Cross Words The Pastor’s Pen - Waukee Christian Church · proconsul Gallio heard and dismissed...
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November, 2013 29043 T Avenue, P.O. Box 278 Phone: 515-987-4937 [email protected] Cross Words The Pastor’s Pen Last month, Jerry and I spent some time walking on ashes. We travelled to Italy, Sicily, Greece and Turkey and got to spend time at many of the sites where the Apostle Paul visited on his three missionary journeys. We stood in the ancient city of Corinth and listened to church bells calling people to prayer, and we stood in front of the Bema, the raised step where proconsul Gallio heard and dismissed the case against Paul. In Ephesus, we climbed the steps of the library, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings and a tomb for the Governor Gaius Julius. The library was built less than 100 years after the crucifixion. As you climbed the library steps, you could look down at your feet and see ancient graffiti carved into the marble (a depiction of a Jewish menorah – one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. In Athens, we climbed the stone steps of Mars Hill. Mars Hill, the Areopagus mentioned in Acts 17. Not far from the Acropolis, it served as a meeting place for the highest court in Greece. This was where Paul preached about the religious idolatry of the Greeks who even had an altar to the “Unknown God.” Paul used it to introduce the Athenians to the one true God. But those steps! Many in our group chose not to go up Mars Hill, and Jerry had to practically pull me up (see inset)! I would have never made it if I had been travelling alone. In Pompeii, the steps were rugged and uneven. One member of our group, an 88 year old woman, fell and broke her wrist in two places. In Rome, we visited one of the Roman Catholic Church's holiest relics, the Santa Scala or Holy Stairs. Believed to have been climbed by Jesus on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate, the steps were brought to Rome from Jerusalem in 326 AD by St Helena, mother of Constantine. The 28 marble steps are considered so holy that they have been encased in wood for their protection, and worshipers are only allowed to ascend on their knees. However, during a recent restoration, workers found that the sanctity of the staircase had not had an effect on the behavior of some tourists. Chewing gum was found stuck to the underside of the tread! It’s a good thing that pilgrims who ascend the staircase are given a full indulgence of their sins – which includes gum-chewing. What did I learn on my Footsteps of Paul journey? Sometimes the steps of faith are well- travelled. Sometimes you get shoved. Sometimes you fall. Sometimes you need a helping hand before you can stand on your own. Sometimes you witness acts of great faith. Sometimes you see senseless acts of neglect and abuse. But everywhere I went… everywhere… I saw the Church, the body of Christ, seeking to know more clearly where it had come from and where it was headed. The Church is on the move! Sometimes the greatest act of faith we can achieve is to choose to walk on ashes. May your journey be blessed and may you always follow the footsteps of the faithful. Blessings, Pastor Sue
Transcript of Cross Words The Pastor’s Pen - Waukee Christian Church · proconsul Gallio heard and dismissed...
November, 2013 2013
29043 T Avenue, P.O. Box 278
Phone: 515-987-4937 [email protected]
Cross Words
The Pastor’s Pen
Last month, Jerry and I spent some time walking on ashes. We travelled to Italy, Sicily, Greece and Turkey and got to spend time at many of the sites where the Apostle Paul visited on his three missionary journeys. We stood in the ancient city of Corinth and listened to church bells calling people to prayer, and we stood in front of the Bema, the raised step where proconsul Gallio heard and dismissed the case against Paul.
In Ephesus, we climbed the steps of the library, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings
and a tomb for the Governor Gaius Julius. The library was built less than 100 years after the crucifixion. As you climbed the library steps, you could look down at your feet and see ancient graffiti carved into the marble (a depiction of a Jewish menorah – one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith.
In Athens, we climbed the stone steps of Mars Hill. Mars Hill, the Areopagus mentioned in Acts 17. Not far from the Acropolis, it served as a meeting place for the highest court in Greece. This was where Paul preached about the religious idolatry of the Greeks who even had an altar to the “Unknown God.” Paul used it to introduce the Athenians to the one true God.
But those steps! Many in our group chose not to go up Mars Hill, and Jerry had to practically pull me up (see inset)! I would have never made it if I had been travelling alone.
In Pompeii, the steps were rugged and uneven. One member of our group, an 88 year old woman, fell and broke her wrist in two places.
In Rome, we visited one of the Roman Catholic Church's holiest relics, the Santa Scala or Holy Stairs. Believed to have been climbed by Jesus on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate, the steps were brought to Rome from Jerusalem in 326 AD by St Helena, mother of Constantine. The 28 marble steps are considered so holy that they have been encased in wood for their protection, and worshipers are only allowed to ascend on their knees.
