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Altoona Christian Church

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

The Rev. Tim Diebel Interim Pastor September 2014

VBS Sunday August 10th

Meals from the Heartland Saturday, August 30th

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Faye and Jerry Harding; Mike Harding; Cheri’s

dad, Bob Haessler; Jim Ludington’s mom, Fern and

sister, Liz; Jamie Horton’s sister, Janell Schutt;

Carol Genovese’s sister, Georgia Kost; Sharon

Hunt’s brother, Jim Mallory & 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

Stanchik; Jackson Dupps; Jay and Becky Rosenber-

ger’s grandson, Nicholas Cecchi; 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 Jackson; Denny Hulen; Bob Kirby; Mike

and Carol Nieter’s great-granddaughter, Alisa and

her family; Tami and Dave Zumach; Joni and Greg

Champion with the passing of Joni’s grandma,

Gladys Marie Gulling; Susan Rixe’s co-worker,

Joni’s sister, Brandy Lawr. We continue to pray for David Miers and all men and women serving our country .

Much needed items: Beef stew, tomato, pizza, and

spaghetti sauce, pizza crust mix, and egg noodles,

pancake mix, syrup, PB and crackers, Mac and

Cheese dinners, spaghetti/sauce, soups, canned

veggies, tuna or salmon, canned fruits, juices, veg-

gies, cookies, instant oatmeal, pasta noodles, soap,

shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, diapers, and sani-

tary napkins. Don’t forget the plastic grocery

sacks!!!

Reminder!!!!!!!!

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

Food Pantry On or before

September 21st

September Birthdays 1 Danielle Champion

3 Erik Eriksen

3 Tami Zumach

3 Joey Procyk

5 Tommy Willey

5 Kaitlin Zaugg

5 Katelyn Hamilton

6 Sharon Hunt

6 Madline Cahhal

9 Ken Pickering

12 James Kerr

12 Mike Tenckinck

16 Jennifer Beckett

16 Ann Kirby

17 Josh McLean

19 Judy Willey

19 Courtney Hood

19 Lisa Freesemann

20 Robert Stuart

20 Leslie Stahowick

21 Durene Oakes

22 Jaiton Molayal

23 Rebecca Kerr

24 Jim Pruismann

25 Dee Bliss

25 Margaret Briggs

26 Trent Neff

27 Kalli Peebler

27 Joseph Cecchi

29 Chris Wilkins

29 Brooklyn Deaton

29 Randy Heinrich

29 Scott Seeliger

September Anniversaries

2 John & Paulette Craggs

2 Tony and April Glass

3 Charles & Kristina Steffes-Clayton

5 Jeff and Kristen Patchin

6 Roland & Carol Brown

10 Bob and Suzanne Schafer

20 Robert & June Stuart

24 Mike & Jodi Nelson

25 Scott & Jami Hamilton

27 Scott and Jean Anne Seeliger

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

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A Brief Introduction to Timothy Cap Diebel

Tim is, in every sense of the word, a child of the church. Reared in West

Texas as the younger son of a Disciple minister and his Christian educator

wife, he grew up quite literally among the pews. After graduating from

high school in Abilene, TX, Tim earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree

from Texas Christian University, a Master of Divinity degree from Brite

Divinity School, and later a Doctor of Ministry degree from Austin Presby-

terian Theological Seminary. Formative work relationships have included

ministry with congregations in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi and

Waco, TX as student internships, and full-time ministry in Houston, Athens

and Lufkin, TX, and since 1993 Des Moines, Iowa. Tim’s wife Lori retired

this summer from her work as an educator in the West Des Moines Commu-

nity School District, having earned her PhD from Iowa State University in

Educational Leadership. Son Christopher lives and works in Des Moines, while daughter Merryl lives in

Dallas with her Husband and is attending dental hygiene school. Tim and Lori are certified instructors in

Couple Communication, and have conducted “Romance” and communication workshops in Iowa, Missouri,

Kentucky and Texas integrating what one participant described as “a broad and somewhat disturbing musical

collection.”

Tim has served as President of the Board of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center and as Moderator of

the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest. Denominationally Tim has served on the General Board of the

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), on the Administrative Committee of the General Board, and currently

is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustee at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, TX. Music and reading are fa-

vorite threads woven through Tim’s life, as are creating new experiences, learning stories, writing, and learn-

ing about sustainable farming. In 2011 Tim completed a 19-year ministry at First Christian Church in Des

Moines and moved with Lori to an acreage outside of Norwalk where he tends a large garden and gathers

eggs from 11 chickens. Since retiring he has served as Interim Minister at Osceola Christian Church and

Norwalk Christian Church.

Pastor Brad’s Last Day

August 17th was Pastor Brad’s last day with Altoona Christian Church.

The Outreach Team served a luncheon after second service honoring his time

with us.

