January, 2015

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2015 promises to be a great year for this church! The momentum of the congregation is picking up. New people are attracted to this wonderful congregation living their faith on the edge. We have visitors almost every Sunday. We’ve had people join and

celebrated baptisms. Praise God! And that’s all because of the Spirit

at work in this place.

The Spirit walks with us as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, grow in wisdom and understanding, and provide uncommon hospitality. As we grow, the new energy helps us to develop more opportunities to serve Christ and get to know each other in fellowship and service.

This year we will continue making some positives steps toward our mission. Our facility will be improved too. As we look forward to our revitalization, I’m excited as much about the process as

I am about the end result.

The process is a campaign where we will all be called upon to do our part for the church we love and believe in. As a result of our shared faith and sacrifice, we will grow closer together as a family and we will gain a clearer understanding of how God can use us for the visible work of love. We are in this together, and we will have a lot of fun making it happen.

The most important things we build come not from bricks and mortar but from the heart. We build our spiritual foundation through prayer and connecting with each other. We build a future for our children and a witness to this community. We build a personal legacy by recognizing that when Christ called upon us, we answered and did our very best to be faithful.

As we are faithful to all God calls us to do this year, I think we will be amazed by the wonderful blessings God will bring.

Blessings,

Pastor Sue

29043 T Avenue P.O. Box 278

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

WaukeeChristianChurch.com

2015 Board & Elders

The 2015 Board & Elders will have their first meetings in January. Elders will meet after fellowship on January 4th in the Prayer Room. The Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on January 11th. Newly elected Elders and Officers please update your calendar for these meetings as we start a new year of Worshipful Work. Of course, Board meetings are open to all.

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Dear Friends and Members

Waukee Christian Church leadership has embraced the challenge of REVITALIZING this church. The REVITALIZE concept is a result of recognizing, planning, and executing facility improvements at WCC. This is a sophisticated process that includes ongoing financial dedication on the part of all who enjoy WCC.

We will continue to move the REVITALIZE effort forward and we will ask for everyone’s help. Whether it involves sweat equity, prayer

support, or monetary donations, there are many ways you can become involved. Please be in prayer about how you can contribute to REVITALIZE God’s church in this vineyard.

Our next step will be to hold informational meetings with the congregation – be looking for dates and times and plan to attend. And if you have any questions, please contact one or the REVITALIZE team members:

Kathy Dean – Campaign Chair Linda Foltz – Board Chair George Risinger & Lee Foltz – Advanced Gifts Marc DeJong – Contracting Sarah Infante & Dennis Markway – Communications Dave Grandgenett & Jerry Woods – Financials Sue Woods – Pastor

Ron Hardersen and Chuck Teas for changing light bulbs and repairing light fixtures

All of Santa's Elves who helped put up Christmas decorations

Samantha Hornback, Ruth Sindt, Sophia Ahmad and John Helmich for providing just the right music to Prepare the Way for Christmas

Lanita Cavanaugh for all she does to help us be faithful to our mission

Our Sunday School teachers for a wonderful fall program

Parents and Teachers who helped with the Youth Christmas Pageant

Our gardeners for replanting our outdoor planters

Members who make calls on visitors and show uncommon hospitality

Groups that are already planning for a Spirit filled 2015

The Revitalize Team for creating a plan that cares for this Holy Ground

CWF, WOW, and the many members and friends for their generous contributions to the furnace fund

To all who responded to the Breckenridge’s plea to help a family at Christmas. Together you collected over $500 so that they will not have to cancel Christmas!

To the Youth Group for their Christmas Pageant and painting the nativity

Waukee Christian Church Congregation,

I want to express my sincere appreciation of your generous Christmas gift! I find it such a joy to work here and am so blessed to have met

so many kind, thoughtful, and generous people. Not many people have the opportunity to say that their job is a blessing, but that is exactly how I feel about this job. Thank you so much! With Love and Gratitude, Lanita

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

place. Please give generously and with a cheerful heart.

