12/2/18: All-Congregational Meeting after worship 12/5/18: CWF 1:00 pm Family Movie Night 7 pm 12/9/18: Noisy Offering Support Team after fellowship 12/12/18: WOW 6:30 pm 12/16/18: Holiday Bake Sale 12/24/18: Christmas Eve Service 6 pm 12/25/18: Christmas Day – office closed

Save the Date

Cross Words

March 2020

03/04/20- Soup Supper followed by Lenten

Book Study

03/08/20- Noisy Offering

03/11/20- Soup Supper followed by Lenten

Book Study

03/15/20- Surprise in a Box

03/18/20- Soup Supper followed by Lenten

Book Study

03/25/20- Soup Supper followed by Lenten

Book Study

Save the Date

29043 T Avenue P.O. Box 278

Phone: 515-987-4937 waukeechristianchurch@msn.com www.WaukeeChristianChurch.com

You’ve heard me tell stories about our dogs. Three of them in number. The oldest one

is a King Sheltie. It’s my son’s dog. Nearly twelve years ago I told him “no” when he

asked about getting the dog. You see how that has gone. He’s an adult, out there in

the world, and I still have the dog I said “no” to. Then there’s the Bernese Mountain

Dog. She’s Mary’s dog. Mary had done the research on the breed and found someone

who was responsibly breeding. We visited and met the last two puppies of the litter.

Mary sat on the floor and one of the puppies just walked up to her and sat on her lap.

“This is the one, she chose me!” is all Mary had to say, and she did, and so, we have

a dog named after a mountain that is singularly devoted to Mary. I can be home all

day long and the dog will lay on the bed or in another room and treat me as if I a mere

annoyance. Yet, the moment Mary comes home that dog comes to life, barking,

wagging, panting, and celebrating that Mary has come home. And when Mary sits in

her chair in the living room, a massive monument of fur is rarely more than a few

inches from her feet. Then there’s the youngest of the dogs. A sympathy pick really.

We were told by a friend that her daughter had a Great Pyrenees who wasn’t caring

for her puppies and she just wanted to find homes for the puppies. So, with kids in

tow we went to meet this massive ball of fluff, also named after a mountain. Now you

can only walk her with a gentle-leader or else she will drag you everywhere she wants

to go. She can hear people in neighboring counties and barks at them to let you know

they are moving in our direction. She has jowls that enable her with the superpower

of drooling water through half the house after getting a drink. Her head is a battering

ram that can take out Hulk Hogan. And, to make matters worse, she’s a jumper. If you

let her loose in the back yard with the other two, she will jump the fence and lead you

on a journey through the neighborhood and area traffic intersections. Going through

winter is a tough time with these dogs. I tell Mary, when these dogs pass on to the

realm that belongs to God and God alone, our next dog will be ceramic. Winter is

tough because they need to go outside and at times it has been painfully cold. But

worse than winter is the time between winter and spring. In our nation’s history we

have talked about the dust bowl, but at the Strait house, we must address the annual

return of the mud bowl. To get from winter to spring we have to tread carefully, clean

constantly, and, from time to time, whine under our breath because of how constant

the task is. Eventually it will warm. The ground will dry. The grass and weeds will grow.

The sun will warm. The scent of nature will rise. And those moments of drudgery and

demand will lead to something more enjoyable and cherished.

The movement through Lent toward the celebration of Easter is kind of like, at least

to me, that transition from winter to spring. It’s muddy and messy. Not because life

is muddy and messy, though it can be, but because taking an honest look at the well-

being of our soul, the condition of our faith, the truth of how well we are living in the

name of Jesus and bearing the image of God in the fullness of our lives, is. But when

it is done, and done well, the sun warms, the scent of nature rises, the ground

becomes solid, and life rediscovers a beauty that, in all honesty, has always been

there. With or without the dogs. May your Lent bring you to life!

