INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page 2 . . . Pastor’s Page, Prayer Requests Page 3 . . . Stewardship Report, Church Ministries Page 4 . . . December Ministry Schedule Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 5 . . . Advent Schedule, Puppet Troupe, New members & Congratulations Page 6 . . . Moment for Mission Page 7 … Christmas Special Offering & Staff Christmas Gift Opportunity Page 8 . . . Preschool News & Church News Page 9 . . . Poinsettia Order Form due December 1 Page 10 . . . Calendar Page 11 . . . Church Contact Information

The Messenger BONDURANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) MISSION STATEMENT...to be witnesses of the love of Christ in the world.

Established 1885 December2019

Celebrate Advent with us each Sunday @ 10 am

December 1 Hanging of the Greens Service

December 8 John 1:1-13

How Do We Prepare for Christmas: God’s Invitation of Peace

“Christmas Puppet Extravaganza”

December 15 John 1:6-9, 19-28

“How Do We Prepare for Christmas: Bear Witness to the Light”

December 22 Luke 1:26-38

“How Do We Prepare for Christmas: Fear Not!”

December 24 Christmas Eve Luke 2:1-20

“How Do We Prepare for Christmas: We Celebrate!”

December 29 Christmas Sing A Long

HANGING OF THE GREENS SERVICE December 1 @ 10 am

Our Worship Team has planned an amazing service for this Sunday. During the worship hour we are decorating the church during a special Hanging of the Greens service. There will be interactive ways for everyone to be involved during the service, if you choose. Be sure to bring your kids for a great start to celebrating the Christmas season together.

Even though it feels like it should be the end of October, as your Pastor, I’m so excited to get into the spirit of the holidays! This is a time we have to celebrate the deeper rhythms of our faith, and dance together to the beat of God’s drum.

CHRISTMAS COOKIE WALK & GIFT BASKET SILENT AUCTION

Christian Women’s Fellowship will be hosting a Christmas Cookie Walk and Gift Basket Silent Auction on Sunday, December 8 follow-ing worship. The walk will begin at 11 am and end when the cookies are gone.

Join us for a fellowship gathering and consid-er purchasing an empty bakery box(es) and you will be given gloves to begin making your selection of freshly baked Christmas cookies and holiday candies to take home and share with family or friends.

Gift baskets will be available through a silent auction to help with your Christmas shopping as well.

CWF will be offering a selection of breakfast items for you to enjoy during your shopping.

Ready or not . . . Christmas is coming! Advent starts just three days after Thanksgiving. It feels like we just finished October, and yet November has all but come and gone. Black Friday deals are already underway . . . because why wait to start shopping?! (insert sarcasm here) In this day and age, it’s hard to keep track of time. And let’s

be honest, daylight savings adds to the messiness of telling time? When our preschoolers arrive at the church during the week at 12:30, someone undoubtedly says “good morning :-)”.

Here’s my question . . . Does the “right time” really matter? I used to be a big stickler about doing the right things, the right traditions, at the right time. But I’m getting more flexible about the “right thing at the right time” and focusing more about just doing the right thing “period”. For example, We put up the Christmas lights early this year (to take advantage of nice weather). And, we usually don’t turn them on till after Thanksgiving, but I can’t figure out the timer that we had built into the house . . . so they are on. Who cares! Why not be early with the lights? Why not check the shopping off the list?

So, if doing all the things at the “right time” doesn’t matter as much, what does? God’s time. God’s time is everything, and it behooves us to ask a simple question: Are you living a Christ-like life? Are you connected, and staying connected to the Vine of Jesus Christ (John 15)? Are you anchored in the Lord as the old spiritual says? Quoting from Isaiah 49, Paul urges the Christians in Corinth saying, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you. See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” God is always there, ready to lead you on this amazing journey of life. And so, too, is your amazing local church. Now is the time. Today is the day. So take the pressure off . . . Go ahead and turn on the Christmas lights. Go ahead and check the shopping off your list. Go ahead and turn on those Christmas tunes and get into the spirit of the holidays! They’re only here for a short time!

