Good News of
Central Christian Church
The
December, 2014
Closing Out a Year and a Ministry
Beloved friends in Christ, This is a "Christmas Letter" of sorts. Christmas Eve will
be my last worship with you and my final day as your Pastor. This is my prayer for you.
Holy God, in this sacred season of Advent we are preparing for Christ to be born anew in our hearts, lives,
and ministry. We are preparing to say good-bye and hello. Be with us as we prepare.
In the past five years of ministry together you have blessed us! Thank you. Thank you for the times you met
us in our joy. You gave us baptisms, baby blessings, weddings, Christmas programs, pot lucks. You met us in
Silent Nights, a candle creche on Christmas Eve, and in our pajamas on Christmas morning. You celebrated 125
years with us. What was that word God, Quasqui something? You brought to us new faces to see you in and
people to love. Oh, and the miracles, Lord. How could I forget the Miracles? Thank you for meeting us in all
these things!
It hasn't always been easy, God. You know this all too well. Thank you for blessing us with your strength
when we were weak; your comfort when we grieved; your correction and grace when we stumbled and hurt one
another. We have learned so much! Thank you for the challenging times too, O God, for it was in those times
that we found our knees again.
Thank you for calling us out of our comfort zones and into the county jail, food pantry, homeless and animal
shelters. You walked with us on Crop Walks and sat with us in hospital rooms. You sang with us in nursing
homes and studied with us in a coffee shop. You even sweated with us in Haz mat suits and carved pumpkins
with us at the park. You are everywhere! There is no place we can go, where you will not be and have not
been.
You will be with us on Dec 24th and every day after. You will be with us as we say good-bye and when we
say hello. You will be with us in the "in-between." For you have promised, "I will be with you always, till the
end of the age."
Thank you, ever present God for the "present" you gave us in each other. In the love and peace of Christ, I
pray. Amen.
"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for
all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the
one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:3-6
Peace and love of Christ,
Pastor Deb
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
Dec. 7
Dec. 14
Dec. 21
Dec. 28
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2,8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Isaiah 16:1-4,8-11Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8,19-28
2 Samuel 7:1-1116 Luke 1:46b-55
Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
Gifts of the Season
Advent has arrived and with it come gifts of the season. During December worship we will prepare for
Christmas. It's not the kind of preparing you'll hear about in the media or at the malls. This kind of preparing
won't give you anxiety, put you in debt, or leave you feeling frazzled on December 26th. The preparing we will
enjoy is Holy Work and it will bless your heart, mind, and soul. Advent is the season of preparing to meet
Christ and with this season come gifts for you. Every Sunday in December you will receive a gift. Won't you
come and receive the gift that has been prepared for you?
ADVENT OFFERINGS FOR YOU!
*Beautiful Worship every Sunday at 10:30 with a gift for you.
*Advent Adult Study Wednesday nights at 6pm.
*Miracles Meal Wednesdays 5pm.
*Children's Christmas Program Sunday December 14th 10:30am with lunch following
*Christmas Caroling Wednesday Dec. 17th 5:45pm
*Christmas Eve Candle Light Worship Dec. 24th 5:30pm.
*Nativity Festival December 14h (see article in this newsletter)
*CCC choir carols at Main Street Tree Lighting Thursday December 4th 5:15pm
A Christmas Gift For Christ
While checking off your Christmas list, please add a gift for Christ's church this December. Can you bless the
work of Christ's church with an extra gift this December? Your gifts make it possible for us to feed the hungry,
clothe the naked, visit the sick and prisoners. Jesus said, "When you do for the least of these you do for me."
Please give a gift to Christ this Christmas.
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
Card Shower for Pastor Deb
December 21st after worship
Come and joyfully wish Pastor Deb well and celebrate
our years of ministry together!
The Christian Education Committee is selling 2015 wall calendars ($10) and
pocket calendars ($6) for a fundraiser. They are available in the church office
and on Wednesday nights at Miracles.
At Food Pantry and Adopt-A- Family we have agreed to work together again this
year to help families with basic food for Christmas break and the holiday meal.
Food pantry will get the special holiday foods from the Food Bank because they are
cheaper there. Through December families and singles may get food as usual. Check
with Teresa Lansman at New Opportunities for a voucher to get the milk, eggs and
bread and the boxes of food and personal items/ laundry soap.
