November 2015 - Runnells Christian Church

The Good News
Runnells Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(DISCIPLES
OF CHRIST)
A monthly publication of Runnells Christian Church ~ Issue 186~Nov 2015
Annual Bazaar & Harvest Supper
Saturday, November14
It’s time for our annual BAZAAR and HARVEST SUPPER. If you
would like to make (or buy) something to donate for our craft sale, it
will be appreciated. The bazaar and bake sale will start at 3:00 p.m.
We have a bake sale where cookies, candies, breads of all kinds,
rolls, pies, cakes, jams and jellies are sold. Can you think of anything
you can make or bake?
Our ROAST BEEF SUPPER is served from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Our
roast beef menu includes salad bar, mashed potatoes and gravy, home
-grown sweet-corn, green beans, bread, iced tea, coffee and pie for
dessert.
Adults-$10.00/ Children 6-12-$5.00 / Children 5 & under-free.
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US!
Any questions about the var ious activities, call -966-2587.
Coffee
Fellowship
9:00 a.m.
Sunday School
for all ages
9:15 a.m.
Worship
10:30 a.m.
November 1 is All Saints Sunday, the day for
remembering those we have loved and who have passed from
our earthly presence. Ecclesiastes 3 says; “For everything there
is a season…a time to be born and a time to die.” On All Saints
Sunday we honor those who have completed their seasons here
on earth.
Also on that day we will dedicate memorials that have been
November 1
given in memory of those who have died since November of
2014. Those whose memorials are being
dedicated this year are: Dick Thomas and
Max Ingle as well as memor ials used for One of the things for which we
new landscaping this year from
are very thankful is the gift of
Herb Miller and Velma Rinehart.
the Word of God. To help our
children get into a good habit
of reading, we will present
Youth Bibles to our 2nd grade
It is that time of year to begin thinking and planning for the Outreach
class, plus any older children
Auction. The auction is the venue used by the congregation to raise
who have not received one.
money for local outreach. All monies raised from this auction are placed The children we know will receive a bible are
in a fund to assist families in the South East Polk district who encounter Brayden Poller, Rylie Beattie, Addison Nelson ,
emergency assistance for their rent, utilities, etc. Any family in this area Grace Davis, Gavin Thompson.
is eligible for assistance once each year. We are hoping that you are
able to be a part of our outreach efforts by either:
(If you know of any child who should receive their
 a donation of an item(s)
bible this year, please call the church office,
966-2587.)
 a donation of a service(s)
 a donation of baked goods
 or by attending and purchasing items at the auction
Last year we exceeded our goal of $5,500! This year we plan
to keep our goal at $5,500; however, we will gladly accept any
contributions above and beyond.
If you are able to provide a donation, please connect with
Kristen Danley Greiner, Mary Beth Martin, Julie Underwood The Grief Support Group will meet at church
or Beth Sagar.
Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 pm. (Please note
If you have never been before, we strongly encourage you to
come! It is a night of great fun and fellowship. So save the
we have changed to Tuesday evenings.)
date: November 29, 2015 at 5:30pm -- the meal is being proPlease contact the church office with any questions.
vided by our wonderful CWF cooks! See you there!
Bible Sunday- Nov. 15
Outreach Auction—Nov. 29
age of 45 and live with two middle aged children.
This is a change from the way it was years ago.
Change is happening and the church must change
to remain relevant and be a meaningful presence.
I have long believed that the church must become
“missional.” That is, the church must realize the
change that is occurring and react positively to it
and in ways that are relevant and attractive to a
changing world. But change is not always easy.
In the book of Revelation John the Revelator is
given a vision of the throne room of God.
He sees the One on the throne, a rainbow
surrounding the throne, a crystal sea proceeding
from the throne, twenty four elders sitting on
thrones of their own, and four living creatures.
Whenever the four living creatures gave glory and
honor to God, the twenty-four elders fell down
before God and cast their crowns onto the crystal
sea that proceeds from the throne of God. They
all sang a song, declaring God to be worthy. One
of the interpretations of this vision is that God is
worthy to receive honor and glory from all of
creation and all of redeemed humanity. Suddenly,
the author sees a slaughtered Lamb standing in
the midst of the throne room. The Lamb was
declared worthy and the four living creatures and
twenty four elders sang a new song, declaring that
the Lamb is worthy.
I know, because change is happening in me, too.