However, during a recent restoration, workers found that the sanctity of the staircase had not had an effect on the behavior of some tourists. Chewing gum was found stuck to the underside of the tread! It’s a good thing that pilgrims who ascend the staircase are given a
full indulgence of their sins – which includes gum-chewing.
What did I learn on my Footsteps of Paul journey? Sometimes the steps of faith are well-travelled. Sometimes you get shoved. Sometimes you fall. Sometimes you need a helping hand before you can stand on your own. Sometimes you witness acts of great faith. Sometimes you see senseless acts of neglect and abuse.
But everywhere I went… everywhere… I saw the Church, the body of Christ, seeking to know more clearly where it had come from and where it was headed. The Church is on the move! Sometimes the greatest act of faith we can achieve is to choose to walk on ashes.
May your journey be blessed and may you always follow the footsteps of the faithful.
Blessings,
Pastor Sue
November, 2013
Cross Words
These small groups met on Wednesday to organize and begin their prayer life together. If you would like to be part of a caring small group that supports one another in prayer and seeks to know God’s will for your life, join us. Pencil in Wednesday November 20th for the next meeting.
Nov. 17th Annual Meeting The Annual Congregational
meeting will take place after worship on Sunday, November 17th. As part of the church’s worshipful work, we will receive and vote on the slate of 2014 officers. There is so much happening in God’s church in this place! Be a part of celebrating who we are and how we live into God’s plan for bringing about the Kingdom.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Fellowship Hall follows the meeting.
We do important ministry… we foster relationships… we have receive new members… we witness professions of faith and we baptize. Now it’s time to be Thankful!
One way we celebrate is to gather around the table.
Join the feast at our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 17th after worship.
Meat will be provided and a sign-up sheet for bringing sides to the table is posted in Fellowship Hall.
All Saints Day grew out of the early church’s practice of
remembering the martyrs of the church. A variety of “special” days to
recognize Saints developed over time. By the late 4th century a day to honor all the Saints was in place. By the 8th century, All Saints Day was set on November 1st.
Early leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), concerned with “restoring the New Testament Church” found little
justification for All Saints Day. However, in the past 30 years, Disciples have rediscovered a place for All Saints Day in congregational life as an opportunity to enhance worship and reclaim the title “Saint” for all who are baptized.
We will celebrate All Saints Sunday on November 3rd by remembering those who have faithfully served the church. During worship, we will light candles for the Saints of this Church who have died this past year. You can also come forward and light a candle in memory of a person in your life who is now with God. For all the Saints who from their labors rest!
Nothing says comfort and love like a church bake sale! Stuff your Christmas stockings with homemade cookies, candies, jams, jellies, cakes and more. The Waukee CWF is hosting an All-church Holiday Bake Sale during Fellowship Time on December 8th. What better way is there to prepare for Christmas than by letting someone else do the cooking? Donations of baked and homemade goods are welcome!! – please price them. Proceeds will be used to cover the costs of funeral dinners.
Cross Words November, 2013
During Bethalene Finestead’s
upcoming treatments, she would enjoy receiving emails and/or cards. Her email address is [email protected] and her mailing address is 13240 NW 102nd Avenue, Granger, IA 50109.
Everyone who helped with Shops on T
Those of you who are giving to Operation Christmas Child
Choir!
Everyone who said “Yes” to the Nominating Committee
Stewardship Team
Crop Walk hosts
For the love and pastoral care you gave to the Graham family
For hosting Ben and Kristen’s wedding shower
Worship Team
Gardeners who care for our planters
No Adult or Youth Sunday
School on Sunday, Dec. 1st (Thanksgiving weekend).
PRE-K meets with Mrs. Cross to learn about God’s love and to spend
time with caring adults. The children have a lot of fun and would welcome anyone who wants to plant seeds of faith. Parents are welcome to gather in Fellowship Hall for a cup of coffee or join the Adult Sunday School.
Workshop Rotation Model WORM WORM Kicks off November 3rd. K-5TH GRADE begins an exciting program! Each month the kids in WORM will focus on a Bible story. But each week, they will learn the story in a new way: arts and crafts, puppets, games, drama, cooking. It’s a
fun way to discover God’s love for us.
Kids earn “Bible Bucks” for
achieving certain goals (memorizing a scripture, good attendance, stewardship, and inviting others). At the end of the month they can “spend”
their Bible Bucks on small gifts from the marketplace or save them for a larger item. We are excited to offer WORM!!
