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Altoona Christian Church

The Welcome News “Touched by Christ to Care and Serve”

The Rev. Tim Diebel Interim Pastor October 2014

On September 21st, several long time

Altoona Christian Church Choir

members were recognized. Among

them were Norma Stuart,

Doug Teuber and Gordon Gill.

On September 21st, all the ACC

youth that entered into 3rd

grade received their Bibles from

Altoona Christian Church.

Emmy Thomas received her

Bible during first service.

Wesley Kerr, Amanda and

Brook Seeliger and Ellie Moats

received their Bibles during the

second service.

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Faye and Jerry Harding; Jim Ludington’s mom,

Fern and sister, Liz; Jamie Horton’s sister,

Janell Schutt; Carol Genovese and her sister,

Georgia Kost; Sharon Hunt’s brother, Jim Mal-

lory & her friend, Brent McGrean; Durene

Oakes; Irv, June, and Gretchen Barron; Ray &

Wendy Miles; Sadie Hernandez and her son,

Lee; Charles Cooper’s sister-in-law, Alice Stan-

chik; Jackson Dupps; Jay Rosenberger; Jay and

Becky Rosenberger’s grandson, Nicholas Cec-

chi; Linda Shaw; Skip and Sue Hills; Kristen

Patchin’s friend, Amy; Jacque Beyer at FCC

Davenport; Paul and June Gregory; Ginny

Boothroy; Nick Hood’s friends, Connor and his

sister; Jan Hendrickson; Paul and Denise Jack-

son; Denny Hulen; Bob Kirby; Mike and Carol

Nieter’s great-granddaughter, Alisa and her

family; Susan Rixe’s co-worker, Joni’s sister,

Brandy Lawr; Judi & Larry DeMoss and their

family with the loss of their nephew Micah.

We continue to pray for David Miers and all

men and women serving our country.

Items needed: beef stew, mac & cheese, tuna,

pancake mix & syrup (sugar-free too), PB,

crackers, laundry soap, spaghetti/sauce, canned

veggies, tuna or salmon, canned pork & beans,

juices, cookies, canned carrots, instant oatmeal,

pasta, ramen, & egg noodles, shampoo, canned

chicken, cream of mushroom/chicken soup,

mandarin oranges, mixed fruit, deodorant,

shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes/paste, femi-

nine pads, and diapers.

Reminder!!!!!!!!

Please bring your donations of non-perishable food items for the

Food Pantry On or before

Oct. 19th

October Birthdays Christine Barron Oct. 1st

Irene Henderson Oct. 3rd

Josh Barron Oct. 3rd

Chris Winey Oct. 4th

Patti Maschmeier Oct. 4th

Scott Glass Oct. 6th

Jazmine Beckett Oct. 7th

Diane Cronk Oct. 7th

Blaine Moats Oct. 9th

Linda Shaw Oct. 9th

Sue Hills Oct. 11th

Amanda Briggs Oct. 14th

Tyler Glass Oct. 14th

Taylor Glass Oct. 14th

Madison Glass Oct. 14th

Evan Shaw Oct. 14th

Sue Furland Oct. 16th

Kendrick Dewdney Oct. 18th

Linda Pinegar Oct. 18th

Jeff Patchin Oct. 19th

AJ Allen Oct. 19th

Tim McLean Oct. 20th

Sheila Santos Oct. 20th

Madeleine Brown Oct. 23rd

Andrew Cronk Oct. 23rd

Kevin Beckett Oct. 23rd

Ryan Eckert Oct. 23rd

Angela Doty Oct. 24th

Dennis Renaud Oct. 25th

Emily Hood Oct. 26th

Margaret Ludington Oct. 27th

April Glass Oct. 27th

Brandon Barr Oct. 28th

Virginia Boothroy Oct. 28th

Tiffany Briggs Oct. 28th

Robert Gulling Oct. 28th

Noah Smith Oct. 29th

Christopher Briggs Oct. 30th

October Anniversaries 2nd – Dorothy and Jim Rose

7th – Judy and Thomas Willey

8th – Erik and Jolene Eriksen

10th – Irv and June Barron

10th David and Tammy Peebler

23rd – Erland and Mary Heinrich

30th – Doug and Tracey Casey

& Prayers& Prayers& Prayers In Our ThoughtsIn Our ThoughtsIn Our Thoughts

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CAPtions:

Throughout our high school years, my best friend, David,

and I had played guitars together. These were days when

guitars were everywhere, and the Top-40 was full of

accessible songs for aspiring musicians. Settling in after

school at his home or mine we would pick out the chords of

songs we liked from the radio and trial-and-error our way

into harmonies. We played for school talent shows, a special

event or two, but mostly for our friends and each other. As

high school amateurs go we weren’t bad, and though neither

of us had ambitions for a recording career we certainly had

our fantasies. It was, then, a heady moment when the owner of a new Mexican food restau-

rant invited us to play on weekends the summer after our senior year. We like to think the

invitation came because we were good, but we rather assumed in had something to do with

the owner’s daughter who was one of our good friends.

So it was that for three months David and I unpacked our instruments every Friday and

Saturday night for $10 apiece per night plus dinner and tips. The dinner was probably the

best part of the salary because the food was pretty good. The $10 was a token -- and the tips

were scarce. There was no stage; neither amplification, so we meandered among the tables

Mariachi style playing what we knew -- a repertoire heavy with John Denver, The Eagles,

Peter Paul and Mary, plus an obligatory Mexican song or two. We were happy to hear re-

quests but we rarely had the musical breadth to comply. Mostly we just tried to read the

faces around the tables -- happy to see and hear us, or rock-set for endurance. However good

it might have been for honing our musical chops, it was better experience in reading body lan-

guage and developing social skills.

For the past few weeks I have been enjoying the equivalent of wandering among your tables --

getting acquainted a bit, learning your stories and your interests, hearing your hopes and

frustrations and prides and satisfactions. I have lots more work to do learning names and

sliding into a groove alongside of you, but I appreciate your willingness to make for me a

place. None of us knows how long our partnership

will extend while a settled pastor is sought, but I

trust we will make good use of whatever time we

have. There is, after all, a gospel to embody, a

witness to make, good news to share…

...and music to make.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday -- if not before.

Timothy Cap Diebel

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Thank you for the prayers, cards, messages, and

kind words we received in the loss of our nephew.

Thanks to Pastor Tim for the phone call. We deeply

appreciate our church family.

Judi & Larry DeMoss

Scan Away Hunger is Hope Ministries

Christmas-time effort to raise funds that

help us feed and care for those who are

homeless and hungry in Des Moines and

central Iowa. Together with Hy-Vee and

KCCI Channel 8, along with thousands of

community members, this annual effort

has raised over $780,000 since 2001.

During Scan Away Hunger, grocery shop-

pers at Hy-Vee stores have the opportunity

to add $2.80 to their grocery bill each time

they "scan" a plate. All the proceeds go to

Hope Ministries and help us provide meals

and care for men, women and children in

need here in our community.

Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering On Sundays September 28th and October 5th the 2014

Reconciliation Offering will be received by our congre-

gation. The Special Offering is used to fund our

Church’s mission priority to become a pro-reconciling/

anti-racist church through experiential education, inclu-

sive worship and intentional dialogue across racial/

ethnic difference. Funds from this offering are provid-

ing for leadership development in our camps, our com-

munities and our congregations as well as providing re-

sources to promote small group study and community-

action. Your giving is changing lives and building hope

for realm of God for our children and for Christ's

Church!

Bring a Friend to Church

Sunday, Oct. 12th

Start thinking about who you can invite; ask God for

help in this; ask God to put in your mind the person that

God wants you to invite. Then, I encourage you to ask

God for help in when and how you should invite that

person. Someone may say, “I don’t know anybody to

invite.”, but bet there are people you know who are not

active members of a church. Do you know if people you

are acquainted with attend church? You can ask them.

Be positive and ask, “What church do you attend?” If

they attend somewhere already you can share experi-

ences and enjoy the connection of being Christian. If

they don’t attend, it gives you a chance to share your

love of Altoona Christian Church and invite them to

check us out.