As I tried to explain Sunday morning, there seems
to come a time when people “just know” that it’s
time to move from one chapter of their lives to
another. I have enjoyed being your minister.
There are some things I hope that I have done
well. But as with everyone else, there are some
things in every endeavor that I have not been able
to do well or at all. I have been in settled ministry
for seven years now. Ministry is rewarding; but it
can be emotionally and spiritually challenging,
too. The truth is, I came to a place these past
couple of months where I “just knew” settled
long term ministry was beginning to wear me out.
There are gifts that I bring to it; but there are other things that I am not so good at that seems to
sap my energy. I “just knew” that it was time to
turn that chapter in my life. I can’t point to any
one event or any two or three or five events. I
God, it seems, is always doing something new.
just knew that, for me, it was time to turn to
From the very beginning the scriptures show us a different priorities. For me, those priorities are
progressive understanding of a God doing and
spending time with my family. (The prospect of
saying new things to Abraham, then to Moses,
which of which is scaring my youngest son to
then through the prophets and then through
death! But revenge can be sweet, can’t it?) As I
Jesus. Change is a natural part of life. Change is tried to explain on Sunday, my life seems to have
always happening about us and within us. Our
been devoted too much to finding affirmation and
bodies, for example, are changing every moment identity in work and as a result, my family came in
of our existence. The only time change is not
second place more often than they should have.
happening in us is when we die. Change is also
I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated the
happening within the Runnells community. The support and affirmation of the congregation. I
distance between Altoona and Pleasant Hill isn’t will always remember the way you accepted us
as far as it once was. People are moving into the with laughter, good natured ribbing and genuine
Runnells area, building homes on acreages and the affection. I will always wish and pray the best for
surrounding area is changing. The demographics you. God bless you. God’s very best to all of you
that I looked at shows that the average persons in and I will be seeing you along the way.
a seven mile area around Runnells are members of
Pastor Brad Thornton
a younger family. The parents have an average
Caring Hands Food Pantry
provided by churches, organizations
Do you know
Donated
and families in the SEP area. The
October
2015
someone
in need of
In September of 2015,
meal in October will be provided by $50.00
279 families came to the Kim Beyers, and in November Dee
assistance in the
pantry for assistance, 521 Bucklin is providing the meal.
SEP school district?
adults and 305 children,
making a total of 826
Statistics for the Clothes Hanger for
Regular food pantry
individuals. A total of
September are: 161 families assisted –
hours:
8,136 lbs. of food was
(315 adults and 206 children) totaling 521
given out this month, along with 275
individuals. Clothing items totaled 2,337
Monday & Wednesday
$8.00 vouchers from Fareway and/or
and household items 52.
4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Brick Street Market for perishable foods
such as milk, meat and eggs. There has
On behalf of our clients, we say, “Thank
1st & 3rd Saturdays
been lots of produce (green beans,
You,” to all of the individuals, churches,
9:00 am-11:00 am
peppers, apples) donated as well. Rent
businesses, schools, and organizations for
assistance checks for $985.00 were written your generous donations of food, money
as well as utility checks for $1,498.02.
Items especially
and time, and we pray your lives will be
richly blessed.
needed this month:
“Simple Supper” is provided for our food
Cream of Chicken Soup
pantry clients the last Monday of each
From Caring Hands newsletter
Cream of Mushroom Soup
month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This dinner
(Small Cans)
is held at Adventure-Life Church, but is
Caring Hands Food Pantry
Please consider helping at the Food Pantry. Runnells Christian Church furnishes 2 volunteers on the third Monday
of the month from 4-6 pm. If you are in high school at SEP, this would qualify for the Silver Cord program.
Food Pantry Challenge Report The month of October we hosted a Food Pantry
Challenge to see which Iowa school has the biggest fan base at RCC. Our big winner for the second
year in a row was Iowa State University Of course the biggest winners are the clients of the Caring
Hands Food Pantry who received your generous donations. Thanks to everyone who donated!
7 veggies
24 soup
11 pkg mashed potatoes
1 hamburger helper
4 mac n cheese
20 bars soap
10 cereal
5 misc.
2 feminine hygiene products
1 can chicken
6 Dinty Moore beef stew
2 spaghetti
6 chili
6 pasta
3 shampoo
5 rice
22 veggies
20 bars soap
1 soup
13 shampoo
7 toothbrushes
2 jello
5 misc.
