The VISITOR A publication of Allisonville Christian Church

March 15, 2017 Issue 6

WWW.ALLISONVILLE.ORG • INDIANAPOLIS, IN • 317-849-3957

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A Word from Diane . . . See page 2 for a Word from Diane about what you are looking for during Lent.

Youth activities See page 4 for a lot of information about upcoming youth activities: Regional Spring Youth Assembly, the ACC Youth Retreat and the Youth Mission Trip . . . and summer camp info on page 5!

Holy Week Services On page 6 you will find information about all of the Holy Week Services. Also on page 6 is a request for donations of plastic eggs and candy for the Easter Egg hunt

Fundraisers There are two upcoming fundraisers for the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build—Zumba and Puccini’s Restaurant. See page 7 for details.

Also Inside . . . March’s Calendar, Pastor’s Class, Jim Ellerbrook’s memorial service, Lent small groups, Sabbatical Team update, Buddy bags, Spring Brunch, the Nominating Committee, Chicago: The Musical and much more!

General Assembly Rally

This Sunday afternoon, March 19th from 2—3pm ACC will host a

General Assembly Rally in our sanctuary on behalf of the Christian Church in Indiana who will serve as the host region for the Assembly in July.

The rally is to promote the General Assembly (GA), sign up volunteers to help host the five or six thousand Disciples who will visit our fair city, AND we will have one of the first opportunities to meet and greet the person who will be the candidate for our next General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Terry Owens. The new General Minister and President will be elected at the General Assembly this summer.

We will need several ACC folks on hand to do what we do best – offer hospitality to the other Disciples who come from around the state for the rally. Please let Pastor Diane know if you can be here that day from about 1:30 to 3pm. And thank you!

General Assembly Delegates from ACC

We have found our five voting delegates to go to the 2017 General Assembly and vote on behalf of ACC. Those people are Larry and Pam Rahn, Donna Callahan, Janette Smith, and Tim Hopewell.

A WORD FROM DIANE . . .

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What are you looking for this Lent? We’ve had fun with our glasses as we “look for it” all over the place. But in all seriousness the “it” we are collectively looking for is God’s word and continued leading of our life together as church. As we are searching the scriptures each Sunday and reading daily devotionals so beautifully written by our own members, perhaps we are also pondering and giving more than our usual attention to God’s direction of our life together in quiet moments of reflection.

We are also actively praying for God’s direction as we unpack and understand the feasibility study we’ve just completed to guide us in what direction we should go with both building and ministry projects.

I am grateful for a congregation that takes our life together seriously and dedicates time and attention and thought to our work of ministry. But I also wonder what you are looking for right now for yourself. Is it . . . A renewal of faith? Some faith at all? Healing? Forgiveness? A sense of purpose? A job? Hope? Love? Answers? A renewed or repaired relationship? The ability to forgive? Wholeness? Release from an addiction? Strength? The amazing thing is that our God who is God all of the universe also cares about our individual needs. You are not alone. God cares about each one of us. Jesus said that even the hairs on our heads are numbered (Luke 12:7) and Romans 8 reminds us that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that we know in Christ Jesus our Lord. Whatever you are dealing with this Lent, whatever you are looking for, take it to God who created us in God’s own image — the one who loves us beyond our imagining. And rest there while you look.

Peace & Grace, Diane

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JIM ELLERBROOK

On Sunday, April 2nd at 1:30 pm we will have a

memorial service commemorating the life of our friend, Jim Ellerbrook.

Jim passed away on December 24, 2016 and we

hope you will come and join us as we celebrate his

life together.

LENTEN WEDNESDAYS

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We are in the midst of Lent and our theme for this year is “Look for It!” What are we looking for? We are looking for God – for how to be best be God’s people in the world. We are looking for wisdom and grace as we continue to follow Jesus’ way in the world. We are looking for assurance and strength to live as people of faith. So in a variety of ways we will “Look for It!” together. Many opportunities for growth and prayer and fellowship are underway for the season including weekly Sunday morning worship exploring the theme, a weekly Taizé prayer service led by Pastor Doug, study groups, fellowship, receiving a tangible reminder that we are “looking for it,” and a sermon series to energize our search. Things are already happening, but we welcome everyone to join in!