Altoona Hunger

Walk/Run

Sunday, October 12th, 2014 3pm.

$25 Early-Bird Registration.

17 & Under free. Registration begins at

2:30pm at the Caring Hands Outreach Center

201 9th Street NE Altoona. Proceeds will be

divided between the Caring Hands Food Pan-

try and Feeding America.

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Property Committee Minutes September 21, 2014

Committee Members Present

Dan Miers X

Russ Wilkins X

Kristina Steffes-Clayton X Tom Newell X

Ken Pickering X

Tim McClain Greg Champion

Tyler Glass

Jay Rosenberger Tony Glass

Judi Webb

We reviewed two different proposals to repair our roof.

One proposal was from Hansel Construction Services, LLC

from Parkersburg, Iowa. Their proposal is in the amount of

$6,889.00. The second proposal is from Robert Shaw Con-

struction from Prairie Du Chien, WI. Their proposal is in

the amount of $26,856.43. The committee reviewed this

options and recommends Hansel Construction. We will

also ask for a price on replacing the vents with 4 power

vents and a price on a 1 year performance bond and a 2

year performance bond. Russ noted that Shaw Construc-

tion will bill us for providing a quote due to travel from

Wisconsin to review the roof.

We reviewed the snow plow bid from A-1. We agreed to

sign the contract for this year.

Russ and I reported that the light fixtures are reinstalled in

the daycare room. We also installed the vent and the

speaker.

The committee decided to have a work day on October 25th

at 8:00AM. We invite the Boy Scout Troop to join us on

this day to complete some winterizing of the church and

brush removal along the north property line.

We reviewed the drawings of the new sign recommenda-

tions. Ken will attend a meeting on Wednesday about the

request and new design.

Dan received information on two types of AED’s.

Maintenance Items

2 Exit signs need replaced. Pick up the signs at Porters

Hardware

1 light in sanctuary needs replaced with the long pole

Bathroom remodel

Tile repair in the kitchen

Deeper cleaning of the church

Leaking gutters. Gutter sealant in the storage closet.

Kitchen metal door needs welded

Tree trimming (2/3 completed)

Paint, indoors

Fans in sanctuary

Recycle old batteries

Weather stripping on doors

Winterize the condensate lines to the HVAC units with

PEX.

Replace the north attic access with a pull down attic

ladder.

Lights are out on the sign.

Next property meeting dates:

October 15, 2014 6:00 PM

October 25, 2014 8:00 AM

November 19, 2014 6:00 PM December 17, 2014 6:00 PM

Oct 5th

is World Communion Sunday. On this day we gather

with Christians across the globe in celebrating the

gifts of the Feast Table. We come aware of our differ-

ences, yet seeking unity in the love offered to us by

Jesus. We hope you’ll come and be part of this spe-

cial service.

Holiday Recipes

If you have a special holiday dish and would like to

share please email the recipe or bring it by the

church to be placed in the 2015 November and

December newsletters.

Adult Study to

Focus on First Christmas The deeper story behind the

biblical reminiscences about the birth of Jesus

can easily get lost in the multiple stories and the con-

stant commercialism around the season. A new adult

Sunday School study taught by Dr. Diebel and begin-

ning October 5 will reach more deeply into the bibli-

cal accounts and historical understandings in search of

a richer understanding and celebration of the season.

Continuing into the advent season, the study will meet

in the Library and use as a guide The First Christmas

by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Since

reading along in the book would be helpful, if you

would like to purchase a book please contact the

church office. Paperback copies are $12. Electronic

versions, which you can order directly, are $8.89. For

more information contact Tim, or simply join us for

the class.

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ACC - Board Meeting Minutes September 22, 2014

Meeting was called to order by Moderator Debrah Pickering at 7:19 pm.

1. Opening Prayer: Kristina Steffes-Clayton

2. Roll call: Board Members Present: Scott Hamilton, Tim Mclean, Tom Newell, Kristen Patchin, Debrah Pickering, Scott

Seeliger, Kristina Steffes-Clayton and Ken Pickering, Board Secretary.