Thank you for being our Pastor.

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Thank you to my family and friends at Altoona Christian Church for supporting me as I grew up

and for continuing to pray for me while I am away

at college.

Kiki Waddell

Outreach served a Simple Supper to approximately

90 people at Adventure Life Church on Monday,

July 28th. Supper consisted of beef burgers, baked

beans, chips, cookies and lemonade.

As always, we continue to collect books for the

youth who visit the Polk County Jail, as well as

Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House. There is

also plenty of yarn in the basket for all the ladies

who knit beautiful hats, scarves, mittens, and

prayer shawls.

Between VBS participants and the Altoona

Christian Church Congregation 170 pounds of food

was donated to the Caring Hands Food Pantry in

the month of August.

Just a reminder, we will again be collecting sham-

poo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and

feminine napkins for our 5th Sunday Donations on

Sunday, August 31st and will be donating this

month’s collections to the Central Iowa Shelter.

Meals from the Heartland times have been estab-

lished, and we have a sign-up sheet for 2 groups

(both 10:30 to 12:30) on Saturday, August 30,

2014.

Thanks again for all your donations and support of

our Outreach program at Altoona Christian Church.

Have a Blessed Week!

Carol Nieters/Outreach Chairperson

A special thank you to everyone who made this year of Vacation Bible School 2014 a success!!!

Thank you to those volunteers behind the scenes-

decorating and planning for the event & supplying

all the items and food donations needed for VBS,

to Linda and Judy for beginning each night with

opening our eyes to new adventures, and following

up the night’s events at the Tail End, to the ALL

crew leaders and helpers- who led the youth to

each a station and guided them throughout the night

in their hope of learning more about Jesus, to the

ALL Station volunteers- thank you for being here

each night to teach God’s ways and being a role

model for our children, to Kristina and Atlas for

taking almost 500 pictures of our memorable event!

Thank you to Bev and Lois for being here every

night to welcome our youth, and to Kim and Barb

for handing out the t-shirts on the first night of cra-

ziness, to JC for running the sound board and the

video screen every night so the youth could learn

each song and all their “moves”, to Nurse Carol B.

who kissed the little one’s boo-boos, to Lacasta and

Susan for being there “just in case” of a little one

needing some down time in the nursery, to the

Floaters who helped out anywhere there was a

need, and a very grateful thank you to Jamie

Horton, that without her, this event couldn’t have

taken place!!!

Cheri

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Disciple's Leadership Conference On August 23rd, Linda Lighthall, Graham Steffes-Clayton, Scott Seeliger, Judi

Webb and I had the opportunity to participate in this conference at West Des

Moines Christian Church.

The theme was from 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For in one Spirit we are all baptized

into One Body."

We were encouraged to "think outside the box."--to take risks. What do we be-

lieve about being "Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)"? If we are the

church of the table, how welcoming are we to people of all ages, races, and dif-

ferent views from our own?

A teen presenter asked the question "Why aren't teens participating in the church?" His premise was that they

are "put in a box". They aren't invited to participate fully. They push at the boundaries and might make the

adults uncomfortable.

Presenters from New Disciples in Cedar Rapids talked about thinking outside of the church. They have started

a community garden which has brought out volunteers from the church and beyond who had never considered

helping in other opportunities. They are the church that was the result of two Disciples churches combining into

one, but not in either of the existing buildings. They are meeting in a building in a shopping center which has

exposed the members to an entirely different neighborhood. The result was the development of the garden.

There was a challenge to know who are our neighbors and what are their interests? What are their ages? Maybe

"Mom's Morning Out", "How to be A Great Dad", "Bibles and Brew"(coffee), "Movies"." Interfaith Meetings

", "Sponsor a School" were some ideas.

For the last session, we were given a small box to takes home with six questions in it to think about at our home

churches. 1. "What ministry is our church known for?" 2."What personally limits us from trying new minis-

tries?" 3."What type of limitations do we put on new dreams and ideas?" 4."Without considering limitations

what dream ministries would we have for our church?" 5."What could any of us do to initiate a new ministry In

our church?" 6. "Where do we think God is calling our church next?"

It was a great day and we returned to Altoona Christian Church renewed.

Georgia Woodward

World Café Sunday

On August 24th, Altoona Christian

Church had their World Café worship

service. It was a wonderful time of

fellowship and worship to help the

Search Committee find the right full

time Pastor for our congregation.

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The Deadline for The Welcome News

is the 20th of the month. Please put articles in the Newsletter box at church or email to

Kristina@iowarepair.com

Board Meeting Minutes 25 August, 2014

The meeting was called to order by Vice Moderator Tim McLean

at 7:03 PM

1. Opening prayer: Kristina Steffes- Clayton

2. Roll call: Tim McLean, Tom Newell, Kristin Patchin, Scott

Seeliger, Kristina Steffes-Clayton, Chris Wilkins.

