THE EVANGEL – DEC. ‘16/JAN. ‘17 FROM THE PASTOR Merry Christmas from the ministers of Crawfordsville and Ainsworth. AmySara, our worship committees, and I are excited about this year's advent worship. Our theme is dreams. And we will focus on giving the gift of prayer. As you draw closer to Christ, may your prayer life grow, may you reflect God's love, and may you dream this Advent Season. In Christ,

Pastor Jason Collier Greetings in Christ our Lord and Savior! As I write this article, I am enjoying the love shown by so many people today as we came together for student led worship. What a wonderful opportunity it was to have our youth plan and provide a unique worship for us! I especially enjoyed watching you all pour your love into them after each service. Thank you, for showing them that they are loved and accepted right where they are. Indeed, His blessing is on you today! In grace,

AmySara Richardson

As we embark on the upcoming season of Advent, we reflect on that perfect love of Christ, coming into the world to save all of us, where we were as a society, and where we are as individuals. Soon, our homes will be filled with the voices of our friends and family, and our pews will be filled with those who come to visit us during our special services. As we begin to plan these services and events in the new year, We pray that the spirit of giving from the overflowing gifts He has given us will become a new tradition this year. 1 Peter 2:5 says, “And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are His holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” What are those spiritual sacrifices that we are offering? There are several examples from Scripture, including “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15, 16), “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) and even a broken spirit, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; you will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:17). This Christmas, let us give these gifts to all we encounter, in accordance with God’s will for us as His living stones. Let us daily turn to Jesus as our source of mediation, and gift those whom He puts in our path. What a truly blessed Christmas gift to give our Lord and Savior! Let us encourage you, brothers and sisters, to live fully in Christ’s abundant love, and to share that love with others; whether through an encouraging word, fulfilling meal, meaningful prayer, or the simple act of being present. This is the season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary. It is common for people to say, “Merry Christmas”, or “Happy Holidays”. As Christians, we can add, “Emmanuel, God is with us. Emmanuel, God is with you. His blessing is on you today!”

PASTOR VISITS AND PRAYER LIST If you have special needs or would like Pastor Jason to call on you, you may reach him on his cell phone at any time – 563-343-3390. If you would like to request prayers or join the prayer chain, contact Jan at 319-657-3020 or

319.330-6175 or ainsworthchurch@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT ACC Sunday, December 4 and 18: The ACC Puppeteers will present a special number as the prelude on these Sundays. Other members of the congregation will share special music during the offertory. Sunday, December 11: The Youth Christmas Program will be held during 10:30 AM worship. In addition to a play by the children, there will be special music by Ann Ballard and the Diers Brothers, and a special appearance by the ACC Puppeteers. Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight worship (no communion) will be held at 5 PM at ACC. Sunday, December 25: No worship service on Christmas Day at ACC, but all are invited to United Church of Crawfordsville for worship with Pastor Jason at 9 AM

ACC TO RING BELLS DEC. 11 AND 18 The Ainsworth Community Church is responsible for ringing bells for Salvation Army at the Washington Wal-Mart on Sunday, December 11 and 18 from 10:30 AM to 8 PM each day. The United Church of Crawfordsville is also involved. All volunteers must work in pairs of 2 or more. Shifts are one hour each. Youth must work with someone

over the age of 18. A signup sheet will be at the back of the sanctuary or call Jan (319.330.6175) to volunteer. Note that all monies collected stay within Washington County. ‘Thank You’ to our volunteers for donating their time!

KIDS’ CLUB SPRING SESSION - JANUARY 20 The Ainsworth Community Church Kids’ Club will resume on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 and run through Wednesday, March 8, 2017. Each session begins at 6:30 PM and will conclude by 7:30 PM at the North Church Building. All youth aged 3 years through 6th grade are welcome for the 8 week session.

MISSION COMMITTEE SAYS, “THANK YOU!” The Mission Committee wishes to thank everyone for their support of their final Garage Sale held in early November. They raised about $850 that will be divided equally between Missions and the Youth Group. They are grateful to everyone who helped pack and haul away all the remaining items leaving the

North Church sanctuary almost empty. Jason and AmySara are working in collaboration with the Parish Council to plan programs and events that will utilize the space now.

COMMUNITY NEWS The Ainsworth Opera House will host a Bluegrass program on Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2016. FMI: Contact Sherrie - 319-657-3782.