Absent: Chris Wilkins

Congregation and Guests: Russ Wilkins

3. Pastor Report: Pastor Diebol was not able to attend but sent a report that was read by Moderator Debrah Pickering.

4. Board Reports:

a. At large member: Scott Seeliger had nothing to report.

b. Elder: Kristina Steffens-Clayton reported on an Elder meeting held 9/21/2014. She said the Outreach committee

reported SHOE BOXES are on the way. Elders are going to host the Thanksgiving potluck on November 23 rd; however, the

Elders will not be responsible for any of the auction or silent auction items. There will be a survey in the September 28 th bulletin

asking for names of people interested in serving our Church in leadership or Ministry committee team positions for 2015.

c. Financial Secretary: Chris Wilkins was not present.

d. Memorial Fund: Scott Hamilton said the Memorial Fund has not received any donations this year. They do have

an expense request pending.

e. Personnel: Kristen Patchin gave the board an update on vacation requested. Kristen would like to get some guide-

lines from the board on the Settled Pastor package. Board to consider, tabled until next meeting.

f. Treasure: Tom reviewed P&L report. See attached

g. Ministry Team: Tim McLean

Pastor Parish: Jamie Hamilton nothing to report

Outreach & Mission: Carol Nieters reported outreach committee did not meet in August or September.

Membership and Growth: Kay Hamilton reported the Christian Nurture committee could not get help to

host September potluck so they plan to have something after December children’s program.

Stewardship & Finance: Ken Pickering Nothing to report.

Christian Nurture: Jamie Horton reported Christian Nurture team needs Volunteers for both Sunday School

and Children’s Church. They need Teachers for 3rd -5th grades and 6th -12th grades. Paulette has taken a step back from

some of the music duties. Jamie Norton has volunteered to lead Sunday school Music. Beginning in October children’s

church will only be held twice per month due to lack of teachers. Adult Sunday school will start October 5 th. Jamie is

still receiving compliments on VBS. Makes all the hard work worthwhile. A cookie reception or a potluck is being

discussed for after the Christmas program. Jamie Horton and Lisa Freeseman will head up the Christmas program.

Youth group has met twice and had 20-25 kids each time.

Property: Dan Miers reported Snow plowing bid from A-1 was approved and signed. Light fixtures have

been reinstalled in daycare room. Work day will be October 25th starting at 8:00 am. Scouts will be invited to help for a

community project. Drawings for a new sign were reviewed. Committee review two bids on roof repair, the committee

agreed to present to the Board the bid from Hansel Construction of $6,889.00 plus time and material for any concealed

damage or deterioration repair with prior committee approval.

Worship: Nothing to report

5. Old Business: a. Maintenance and roof repair: After reviewing the bids presented by the property committee the Board agreed to

accept the property committee recommendation bid from Hansel Construction and approved up to $ 8000.00 for the repair.

b. Sound Board Volunteers: Scott Hamilton to work on a list of trained people for the sound board.

c. Scout projects: Scouts will be asked to help on work day October 25th .Russ Wilkins has a

letter from city of Altoona allowing faux brick facing on a building if the scouts are interested.

6. New Business: No New business.

Next meeting October 27th 2014

Closing Prayer: Kristina Steffes-Clayton

Meeting Adjourned: 9:00 pm

Respectfully submitted, Ken Pickering

"Renovation"

Renovate me, precious Lord.

I turned from you and just ignored

your plan for me to be restored.

Without your love, I sink, not soar,

so change and fix my inner core.

Renovate me, precious Lord.