Clothed in Christ, Pastor Jason

P a g e 2

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Todd Swift; Mary Lea Hampton, Linda McCullough’s friend; Janet Tomlinson; Skip Lenhart; Terry Biggerstaff, step father of Shannon Welch-Groves; Derick Clark, friend of Cindy Tendall; Patricia Merritt, Tammy Davis’ mom; Everett Mauch; Jerry McCullough; & Marianne Barrett.

Please contact Pastor Jason or Tamara in the church office if you have a request to add to the prayer list or prayer chain.

Our condolences to Chuck & Phyllis Thompson, family, & friends on the death of Phyllis’s mother, Fonda Mae Jensen. Fonda Mae died on October 29th.

HOME COMMUNION The Elders take communion once each month to those who are homebound, in a nursing home or hospitalized. If you are not receiving communion or know of someone who would like communion brought to them, please contact Elder Chair Gomattie Hewlett.

P a g e 3

OCTOBER OFFERINGS

November 3 $2,490.00

November 10 $1,820.75

November 17 $2,460.00

November 24 $1,193.25

Givelify N/A

Preschool Building Use $350.00

Building Rent $150.00

Direct Deposit $40.00

General Fund Total $8,504.00

Needed per month $11,482.00

Designated Giving

DMARC $85.00

BCC Cares $150.00

Hope Ministries $40.00

Thanksgiving Offering $225.00

Arlene Lewis Memorial $1,055.00

Joan Von Stein Memorial $2,160.00

Poinsettias $390.00

If giving your donation by check is inconvenient . . . download the Givelify app and search for Bondurant Christian Church,

enter your credit card information and push "Give". It's a easy and safe way to make sure your contribution gets to the church!

CONNECT TO OUR COMMUNITY Our ministries allow us to connect with each other, share our faith, become more like Jesus, and serve others.

• Sunday Worship @ 10 am • Nursery Available (Newborn - 4 yr. old) • Praise Band

September- May Ministries • Sunday School (1st-6th grade) @ 9 am • Children’s Church Ministry (K-5 grade) • CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship, 6-12 grade) - Meets Wednesdays @ 6 pm • Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study @ 1 pm • Christian Men’s Fellowship - Meets 2nd Sunday of the month @ 8 am • Christian Women’s Fellowship - Meets 3rd Sunday of the month @ 11 am • F.R.O.G.S. (Kids Choir, grades K-6 ) • Chancel Choir • Puppet Ministry • Special Family Events • Monthly Coffee Fellowships

Check our website & calendar for up-to-date events and times.

JOIN THE CONGREGATION Anyone who considers Bondurant Christian Church to be his or her primary place of worship is invited to make a profession of faith and join the congregation at Bondurant Christian Church. Please contact Pastor Jason at 967-2328 for further information.

Shop at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will make a donation to Bondurant Christian Church.

Get started by clicking on the following link: smile.amazon.com

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/42-1067646 where you can do your Amazon shopping and place

your order. The money donated will be used to further the ministry of Bondurant Christian Church.

P a g e 4

HELP KEEP BCC SAFE, CLEAN, & EFFICIENT

When using the Fellowship Hall for meetings, children’s programs, or fellowships, please be sure to leave it clean and neat when you are finished.

Fellowship Hall - Please wipe off tables, stack chairs on top of tables, and run the vacuum located in the closet by the Sanctuary.

Kitchen - Please wash and put away items that are used, wipe off counters, stove, and empty the trash.

Coffee Pots - Please empty and rinse out coffee pots, and dispose of coffee filter.

Check Thermostats - Please turn the thermostat in Fellowship Hall down to 62 degrees during the winter.

