Why????????????
Three questions that are part of every day we wake up and get out of bed are: Why? How? What? Much of what happens to us in this life is affected by the order in which we seek answers to these questions.

It is not uncommon for us in the church to get caught up in the "what" - doing what we are gifted at, and the "how" - using our time and resources to accomplish those things in a reasonably satisfactory manner.

It's good to pause periodically and ask ourselves why in the world we are doing what we are doing. In his messages lately, Pastor Tom has discussed purpose, motivation, and the reasons we demonstrate our love for others and serve the world. In a way that relates to the "why" questions we should be asking.

Why are we attending church? Why are we serving? Why....? It may be that when we ask "why" we will be affirmed. But it's possible we just might find that making some changes can produce greater blessings. 

I don't know what to expect from 40 Days in the Word, but I'm guessing part of it will be exploring the "why" question. I'm looking forward to it.
Lloyd Sandbulte
Click here for more on what one author calls the "Golden Circle" of why, how and what.

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Children's Ministry
Our Children's Ministry team is excited about the opportunities to help Adventure-Life children grow in their faith in the coming months.  A few changes are taking place for Kingdom Kids classes because of the new worship service time beginning on February 19.
 

GEMS, Quest, and Mustard Seeds classes for children age 4-6th grade will now be offered four Sundays each month and will be held from 8:45-9:45.  This will be a big change for some families but you are encouraged to continue to bring your children for the class they have been attending at our present 9:00 service.  There are good things going on in those classes and more than anything else we want to assist you through these classes as your children learn how much God loves them and wants to be part of their lives.  If your children have not been attending these classes consider bringing them and attend the youth coffee fellowship and/or the 40 Days in the Word group study during this time.
 

Children's Worship for children age 4-3rd grade will be held during the worship service on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month.  On the 2nd Sunday of each month (Communion Sunday) children will remain in the service for the entire time.  Our older GEMS girls will be watching for your children that morning and make sure they receive an activity bag with books, a Children's Worship program, and pencils and crayons inside.
 

Nursery care for children age 3 and younger will be provided every Sunday during Kingdom Kids classes at 8:45-9:45 and during the worship srvice at 10:00.

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  ALC LEADERS

Over the next few weeks we will feature a short bio of one or more of Adventure-Life's Leadership Team members. This week we feature Autumn McGrean, Deacon. 

Autumn McGrean
  Hi, my name is Autumn McGrean and my family and I have been attending Adventure-Life since October of 1994, almost 18 years. I am married to Ron and we have three children (or adults).  Abigail lives in St. Louis, Missouri and teaches English at Tower Grove Christian School.  Andrew lives in Altoona and works at ING in Des Moines.  Aaron who is 19, lives at home and attends DMACC as a freshman and works at Hy-Vee in Altoona. We also have two four legged children, Issabelle and Gordon. I myself work at Caseys Corporate in Ankeny as a preschool teacher.
 
I have been a believer all of my life, basically living at church as a child, as my mother said, “anytime the church doors were open, we were there”.  I asked Christ into my life at around the age of six during VBS at Adeliphi Calvary Baptist Church.  It seemed very natural, but certainly was not an “aha” moment for me.  It was not until I was an adult that I can say I was a “true” believer and felt the relationship with Christ in my life start to blossom.  I was asked to join a ladies small group here at Adventure Life, by Deb DeJong, about 16 years ago, this was when my walk with Christ grew by leaps and bounds. We not only studied the word together but most importantly we prayed together and supported each other which was exactly what God had planned for me.  For the first time in my life I was hungry for the word and what God had to tell me, I couldn’t get enough. 
 
What are God’s plans for me in the future?  Wow, not sure, but he surprises me every day with the things he tugs on my heart to do.  I absolutely LOVE serving Christ here Adventure-Life Church and am excited to see what the future brings.  Serving in the church not only brings you closer in your relationship with Christ but with your whole extended church family.
 
My favorite song:  Shine Jesus Shine, the first song we sang when we came to Adventure Life.  Something funny about me would be my handshake, guess I am known for having a very firm handshake!
 
One of my favorite verses:  Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him that gives me strength.”