The HIGH SCHOOL class meets with George in the Prayer Room for Bible study and conversation.
The family of Rolland Graham would like to thank everyone who was so gracious and helpful during Rolland’s last days and at the visitation and funeral at the church. A special thanks to Shari Burgus and Cimberly Hansen who came to Hospice , to Don Embree for stepping in and doing a beautiful service, to Ruth Sindt for her beautiful music, to Don Foreman for his beautiful voice, to Lanita who helped set up the video and to the ladies at the church for a lovely luncheon.
An “extra” special thanks to Pastor Sue for being so gracious to
Pastor Don Embree and to our entire family. Waukee Christian is a great place to be!
~ LeRoy and Linda Graham
I would like to thank the Knit Wits group for the beautiful blanket and hat for baby Thomas! We really appreciate your thoughtfulness! Thank you!
~ John and Carrie Gruber
Cross Words November, 2013
Your giving is important to the future ministry of God’s church in this
place. Please give generously and with a cheerful heart.
August September
Receipts $ 8,583.00 $ 9,657.00
Expenses 11,178.00 9,930.00
$(2,595.00) $ (273.00)
Money available for expenses $ 4,606.92 $ 3,952.04
Monthly Communion Is Available
The Elders take communion once a month to those who are homebound, in nursing facilities or hospitalized. If you would like to receive communion, please contact Linda Wilcox, Elder Chair at 515-777-3844.
Dates to Remember Nov 2nd Schempp/Parks Wedding Nov 3rd All Saints Sunday Nov 4th Elders’ Meeting 6:30 pm Nov 6th CWF 9:00 am Choir 6:30 pm Nov 10th Board Meeting 6:30 pm Nov 12th Choir 6:30 pm Nov 13th WOW Meeting 7:00 pm Nov 17th Annual Meeting and Thanksgiving Dinner Nov 24th Thanksgiving Sunday Nov 28th Thanksgiving Day
Coat Check Did you pick up the wrong pink coat? A pink coat is hanging in the narthex, and you may have picked up the wrong one instead. If you have a pink raincoat that doesn’t belong
to you, please let Pastor Sue know or simply exchange it. Thanks!
Come join in the food, fun and fellowship of decorating the church for Advent on Sunday, November 24th at 5:00 pm.
Come enjoy some delicious soup and get in the holiday spirit! Bring yourself, the kids, the grandkids, the neighbor kids. This event is open to everyone.
Some help is needed providing food. Look for sign-up sheets in Fellowship Hall.
Between The Covers book club meets on the last Monday of the month to discuss the book of the month and enjoy table fellowship. If you can join us, great! If not, you might enjoy reading some of the selections anyway.
November’s Book: In Cold Blood (nonfiction) by Truman Capote
Cross Words November, 2013
Upcoming Lectionary
11/3/13 For All the Saints
11/10/13 Trick Questions – Big Answers
11/17/13 The Art of Parables: Hidden Treasure/Hallowed Ground
11/24/13 Thanksgiving Alphabet
Bill Pay is online check writing offered by your bank. Bill Pay allows you to use your computer to make payments. By using
your own bank's online system, you can “set it and forget it”, setting up recurring donations on a regular basis and your bank
takes it from there. Schedule your recurring donation through
your bank's website and the church is not charged any fees.
You enter into your computer the amount you wish to give. The
bank then issues a check which is automatically mailed to the
church (no stamps for you to buy!). Our address is on the front of
the newsletter. The church deposits the check just like any other
check, and the amount is automatically deducted from your
account.
The details of Bill Pay vary from bank to bank, but there is one
thing that is important: How you want your gift to be used!
Write the intended use on the memo line…or as part of the
address line. You can specify Pledged Donation, Regular
Offering or other items such as Christmas or Easter
Offering.
If nothing is specified, the church will credit your gift
to Regular Offering.
Pastor Sue Woods, Adam, Sarah, Sadie and Eli Infante at Eli’s Baby Blessing.
WORM Planning Day
We will be gathering the morning of December 7th for planning the Youth Sunday School Classrooms for our new Workshop Rotation Model.
You can help make our space fun and welcoming for children as they learn about God’s love.
November, 2013
Cross Words
Youth Sunday School needs a few items!! Can you help by donating?
