November 16, 2022

I realize it’s a bit early to be thinking about it, but I am eagerly looking forward to Thanksgiving. One of the many blessings of living in Indianapolis is that we’re only a couple of hours away from my extended family. I am thankful that we live close enough to my cousins in Chicago to get together and celebrate this special season…. As I think about it, it strikes me as a bit odd that we as a nation had to adopt a season to give thanks. Don’t get me wrong; I LOVE the family reunions (that’s what started me down this path) and the outrageously sumptuous feasts we enjoy. Designating a time to be thankful seems a bit off to me. Giving thanks is as essential as breathing air and should happen as frequently. Robert Louis Stevenson said it well, “The person who has stopped being thankful has fallen asleep in life.” If we need an assigned day to remind us to be thankful, maybe we should just make a mental note to think of EVERY DAY as Thanksgiving Day. There is much to be grateful for in life, even in times as difficult as these.

I love the story about St. Francis of Assisi who longed to see his spiritual brothers once more. They agreed to meet in a remote monastery in the mountains. After arriving, each reported what they had experienced on the road. One monk who had traveled by mule said, “God protected me in a miraculous way. When I was crossing a narrow bridge over a deep mountain gorge, the mule jumped. I fell and narrowly escaped falling over the wall to certain death. God, in love, saved my life….” A second priest said, “I had to cross a river and I slipped and fell. The waters carried me down the river. But God, in grace, provided a tree which had fallen across the river. I caught a branch and pulled myself ashore. Thanks be to God for such mercy….” Then, St. Francis said, “Praise God for God’s wonderful works! I experienced the greatest miracle of all on my way. I had the most pleasant, uneventful trip there could be….” Each monk had reason to give thanks for God’s action in daily life. In moments of fearful trial, there is evidence of God’s abiding presence - a time to give thanks! In moments when life is threatened and rescue quietly comes - a time to give thanks! In moments when all is calm and all is well - a time to give thanks! As essential as breathing in the air is the art of giving thanks!

There is so much to be thankful for in this season of gratitude. There is our church - filled with blessing upon blessing (That would be all of you!). There are our families - those who love and support us in every moment. There is our faith - the gift that allows us to walk through the difficult moments with courage and hope. As I think about it, it is good to have a day designated for thanksgiving. That day is TODAY… and tomorrow… and the day after… and on and on to the end of time…. Give thanks!

Amen.

Love,

John

Happy Wednesday, Allisonville!

I hope that all of y'all are having a wonderful week! I am out of the office this week to get some rest after a crazy few weeks, and before the Advent season begins. See you Sunday!

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. What a day of joy is ahead!

A New Day Is Coming!

We will celebrate our successful stewardship campaign this Sunday, November 20 with an All-Church Dinner immediately following the second worship service and the Sunday School class hour. Everyone is invited as a thank you from your church for your 2023 commitments.

Since we haven’t had a Celebration Sunday meal in several years (2019!), some simple instructions: We will line up in 2 lines on either side of the food tables in the south entry. You may walk in through the Family Room if you have been in worship. Please fill your plate and go back into the Family Room and sit wherever you would like. Beverages will be available in that room as well. Remember: this is a catered meal in celebration of 2023 pledges – all food will be provided and all are invited to join us. There will be no Coffee Café this week.

Also, as part of our celebration this Sunday, nonperishable food and paper goods will be brought forward in both worship services. This collection is part of our annual Christmas Families event. You will take these items into worship with you (both services). These will be boxed up and delivered in December along with the Christmas gifts for the Family Promise families we will be shopping for.

Suggested items:

• Canned vegetables, fruit, pasta sauce, and tuna
• Boxed macaroni and cheese, noodles, and spaghetti
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cereal
• Jiffy Corn Bread Mix and Bisquick mix
• Toilet paper, paper towels, and liquid laundry detergent
• Dishwashing soap, bar soap, men's and women's deodorant
• Extra items could be cake mixes, cookie mixes, or pudding mixes

Poinsettia Orders

It's that time of year again! The church will be selling poinsettias to help decorate the church. Help us decorate the church for Advent! Come see us in the Narthex on Sunday (the last day we will be there selling orders), or place your order online now at the link below!

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!

Youth Group Correction

The youth group will not have a separate lunch on Sunday; we will be joining with the rest of the congregation for the Celebration Dinner after worship on Sunday instead. We apologize for any confusion!

Cheese Ball Making on Saturday

Calling all youth!! This Saturday, the 19th, we will gather at 10:00am to assemble the Thanksgiving cheese balls. The money from this fundraiser will help fund our trip to Los Angeles, so please be sure to be here on Saturday. Contact Josh with any questions.

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.

Thanksgiving Shalom Service - November 22

We would like to fill the sanctuary on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m., as we join the other Shalom Churches in thankful worship in our sanctuary. “Giving Thanks in a Broken World” is the theme that will guide our worship. Pastors from all five Shalom churches will be participating. They are:

• Rev. Chris Thornsberry, Epworth United Methodist Church
• Rev. Bob Henry, Indianapolis First Friends Meeting
• Rev. Ed Strietelmeier, Cross and Crown Lutheran Church
• Father Francis Kalapurakal, St. Pius X Catholic Church
• Rev. Josh Jackson, Allisonville Christian Church
• Rev. John Williams, Allisonville Christian Church

In addition, Karen Routt, from Brightlane Learning, will tell us about the good work being done by this fine organization during our offering time. Also, a community choir made up of voices from all five congregations will be presenting a special anthem. This is a rich opportunity for us to join with other believers in meaningful worship. Please join us!

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)

Buddy Bags

Thank you for your generosity in helping to fill the Buddy Bags for Clearwater Elementary,

Eastwood Middle School, and Northview Middle School. We were able to provide 180 bags of

food to these three schools for students to take home for their Thanksgiving and Winter breaks.

Because of you, these students can enjoy their breaks without wondering if they will eat that

day.

Christmas Family Shopping

This year, we will be shopping for 15 persons that are in the Family Promise Apartment Shelter Program. Mike from Family Promise will be sending the shopping lists to me on November 21st. We will need several people to volunteer to shop for these families. We will be spending $75 per person for gifts. Each family will also get a $50 gift card from Kroger. Also, the nonperishable food items and household necessities that we collect on Celebration Sunday will be taken to the families along with their gifts. Any money that you spend will be reimbursed to you when you turn in your receipts after you purchase the family's gifts. You will be responsible for taking the gifts to the family. If you have any questions or want to volunteer to be a shopper, please give Sherilee McLain a call at 317-403-2010 or by email at sherilee.mclain@yahoo.com. If you are not able to shop but would like to support the program, you can make a donation by check and put Christmas families in the memo line or you can make a cash donation.

I always look forward to shopping for a family. It helps put me in the spirit of the Advent Season.

Thank you for your support,

Sherilee McLain

November 17 | Mary Martha Circle

The Mary Martha Circle will meet November 17 at 1:00 pm in Room 14 at ACC. We will be studying Chapter 3, "Listening to the God of Covenant." Let's study together! Also, our December meeting will be December 8 at 11:30 am at Le Peeps on 82nd Street. Please let us know if you can attend!

November 20 | Coffee Cafe

We will not have Coffee Cafe on November 20, since we will be preparing for the Celebration Dinner.

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

The Crafters Group will be meeting for an all-day session on Saturday, November 26 from 9 am until 5 pm. The meeting will take place in the Family Room!

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 Copper 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!