September October November

Receipts $ 10,868.78 $ 15,098.93 $12,608.58

Expenses $ 9,929.86 $ 11,819.43 $10,646.43

$ 938.92 $ 3,279.50 $ 1,962.15

Money available for expenses $ 9,836.00 $ 13,913.00 $ 13,763.00

Please keep the following

people in your prayers:

Orville Bannister

Kelly and Darcey

Gruber on the death of

Kelly’s mother, Betty

McGrew

Kelsey Baker on the

death of her father.

Lorrie Grandgenett

Vivian Wilson

David Reed

The Memorial Boards are now hung in Fellowship Hall. Please take a moment to appreciate them. They are beautiful!

The Memorial Boards were crafted and donated by Dennis Dowell. Made from walnut harvested from trees that grew on the Paul and Floy Morris farm located 1 mile north of the church on T Avenue, they are a memorial to the history of the church.

Dennis wanted to preserve the trees so he got permission to harvest the wood. It dried for 3 years before he planed them into lumber.

Dennis is married to Marilyn Morris Dowell and is the son of Don and Evelyn Dowell. Paul & Floy Morris had three children: Harold (Velda), John (Jean Fox) and Suzanne. Harold & Velda had 2 sons, Jerry and Terry. John & Jean Morris have three children: Marilyn (Don) Morris Dowell, Carol and Charles. Suzanne gifted her portion of her parent’s farm to the church. It is the

location of the current church building. Many thanks to all those who have made this project

possible!

This year, our sermon series was The Gifts of Christmas. Each week we unwrapped a new way of thinking about this wonderful gift we were given in the form of a baby. On Christmas Eve you blessed me with a special Love Gift - and I become increasingly aware of the blessing and gift you are to me, to Jerry, and to my ministry. Thank you so much for your generous hearts!

Love, Pastor Sue

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Youth Sunday School needs a few items!! Can you help by donating? Video Camera and tripod Adding to our Puppet supplies

Your generosity is appreciated!

Between the Covers book club will be meeting on January 26th at 6:00 pm. January’s book is “A Higher Call” (nonfiction) by Adam Makos with Larry Alexander. See you there!

Christian Women’s Fellowship

CWF will not meet in January but will resume their monthly meetings on Wednesday, February 4th at 9:30 am. All women are welcome to attend. They will be starting a study of the Women of the Bible.

Piano faculty member Sophia Ahmad teaches Maya Miller.

Violin faculty member and Des Moines Symphony violinist John Helmich teaches student Sidney Novak.

Des Moines Symphony Academy The Symphony Academy is a musical community of excellence,

a place where talented and motivated instrumental students of all ages are taught, directed and mentored by recognized professional musicians and educators. Two of those recognized professional musicians and educators are our very own Sophia Ahmad and John Helmich.

We are very blessed to enjoy their presence and talents every Sunday during our worship services!

Here is a list of our planned activities (which can also be found

on our website and Facebook page):

January 2nd – Movie Night 7:00 pm

January 11th – Youth Group games at the church

4:30-6:00 pm – meal will be provided by Cathy

Phillips.

January 30th – Feb 1st - Chi Rho Retreat

Youth Group is open to everyone 2nd grade through Middle School.

January, 2015

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JYF Retreat 3rd – 5th Grades

Feb 13 - 15 Mark Your calendars for a Winter Retreat coming up February 13th – 15th. More on that in February newsletter!

CYF/Chi Rho Assembly 6th – 12th grades

Hunger Games: Feeding The World JAN 30 - FEB 1

come to an adventurous weekend at the Christian Conference Center in Newton. Learn how to use your gifts to help feed the world. The weekend will include 2 nights & 3 days of 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.

January Thaw

Come warm things up at the

Waukee Christian Church Game

Night on Wednesday January

21st. We’ll play board or card

games in Fellowship Hall starting at

6:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share

and call the office if you need a

ride.