“Prizes” or small gifts to put in
the Marketplace Long-sleeved shirts for painting
smocks Bible Flashcards Camcorder and stand Scrapbooking punches, stamps,
stickers Children’s Nativity Set Elementary-aged board games TV with DVD 2 Computers Veggie Tale videos
Your gift is appreciated!
Every Sunday of November, we will be holding a special Thanksgiving Food Drive to help stock the shelves
of the Waukee Food Pantry. The Holidays are always a time of great need. Most needed items: Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Meats, Pasta, Cereal, Boxed Potatoes, 100% Fruit Juice, Rice, Beans (kidney, black, chili). Thank YOU!
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4: 10
During November worship, the Stewardship Team will present their Thoughts on Giving, sharing how God’s greatest gift has impacted them.
Then, on November 10th, your personalized Commitment Card will be available in the Narthex. Please take your card and pray about how God is calling you to continue the holy work of the church in this place.
Along with your Commitment Card you will also be given a Puzzle Piece. Do you remember the joy of doing puzzles…the mystery surrounding each piece? Where does this one go? How does it all fit together? What picture am I helping to create? Your puzzle piece is one small part of the mystery of the Body of Christ. On it will be one thing your Stewardship supports.
You can return your Commitment Card and Puzzle Piece at any time. However, on December 8th we will celebrate collectively by placing our Commitment Cards on the Communion Table and assembling the Puzzle during worship.
We Give because God Gave!
During Shops on T, several of us noticed a loud “bang” coming from the narthex. It turned out to be the furnace. The repairman shut off the unit because it was too dangerous to operate. The 24 year old furnace had three holes in the heat exchanger.
Since the average life of a furnace is 15-20 years, it didn’t make
sense to invest in repairing it. It has been replaced. The new 95% efficiency furnace will reduce our heating bills and keep us warm and cozy all winter. It comes with a 10 year warranty and a bill.
The furnace cost $2,650 less a $325 rebate. We don’t have the
funds in the budget to cover this unexpected expense. So we are making a special plea. Our immediate goal is $2,325. But there are two more furnaces 24 years old… so let’s stretch for another
$2,325 each of the next two years.
Make a generous contribution (above and beyond your regular offering) to the “Furnace Fund”. Thank you,
The Executive Committee
The Women of
Waukee will meet
on Wednesday,
November 13th at 7 PM at Linda
Foltz’s home. The lesson will be
presented by Karen Neese. All
women who are interested in
deepening their faith, service, and
fellowship are welcome!
The CWF group
will be meeting on
November 6th at 9
AM. All ladies are
welcome to attend.
Cross Words November, 2013
Knit Wits meet at the church every Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. They make many beautiful items and welcome anyone to join their fun group.
Cash donations or donations of 3-4 skeins of yarn of one color are also needed.
s It’s time to be thinking about packing an Operation Christmas Child box. Fliers with instructions will be available in the Narthex. We are hoping that you and your family will enjoy packing a box together and then return it to church by Sunday, November 10, where we will have a dedication service and see that they get to the drop location. We are also asking that you put $7 in the box to cover shipping and handling (checks made out to Samaritan’s
Purse). Thank you for your participation.
Norwegian Apricot Bars
1 cup dried apricots
Crust: ½ cup butter (1 stick) ¼ cup sugar 1 cup flour
Topping: 2 eggs 1 cup light brown sugar, well packed ½ cup flour ¼ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. PURE VANILLA EXTRACT ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ⅓ - ½ cup powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350°. Rinse the apricots. Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook
for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Cool and cut into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar and flour. Blend together until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch square pan (Pat uses a 9 x 13 pan to make a thinner bar and the crust still holds up well). Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. Beat the eggs and add the brown sugar gradually. Add the flour, salt, baking powder and VANILLA and mix well. Fold in the nuts and apricots. Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the topping over the crust, return to the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes more. Cool, then cut in bars or squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Dolores Brown
Several of you have asked for this recipe . . .
Ring in Advent with your Christmas bells. Bring a bell to church on December 1st.
Pastor Sue has written an Advent Devotional Booklet. They are available for $3 to help you prepare for the Christmas season.