Adopt-A-Family hopes to get families with children food for 28 meals/ the 2 week break from school. This will
include the SHARE food and other food that we hope to purchase from the Food Bank (because it is cheaper
there @ 14 Cents per pound).
Last year we gave the 160 households that asked for food help over the school Christmas break a box of basic
foods and some paper products/ laundry and personal items. This year we imagine it will be about the same
number.
Last year the food cost was $16,000 because we spent $100 per family. (That's pretty good considering it can
feed so many people for 2 weeks!!) Adopt-A-Family has $4000 on hand. If we are to accomplish this great
feeding program, we need donations of $12,000.
Since we can get food so much cheaper thru the SHARE and the Food Bank of Iowa, we are asking for cash
donations to be made to Adopt-A- Family.
Adopt-A- Family is a project led by laity under the auspices of the Greene Co Clergy Association. Rev Julie
Poulsen represents the clergy on their board. Pam Mentzer is the Chairperson. Representatives from several
churches are on the board. Anyone who is interested in helping with this project please contact Pam Mentzer or
your pastor. The Adopt-A- Family committee also organized school supplies this year for students in need and
will give out coats to those who asked for help at school registration.
Anyone in need, please contact Teresa Lansman at New Opportunities.
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
Please send your donations to your church or directly to Adopt-A- Family at 307 S Wilson, Jefferson, Iowa
50129. Questions? Call Pam Mentzer, Public Health or Julie Poulsen, 386-4411.
To All Miracles and Meals Participants:
We have enjoyed getting to know the adults and children that have been attending Miracles and Meals on
Wednesday nights from 5pm to 7pm. December will be the fullest month for our group, in both Spirit and
activities. It is not too late to join us and make your commitment this Advent Season.
The entire month of December – Give Back!
We will collect new Toys for Tots, canned food, and change to support Adopt-a-Family.
Please bring these items to any of our events and help us “Make A Change!”
Wednesday December 3rd – Adults and kids – There is something for everyone this night 
Parents-- Don’t miss the opportunity for photos of your children with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Miracles and Meals Dinner 5:00pm-5:45pm
Christmas Program Practice 5:45pm-6:30pm
Adult Study 5:45pm-6:30pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit 6:30pm-7:00pm
Sunday, December 7th – Children’s Christmas Program Practice and Pancake Breakfast
Pancakes Served 8:00am-8:30am
Christmas Program Practice 8:30am-10:00am
Worship 10:30am
Wednesday, December 10th – Adults and kids – There is something for everyone this night 
Miracles and Meals Dinner 5:00pm-5:30pm
Christmas Program Practice Dress Rehearsal 5:30pm-6:45pm
Adult Study 5:45pm-6:45pm
Closing Devotion and Prayer 6:45pm-7:00pm
Sunday, December 14th – Unfrozen Christmas Program
Kids meet at 9am – gather and get dressed
Program and Worship begin at 10:30am
Lunch to follow
Wednesday, December 17th – Miracles and Meals Potluck & Christmas Caroling to Shut-ins
Miracles and Meals Dinner 5:00pm-5:45pm
Christmas Caroling to Shut-ins 5:45pm-6:30pm
Hot Cocoa, Cookies and Devotion 6:30pm-7:00pm
As you can see…there are many opportunities to fill your heart the Advent Season. The children have been
enjoying Miracles this year, and we would love to share that joy with all the parents and adults too.
Christmas Blessings to You – Christian Education Committee – Central Christian Church
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
Church Remodel Update:
*CONGREGATION APPROVES MOVING FORWARD WITH CHURCH REMODEL
*Board CANCELS DEC 7 Congregational Meeting
*A new design team is being formed to finalize design plans.
*Dream Team completes their work. Thank you, Dream Team for giving so generously of your gifts, time, and
talents for the past two and a half years!
Central Christian Church Congregational Meeting Minutes from November 2, 2014
The Congregational Meeting of Central Christian Church was called to order on November 2, 2014 at 11:45
a.m. by Board Chairperson, Jane Nelson with a quorum of 54 members present.
The purpose of meeting is:
1. to accept or decline remodeling proposal prepared by the Dream Team with the assistance of
architect, Dan Hunt.
2. to approve the budget for 2015.
Carla Offenburger began the meeting explaining how the remodeling presentation would be presented.