Turn off all lights Lock Doors - east & south doors

THOSE SERVING IN DECEMBER

ELDERS

Gomattie Hewlett & Sue McMain

DIACONATE

Preparer: John Alshouse

Servers: Susie Alshouse & Criss Vandehaar

JR. DIACONATE

Lily, Carter & Hazey Engelbrecht

STEWARDSHIP

Jay Harvey & Robin McNichols

GREETERS

December 1 - Len & Carol Roovaart

December 8 - Jan Johnson

December 14 - Volunteer needed

December 22 - Amy, Emilee, & Ronni Williams

December 24 - Vandehaar’s

December 29 - Jerry & Marsha Marlow

NURSERY

December 1 - Carrie Harvey

December 8 - Kayla Vandehaar

December 15 - Brenda Vandehaar

December 22 - Volunteer needed

December 29 - Volunteer needed

CHILDREN'S CHURCH

December 15

Kayla Vandehaar

1 Matthew Vandehaar

3 Nicholas Clos

6 Laura McNichols

9 Brock Carver

10 Hazey Engelbrecht

12 Ashley Dush

13 Elise Sanny

15 Quinton Grow

16 Rory Walling

17 Bently Bishop

17 Isabella Newcomb

17 Wynter Scheel

18 Joyce McNichols

18 Marlene Valentine

21 Mary Johnson

22 Ellie Marie Bishop

22 Ginger Palmer

27 Gary Palmer

27 Stan Sprague

28 Kate Lesan

28 Cora Harrington

28 Kevin Scheel

29 Chuck Thompson

30 Lily Engelbrecht

11 Ted & Teri Bishop

16 Leonard & Carol Roovaart

P a g e 5

We welcome new member, Jan Cummings. Jan joined

on November 11.

CMF

December 8

All men are invited to come

@ 8 am for bacon, eggs to order,

& hash browns breakfast and a

time of devotions & planning.

Tuesday Bible Study 1 pm

Congratulations to Daniel & Kendall Way on their marriage. Daniel & Kendall were married on

November 16.

December 1

9 am Sunday School 10 am Hanging of the Greens Service

December 8

8 am CMF 9 am Sunday School

10 am Worship Our CYF kids are joining up with the Puppet Troupe for a puppet extrava-ganza for people of all ages to enjoy

during worship. 11 am Coffee Fellowship &

CWF Christmas Cookie Walk & Gift Basket Silent Auction

December 15

9 am Sunday School 10 am Worship

12:30 pm - 2 pm Preschool Christmas Open House

6 pm CYF Christmas Cookie Decorating

December 22 10 am Worship

December 24

6:30 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

We’ll celebrate the holy night of Christmas Eve by lighting our candles

& raising them to the sky! As you celebrate Christmas, make worship part

of your spiritual celebration, and let God take you to new places. He will

unlock the hidden mysteries that lead us to the manger, and unwrapping

God’s unexpected gifts.

December 29 10 am Worship in Song Service

PUPPET TROUPE CHRISTMAS

PROGRAM

DECEMBER 8

“Christmas This Year”

“A Shepherd’s Heart”

“Bethlehemian Rhapsody”

COME AND ENJOY THE FUN OF OUR PUPPET TROUPE RAPHEDICY

MISSIONS NEWS

THANK YOU FOR RINGING THE BELL!

Thank you so much to Judy Wegele, Sue McMain, Kristyn Brown, Jayne

Higginbottom, Vicki Smith, Len and Carol Roovaart, and Keith & Cindy Tendall

for taking time from your busy schedules to “Ring the Bell” for the Salvation Ar-

my at the Brick Street Market entrance in Bondurant November 15, 16, 18 and

19. Times selected were based on busy times at Brick Street Market to generate

the most donations. Whenever we were there, we experienced generous givers and several quick to

thank us for volunteering. It was nice that the dates

chosen were not unbearably cold. It was definitely helpful to choose the very first days of the

project. It will be interesting to learn how many dollars were generated from our efforts . . .I’ll keep

you posted. Last year, we raised $875.35. Thanks again, everyone for helping out!