VETERANS THANK ACC We have already received a gracious thank you letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs – Central Iowa Health Care System for the donation of Christmas Cards. “Your thoughtfulness reflects the concern that you feel for our Veterans and for the service they provided to all of us while in service to our country. Thank you everyone for taking time to complete these as part of our worship service in early November.

WCRF MONIES AWARDED TO ACC The Ainsworth Community Church was one of 30 to receive monies in this round of grants. (80 applied) The monies will be used for infrastructure updates including: replace AC units at South Church, replace furnace and add AC to North

Church office; replace all 6 thermostats in both churches with Wi-Fi units; paint roof trim on North Church; and replace carpet in South Church sanctuary. We are responsible for $8080; WCRF for $32,319 of the total project cost of $40,399. Work will begin in 2017 under the direction of Brian Bean, Property Committee Chair.

WE SAY “THANK YOU!” TO: Christian Education Committee: Karen Megchelsen, Janet Rees,

Michelle Miller, Ann Ballard, and Kristen Anderson for the many programs under their leadership: The Christmas Program, Puppet Ministry, Kids’ Club, Parent’s Night/Day Out, and Vacation Bible School.

Mission Committee: Kathi Bean, Brenda Bean, Ann Freyenberger, and Jenny Skubal (as well as extra help from Judy Skubal) for the MANY, MANY hours spent doing Mission work in our community that is such a benefit for needy families.

Property Committee: Brian Bean, Dennis Bean, Neal Megchelsen, Joe Skubal, Dwight Miller, Duane Chalupa, Bob Frame, and Wendell Arduser for all their work maintaining our property.

Worship Committee: Linda McNeil, Wynne Steele, Janet Rees, Sherri Hazen-Hansen and Laura Temple for their extra efforts in Lent and Advent plans, preparation of Communion elements and other ‘special projects’ as needed.

Judy Skubal for helping mobilize the Neighbor to Neighbor program.

Liz Kaufman and Steve Anderson for their expertise in grant writing.

Linda McNeil for the many lovely decorations placed so artfully about the church as well as all the beautiful music she plays (voluntarily) each Sunday!

And a big “thank you” to all committees and individuals for their willingness to help with the many activities and tasks that make this “Our” Community Church!

BUDGET REPORT – 10-31-16

Income $6,699.11 Expenses $7,390.41

General Fund $13,795.82 Building Fund $13,344.80

Memorial Fund $6,593.61 Need/month for budget $7,603.00

2016 Combined Presbytery and Methodist dues/apportionments: $10.062.00. We recently paid $1809.50 to the Methodists and the Presbytery for a total of $3,619. We still owe $6,443.00 by the end of 2016 if we are to meet our full denomination obligation. We

pray that you will assist your community church meet their obligations. Thank you, ACC Parish Council and Finance Committee

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER ATTENDANCE Month 2015 2016

October 337 371

November 479 354

HELP NEEDED WITH SNACKS!! Bakers, buyers needed! If you would be willing to help with snacks on Sundays – Please let Jan know. During the winter months when the snow birds are away, I am short on volunteers to bring snacks for before/after worship. You may bake or buy items – congregation enjoys it all! Please, I need a few more volunteers for the winter months. Thank you!

PARISH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS The following is a brief overview of the November 10, 2016 meeting. Committee Reports: Christian Education – Kids’ Club – concluded Fall Session with Harvest Meal, November 9. Spring session will resume January 18. Parent’s Night Out had 16 youth attend on November 4. In December, the date will switch to Saturday, the 3rd and the hours to be from 11 AM to 4 PM. The youth will be able to ‘shop’ for gifts for their parents making selections from the Garage Sale leftovers and wrap them. Membership/Nurture – Neighbor To Neighbor on November 3 had 25 participants. The next one is March 2 and will roll in to World Day of Prayer with UCC as it concludes at 12:30 PM. Worship – Plans are in order for Advent. They will decorate the sanctuary on November 20. Finance – We should hear before Thanksgiving about the grant request from the WCRF. Property – The wall at the south entrance of the South Church as well as dirt work and frame for the new sign has been completed. Mission – They sent items to In-Gathering and held the final Garage Sale November 3-5. They are distributing all unsold items to organizations, groups, and individuals who can use them and really appreciate the donation. They received 1273 pounds of food from Scout Troop 242 in the “Scouting for Food” drive. SPPRC: Karen Arduser has asked to be replaced; the Nominating Committee is working on a replacement. ACCW – Jan reported that ACCW voted to contribute $500 to the Mission Committee to help with expenses for needy families at Christmas. New Business: (1) Agreed to provide financial support of $200 for confirmation class to serve meal at “Saturday Kitchen” in Washington on December 3. (2) Determined there will be no worship service on Christmas Day at ACC. There WILL be worship at 5 PM on Christmas Eve. (3)Voted to accept Juanita and Clifton Dawley as transfer members of ACC. It will be formalized on Sunday, November 13. (4) Ordination of new Parish Council Members was set for Sunday, January 8.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Joys: We are grateful for the gift of our Savior. We celebrate the healing of those recovering from surgery and illness: Marg Colthurst, Penny McCreedy, Jim McCreedy, Deb McCreedy, Alice Droll, and D. Donald. We rejoice in the level of participation in activities of the church and give thanks for the many volunteers who make the programs successful. Concerns: Those suffering with poor health, limited resources, or family conflicts. Serving Our Country: We say “Thank You!” to members and their families serving our country.

LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE FOR DECEMBER 2016 December 4

God’s Hopeful Vision God’s Promised Spirit 2nd Sunday of Advent

Joel 2:12-13, 28-29; (Luke 11:13); Red Bible Pages: 1038; 88 Turn to a merciful God, promise of the Spirit.

December 11 Living the Dream Spirit of the Lord upon Me 3rd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61:1-11 (Luke 4:16-21); Red Bible Pages: 846; 74 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bring good news, liberty, and to make an everlasting covenant.

December 18 The Magnificent Jesus’ Birth Announced 4th Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:26-49 (Psalm 113 or 113:9); Red Bible Pages:69; 692 Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary; he will receive the throne of David.

December 24 Delivery Day Christmas Eve

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] (Ps 96 or 96:3); Red Bible Pages:71; 677 Birth of Jesus.

December 25 Shepherds Visit Christmas Day

Luke 2:8-20 (Psalm 123:1-2 or 123:2); Red Bible Pgs:71; 703 Shepherds visit the infant Jesus.

LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE FOR JANUARY 2017 January 1 Dedicated to God

Simeon and Anna

1st Sunday after Christmas

Luke 2:21-38 (Psalm 131 or 131:3) Red Bible Pages:71; 705 Simeon and Anna, Lord now you let your servant depart in peace.

January 8 Affirmation Jesus’ Baptism Baptism of Our Lord

Luke 3:1-22 (Psalm 51:6-17 or 51:13); Red Bible Pgs:72; 640 John baptizes, bear fruit worthy of repentance, share what you have.

January 15 The Manifesto Sermon at Nazareth 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Luke 4:14-30 (Psalm 146 or 146:7b-8); Red Bible Pgs:74; 715 Sermon at Nazareth (Isaiah fulfilled, Elijah and widow, Elisha and Naaman).

January 22 A Fisherman’s Tale Fish for People 3rd Sunday after Epiphany

Luke 5:1-11; (Psalm 90:14-17 or 90:17b); Red Bible Pages: 76; 673: Great catch of fish, Peter will fish for people.

January 29 Sabbath Choices Healing on the Sabbath 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Luke 6:1-16 (Psalm 92 or 92:4); Red Bible Pages: 77; 674 Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (plucking grain, healing a man) and call of disciples.

February 5 Reconciling Authority Raising the Widow’s Son 5th Sunday after Epiphany

Luke 7:1-17; (Psalm 119:105-107 or 119:107); Red Bible Pages: 79; 699; Healing the centurion’s slave by a word and raising the widow’s son at Nain.

DECEMBER 2016 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Ushers Greeters

Advent Candles

Liturgist Children’s

Sermon Special Music Snacks

Dec 4

Joe Skubal, Rob Yoder

Judy Skubal; Jenny Yoder

Anna & Brian Chalupa

Sherrie Hansen

Juanita & Clifton Dawley

ACC Puppeteers Jenny Yoder & Linda McNeil

Judy Skubal, Jenny Yoder

11 Neil Mills,

Lance Mills Dan/Stacy Klinzman

Adam & Erin Kaufman

NA NA ACC Puppeteers

Ann Ballard, Dalton & Drew Diers

Jan Temple Laura Temple

18 Dennis Bean

Jason Anderson

Ruth Miller Angie

Ornduff

Neil & Rebecca Mills

Neal Megchelsen

Chris Sieren

ACC Puppeteers Kristi Bean

Wilma Chalupa,

Pat Jenkins

24 Myron Rees

Neal Megchelsen

NA Molly & Chris

Hartzler Jan Temple NA ??? NA

JANUARY 2017 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Ushers Greeters Candles Snacks AV