Proposal information packet was distributed to all members present.



Bonnie Silbaugh discussed the history of the Dream Team formation.
Carla then went through the proposal packet with corresponding slide presentation on screen.
Lynn Hardin presented the financial process for the project.
A time of questions and discussion was held with architect, Dan Hunt present to help with explanations. There
was much participation on various issues of the proposal.
Dean McAtee made motion to vote on whether we proceed with the presented proposal or do not proceed at all.
Motion was seconded by Carla. Congregational vote was taken by ballot with the results: YES – 33 NO – 21.
Additional congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2014 to determine our next step.
Carla Offenburger then presented the proposed 2015 budget and made motion to accept said budget. Seconded
by Lois McAtee. Questions presented and answered. Mark Rasmussen made motion to remove salary figures
for Julie Cornelius as visitation minister as she has submitted her resignation for this position. Motion passed
after discussion and comments. Visitation minister salary will be removed from budget.
Motion made by Joey Rasmussen to accept amended budget, seconded by Ann Frederick. Motion passed.
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
There being no further business to come before the congregation, meeting was dismissed.
Sticks Art Comes to Nativity Festival
Christians of all ages are forever drawn to the manger scene. The
savior for all mankind comes into the world surrounded by simplicity
and amazement. His earthly parents, joined by barn animals, wise
kings and angels from Heaven, gaze adoringly upon God’s
manifestation of eternal love.
The nativity scene has been celebrated through time using interpretive artistic figurines. These works,
collectively called a nativity set, will again be the centerpiece attraction as the Nativity Festival returns to
Greene County on Sunday, December 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas story, this multi-faceted event will be an opportunity for the community
to support Habitat for Humanity and ongoing efforts to repair and replace substandard low-income housing
across Greene County.
Center to this event is the display of all types of nativity sets donated for viewing by local collectors. Habitat
for Humanity invites anyone with one or more to share with the public to call Hollie Roberts at 386-0108 days,
or 386-4555 evenings, for more details and to reserve space. While there is room for a large number of
displays, reserved space will go quickly.
This year’s nativity display will host a special guest of honor as the nationally-acclaimed Sticks art and
furniture studio in Des Moines has created a unique, handcrafted nativity set to be offered for sale to the highest
silent auction bidder.
Sticks crafts handmade American folk art with its origins, surprisingly enough, in a nativity set created by Sarah
Grant, founder of Sticks and one of Iowa’s most successful and well-known artists. . Grant will be the featured
guest at an event unveiling the Habitat for Humanity nativity set on Sunday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m., that will
include discussion of this unique and humble beginning for the business.
The Nativity Festival itself returns to its Sunday mid to late afternoon roots with public viewing of the nativity
set displays beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the church basement hall.
The Community Christmas Concert begins at 4:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with several groups and
individuals sharing their musical talents in celebration of the Christmas season.
Following the concert will be a soup supper prepared and served by Greene County church congregations who
regularly support Habitat for Humanity in eliminating substandard housing for local low-income families.
Members of the Greene County High School Interact Club will assist with serving the meal. Homemade chili,
chicken noodle soup, and dessert will be served.
During the supper, a fun-filled pie auction featuring the very best bakers in Greene County will take place.
Professional auctioneer, Dale Higgins of Grand Junction, will be joined by the always energetic Teresa Mobley
in pulling the highest bids for incredible home-baked pies.
The Nativity Festival is the sole annual fundraising event benefitting Habitat for Humanity in Greene County
and is relied upon to help more local families in their search for healthy, decent and affordable housing. There
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
is not an entrance fee for the Nativity Festival, though opportunities to contribute through freewill offerings will
be available. The most fun and tasty way is through the pie auction.
Plan now to attend the Nativity Festival, where hearts will be lifted, voices will be raised and all will gather to
support Habitat for Humanity’s belief that “Everyone Deserves a Stable Home”.