HOPE MINISTRIES GIFTS FOR THE CHILDREN

We are so blessed to have a church family with big hearts. Last year, was the

first time Hope Ministries contacted Cindy to see if our church family would be

interested in helping out by purchasing gifts for the Hope Ministries children

that would be given to the Mom’s to choose so there would be two presents

for each child under the tree “from Mom”. It was the first year they were doing

this for the moms. When our contact, Terri, called again this year, the Mis-

sions Team didn’t hesitate to say “yes” once again. Cindy created card stock

ornaments noting the gender and age of each child plus gift ideas. Each ornament also had a num-

ber or a number + “a” beside it that matches the sign-up sheet. It took only “2” Sundays for all of the

ornaments to find a home. WOW! Thank you so much!!! We are shopping for a total of 17 children

from 1 1/2 years to 14 years.

As a reminder …

• If possible, please bring your gifts to church by Sunday, December 1st . . .but no later than

• December 8th. Cindy needs to take them to Hope Ministries no later than December 9th.

• Please do not wrap your gifts. Wrapping paper and ribbon/bows can be included, just not

wrapped. The moms will wrap gifts for their children.

• Please remember to put your ornament(s) in the bag with your gift(s) or tape it to the gift so we

will know which ones have been turned in and for which child.

• Check () your item off the list when you bring your items to church. Gifts can be placed under

the large bulletin board in the back of the sanctuary.

• Questions? Please contact Cindy Tendall.

On behalf of the Missions Team, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for shopping and participating in this

wonderful project to make Christmas special for moms and children who are struggling to start new

and better lives for their families.

THANK YOU to the BCC Preschool for generous donations to the DMARC

Food Pantry . . . 182 items plus 98 from our church family for a total of 280

items delivered to DMARC on Friday, November 22nd. Many families will

benefit from our generosity.

P a g e 6

P a g e 7

Our finest gifts support the work of regional ministries this Christmas. Your regional ministry works to:

• Connect congregations to each other

• Foster faith development

• Gather Disciples in camps, conferences, and assemblies

• Nurture the development of a new generation of pastors

• Assist churches in calling new ministers

• Interpret the global mission of the Church

• Represent the Church in ecumenical gatherings

• Counsel and pray with those who are troubled of spirit

• Lead the Church to address racism

• Inspire leaders to experiment and create

• Witness to the power of God to make things new The Christmas Special Day offering supports all of these and many other ministries of our regions.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST CHRISTMAS OFFERING

December 8 & 15

STAFF CHRISTMAS GIFTS Throughout the year, the Bondurant Christian Church staff goes above and beyond what is expected to provide a wonderful and meaningful church experience for our members. If you are interested in expressing your appreciation for their efforts, this is the perfect time of year to do so.

If you give a monetary gift, please feel free to put your donation in the weekly offering or mail to the church office no later than December 18th. If you are giving cash in the weekly offering, please place it in an envelope, seal, mark “Staff Gifts” on the front, and write your name on the envelope if you want to receive a tax deduction. If you write a check, please make it payable to the Bondurant Christian Church" and mark “Staff Gifts” on the memo line. Only contributions marked "Staff Gifts" will be used for this purpose. It is important to differentiate as a staff gift so Stewardship knows how to record it in the accounting program. If it isn't identified as a staff gift, it will be placed in the regular offering. Your gifts are income tax deductible, as are your regular offering gifts to the church. Kristin will provides per-sonal taxable income lists in January for everyone who has given to the BCC in 2019, and your staff gift will be included.