—MaryAnn Sundby

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Date Time Event

Oct. 19th 8:15 &

10:15am

Food Pantry Sunday Wor-

ship Services

8:15am Youth Chimes

9:15am Sunday School Classes

4:30pm-

7pm

Youth Group Pumpkin

Patch/Corn Maze

Oct. 20th 6:30pm Cub Scouts

6:30pm Boy Scouts meeting

Oct. 21st 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Oct. 22nd 7pm Bell Choir

Oct. 23rd 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts meeting

7pm Bell Choir

Oct. 25th 8am Property Work Day

Oct. 26th 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning Worship

Services

9am Worship Team meeting

9:15am Sunday School Classes

2pm-

4:30pm

Youth Group- Trick or

Treat "So Others Can Eat"

Oct. 27th 6:30pm Cub Scouts

6:30pm Boy Scouts meeting

7pm Board Meeting

Oct. 28th 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

12pm CWF Luncheon (TBD)

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Oct. 29th 7pm Bell Choir

6-8pm Altoona Beggar's Night Oct. 30th

6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts meeting

7pm Choir practice

Date Time Event

Oct. 1st 7pm Bell Choir

6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet Oct. 2nd

6:30pm Cub Scouts meeting

7pm Choir practice

Oct. 5th 8:15&10:

15am

World Communion

Worship Services

9:15am Sunday School Classes

5-7pm Youth Group

Oct. 6th 6:30pm Cub Scouts Pack meeting

6:30pm Boy Scouts meeting

Oct. 7th 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Oct. 8th 10am Altoona Nursing Home

Service

6pm Outreach Team meeting

7pm Bell Choir

Oct. 9th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts meeting

7pm Choir practice

Oct. 12th 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning

Worship Services

9:15am Sunday School Classes

5-7pm Youth Group

Oct. 13th 6:30pm Cub Scouts

Oct. 14th 9-11an T.O.P.S. meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Oct. 15th 7pm Bell Choir

Oct. 16th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts meeting

7pm Choir practice

OctoberOctober Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

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Hunger Games: Feeding the World

2014 CYF Assembly

November 21-23

CYF, High school students: come to an ad-venturous weekend at the Christian con-ference center. Become part of 1 of the 7 districts learning how to use your gifts to help others feed the world. The weekend will include 2 nights & 3 days of large and

small group activities, capture the flag, chariot challenges and much more. A

great way to meet new people and catch up with friends you have met at camp.

Deuteronomy 15:10 Give to the lord freely and unselfishly, and the lord will bless you

in everything you do.

For more information or registration: see your church office, youth sponsor or online at www.uppermidwestcc.org Online Registration Live October 1st http://www.uppermidwestcc.org/#!

regional-newsletter-dte/c1xcf

Youth NewsNews

Youth Group Sunday Dinners The Youth Group is looking for someone to sup-

ply and/or prepare dinners on November 9th &

23rd. If you would like to volun-

teer, please sign up in the Narthex

on the bulletin board.

Wyatt Rayl’s

Eagle Scout Project When Wyatt Rayl of Boy Scout

Troop 383 started thinking about

his Eagle Scout Project he immedi-

ately thought of doing a Food Drive for Caring

Hands Food Pantry in Altoona. Some tried to talk

him into doing a more permanent project that

would last for years but Wyatt was only interested

in doing a Food Drive. When one of his Scout

Leaders asked him “Why a Food Drive?” his an-

swer was simple, Wyatt said, “If one family can be

fed this holiday season from this Food Drive then

that would make it all worth it to me”. Wyatt also

said, “Every community needs a Scout like me that

is willing to do this type of project. I can’t think of

a greater project to do for my community.”

Wyatt plans on setting up food drop off stations at

Altoona Fareway, Hy-Vee and Walmart on October

4th from 9 am to 3 pm. These stations will be

manned by his fellow Boy Scouts and Scouts from

his younger brother’s Cub Scout Pack 383. He has

also secured drop off sites at Altoona Campus, Al-

toona Goodyear, Altoona Public Library, Rasmus-

sen Bike Shop, Sugar Shack; during normal hours.

These will be available during September and part

of October. Wyatt’s goals is 4,000 pounds of food

and at least $500.00 in cash donations. Wyatt is

hoping that other Scouts and organizations would

follow him in trying to rid hunger in their commu-

nity. If you would like more information please

call (515) 957-0135. Thank you.

