September 2021 | Vol 413

Letter from the Church Council

Over the past few months, our Tuesday Bible study group has been re-reading Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is so full of gems to guide us in the Christian walk. Here is one:

Romans 15:1,2: Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

Have you noticed what attracts people to ACC? Why do some people come and stay with us? Surely, many reasons can be given.  However, I think it is primarily due to the relationships we make early on? While it is a combination of attributes that makes you as a Christian attractive, one above all is your humility. What do we think of someone having a too high estimation of himself? We can hardly tolerate them. People are usually drawn to someone who takes interest and esteems others, who has confidence enough to be outgoing. People are usually drawn to someone who gives respect, and expects them to do well, while not demanding unrealistic expectations or having ulterior motives. People are drawn to someone who shares hope rather than always describes and expects the worst, or who is moody and unpredictable. People are drawn to someone who genuinely seeks to get to know them regardless of status, who shows readiness to serve them and to build them up. Such an attractive person is not self-centered, but focuses on others, strengthens and encourages others. How like Christ!!

What about me? I need to check how I interact with others. When I talk, how much of my conversation is about me? Do I need to make an effort to reverse the balance in favor of those I am with? When I meet someone, do I try to learn their name, ask about their interests, try to listen without interrupting? Do I encourage them? Can I do this for one day and see how hard it is? Can I do it another day, and another day until I can develop it as a habit?

Peterson’s The Message translates the Romans 15:1,2 gem this way: “Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?'”

Erwin Kinsey – Council Member

Our Services

We are continuing our in-person worship services at 10:30 am every Sunday. However, we have a limited number of chairs available in the sanctuary to follow appropriate social distance guidelines. We encourage anyone with risk factors to stay at home and participate in worship by Zoom.

To prepare yourself: Download Zoom on a computer or mobile device by going to zoom.us . Click on these links to watch a tutorial on how to download the Zoom App and how to join a meeting from a computer or a phone.

Joining on mobile phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8JaUEORjSo
Joining on computer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMUxzrgZvZQ

ACC Hike and Picnic

Come join others for a hike and picnic on 5^th September.  Bring a water bottle, walking shoes, and a picnic lunch (+1 if you can).  Inform Erwin Kinsey  (0754 480 184) or ekinsey@echonet.org  if you can provide transport.  Leaving ACC at 12:30, and returning by 4:00 p.m. Going to the foothill of Monduli Mountain near the Monduli coffee estate.  Wonderful views and a chance to fellowship and meet new members.

Karibuni.

Sunday School – Teachers and Assistants Needed

The Christian Education committee is also considering starting Sunday School classes again, if that can be done in a safe way. Many of our key teachers have now left Arusha, and we are seeking others who want to be a part of this very important ministry. Past experience is not needed!

If you want to help teach, please give your name and contacts to Vivi in the ACC office, who can pass on the information to the Christian Education Committee.

Thank you.

September Baptism at ACC

ACC Income and Expenditure through 31st July 2021

ACC Prayer Chain

If you have a prayer request and would like members of our community to support you in prayer, contact the four key persons – if possible by SMS- and they will inform the others from the prayer chain.

Erwin Kinsey 0754 480 184
Margaret Kenyi 0754 090 078
Susan Simonson 0754 266 559
Stella Karumuna 0754 281 337

TITHES AND OFFERINGS AT ACC:

Your OFFERINGS are important, needed and appreciated. It is easier for accounting purposes, and without charges, if offerings are deposited directly into our Exim Bank Account (please see details below).  While the MPESA number remains available for receiving offerings, please consider making a deposit directly into our bank.

ACC BANK DETAILS:
For anyone who wishes or needs to transfer funds via bank deposit to ACC please find the following details here:
EXIM BANK
TSH: ACCOUNT NUMBER 00 300 23 252
USD: ACCOUNT NUMBER 00 300 35 020 – note this is a new number from this month!

ACC MOBILE MONEY ACCOUNT DETAILS:
For anyone who wishes or needs to transfer funds via mobile money to ACC please find the following details here:
M-PESA DEPOSIT NUMBER: +255 755 992 394
NAME: NASIEKU MOLLEL (Church Administrator)