Grace and Peace,

Loren

Cross Words

March 2020

Please remember to keep your

Revitalize Pledges as current as

possible. If you are unsure of the

status of your Revitalize Pledge,

please call the office.

November 17th after Congregational Meeting

The next WOW meeting will be held

on March 11th at the church at 5:00 pm. Right before the Soup Supper!

The CWF will meet on March 4th at 1:00 pm. Please join us.

03/02 Nancy Cross

03/04 Austin Younger

03/07 Marvin Cross

03/10 Lorie Keller

03/13 Megan O’Hern

03/16 Steve Keller

03/22 Colten Silverthorn

03/22 Sadie Silverthorn

03/23 Lisa Hiatt

03/27 Suzanne Koch

Your giving is important to the future ministry of God’s church

in this place. Please give generously and with a cheerful heart.

December January February

Receipts $ 20,158.95 $ 10,755.22 $ 12,759.81

Expenses $ 13,049.68 $ 12,952.45 $ 15,709.73

Difference $ 7,109.27 $ (2,197.23) $ (2,949.92)

Money available

for expenses $41,752.95 $ 35,228.60 $ 31,398.45

Cross Words

March 2020

Ministry Team Meeting

March 8th after fellowship

Julie Cornelius is our Visiting Pastor. Please let her

know if you are hospitalized or would like her to make a visit. Her phone contact is 515 370-3144.

➢ Our thanks to Marc DeJong, Chuck Teas,

Matt Hansen, George Risinger for all

their work at putting together and

providing our annual Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Supper! It was a great success!

➢ Our thanks to Linda Wilcox, Vicki Teas,

George Risinger and Mary Strait, for

reading scriptures for the Ash

Wednesday Service! Your time and

willingness are appreciated!

➢ Our thanks to Marlene Risinger and Vicki

Teas for, once again, bringing beauty to

the sanctuary and narthex during the

changing of the liturgical year.

➢

On Sunday, March 1, 2020 the by-laws for Waukee

Christian Church were votes on and approved by the

congregation in a meeting that was held after the morning

service.

Thank you, Juanita and Beckie for all their hard work to

get them prepared.

The Journey of Lent and Celebration of

Easter Approaches!

Weekly Lenten Soup Supper

On Wednesdays, March 4th - April 8th, 6pm at the church.

Volunteers are needed for each week to provide soup and sides

prior to the Lenten Book Study. We would like to have three soups

each week. If you are able to provide a soup or two, please let

Pastor Loren or Pastor Julie know as soon as possible. The dates

are: March 11, 18, 26, April 1, and 8.

Lenten Book Study

On Wednesdays, March 4th - April 8th, 6:45pm at the church.

Pastor Loren will lead a six-week Lenten Study: "What Makes A

Hero." This DVD series also includes a book for reading prior to out

gathering.

Maundy Thursday Service

On Thursday, April 9th, 6:30pm at the church.

We will gather for worship to celebrate the Lord's Table and Jesus'

last supper with the disciples. This worship will also include

celebrating the Lord's Supper by intinction where members come

forward to break bread.

Good Friday

On Friday, April 10th from 10am - 2pm at the church.

The church will be open for anyone who would like to take time out

of the day to come and privately pray.

Cross Words

March 2020

Here is the most wanted items that the Soldiers are wanting. Hoping to make their day a bit better by being able to send them items that they are wanting/needing. Most wanted items

• Whole sunflower seeds • Beef jerky • Beef sticks • Travel size soaps/ Bars of soap • Just add water items • Pens/ Journals • Ground Coffee • Chap Stick • Lotion • Non-Perishable foods • Sunscreen • Hand/Foot warmers • Lens wipes for glasses • Letters from home ( You are

more than welcome to write to them. They do enjoy getting letters and try their best to write back)

It has been requested to not send too many sweets/candy.