Date Communion
Prep Audio Visual Greeter
Youth Greeter
Candle Lighter
Children's Moment
Reader Call to Worship, Opening Prayer,
Scripture Communion
Invitation
Elders Call to Offering, Offering Prayer,
Communion Prayer
Offering & Communion
Server Nursery
Attendant Fellowship Time Food Pantry
Delivery
NOVEMBER
3rd Lorrie
Grandgenett Matt
Hansen Suzanne
Koch Cassie
Hansen Linda Foltz George
Risinger Shari Burgus Shari
Burgus Wayne/Joyce Breckenridge
Cimberly & Cassie Hansen
Kelsey Baker
Linda Foltz
Marlene Risinger
10th Pat/Jack
Carpe Jerry
Woods Pat Carpe Zoey
Koch Tammy
Hardersen Sue
Woods Lorrie
Grandgenett Linda Foltz Karen Neese
Jan Jensen George Risinger Suzanne Koch
Cassie Hansen
Dolores Brown Dolores Betzold
17th Dave
Grandgenett Jason Keller
Jack Carpe Cassie Hansen
Zoey Koch George Risinger
Suzanne Koch Sue Woods Sue MacRae Duane Sindt
Jerry Woods Jason Keller
Kelsey Baker
Suzanne Koch
24th Beckie Myers
Cassie Hansen
Dave Grandgenett
Zoey Koch
Jason Keller
Sue Woods
Suzanne Koch Sue Woods Cimberly Hansen Linda Wilcox
Pat/Jack Carpe Cassie Hansen
Pat/Jack Carpe
DECEMBER
1st Dolores Betzold
Matt Hansen Linda Foltz
Cassie Hansen Linda Foltz
George Risinger Karen Neese
Shari Burgus
Wayne/Joyce Breckenridge
Dave/Lorrie Grandgenett
Kelsey Baker
Lorrie Grandgenett
Beckie Myers
8th Marlene Risinger
Jerry Woods Shari Burgus
Zoey Koch
Tammy Hardersen
Sue Woods Suzanne Koch Linda Foltz
Jan Jensen Karen Neese Lee/Linda Foltz
Cassie Hansen
Marlene Risinger
15th Lorrie
Grandgenett Jason Keller
Marlene Risinger
Cassie Hansen Zoey Koch
George Risinger
George Risinger Sue Woods
Duane Sindt Sue MacRae
Beckie Myers Shari Burgus
Kelsey Baker
Lois Bannister Velda Morris
22nd Jack/Pat
Carpe Cassie
Hansen Beckie Myers Zoey Koch
Jason Keller
Sue Woods Linda Foltz Sue Woods
Linda Wilcox Cimberly Hansen
Ron/Tammy Hardersen
Cassie Hansen
Naomi Brumfield
29th Dave
Grandgenett Matt
Hansen Lorrie
Grandgenett Cassie
Hansen Linda Foltz Sue
Woods Shari Burgus Sue Woods Wayne/Joyce Breckenridge
Dave/Lorrie Grandgenett
Kelsey Baker Karen Neese
Please be patient with us as we adjust the Quarterly Serving Schedule for November through December. We have taken the liberty of assigning dates. However, feel free to switch with someone if that date doesn’t work for you. Simply let the office know and write the change on the schedule posted on the bulletin board next to the Kitchen serving window.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Between the Covers Book Club Mtg.
9:30 am Knit Wits
9:30 am Knit Wits
9:30 am Knit Wits
9:30 am Knit Wits
6:30 pm Elders
6:30 pm Board Mtg.
2013
10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School
10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School
10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School
10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School
7:00 pm WOW
9:00 am CWF
Dallas Co. Crop Walk
and Thanksgiving Dinner
Schempp/Parks Wedding
Schempp/Parks Wedding Rehearsal
6:30 pm Choir
6:30 pm Choir
6:30 pm Group Spiritual Direction
5:00 pm Soup Supper
Connecting people to each other and the world.
Growing spiritually through the renewing of our minds.
Honoring the Image of God in all people.
November, 2013
WAUKEE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 29043 T Avenue
P.O. Box 278
Waukee, Iowa 50263
…OUR STAFF… Pastor: Reverend Sue Woods
Admin. Assistant: Lanita Cavanaugh … CHURCH OFFICE ... Office Hours Monday-Wednesday-Thursday 8:30AM – 3:30PM Phone / Fax Ph: (515) 987-4937 Fax: (515) 987-8911 Email [email protected] Website
waukeechristianchurch.com
The Waukee Christian Church Newsletter is published monthly.
Living Faith on the Edge
~ We are People of the Table ~ ~Living Faith on the Edge of Waukee ~
People of the Table
Living Faith on the Edge
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Worship Service 10:00 am NOTICE:
If you no longer wish to receive the WCC newsletter, please
notify the office at 515-987-4937. If you would like to receive
this newsletter electronically, send your email address to
[email protected]. Thank you.
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Cross Words