January, 2015

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WOW will be meeting at the home of Vicki Teas (1605 Hannah Lane, Waukee) on Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30 pm.

Just a reminder to please remember to check your mailboxes in the work room!

How to Become a Member of WCC

Membership in Waukee Christian Church begins with a belief in Jesus Christ and a willingness to follow in his ways of service as revealed in the Bible. If you accept Christ as Lord of your life, then we extend to you the invitation to become a member.

To join this congregation, simply come forward any Sunday during the Song of Response. Pastor Sue will greet you at the front of the sanctuary. After the song, you will be welcomed.

If you have never publicly professed your faith, you will be asked, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living

God, and your personal Lord and Savior?” You will respond, “I

do.”

What about baptism?

If you have never been baptized, the Pastor will visit with you in private to set a time for baptism. By tradition, this church practices believers’ baptism by immersion. We believe this was the practice of the early church. In cases of special needs, other forms of baptism are allowed.

If you are transferring your membership from another Christian tradition, you will be asked to reaffirm your faith. We do not require “re-baptism”. If you have been baptized by another method and are satisfied with your baptism, the reaffirmation of faith is sufficient. However, if you would prefer to experience baptism by immersion, you may visit with Pastor to discuss that option.

But just in case the snow is too deep or the ice to thick, the Chair of the Board and the Minister will decide what is in the best interest of Waukee Christian Church members and friends.

If Church activities are to be cancelled for any reason, the information will be sent through our One Call Now phone system. Please make sure the office has your preferred phone number. We will also make attempts to have the information on local television stations. Stay safe!

January, 2015

Cross Words

January is a great time to look forward to the New Year. But January, named for the Roman god Janus, is also a time to look to our past. Janus was the god of beginnings and transitions, gates and doors, passages and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past. So let’s have

some fun looking to our past. The following are from hand written notes of Velda Morris:

1954 – parsonage was connected to the town’s water system

1955 – filled in the cave at the parsonage; voted to paint the church (cost $5/gallon)

1956 – 30 new members received this year; bought new hymnals

1957 – bought a new mimeograph machine

1959 – approved the purchase of a used typewriter

1963 – Hubert Aldrich voted Elder Emeritus

1965 – Waukee Schools started renting the Education Wing.

1966 – Began sharing a choir director with the Methodist church for $2.50/week

1967 – Gave the minister a $10/month raise; also hired a new choir director at $5/week

1968 – Youth Choir started by Barbara Parker; 22 youth went to summer camp; CWF Tasting Party at the home of Dorothy Schaefer

1969 – First meeting of the Christian Men’s Fellowship; parsonage

mortgage burned

1970 – Creamed chicken dinner served for $1.25 (.75 for children under 10)

How will you be a part of the church’s future? Happy New Year!!

We had to purchase new fire extinguishers for the church due to new fire codes relating to commercial property.

Our old fire extinguishers are still good for residential use. You can purchase one of them for $30. We only have 2 left!

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them… John 10:3

God knows our names – but do we know each other’s? We've had many new members and friends join us in worship, and it’s important to greet each

other by name. The new church directory will help.

We are grateful to Tammy Hardersen for finishing up the new church directory. If you have not had your photo taken, please let Tammy know. You can also send a digital photo to waukeechristianchurch@msn.com or leave a printed photo on the Secretary’s

desk to be scanned.

Do you know someone who could use the love and comfort

of a prayer shawl? Our Knit Wits group has several. Some

are located in the Prayer Room off Fellowship Hall. Or you

can ask Linda Foltz or Tammy Hardersen to have the group

knit a shawl for you. Knit Wits meet on Tuesday morning in

Fellowship Hall starting at 9:30 a.m.