December Birthdays
December Anniversaries
1 – Pauline Johnson
3 – Lois Goin
6 – Krista Henning, Jane Emley
7 – Duane Russell, Sarah Zito
9 – Jeff Custer, Lilyita Zito
10 – Paul Carstensen, Olive Umbaugh
12 – Shirley Stotts, Edie Knittig,
Larry Dowd, Alan Frederick
15 – Jack Schilling, Danene Pena
17 – Taylor Ross
18 – Todd Van Horn, Phyllis McCollom,
Angela Milakovich
21 – Lois Olson, Karis Hammond
22 – Mark Sawhill
23 – Michael Hoskins, George Mentzer
24 – Dorothy Van Horn
27 – Beverly Higgins, Anita Van Horn
31 – Nikki Uebel
1 – Bob & Jessie Custer
20 – Dallas & Elma Schrader
25 – Bill Bernau & Deb Griffin
29 – LeRoy & Tammy Calvert
30 – Larry & Lana Miller
October, 2014
Needed to meet monthly budget
Our average weekly offering for October
October Offerings
October Budgeted Expenses
$11,836.92 ($2,731.60 each week)
$ 1,208.99
$ 4,835.95
$11,240.31
October Average Worship Attendance – 60
October Average Christian Education Participation – 66*
*As you can see the “Average Sunday School Attendance” has been changed to “Average Christian Education
Participation”. Average Sunday School Attendance in the past included all Christian Education opportunities
on Sundays only. It did not take in to account the Bible Study at Greene Bean Coffee on Wednesday mornings
or the 30 some children who attend Miracles each week. The attendance numbers for these classes are also
NOT included in our statistics in the Annual Report & Church Membership Directory. To correct this, Sunday
School Attendance is now being called “Christian Education Participation” which does include ALL Christian
Education opportunities at Central Christian (any Sunday morning classes, Green Bean Bible Study, Miracles
and Meals, and you can assume that any future class participation numbers will be included in the average and
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
reflected in the next Annual Report). Please contact Melody in the church office with any questions or requests
regarding statistics. Thank you.
The complete financial statement is presented at board meetings and is available in the office.
December Schedules
Ushers - Sharyl Powers & Jackie Silbaugh
Deacons – Rachel Haupert, Linda Henning, Crystal Heard, Danene Pena, Brooke Hayes
Worship Leader
Elders
7 – Mark Rasmussen
14 – Barb Nash
21 – Jessie Custer
28 – Bob Strong
7 – Jane Nelson & Lana Miller
14 – Julie Cornelius & Bob Strong
21 – Jessie Custer & Larry Miller
28 – Jerald Deal
Communion will be served to our
shut-ins and homebound members
December 21st at 1:00 p.m.
Elders serving: Marcia Roeder, Jerald Deal
Please keep the following individuals and situations in your prayers.
Verle Bennett, Jacob Bolby, Tammy Calvert, Beth Downs, Norma Ferguson, Linda Foster,
Crystal Heard’s Mom, Liz Crichton, Destiny Hofbauer, Dean Perry, Kenny Russell, Colleen Wolf
Regency Park
Norma Dunivan
GCMC Long Term Care
Helen Nelson
Zelma Dyer
Duane & Maxine Dunlop
The Gardens
Dave Wolf
Phyllis McCollom
Shady Oaks in Lake City
Hearth Stone Memory Care Unit - Boone
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
Eleanor Hanen
Lois Olson
Central Christian Church
108 N. Elm Street
Jefferson, IA 50129
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 209
Jefferson, IA 50129
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
We are Disciples of Christ, a
Central Christian Church
Sunday School – 9:15 a.m
Sunday Worship Service – 10:30 a.m.
Phone ~ 386-4315 Fax ~ 386-4016
E-mail ~ jeffccc@netins.net
Web site: www.lovinggodlovingneighbor.org
Facebook: Central Christian Church-jefferson Ia
Office hours – Monday thru Friday: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Pastor – Debra Griffin – 515-370-2281
Church Secretary – Melody Larsen
Minister of Music ~ Larry Dowd
Audio/Video team ~ Gary Hall, Tom Powers
Custodian ~ Kevin Hoskins
movement for wholeness in a
fragmented world. As part of the
one body of Christ, we welcome all to
the Lord’s Table as God has
welcomed us.
* Disciples of Christ Statement of Identity
Central Christian Church
December, 2014
The Good News of Central Christian Church is published monthly by Central Christian Church, 108 N. Elm Street, Jefferson, Iowa.
Articles may be submitted for publication consideration by the 15 th of each month. We may be reached at 386-4315 / Fax# 386-4016 /
email at jeffccc108@gmail.com.
Central Christian Church
December, 2014