1 cereal
5 soup
1 chicken
1 salmon
1 peanut butter
32 soap
2 feminine hygiene products
2 veggies
9 rolls toilet paper
3 shampoo
2 deodorant
2 toothpaste
2 toothbrushes
1 floss
$20.00
Please Remember
the Food Pantry
this month!
Chi-Rho and CYF News
October was off to a running start for the Chi Rho and CYF at the
Caring Hands Hunger Run. Myles Beattie won third place in the 12
and under division. Youth group runners were Carly Phipps, Charlie
Roberts, Jane Nelson, McKenna Phillips, and Myles Beattie. Representing the up and coming youth was Zach Funk. Participants from
the congregation were Lynn Phipps, Lacey Nelson, Mike Miller, Tiffany Phillips and Katie Temple. The weather was blustery but the
race was a great way to raise funds and awareness for Caring Hands.
Pumpkinville was our second meeting in October. There was a wonderful crowd of youth and members of the congregation and their
families. The maze was daunting, the food was plentiful and the fire
was awesome.
November will be a service month for the youth groups. On the first
we will be making cookie mix in a jar, tying fleece blankets and painting chairs for the church bazaar and the outreach auction. On the 15 th
the youth will be going door-to-door in Runnells to collect food for
the Food Pantry. Please bring donations to the church if you
would like to contribute but don’t reside in Runnells . The meetings will be held at the church from 5:30-7:30. Supper will be provided and friends are welcome. Submitted by Katie Temple
Leaders: CYF -Mike and Deb Bracewell
Chi Rho—Mike Miller, Julie Underwood,
Katie Temple
Book Group News
We will meet November 24, at 7:00 pm to
discuss the book, A Winter’s Dream by
Richard Paul Evans.
(From the Prologue of A Winter Dream)
The story I'm about to share with you begins with a dream. . . . Whether the dream
was prophetic or the cause of all that happened, I'll never know.
But for years, I kicked myself for telling the dream to my father,
who, for reasons I'll never understand, chose to share it with my
eleven brothers. Joseph Jacobson is the twelfth of thirteen siblings, all of whom are employed by their father's successful Colorado advertising company. But underneath the success runs a
poisonous undercurrent of jealousy; Joseph is his father's favorite and the focus of his brothers' envy and hatred. When the
father seems ready to anoint Joseph as his heir, the brothers
make their move, forcing Joseph from the company and his
Denver home, severing his ties to his parents and ending his
relationship with his soon-to-be fianceé. Alone and lonely, Joseph must start a new life.
Joseph joins a Chicago advertising agency where his creativity
helps him advance high up in the company. He also finds hope
for a lasting love with April, a kind woman with a secret. However, all secrets hold consequences, and when Joseph learns the
truth about April’s past, his world is again turned upside down.
Finally, Joseph must confront his own difficult past in order to
make his dreams for the future come true. A Winter Dream is
an ingenious modern retelling of the Old Testament story of
Joseph and the coat of many colors by the master of the holiday
novel.
Everyone is invited and welcome!
We need help Decorating!
Sunday, Nov. 22 after wor ship and
Saturday, November 28 star ting at
9:30a.m. we will be decorating the
church for the Hanging of the Greens
on Sunday, November 29.
We need lots of help—people who can
climb ladders, fluff garland and who
enjoy decorating.
Please come help anytime Sunday
after worship or Saturday morning.
Poinsettia Order Form
In order to decorate our church for
Christmas, we are offering the opportunity
to order a poinsettia. Poinsettias may be
dedicated in memory of a loved one or in
honor of a living per son. You ar e
welcome to take your poinsettia home
after worship on Christmas Eve.
Last day to Order
is Sunday, December 6.
6 ½” Poinsettia # ___ @ $9.00
Total $ _____________
Ordered by:
________________________________
In Memory
of :_____________________________
________________________________
In Honor of:
________________________________
________________________________
Checks payable to Runnells Christian
Church or RCC with Poinsettia
written in the memo area.
Along with your check, orders may be
left in the church office or placed
in the collection plate.
T
h
a
n
k
Dear Friends, Thank you so much for your faithful gifts
to the Caring Hands Food Pantry! There continues to be
a great need in the community as in August, 306 families
came to the pantry for assistance needing food, personal
items and/or financial help. Nine thousand, ninety
pounds of food was distributed. On behalf of those we
serve, thank you! Caring hands Food Pantry
Y
o
u
Noisy Offering Report
We want to thank everyone who
supported our October Noisy Offering.