Congregation: Len Shaw, Russ Wilkins (substitute secretary)

3. Pastor Report: none

4. Len Shaw reported on interest in modernizing the Church’s sign

and is looking in to design and cost and was looking for board

approval. The board would like some more information and pic-

tures. Thinks it might be a good PR tool.

5. Board Reports:

At large member: Scott Seeliger reported that he and several others

participated in the Leadership Conference and came away ex-

cited, thought it was very good and got lots of ideas.

Elder: Kristina Steffes-Clayton reported on the Elder meeting of 17

Aug. 2014, that Christian Nurture will be meeting soon, the after-

noon shift of Meals from the Heartland was canceled for lack of

interest, the Christmas Children’s shoe box program may have

some changes this year. We need more prayer shawls. Due to

concerns of Diaconate position staffing on a monthly bases, It

was suggested a weekly bases to give more flexibility and that

one person would be in charge per week or month.

The Elders are starting to look at filling leadership positions in the

church for next year.

Financial Secretary: Chris Wilkins, no report.

Memorial Fund: Scott Hamilton, not present.

Personnel: Kristen Patchen reported that personnel evaluation

forms are in the process of being redone to be more accurate.

Treasure: Tom Newell passed out treasures reports. The youth

checking account paper work is completed and all of the

churches funds will be in one bank soon.

Ministry Team Report: Tim McLean reported that the Pastor Parish

has no update at this time. Out reach did not meet in August.

Jenny Moats is checking into the shoebox program. Outreach

hosted a luncheon for Pastor Brad Thornton on Aug17th. Mem-

bership & Growth hosted a VBS reception on Aug 10. There was

discussion on what teams would host and how often potlucks

would be held.

Stewardship and Finance: had no update. Christian Nurture had no

update. Property had no update.

6. Old Business:

a. Fellowship hall procedures and rent are in the process of be-

ing looked at and if necessary revised

b. Conference Training Church Leaders: see 5a above.

7. New Business:

a. Roof: A new contractor has been located and has looked at our

roof. He will be sending Russ Wilkins an estimate and suggest-

ing a couple of things we can do to help keep from additional

damage.

b. World Café: Went very well and think we should have one

more often, maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

c. Sound board volunteers: We need more, at least one.

d. The Scouts do not have a project with the Church yet. The

property team will work with the scouts to get a project going.

Others: None

Closing Prayer: Was by Kristina Steffes- Clayton

Meeting adjourned about 9:30- 9:45

Respectfully submitted by Russ Wilkins (substitute secretary)

Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF)

Tues. Sept. 23rd

11:30am

Luncheon @ Perkins- Altoona

All ACC women are invited to attend every

4th Tuesday of each month for fellowship,

food, and devotions. Please plan to attend on

Sept. 23rd so we can discuss upcoming pot-

lucks, out-to-lunch dates, and events out and

about for the upcoming 2014 – 2015 year.

Diaconates Needed

for each Sunday in September &

November please sign up on the bulletin board in the

Narthex!

VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED Volunteers to assist with carrying out groceries

at Caring Hands Food Pantry. Choice of hours

available? 3:45-6:00 PM on Monday and

Wednesday or 8:45-11:00 AM on 1st and 3rd

Saturday of each month. Please consider

helping a couple times a month.

Contact: Larry O'Connor 515-967-5534

Caring Hands Food Pantry

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"Dear ACC Friends, We are finally in Kansas and getting settled

into our new adventure. We have

appreciated your many thoughts and prayers

along our journey.

Our new address is:

505 S. Jefferson Ave

Wellington KS 67152.

Our prayers continue for you as you journey

together. Peace to you,

Natalie, Greg & Garner!

Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering

The 2014 Reconciliation Offering will be received

in by our congregation on Sunday September

28th and October 5th. The Special Offering is

used to fund our Church’s mission priority to be-

come a pro-reconciling/ anti-racist church through

experiential education, inclusive worship and inten-

tional dialogue across racial/ethnic difference.

Funds from this offering are providing for leader-

ship development in our camps, our communities

and our congregations as well as providing re-

sources to promote small group study and commu-

nity-action. Your giving is changing lives and

building hope for realm of God for our children and

for Christ's Church!

Family Camp Cost $25 per person

or $100 per family

Sept. 5th-7th

Or Sept. 19th-21st

The best part of family camp exists somewhere

between the fun activities for our children and the

adult sharing groups that give encouragement and

support to all of us. A flexible schedule allows

many individual families to blend into one Body of

Christ gathered on Holy Ground. Family camp is a

great time to just relax and be a family. Slow down,

swim in the pool, take long naps, and join together

in family friendly worship in the evening. This

camp provides opportunities for parents to talk to

other parents while you have fun together and

develop friendships. If your family is like most and

could use a little more time together then I

encourage you to attend family camp this summer.