Join us for a meal and prayer service in the style of Taizé each Wednesday of this Lenten season as we contemplate “looking” for God’s direction in our lives as a community and as individuals. Supper will be served between 5:30 and 6 and Taizé services will begin at 6:17pm in the Sanctuary. Our last week (March 29

th) will

be a special Service for Healing in which those in need of healing (of spirit, body, or anything else) and caregivers can come to pray, sing, be prayed for, and receive a blessing.

In one of Maya Angelou’s masterpiece works, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a story about one’s will to thrive in the midst of systemic racism, poverty, sexism, and all the other points of pain and conflict which colors in the life of a child and her will to survive is encapsulated by a famous poem in the novel which Maya just can’t seem to finish: “What are you looking at me for? I didn’t come to stay…” Why are you looking at me? What is there to look at? See yourself; see others. What is sacred about seeing one another and ourselves in our own stories of struggle in life that call us toward making a way out of what appears to be no way at all? These theological questions are pieces of the greater Lenten theme at Allisonville this year, “Look for it.” We invite you to join one of our four times per week during Lent in which we will study this famous novel and discuss the sacredness of being seen and of truly seeing one another despite what sometimes feels like impossible circumstances. We will meet at the following times, We hope you’ll join us!

Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm at church Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 am at church Wednesday evenings from 7-8 immediately following the Taize Service A young adult (21-40) group meeting on Fridays at Pastor Doug’s home in Irvington

(1461 N Linwood Ave) starting with a meal at 6pm.

Lenten Book Study: “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”

LENT AT ACC

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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES

March 19th—Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42 Sermon—Exodus 17:1-7; “Is the Lord Among Us?”

March 26th—1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Sermon—1 Samuel 16:1-13; “You’ll Know It When You See It”

2017 ACC YOUTH RETREAT: NEED A RIDE?

Are you or your child or youth thinking about making their confession of faith and being baptized? It is time to sign up for our Spring Pas-tor’s Class which will be held during Lent. If your child or youth was baptized as an infant this class also works well as a confirmation class.

We will learn about what it means to decide to be baptized and follow Jesus, what it means to be a member of Christ’s church, and what it means to be a Christian in daily life in the world. We will plan to meet on four weekday afternoons OR for a day long Pastor’s Class retreat depending on the scheduling needs of the participants.

You can reserve a spot for your young person or you can reserve a spot for yourself as an adult by calling the church office at 849-3957 or emailing Pastor Diane at

dspleth@allisonville.org

PASTOR’S CLASS

This year’s Youth Retreat, happening March 24

th-26

th at

Bradford Woods Retreat Center in Martinsville, IN will begin at 7PM at the site. We will be back to the church on Sunday by noon. If your youth member needs a ride, please email Pastor Doug (dcollins@allisonville.org) as soon as possible.

REGIONAL SPRING YOUTH ASSEMBLY: APRIL 28-30 AT GENEVA CENTER, ROCHESTER, IN

This year’s Youth Assembly keynote speaker is Rev. Julian Deshazier, Senior Pastor at University Church Chicago. Registration (which is now open) is all-inclusive: four meals from breakfast Saturday to breakfast Sunday, two nights lodging, t-shirt, snacks, etc. for $112/person for youth and leaders. The Assembly will begin at 7:00 PM Friday, April 28th, 2017 and conclude by 11:00 AM on Sunday, April 30th. Geneva Center is located at 5282 N Old US 31 Rochester, IN 46975, less than 2 hours north of Indianapolis. The deadline to register is April 17th. Please contact Pastor Doug if you plan to attend. More information and registration is available online at indianadisciples.org.

Brebeuf Jesuit Theatre Presents: Chicago

Save the date: July 15th—28th. The youth are gearing up for another week of learning and working with our partners in New Orleans who continue to provide support for those in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. As we did last time, we will be partnering again with The Epworth Project, a Methodist ministry for disaster relief based in Slidell, LA, where we will stay for the week. If your youth would like to go, please email Pastor Doug (dcollins@allisonville.org) for more information. Keep your eyes peeled for an informational meeting to be set in the coming weeks.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR YOUTH MISSION TRIP

The Indiana high school premiere of Chicago: The Musical will be preformed at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School on March 23, 24, and 25. Showtimes are 7 pm each evening with an additional matinee on Saturday the 25th at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased by calling 317-524-7100 or emailing tstrader@brebeuf.org

Sabbatical Team Update

The Allisonville Christian Church employment contract with the senior minister allows for a sabbatical leave after five (5) years of service to the congregation. Diane notified the council chair of her desire to apply for a Lilly Endowment grant for a sabbatical leave for 2018. This will provide the opportunity for Diane’s renewal during this time and it will benefit the congregation as she will be rested and renewed upon her return. A team was established to assist Diane with the planning and the application process. The application for the grant is due in April of 2017 for the sabbatical in 2018.

