friend! Thank you to the Schoen family for providing lunch. Contact Josh (jjackson@allisonville.org) with any questions.
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No Youth Group on April 2 or 9
Due to spring break and Easter, we will be on a brief hiatus from youth group for these two Sundays. We will resume youth group on April 16 and begin planning for Youth Sunday!
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Buddy Bags
Thank you for your generosity in helping to provide Buddy Bags for 90 students at Clearwater Elementary, Eastwood Middle School, and Northview Middle School. Please have your food donations to the church Narthex by this Sunday, March 26. Come join us in packing and delivering the bags on Tuesday, March 28, at 9:30 am! Are you willing to help with some last-minute shopping? Please let Loveta or Sandy know.
Contact Loveta Cain (tlc6383@comcast.net), Sandy Nagy (snag1221@yahoo.com), or Janet
Spaulding (janetmspaulding@gmail.com) with questions.
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ACC Ministerial Scholarship
Allisonville Christian Church Ministerial Scholarship applications are being received for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. The Ministerial Scholarship was established to nurture, encourage, and support those who are considering or preparing to enter professional ministry.
A maximum scholarship of $1,000 per year may be granted to an individual. Awards may be considered for renewal with a new application. The applicant must be entering or attending a
qualifying undergraduate school or a graduate seminary as a full-time student and be an active
member of a church affiliated with Disciples of Christ. Scholarship application forms may be obtained in the church office or from Larry Rahn (email plrahn@comcast.net, phone or text 317-
379-3898).
Scholarship applications are due in the church office or may be received by a Scholarship Committee member by April 2, 2023. Potential applicants should also feel free to contact the Memorial and Endowment Committee chair, Theron Nelson-Mercer, at tnelsonmercer@gmail.com.
The form can be downloaded by clicking the button below!
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General Assembly Registration OPEN
The 2023 General Assembly Kindom of God, Within Us, Among Us, is a call for Disciples to strengthen their relationship with God, both as individuals and as a part of God’s community through an expansive gathering of the church in Louisville. The past two years, we have had to be separated but we have also innovated new ways for God’s limitless love to be revealed in our church, our communities, and around the world. God’s limitless imagination holds so many possibilities for our church.
This four-day event will encourage Disciples who gather to celebrate the way that God’s expansive love connects each of us as “kin” and to be part of the larger Kindom of God. Join us July 29-August 1, 2023 for worship, workshops, Bible study, opportunities to explore Louisville, mission project, and the sacred work of the church for children, youth, and adults across the life of the church.
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March 23 | Mary Martha Circle
The Mary Martha Circle will meet on March 23 at 1 pm in Room 15 at Allisonville Christian Church. We will be discussing Chapter 4, "Listen to God When All is Lost." We look forward to listening to each of you on this special topic, and hope you can join us!
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March 28 | ACC Book Club
The ACC Book Club will meet Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. If you need the zoom link, please contact Karen Bayne at kbayne5900@gmail.com. This month, we will be reading Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Sue Hanna will have hard copies at church on Sunday if you would like a copy.
TheWashington Post says that it is “ A feel-good book guaranteed to lift your spirits.” Amazon calls it: "The dazzling reader-favorite about the choices that go into a life well lived."
Happy reading!
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April 1 | 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, April 1 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Come out and join for some hearty breakfast food and good fellowship to jumpstart your weekend!
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April 1 | Crafters Group
The ACC Crafters Group will meet on Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm for a morning of starting, continuing, and finishing projects. Feel free to join and flex your creative muscles!
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April 6 | Maundy Thursday
This year's Maundy Thursday service will be jointly held with Casa del Alfarero. The service will be in both Spanish and English, with both Casa and Allisonville providing music. This service will take place in the Family Room; worshippers will sit at tables to mimic the experience of being with Jesus in the Upper Room. It promises to be a night of deep connection with Jesus and each other, as we move through Holy Week. Due to the technical limitations of the Family Room, we will not be able to livestream the service (though, we will repost last year's on our Facebook page, for those wanting an online opportunity for worship). Mark your calendars for April 6 at 7 pm!
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April 8 | Community Easter Egg Hunt
Mark your calendars now for Saturday, April 8 at 10:00 am. Our annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place that day, rain or shine (we will move inside if weather is a problem). There are separate egg hunts for each age group. This event is open to all kids fifth grade and below. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors with younger kids for a morning of games, snacks, and, of course, the famous egg hunt. Stay tuned for ways that YOU can help out with this fun community event. Contact Josh (jjackson@allisonville.org) if you have any questions.
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Seeking Virtual Scripture Readers
Virtual scripture readers are needed. Please contact John Quick (317-294-2709, qman21611@gmail.com) to sign up!
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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.
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Exploring Worship and Worship & Wonder Volunteers for 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!
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