The BCC staff includes the Pastor, Administrative Assistant, organist, choir director, Treasurer and custodian. Please take a moment to show your appreciation in any way you choose. Your generosity will help to make the holidays merrier for our minister and church staff. Judy Wegele Board Chair

What a month November was! The preschoolers really worked hard on sharing this past month. Between all of our classes, we were able to collect 165 cans of soup plus 17 other food items … for a total of 182 items to donate to the food pantry! A special thank you to the parents for encouraging their children to share! And, a special thank you to the church for delivering these for us! We will continue our season of giving by collecting items for a few different organizations this Christmas season! With the generous support of our families, I’m sure this will be a successful service project as well. If any of you are interested in helping, please see the “Pajama Drive” note and “ornaments” outside of the preschool door. All pajamas/items/monetary donations need to be returned to the preschool (unwrapped) by December 15 (with the “ornament” attached). Thank you! Christmas is also just around the corner and that brings much excitement to the preschool! This month we will be focusing on Christmas. We have a lot of exciting art projects planned and books to read. Our Christmas Open House is scheduled for December 15 and the preschoolers are really excited to show off their school! We, at the preschool, wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you can all take the time to enjoy the real reason for the season!

The morning preschool kids @ their donations for the DMARC Food Pantry.

The afternoon preschool kids @ their donations for the DMARC Food Pantry.

P a g e 8

BONDURANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL Cheri Waterhouse, Director

bondurantps@aol.com

P a g e 9

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS ORDER FORM

Sunday, December 1 is the deadline for Poinsettias orders.

Cost is $15.00 per plant. Please attach your check/cash with the order form to avoid confusion.

If paying by check, make it payable to the church and note on the memo line “Poinsettia.” Place your

order form and payment in the offering plate or place them in the administrative assistant’s mailbox.

Number of plants ordered: _____@ $15 per plant.

Amount enclosed: $________________________

ORDERED BY: ____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Please specify if it is in MEMORY or HONOR of the person named. Print the information above clearly

as you would like it to appear in the bulletin.

IN MEMORY OF: __________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

IN HONOR OF: ___________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

If questions, please call the church at 967-2328.

P a g e 1 0

December 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Chancel 2 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

3 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

4 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

5 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

6 Office Closed

7

8 9 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

10 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

11 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

12 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

13 Office Closed

14

15 16 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool

17 Messenger Articles Due 9 am & 12:30 pm Preschool Preschool Christmas Parties

18 No Preschool

19

No Preschool 5:30 pm Girl Scouts

20 Office Closed

21

22

23

24

6:30 pm

25 Office Closed

26

27 Office Closed 4-8 pm Fellowship Hall reserved

28

29 30 31

Christmas Break - No Preschool, FROGS, Chancel Choir

Christmas Break - No Preschool, FROGS, Chancel Choir

HIPAA LAW Under the regulations of the HIPAA LAW, hospitals are unable to release any patient information.

This includes a pastor contacting the hospital to see if someone has been admitted to the hospital. If you or a family member are taken to the hospital and would like pastoral care,

please contact the church office immediately at 967-2328, so care can be provided.

THE MESSENGER Published by the

BONDURANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

304 Grant Street South

Bondurant, IA 50035-2004

Phone: 967-2328 Fax: 957-8276

E-Mail: bondurantcc@gmail.com

Website: bondurantchristianchurch.com

Sunday Schedule

Sunday School - 9 am

Worship Service - 10:00 am

Nursery is available for infants through preschool during Worship.

Handicapped facilities are also available.

Church Staff

Jason Grow, Pastor

Merri Cory, Pianist

Lynette Hubler, Choir Director

Tamara Schopf, Administrative Assistant

Lindsay Schaper & Samantha Forsythe, Nursery Directors

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

The deadline to submit articles for the next issue of The Messenger is December 17.

Please submit all articles by email or in writing.

NEED A GREAT PLACE TO HOLD YOUR EVENT?

Bondurant Christian Church’s Fellowship Hall is a great place to rent for special occasions and

birthday parties. It is spacious enough to hold family events, and has easy access to the kitchen

and restrooms. We have tables and chairs for over 120. Everything is handicap accessible.

Call the church office for availability and rental costs @ 967-2328.

P a g e 1 1

CHANGE OF ADDRESS or TELEPHONE INFORMATION Please help the church office keep the membership and flock lists up-to-date. If you have moved,

changed your phone number or email address, or have children who no longer live at home and have their own address and phone number, please notify Tamara at 967-2328

or e-mail us at: bondurantcc@gmail.com.