Congratulations to Doug, Tracey, Trevor

and Leah Casey on their new home at

800 Scenic View Drive

Altoona Iowa 50009

9 Bible Quiz Answer: D (See Leviticus 16:10, 21, NIV.)

Bible Quiz! What modern expression comes from the prac-

tice, described in Leviticus, of a priest confessing

Israel’s sins over the head of an animal and

sending it (and the sins with it) into the desert?

A. hogwash

B. from the horse’s mouth

C. monkey business

D. scapegoat

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ACC Thanksgiving Potluck & Live/Silent Auctions

Sun. Nov. 23rd 11:30am

Live Auction following potluck Start thinking now about the Annual Thanksgiving

Potluck and the Silent & Live Auctions. Sign up

for the potluck in the Narthex and which silent/

live auction theme/item you plan to sponsor with

your family and/or friends. A clipboard will be placed on the Outreach table dur-

ing the week. You may view the Silent Auction items

on Nov. 16th thru Nov. 23rd, and place your final bids

before the Nov. 23rd 10:15am worship service.

Remember to keep checking back on your bid for they

might increase over the span of two weeks. Decorate

your auction items in a Box, Bag, or Basket and bring

to the church by Nov. 9th and label/list all items on a

3x5 card.

Please bring bakery items the day of the auction.

Silent Auction Theme Ideas: Kids, Cooking, Coffee/

Tea, Movie Night, Sports, Take a Note, Car Wash, "Go

Green", Gardening, First Aid, Candy, Snacks, Pre-

school, Kitchen, Baking, Christmas, Tools, Art, Bath &

Body, Candles, Dinner Meals, Meats & Cheeses, Holi-

days, Baby, Cat/Dog, Fruit, Travel, Reading, College,

Pamper Yourself, Soup, Girls, Boys, Games, Bakery

items. “By the Fire”, Aquarium, Camping,

“Stay”-Cation, Xmas/ornament, "Owl" Things are

Possible, “Think Pink”, & “Technology-About”

Live Auction Ideas: Holiday Items, Dinners, Gift Cer-

tificates, Quilts, Blankets, Sport Items, Homemade

Baked Goods, Homemade products.

ALTOONA CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Church Staff and Volunteers Interim Pastor ....................................................... Tim Diebel

Office Coordinator ............................................ Cheri Waddell

Choir Director ....................................................... Barb Hulen

Volunteer Bell & Chime Choir Director ... Paulette Craggs

Electronic Keyboardist/Organist ............... Ron Rieckmann

Volunteer Children’s Choir Director ............. Jamie Horton

Wedding Coordinator ................................. Stephanie Hosier

Custodians .......................................... Dave and Kristy Leinen

Volunteer Newsletter Editor ......... Kristina Steffes-Clayton

Nursery Attendant…………………………………...Becca Kerr

2890 1st Ave S

P.O. Box 428

Altoona, IA 50009

Church Contact Information:

Phone: 515-967-4382

Fax: 515-967-5112

Email: altoonadcc@msn.com

Website: altoonachristianchurch.org

Pastor Tim Diebel’s Contact Information:

Email: timdiebel@gmail.com

Phone: 515-201-8503

2014 Elder Contact Information Kristina Steffes-Clayton .................................. 515-720-8625

Greg Champion .................................................. 515-979-6288

John Champion .................................................. 515-480-6952

Denise Green ....................................................... 515-999-9017

Mary Heinrich .................................................... 515-238-0451

Judi Webb ............................................................ 515-360-5083

Carol Nieters ....................................................... 515-779-9851

Cindy Thomas ..................................................... 515-201-9126

Altoona Christian Church

Mission Statement: We believe Christ has touched our hearts and

spirits with God’s love.

Therefore, we seek to care for and love each

other, serving in Christ’s name that God’s Spirit

may touch others through us.

Goal for Ministry: The goal for ministry of the

Altoona Christian Church

through the year is:

To seek people for Christ,

especially children,

youth and older adults

through encouraging

belief and service.

Property Team is having a Work Day

Saturday, October 25th 8am

Lots of Indoor and Outdoor work to do.

We will be cleaning, removing brush

and winterizing the property.

Please come and join us

in the upkeep of our

Church Home.

OctoberOctober