You donated $211.12 when our cute,
smiling kids passed the metal pans
among you. These donations will be
used to help support the Jim Elleffson
Free Medical Clinic.
Our November Noisy Offering will go toward the Caring
Hands Food Pantry.
Thank you for your support!
A great big thank you to the guys who
cooked the fish and French fries, Jon
Gaudette who made the beans, all the
kitchen help and everyone who brought
dessert. A special thanks to all who
came and supported our fundraiser!
We received
donations of
$1,384.00 and
after expenses of
$488.70 we have
$1045.30 to go
toward our general expenses!
Jim Adkins
Cindy Bensley
Blaine Calhoun
Don DeGroot
Kelly & Jodi Dirks
Christopher Greiser
Karl Grigg
Bob Hershey
Donald Kain
Gina Kern
Cate Kelly
Prairie Vista Village:
Maria McClellan
Doris Miller
Maxine Phipps
Haelynn Morgan
Norwalk Rehab:
Carl Mott
Randy Waltz
Gene & Janet Pepper
Prayer Concerns Good Samaritan Center,
Belinda Rinehart
Indianola:
Betty Robbins
Brandi Ross
Lilith Thomas
Kim Wentland
The Rose of
Des Moines:
In an effort to keep our prayer concerns current,
Lola Bullington
names will remain on the list for four weeks. At
Valley View Village:
that time names will be removed unless you
have called the office to ask that a name remain
Jeanne Vermie
All Military Personnel
Including:
Greg Bartelma
Troy Bunch
Patrick Feeley
David Funk
Aimee Wells
Michael Waltz
on the list and give an update on the person’s
well-being. Thanks for your help!
Home Communion
The Elders are taking Communion once a month to those
who are homebound, in nursing homes or hospitalized. If
you are not receiving Communion
or know of someone who would
like Communion brought to them,
please contact Elder Chair, Tammy
Gaudette at 515.957.8324 or
515.707.3715
or jtgaudette@gmail.com.
Building Loans — Church Extension—15-Year Loans
1) Amount of Loan (May 2008):
$340,000.00
New (May 2014) Percentage rate:
4.99%
Monthly payment:
$668.00
9/10/15 Loan Balance:
$10,686.10
2015 Building Fund Donations -Paid on Principal
$6,910.00
2) Handicap Access Loan (April
2008):
$35,000.00
Percentage rate:
4.99%
Monthly payment:
$258.00
9/10/15 Loan Balance:
$16,493.81
From October 13: Hello sports fans- here is your highly
anticipated Week 5 Update. It was another exciting week
of fantasy football. So was Week 4. So exciting, in fact,
that the Ol' Commish completely forgot the update.
Some teams are still finding their identities and adjusting
lineups, others are dialed in and rolling. This is a marathon and not a sprint, however, and often the tortoise
catches that hare. Nobody's out at this point and anything
can happen.
In the Eastern Division, Phillips is tied for the lead with
Armed Rodgery and Bracewell Beasts with a record of
3-2. Pink Camo, Terminators, and Team Zak are right
behind at 2-3. Good tight race in a very evenly matched
East.
Over in the Western Division, things are stretched out a little. My Little Ponies is way out in front with an impressive record of 5-0. Starburst and Cheez are tied at 3-2, Kimble is alive at 2-3. Lazy Teenagers and Team Phipps are
struggling early on with one win to four losses each.
In Week 5, Phillips edged Camo, 124-125. In the Bracewell Bowl, Evan handed Mike a 105-87 loss. Zak got his 2nd
win in a low-scoring affair, 70-60. Cheez-its routed Phipps, 103-72. Kimble lost 137-100 to a gritty Starburst squad.
In the next couple weeks we'll start to see things more clearly. Everyone is very much alive in
the hunt for the ultimate sports prize- the RCCFFL Trophy!
Regards, The Commish (Jim Coulson)
From October 22: Hello again! Week 6 didn't disappoint- there were several big wins/
losses.
Starburst fell to Pink Camo, 119-98; Cheez-Its slipped past Beasts, 101-98; MLP continued
her streak with a win over Zak, 125-80; Lazy Teens beat big brother Armed Rodgery, 119-80;
Phipps Bested Terminators, 125-114; and Kimble fell to Phillips, 100-84.