If you don't know what to get them, you can also donate money to be able to send the boxes over to the troops or I can do the shopping for you. I will try my best to keep a good list of most wanted items from the troops. If I'm not at church you can also give anything to my mom, Lorie Keller.

Thank you all for the support/Prayers that we are receiving.

~Megan O'Hern

Kathryn Ann

(James) Llewellyn

March 3, 1928 - February 20, 2020

Born in Des Moines, IA

Resided in Waukee, Iowa

Kathryn danced her way to heaven to be with her husband John on

February 20. A service took place to celebrate her life Saturday, February

29. Below is part of her obituary:

“Kathryn was an active member of the Waukee Booster Club, served several

years on the Waukee Schools Foundation Board, and served as a Dallas

County Poll worker for many elections.

As a lifelong member of the Waukee Christian Church, Kathryn participated

in numerous fundraisers and bazaars, making and serving many batches of

creamed chicken on biscuits and chopping vegetables for gallons of

coleslaw. She and John partnered in growing, freezing, and supplying sweet

corn to the annual Father and Son Banquet hosted by the church for many,

many years.

Kathryn was loyal to many life-long friends. She gathered monthly with the

“Girls” Club. For more than 50 years, she and John met monthly with two

different groups of high school friends, classmates, and neighbors to play

cards, eat, and escape the kids.

Her interests were many; she loved to garden, cook, and express her

creativity through artwork and craft projects. She enjoyed travelling. And

she loved antiquing.

Most of all, Kathryn was devoted to her family and loved having them

gather for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. There was never a lack of

food nor love when she entertained the crew, and though she had nine

grandkids, she feared she would never have any great grandkids, only great

grand dogs.

On February 20, 2020, Kathryn Llewellyn, just days shy of her 92nd birthday,

left this world to be with those who passed before her: her mom Jennie,

dad Henry, sister Alice, life-long best friends Vivian and Jean and many other family and friends. It’s for certain that her husband John was waiting

with open arms and they are now happily dancing across the stars.”

Cross Words

February 2020

Here is an updated list of our friends homebound or in care facilities. These friends need your prayers but also would welcome cards or visits (in person or by phone). Their days are so long with many hours to ponder why none of their church family visits (cares). They are a special part of our church family. A few minutes out of your day would mean so much to them!

~ Pastor Julie

• Lois Bannister Kennybrook Village 200 SW Brookside Drive #20 Grimes, IA 50111

• Orville Bannister Trinity Center at Luther Park Redwood #224 1555 Hull Avenue Des Moines, IA 50316 515-414-5619

• Bethalene & Alan Finestead 13240 NW 102nd Ave Granger, IA 50109 Home: 515-999-2367 Cell: 515-240-7709

• Leonard O’Hair Legacy Pointe The Springs 1645 SE Holiday Crest Circle #213 Waukee, IA 50263 515-421-3033

• Barry Snover Legacy Pointe – Memory Care 1505 SE Laurel St – Apt. #8 Waukee, IA 50263

Dear Waukee Christian Church Family,

I would like to take a minute to express my sincere thank you for all the

cards, gifts, phone calls, texts, visits, and prayers during my hip

replacement surgery. Everything is healing well. I do ask for continued

prayers as I finish the recovery process.

I look forward to being able to get up and down as fast as my grandchildren.

Very sincere thank you, extreme gratitude and unconditional love to you.

Blessings!

Jan De Jong

Hello, Hello, Hello!

I am Katie De Jong. The new Lanita! I know that I have

big shoes to fill, and I will do my best.

A little bit about Sydney and me. I have another job

that is full time plus some. It is a company that works

with adults with mental health. I work with these

adults on the employment side to gain knowledge to

be able to succeed with a 40 hour a week job in the

community.

In my free time, I do nothing. On occasion, I will get on

the boat with my boyfriend, Charlie. Now that I don’t

have to do dialysis, I am hoping to get out on the water

a lot more this year. I love to garden and be outside

working. I also spend time with family and friends, as

they are a lot of the glue that has held me together.