If this grant is won, the congregation will secure an interim minister for the three month sabbatical

period. With the help of Doug, Joyce, the Elders and others in the congregation, this time will be a

growing experience for all of the congregation. If you have any questions concerning this process,

please feel free to contact Steve Belding, chair of the sabbatical team.

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Feasibility Study Update

A Constant Contact was sent on Monday with a link to the results of the feasibility study. It is a large report that is providing us a lot of information. Our committee has met once to study the results of the report and we are meeting again this week. My initial observation is the congregation’s desire to enlarge and improve our facility as long as we can afford this expansion and that it enhances the mission and programs of the church. There is also a clear indication that the size of our Dream Project was larger than expected. When we met with the architects, we communicated to them ALL of our dreams which explains its size. We will continue to study the feasibility report and its results to determine what part of this dream can be accomplished.

Tom Cain New Building/Renovations Committee

9:30 11:00

January 1 189 52 January 8 183 50 January 15 210 46 January 22 201 48 January 29 194 39

February 5 187 51 February 12 211 45 February 19 180 51 February 26 185 39

2017 Regional Summer Youth Camps: dates & registration now available

The 2017 regional camps are scheduled and registration is now open! Visit www.indianadisciples.org and click “Church Camp” for dates, prices, and all other camp-related info. Youth participants are asked to pay half of the total cost with the remainder covered by ACC. If your family needs additional financial assistance, please contact Doug (dcollins@allisonville.org). Doug will be counseling at the CYF camp in Bedford the week of June 19

th. Please also notify

Doug once you have registered online so we have a record of what is still owned from ACC for registration costs.

ALLISONVILLE BOOK CLUB

SAVE THE DATES: HOLY WEEK SERVICES

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Community Easter Egg Hunt—Saturday, April 8th at 10:00 am A bounce-house, music, crafts, lots of fun and an egg hunt for all ages!

Palm Sunday—Sunday, April 9th Join us at both services for a traditional palm parade and joyful music!

Maundy Thursday—Thursday, April 13th at 6:30 pm A pitch in dinner in the Family Room followed by Worship around the table.

Good Friday—Friday, April 14th at 7:00 pm A service of tenebrae in the Sanctuary with Casa Del Alfarero

Easter Sunday—Sunday, April 16th Traditional Service at 9:30 am, Contemporary Service at 11:00 am with a Continental Breakfast served in the Family Room before and in between the services.

BUDDY BAGS

Thank you for all of your donations to the Buddy Bag Program for the children of John Strange Elementary School for Spring Break. If you have signed up for a food item, please have them delivered to the Narthex by Sunday March 19

th to be prepared and packed. We will pack and deliver

Buddy Bags on Thursday March 23rd

at 10:00am. Please consider volunteering to pack and deliver Buddy Bags.

Please direct any questions to Loveta Cain (tlc6383@comcast.net) or Christina Martin (christina.dinunzio@gmail.com).

SAVE THE DATE: DWM WOMEN’S SPRING BRUNCH

EASTER EGG HUNT DONATIONS NEEDED

The Easter Egg Hunt is just around the corner and we expect to have a great community turn-out, so we are looking for donations of candy and eggs to make this years egg hunt a success! Please drop of donations of nut-free candy and empty plastic eggs by Sunday, April 2nd. The Youth Group will prepare the eggs for our Egg Hunt on April 8th. You can put your donations in the basket next to Doug’s Office. It will be a wonderful event thanks to your generosity!

ACC BOOK CLUB

For the Lenten season, the ACC Book Club is going on a short hiatus while many of us read “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” as part of the Lenten Study. We will meet again on Tuesday, April 24th to

discuss “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan and on May 22nd to discuss “Mischling by Affinity Konar.

Saturday, April 29th — 10:00 am Allisonville Christian Church

Family Room All Women are welcome,

details will be coming soon!

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ZUMBA FUNDRAISER THANK YOU!

YOU ARE INVITED

ACC NOMINATING COMMITTEE

You are invited to a closing Worship Celebration for Seventh & Eighth United Christian Church on Sunday, March 26th at 3:00 pm with a reception prior to the service at 2:00 pm.

