November 2021 | Vol 415

Letter from the Church Council

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

In early October we gave thanks for a life well lived as we came together to honour the memory of Elizabeth Hudgin. Elizabeth typified what ACC stands for, especially in terms of service to the community (she sat diligently on the Projects and Benevolence committee for a number of years) and inclusivity. It was so important to Elizabeth that the church lived up to the famous welcoming line: “We welcome you wherever you are in your journey of faith – however you got here, you are welcome!”

As is the nature of the world today, Elizabeth’s memorial service was beamed out far and wide, with many tuning in from her native California on the West Coast of the USA. What was interesting was just how well the service went down over there in the States. Of course, it was to be expected that we would each learn something new about Elizabeth and that the service would be truly memorable due to its focus on this lady who was such a huge part of our lives. However, as well as the additional tributes to Elizabeth, we also had a number of very positive messages paying tribute to the overall quality of the service and the professionalism with which it took place.

We noted in our October Council meeting that yes it absolutely was a superb service and yes it was a truly fitting farewell for Elizabeth. But, in terms of the technical quality, it was nothing out of the ordinary. It was at the standard we had come to expect of ACC services over the years. Sometimes an organisation can stumble and lose focus without external comparison, but the opposite can also be true and sometimes you just don’t realise how good a job you are doing until someone from outside reminds you.

When Jesus was taken up to the highest point of the temple in the holy city and asked to throw himself down, in certain knowledge that angels would catch him, he refused and answered that it is also written: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”. So we do continue to put in this divine work because it is an expectation that we do what we can in earthly terms to give glory to God. The committees keep meeting, the preachers keep preaching, the leaders keep leading, the musicians keep playing, the sound, zoom, projector, flowers, ushering, library and many more keep getting done. And God keeps providing, because we are keeping our covenant with him.

What makes ACC truly unique is not the fact that it is entirely volunteer-driven, but that the population is incredibly transient yet the church keeps going and the quality does not drop. This church is and has been a blessing to thousands of souls over the years, but ACC itself is also so blessed by God. We simply need to look around us at the miracles which take place each and every week. Of course the church goes through earthly cycles, sometimes struggling to find this and that, but through patience, hard work and, most importantly, faith this church continues to forge forwards, saving souls and giving glory to God.

If you are reading this, you have a God-given talent. You can make a positive difference to our services at ACC in one way or another. Speak to any member of the Council or the Worship Committee, or pop into the office on a Sunday if you are interested in being part of the team that makes something truly special happen each week.

Michael Murray – ACC Council Secretary

Tree Planting

Two tree saplings were planted at ACC in memory of Elizabeth Hudgin and Christopher Kenyi; two friends in Christ, Council elders, and stalwarts of our ACC congregation.

These were planted after the memorial service for Elizabeth Hudgin, with the following prayer.

“Gracious God. You are a God of love. And through your Son Christ Jesus, and the power of your Holy Spirit, we know You also as a God of transformation, growth and renewal; all things which can be seen in your Creation, including in the trees planted this evening. While Elizabeth and Christopher may not be here with us now, we know that they are alive in You. That they are alive in the love of their families and friends. Alive in the joy that they brought us. Alive in the many people that they helped through their work and generosity of spirit.

May we remember the blessings that their lives brought to us, as we watch these trees grow. In the name of our Living God, we pray.” Amen

Sunday School – Teachers and Assistants Needed

The Christian Education committee is considering starting Confirmation and Sunday School classes again, if that can be done in a safe way. All the teaching materials are there. We are seeking committed people who want to be a part of this very important ministry.

If you are interested 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.

ACC Income and Expenditure through 30th September 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

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)