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Family Fun Fair volunteers

Everyone collecting and sorting shoes

Folks who worked the Pizza Ranch Tip Night

4th of July Parade Float Team

Those of you who brightened a day with a visit or card

Anyone who gave a hug to a young person

Long Range Planning Team

Youth Outing Chaperones

Theology on Tap participants

Ron & Tammy Hardersen for mentoring our Baptismal Candidates

Alan Finestead for filling in at the pulpit on June 29th!

Remember that VBS song, “I am the church! You are the church!

We are the church together!” All of us are given wonderful gifts by the

God who created us. And we can use those gifts to serve Waukee Christian Church together.

Can you count? Volunteers are needed to help count the morning offering. If you are an Elder or on the Board, can you help in the rotation? George Risinger and Jerry Woods have been serving for over a year, but it means they often miss fellowship time. Please consider taking your turn and visit with George or Jerry.

Can you click? We only have a couple of people who operate the slide show on Sunday morning. It’s very easy! Just push a button.

Training is provided. Let Pastor Sue know if you can take a turn in the AV booth.

Respite Volunteers? Can you take a turn providing respite for Don & Evelyn Dowell on Friday mornings? Call the office for more details.

January Serving Schedule January 4th 11th 18th 25th Communion Prep Cathy Phillips Jan De Jong Pat/Jack Carpe David Grandgenett

A/V Jerry Wood Matt Hansen Jason Keller George Risinger

Greeter Cathy Conklin Cathy Phillips Vicki/Chuck Teas Sue MacRae

Youth Greeter Zoey Koch Ximen Markway Cathy Phillips Zoey Koch

Candle Lighter Sam Ruggles Alice Ruggles Zoey Koch Ximen Markway

Children’s Moment George Risinger Sue Woods Puppets Kathy Dean

Reader Vicki Teas Chuck Teas Kathy Dean Sue MacRae

Communion Invitation

Sue Woods Sue Woods Sue Woods Sue Woods

Elders Shari Burgus

Juanita McBeth Cimberly Hansen

Linda Wilcox Cathy Phillips Jerry Woods

Juanita McBeth Cimberly Hansen

Offering & Communion Servers

Cathy Conklin Marc De Jong

Jerry Woods Ron Hardersen

Marc/Jan De Jong Cathy Conklin

Tammy Hardersen

Fellowship Pat/Jack Carpe Karen Neese

Alice Ruggles Jan De Jong

Ximen Markway Marlene Risinger

Cathy Phillips

Nursery Attendant Sarah Infante Zoey Koch Sarah Infante Zoey Koch

Food Panty Delivery Jan De Jong

Visiting Elders Jerry Woods / Cathy Phillips

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 31

Elders’ Mtg. 11:30 am

6:30 pm Board Meeting

Knit Wits

9:30 am

P

Knit Wits

9:30 am

Knit Wits

9:30 am

10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School

10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School

2015

WOW 6:30 pm

Knit Wits

9:30 am 10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School

Vicki Teas’ home

Newsletter

articles due

Book Club 6 pm

10 am Worship 9 am Sunday School

Youth Group

Movie Night 7 pm

Youth Group 4:30-6 pm

Chi Rho Retreat/CYF

6:30 pm

Meeting 6:30 pm

Revitalize Team

Pack away

Christmas

6:30 pm

Youth Group

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

Connecting people to each other and the world.

Growing spiritually through the renewing of our minds.

Honoring the Image of God in all people.

…OUR STAFF… Pastor: Reverend Sue Woods

Admin. Assistant: Lanita Cavanaugh

… CHURCH OFFICE ... Office Hours Monday-Wednesday-Thursday 8:30AM – 3:30PM

Phone (515) 987-4937

Email waukeechristianchurch@msn.com

Website

waukeechristianchurch.com

The Waukee Christian Church Newsletter is published monthly.

~ We are People of the Table ~ ~Living Faith on the Edge of Waukee ~

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:00 am Sunday School for all ages September through May

10:00 am

Worship Service 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.

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January, 2015

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