Jan. 1

Jim Hansen, Wendell Arduser

Sherrie Hansen; Karen Arduser

Lexi Collier

Karen Megchelsen Jessica Diers

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

8 Dale Holmes,

Kenneth Kruse Steve/Rita Anderson

Jacob Hartzler

Janet Rees, Molly Hartzler

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

15 Myron Rees,

Jason Anderson Karen/Wendell

Arduser Ellie

Anderson Sherri Hazen, Chris Sieren

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

22 Dave Kaufman, Steve Anderson

Oscar/Wynne Steele

Molly Klinzman

Liz Kaufman, Rita Anderson

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

29 Neal Mills

Meal Megchelsen Steve Miller Drew Diers

Kate Hartzler

Brenda Bean Kathi Bean

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

Feb. 5

Joe Skubal, Rob Yoder

Carol Bean TBD

Shalyn Kirk

Wynne Steele TBD

Dalton Diers, Joey Collier

DEC./JAN. BIRTHDAYS/*ANNIVERSARIES December: 1)Wynne Steele; 2) Michelle Miller, Brittany Stewart, 5) Kristi

Bean; 6) Janice Skubal; 7) Janet Rees; Kevin McCreedy; 10) Jesse Hahn; 12) Liz Kaufman;16) Joel Hazelett; Joseph Collier; 20) Renee Megchelsen; Ariel Mills; 21) Neal Megchelsen, Sherry Lord; 22) *Ron & Angie Ornduff; 24) Julie Sue Edmondson; 26) Jared Hazelett;27) *Chris & Molly Hartzler; Anna Chalupa; Lexi Collier; 29) Dorothy Koehler; 30) Molly Hartzler, *Dave & Liz Kaufman.

January: 2)Molly Edgar; 5) *Jim & Sherrie Hazen-Hansen; Lance Mills; 6) *Jim & Penny McCreedy; *Owen & Norma White, Diane Anding, Gary Stewart; Tammy Kruse; 7) *Jim & Betty Thompson; 9) Jim Thompson, Nick Yoder; 10) Liam Goodwin; 14) Sheri Bennett; 17) Bev Holmes; 20) John Erlenbush; 21) Sherri Hazen-Hansen; 23) Kathi Bean; 24) Emily Stewart; 25) Alberta Miller; 26) Lois Riggan; 29) Betty Anders; 31) Mildred Wilson.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2016 Thursday, December 1: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Friday, December 2: NO Parent’s Night Out Saturday, December 3: Parent’s DAY Out – 11 AM to 4 PM, Fellowship hall; Confirmation Serving Noon Meal at Saturday Kitchen, Washington, 9AM to 1 PM Sunday, December 4: Second Sunday of Advent; Christmas Program Rehearsal at ACC – 3 to 4 PM; No CIA; No Confirmation Class

Monday, December 5: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tues., December 6: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3; “Son” Seekers, Ruth Miller, 7 PM Thursday, December 8: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM; Parish Council, North Church, 7 PM Friday, December 9: Christmas Program Rehearsal at ACC, 6:30-7:30 PM Sunday, December 11: Third Sunday of Advent, Youth Christmas Program at ACC during worship time, 10:30 AM; Ring Bells for Salvation Army at Wal-Mart, Washington, 10:30 AM to 8 PM; Highlanders 4-H Club Meeting, Fellowship Hall, 5:30 PM; No CIA; No Confirmation Class Monday, December 12: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM; Tentative, Sacha Club, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Tuesday, December 13: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Wednesday, December 14: ACC Food Pantry Open, 1:30-3 PM Thursday, December 15: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM

Sunday, December 18: Fourth Sunday of Advent; Ring Bells for Salvation Army at Wal-Mart, Washington, 10:30 AM to 8 PM; No CIA; No Confirmation Class Monday, December 19: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, December 20: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3; Tentative – “Card” Club, Fellowship hall, 5-10 PM Wednesday, December 21: Tentative Staff Meeting (Jason, AmySara, Donna, Jan), UCC, 8:15 AM; Bachelor Lunch, UCC, 11:30 AM Thursday, December 22: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Worship at Ainsworth Church, 5 PM; Worship at Crawfordsville, 7 PM Sunday, December 25: Merry Christmas! No services at ACC; Worship at UCC, 9 AM with Pastor Jason Thursday, December 29: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Saturday, December 31: New Year’s Eve