And just in case you would like to know, I love coffee

and Reese’s peanut butter cups.

My hours in the office are and will continue to stay

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. If you

need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With love,

Katie De Jong

Cross Words

February 2020 2013

If you are going to be gone, please secure your substitute and let the

office know of the change. Thanks!

April Serving Schedule April 5th 12th 19th 26th

Communion Prep & Clean-up

Janelle Taylor Ken Cavanaugh Linda O’Hair Lorrie Grandgenett

A/V Lanita Cavanaugh Suzanne Koch Holly Showalter Jason Keller

Greeter Mary Lou Harris Jack Harris Jan De Jong David Grandgenett

Children’s Moment Pastor Loren Pastor Loren George Risinger Kathy Dean

Worship Leader Shari Burgess Sue MacRae Vicki Teas Rosalie Pfeifer

Call to Offering & Offering Prayer

Linda Wilcox Judy Tyler Shari Burgess Tammy Hardersen

Offering & Communion Servers

Holly Showalter Mike Showalter Marlene Risinger George Risinger

Communion Invitation Marc De Jong Tammy Hardersen Christy Snover Bill Consolver

Communion Prayer Ryan Taylor Suzanne Koch Marc De Jong Linda Wilcox

Fellowship (please remember to take

out trash) Rosalie Pfeifer Karen Neese Sue MacRae Shari Burgess

Child Care Attendant

Zoey Koch Tasha Schnell Brooke Howsare Zoey Koch

Monthly Tasks Food Pantry Delivery Sue MacRae Lock up after church David Grandgenett

March Serving Schedule March 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

Communion Prep & Clean-up

Jan De Jong Christy Snover Janelle Taylor Karen Neese Marilyn Dowell

A/V Jason Keller Suzanne Koch Ryan Taylor Jason Keller Holly Showalter

Greeter Sue MacRae Suzanne Koch George Risinger Jan De Jong Judy Tyler

Children’s Moment Shari Burgus George Risinger Pastor Loren Kathy Dean Shari Burgus

Worship Leader George Risinger Holly Showalter Shari Burgus Sue MacRae Suzanne Koch

Call to Offering & Offering Prayer

Bill Consolver Christy Snover Judy Tyler Linda Wilcox George Risinger

Offering & Communion Servers

David Grandgenett Marlene Risinger Mike Showalter Ryan Taylor Shari Burgus

Communion Invitation Suzanne Koch Shari Burgus Bill Consolver Christy Snover Janelle Taylor

Communion Prayer Christy Snover Bill Consolver Linda Wilcox Shari Burgus Judy Tyler

Fellowship (please remember to take

out trash) Karen Neese Youth Linda O’Hair Pat Consolver Sue MacRae

Child Care Attendant

Tasha Schnell Brooke Howsare Zoey Koch Tasha Schnell Brooke Howsare

Monthly Tasks Food Pantry Delivery Marlene Risinger Lock up after church Chuck Teas

…OUR STAFF… Pastor: Reverend Loren Strait Visiting Pastor: Pastor Julie Cornelius Admin. Assistant: Katie De Jong

… CHURCH OFFICE ... Administrative Office Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30AM –12:30PM

Pastor’s Office Hours Tuesday-Friday

9:00AM – 1:00PM

Phone (515) 987-4937

Email waukeechristianchurch@msn.com

Website waukeechristianchurch.com

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:00 am Sunday School

10:00 am Worship Service

11:00 a.m. Coffee

Waukee Christian Church 29043 T Avenue P.O. Box 278 Waukee, Iowa 50263

The Waukee Christian Church Newsletter is published monthly.

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

waukeechristianchurch@msn.com. Thank you.

Waukee Christian Church

March 2020

Cross Words

Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

Mission Statement

“To be and to share the Good News of

Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and

serving from our doorsteps “to the

ends of the earth.” ̶ Acts 1:8