The East is led by a tough Phillips squad with 4 wins. Camo, Rodgery, and Beasts are locked in a tie for 2nd with 3
wins each. Terminators and Zak are trailing with 2 wins, but are still very much alive..
In the West, MLP still dominates with a 6-0 record, Cheez is close behind with 4 wins. Starburst is in sole possession of 3rd with 3-3, and Kimble, Teenagers, and Phipps are a game back with 2 wins apiece.
It's still anybody's trophy to win, and the ever-present injury bug hasn't been too much of a factor as of yet. Lots of
games left- stay tuned folks!! As always, please, no pew-side wagering. Kind Regards, The Commish
From October 28: Hello folks- here's your highly anticipated Week 7 Update.
Zak beat Cheez, 91-57; Camo beat Kimble in a shootout, 153-120; Phillips handed MLP her first loss, 131-103; Terminators bested Teens, 109-71; Beasts over Phipps, 131-96, and Rodgery and Starburst tied with 88 points each.
The divisions are stratifying now that the season is moving along, although all 12 teams are very much alive in the
Playoff hunt.
The West is still led by MLP with a record of 6-1; Cheez is a couple back at 4-3; Starburst is next with 3-3-1 (that tie
could cost her later); Kimble, Teens, and Phipps are knotted at 2-5.
In the Eastern Division, last year's Champion Phillips is solidly leading with 5-2; Camo and Beasts are a game back
at 4-3; Rodgery is hanging around with a record of 3-3-1; Terminators and Team Zak are bringing up the rear with 3
wins to 4 losses.
Hopefully this league is as fun for the fans as it is for those in the arena of competition.
Once again this year, all of the staff and crew here at RCCFFL-HQ would like to remind our fan base to turn out en
masse for the fast-approaching Outreach Auction. It's a wonderful opportunity to have an evening of fun and fellowship, while helping those in our community that are in need. Kind Regards, The Commish
(U. S. Post Office requires P.O. Box 30 on all church mail.)
Check the calendar for future events
in November.
For new business, we discussed the
need for a committee to gather details
on whether to go with new pews or
chairs. The committee was formed
and quotes will be gathered for future
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
discussion. We will get the SWOT
Sheila Aukes, Chair per son
analysis at a future meeting. The
Mary Beth Martin, Secr etar y
CWF will officially manage the folKatie Temple, Vice Chair per son
lowing meals Easter breakfast,
Sherry Johnson & Jeff Robbins,
Funeral dinners, Bazaar/Harvest supMembership Co-Coordinators
Tammy Gaudette, Chair of the Elder s per, Rally Day breakfast, Holiday tea
and the Outreach auction dinner.
Jill Simonsen & Julie Underwood,
Education Co-Coordinators
Bill Ingle, Finance Coor dinator
Pat Jesse, Missions and Evangelism
Bob Miller, Pr oper ty Coor dinator
Kathi Burns, Wor ship Coor dinator
Would you know where to
get first aid
supplies or the AED
if needed?
1.Where are the
First Aid Kits?
One is in the secretaries office
and one on the north
kitchen wall!
2.Where is
the AED?
The next council meeting is on November 11, 2015 at 7:00pm.
In the
entryway by
the small
sanctuary
door.
(by the
elevator)
All are welcome to attend the council
meetings.
The Church Council met on October
14, 2015. There was no old business
to discuss.
Reports were received from each
Committee Coordinator. More details
are in the monthly
minutes.
Runnells
Christian Church
The Body of Christ:
Place
Stamp
Here
J
E
SUS
Building
Runnells Christian Church
( Disciples of Christ)
309 Brown Street
P.O. Box 30
Runnells, Iowa 50237
(Please use P.O. Box 30 when
addressing all mail to Church)
Phone: 515.966.2587
E-mail: runnellscc@msn.com
Website: www.runnellscc.org
Church Staff:
Ministers: The Congregation
Pastor: Brad Thornton—515.240.1243
Council Chair: Sheila Aukes
Church Secretaries: Barb Miller/Sherry Johnson
Children’s Choir Director: Sheila Aukes/Tammy Feeley
Bell Choir Directory: Sheila Aukes
Pianist: Tammy Feeley
Organist: Myrna Hunt
Custodian: Leonard Northway
Nursery Attendant: Connie Schillinger
Growing
Address Service Requested
Serving