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2017 Sunday, January 1: Communion Sunday, 10:30 AM; No CIA; No Confirmation Class Monday, January 2: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, January 3: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Thursday, January 5: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Sunday, January 8: Worship at ACC, 10:30 AM with Ordination of new Parish Council Members; CIA, 4 PM; Highlanders 4-H, Fellowship Hall, 5:30 PM; No Confirmation Class Monday, January 9: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, January 10: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Wednesday, January 11: ACC Food Pantry Open, 1:30-3 PM Thursday, January 12: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM; Parish Council, North Church, 7 PM Sunday, January 15: Worship 10:30 AM; CIA 4 PM; Confirmation Class, 6 PM at UCC Monday, January 16: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, January 17: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3; “Card” Club, Fellowship Hall, 5 PM Wednesday, January 18: Staff Meeting (Jason, AmySara, Donna, Jan), UCC, 8:15 AM; Bachelor Lunch, UCC, 11:30 AM; Kids’ Club resumes, North Church, 6:30 PM Thursday, January 19: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Sunday, January, 22: Worship, 10:30 AM; CIA – tentative Mall Fun Run, 2 PM; Confirmation Class at UCC, 6 PM Monday, January 23: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, January 24: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Wednesday, January 25: Kids’ Club, North Church, 6:30 PM Thursday, January 26: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Friday, January 27: Breakfast Club at UCC, 9 AM Sunday, January 29: Worship, 10:30 AM; CIA, 4 PM; Confirmation Class at UCC, 6 PM Monday, January 30: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM Tuesday, January 31: Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Wednesday, February 1: Kids’ Club, North Church, 6:30 PM

Thursday, February 2: TKD, Fellowship Hall, 6 PM Friday, February 3: Parent’s Night Out, ACC Fellowship Hall, 6:30-8:30 PM; MUST pre-register with Ann: 319-201-9684 Sunday, February 5: Worship 10:30 AM; CIA Love BOWL, 4 PM; No Confirmation Cass Monday, February 6: Sisters Group, Crawfordsville, 6 PM

Tuesday, February 7 Pastor Office Hours at UCC: 8 AM to Noon; Office Hours at ACC: 1-3 Wednesday, February 8: Pastor Jason on vacation through Feb. 15; ACC Food Pantry, 1:30-3 PM; Kids’ Club, North Church, 6:30 PM

Ainsworth Community Church PO Box 40 322 Washington Street Ainsworth, IA 52201 Change Service Requested

Nonprofit Organization

US POSTAGE PAID

Permit #3

Ainsworth, IA

WORSHIP TIME Sunday Worship: 10:30 AM; Kids’ Club: Resumes Wednesday’s on January 18th, 6:30 PM GENERAL MINISTRY OF CONGREGATION PASTOR JASON COLLIER: Home: 319.658.3013; Cell: 563. 343.3390

OR EMAIL: jwcyouth@gmail.com CHURCH OFFICE: AinsworthChurch@gmail.com

Phone: 319.657.3020 PO Box 40, 318 4th Street, Ainsworth, IA 52201 Facebook: Ainsworth Community Church and Ainsworth Community Church Youth Group Web: http://ainsworthchurch.org Twitter: AinsworthCC

YOUTH MINISTRY: AmySara Richardson 319.591.0745; OR EMAIL: amysararichardson@gmail.com SECRETARY: Jan Temple 657.2291; Cell: 319.330.6175; OR EMAIL: templejan@gmail.com ORGANIST: Linda McNeil; Jenny Yoder (substitute) CUSTODIANS: Dick & Chris Sieren: 657.2222 TREASURER: Rita Anderson FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Karen Megchelsen, 3206 265th Street, Ainsworth, IA 52201 MISSION COMMITTEE: Kathi/Brenda: 657.2387; and Ann: 319.330.0348

Ainsworth Community Church is a

United Methodist/Presbyterian

Church (USA) union congregation,

together since 1973. Aligned with

United Church of Crawfordsville

since April 1, 2013.

We are the community church.

We hope you will come and join

us in one or more of these

activities: Morning Worship

Service, Youth Fellowship, Bible

Studies, Women’s Group, and

much more.