If you plan to stay in the lodge rooms there is an

additional charge of $40.

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 dif-

ferences, yet seeking unity in the love of-

fered to us by Jesus. We hope you’ll come

and be part of this special service.

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Date Time Event

Sept. 17th 7pm Bell Choir

Sept. 18th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts

7pm Choir practice

Sept. 21st 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning Worship

Services

Food Pantry Sunday

9:15am Sunday School Classes

5-7pm Youth Group

Sept.22nd 6:30pm Boy Scouts

6:30pm Cub Scouts

7pm Board meeting

Sept. 23rd 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

11:30am CWF at Perkins Altoona

Sept. 24th 7pm Bell Choir

Sept. 25th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

6:30pm Cub Scouts

7pm Choir practice

Sept. 28th 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning Worship

Services

9:15am Sunday School Classes

5-7pm Youth Group

Sept. 29th 6:30pm Cub Scouts

Sept. 30th 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Date Time Event

Sept. 1st Labor Day- Church Closed

Sept. 2nd 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Sept. 3rd 7pm Bell Choir

Sept. 4th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

7pm Choir practice

Sept. 7th 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning Worship

Services

9:15am Sunday School Kick-Off

5-7pm Youth Group Kick-Off

Sept. 8th 6:30pm Cub Scouts Pack meeting

7pm Worship Team meeting

Sept. 9th 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

4-7pm Sheltered Reality practice

6pm Outreach meeting

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Sept. 10th 10am Alt. Nursing Home Service

7pm Bell Choir

Sept. 11th 6:15pm Mixed Blessings Quartet

7pm Choir practice

Sept. 14th 8:15 &

10:15am

Sunday Morning Worship

Services

9:15am Sunday School Classes

5-7pm Youth Group

Sept. 15th 6:30pm Boy Scouts

6:30pm Cub Scouts

Sept. 16th 9-11am T.O.P.S. meeting

SeptemberSeptember Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

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3rd Grade Bible Sunday

Sept. 21st

Please let Cheri know if your child will be a

3rd grader this school year and is or is not able

to attend on this Sunday.

Youth Group Dinners Youth Group leaders and youth are look-

ing for members and friends of the congregation

to supply and/or prepare dinner for our Sunday

evenings here at ACC. If you would like more

information about times, ideas and dates, please

sign up in the Narthex, contact Susan Rixe or

Stephanie Hosier, or call 967-4382. Any help

would greatly be appreciated!

Pop Cans and Bottles

Please bring to church your

refundable, rinsed-out beverage containers to

church and deposit them in the containers at the

entrance of the church so they can be recycled

and the funds go to support the Youth Group!

Children’s Church Leaders Needed The Christian Nurture Team needs at least 4

more volunteers for Children's Church, begin-

ning in Sept. and ending in May. This way lead-

ing Children’s Church would be one Sunday

every other month. If we don't get any more vol-

unteers, we're either going to have to hold Chil-

dren's Church less often or not do it at all.

Please consider offering your time to our chil-

dren, as many of them really enjoy this fun op-

portunity. So what is Children's Church? After

Children's Moment, during 2nd service, you‘ll

gather with the kids (4yrs old. thru 2nd grade).

It's really your choice what you do with them.

Some leaders enjoy doing crafts that relate to a

bible lesson. Others like to come up with games

to play with the kids. Whether it's a science ex-

periment, a Veggie Tales bible story or a lesson

that you've prepared, the kids really enjoy being

able to meet together on their level to learn

about God. If we have enough people who vol-

unteer, you may only have to commit to one

Sunday a month, or even less. Please consider

this opportunity. If you’re interested or have

any questions, email Jamie Horton,

horton523@gmail.com, or call at 515-689-0841.

Bible Quiz! According to Luke, how many disciples did Je-

sus send out two by two ahead of him to the

various towns he planned to visit?

A. 12

B. 70 or 72 (ancient manuscripts vary)

C. 490 (70 times 7)

D. 144 (12 times 12)

Youth NewsNews

Sunday School Teachers Needed For 6-12th grades in Sept. Nov. , Feb. &

April. A teacher also is needed for the

3rd-5th graders & the 6th-12th graders in

the months of Oct. Jan. March, and May.

Youth Group Kick-Off- Sept 7th. 5-7pm.

All youth in 3rd -12th grade are welcome.

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Bible Quiz Answer: B (See Luke 10:1.)

Kid’s Activity Page

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VBS 2014

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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 ......... Paulette Craggs

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

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.

$25 Early-Bird Registration. 17 & Under no fee.

Registration begins at 2:30pm at the Caring

Hands Outreach Center 201 9th Street NE Al-

toona. Walk/Run starts at 3 pm. Proceeds will be

divided between the Caring Hands Food Pantry

and Feeding America.