As Seventh & Eighth United ends it’s 134 year visible ministry on the west side of Indianapolis, we invite you to our closing service to celebrate our legacy. Seventh & Eighth United is located at 2916 W 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222. If you have questions , please contact our chairperson, Vicki Jarrett at vljarrett18@comcast.net or call 317-244-1703

Allisonville Christian Church: Bob and I want to thank you so much for all of the cards and wishes that were bestowed upon us for our “surprise” 50th anniversary. We feel so blessed to be part of our new church family and were thrilled that we had so many of you attend our celebration.

God Bless you all, Bob and Betty Spargur

A huge thank you to Drew Boggs for refinishing the little table in the conversation area of the Narthex. He has restored it to it’s original beauty! Many thanks for sharing your time and talent with ACC!

Join us for a Zumba Fundraiser on Saturday, April 1st at 9:30 am in the Family Room. Join us for a fun group exercise class and make a donation to the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build! $5 is suggested but feel free to donate more!

We will be having another fundraiser for the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build on Tuesday, March 21st at Puccini’s Restaurant located at 7829 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, In 46236.

Grab a flyer from the Welcome Center and take it with you from 4 pm to close for dine-in, carryout or delivery. The Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build will receive 20% of the total amount that you spend. So take a night off from cooking and enjoy some pizza and pasta with personality!

PUCCINI’S FUNDRAISER

The Nominating Commttee for elders and diaconate members for 2017 is Rhonda Hopewell—Chair, Sue Hanna, Maggie Hartman, Walter Medlen, Tim Bodenreider and Janet Cooper. Names of suggested nominees should be given to any committee member by April 1, 2017.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Each Sunday:

9:00 - 11:15 ACC Café

9:30 am Traditional

Worship

9:30 am Christian

Education

10:30 am Coffee Hour

11:00 am

Contemporary Worship

11:00 am

Christian Education

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9:30-11:00 Outside

Group Book Club

6:00 Pancake supper

7:00 Ash Wednesday

Service

2

6:00 Bells

7:30 Choir Rehearsal

3

6:00 pm Yoga

4

8:00 am Men’s

Breakfast at LePeeps

9:00 am Crafting Group

10:00 am OA Mtg

5 Food Pantry

Sunday

BLOOD DRIVE

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6:45 Zumba

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10:00 Joy Circle at

Robin Run

8:00 pm AA

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11:30 am R & R Lunch

at Binkley’s Restaurant

6:30 Band Rehearsal

7:00 pm Sarah Circle

7:00 pm Leadership

Team Meeting

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1:00 pm Mary Martha

Circle Meeting

6:00 Bells

7:30 Choir Rehearsal

10

6:00 pm Yoga

11 10:00 am

Overeaters

Anonymous

12

12-2 Youth Group

13

6:45 Zumba

7:30 pm Lydia Circle

14

6:00 Damaris Circle

8:00 pm AA

15

6:30 Band Rehearsal

16

6:00 Bell Choir

7:30 Choir Rehearsal

17

6:00 pm Yoga

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10:00 am OA

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12-2 Youth Group

12-2 Junior Youth

Fellowship

General Assembly

Rally 2-3pm

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6:45 Zumba

7:00 Elders Mtg

21

12:30 Quilting Group

8:00 pm AA

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5 pm Staff Meeting

6:30 Band Rehearsal

23

6:00 Bell Choir

7:30 Choir Rehearsal

24

6:00 pm Yoga

25 10:00 am OA

26

12-2 Youth Group

27

6:45 Zumba

28

7:00 Book Club

8:00 pm AA

29

6:30 Band Rehearsal

30

6:00 Bell Choir

7:30 Choir Rehearsal

31

6:00 pm Yoga

ALLISONVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

MARCH 2017

Allisonville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Diane Spleth 7701 Allisonville Road Indianapolis, IN 46250 317.849.3957 www.allisonville.org

WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:30 am Traditional Worship 9:45 am G.I.F.T. Classes for children

10:40 am Prayer Team 11:00 am Contemporary Worship

11:00 am Sunday School for all ages 2:00 pm Casa Del Alfarero

MINISTRY TEAM Senior Minister Rev. Diane Spleth Associate Minister Rev. Doug Collins Pastoral Care Associate Rev. Joyce Coalson Director of Music Matthew Tippel Organist Tracy Noens Worship Band Leader Chris Higgins Administrative Assistant Kelly Dartis Book Keeper Kim Cook Weekday Ministry Director Liz Young Council Chair Sandy Nagy