If you’re a first-timer visitor to Ankeny United Church, we welcome you. We’re a small church, and you won’t be intimidated by mega-church scale crowds. We’d love to get to know you.
What to wear:
Come as you are. Some folks are in suits, some folks are in jeans, some folks are in dresses and others are in shorts. At least when it’s warm. Don’t be afraid. We’re all seeking together. We don’t have a formal dress code, and you can definitely dress casual.
Also, I can’t sing.
That’s okay. That’s never stopped us from trying, and it shouldn’t stop you, either. While we have hymnals and occasionally use a projector, it’s always a firm mix of people who can read music and people who follow Dumbledore’s advice to pick any key and sing with gusto.
And my kids have a short attention span.
Can they read? Or light candles? We’d love to have them help lead worship while they are here. Worship is something we do, not just attend. And if it’s a bit much for them, we have some great stairs between the balcony and the main floor of the sanctuary to hide on while coloring from our coloring books, doing the puzzles on the children’s bulletin, or waiting for the pastor’s children’s message. For pre-k kids, we also have nursery care available if that’s something that makes you or them more comfortable and able to be present.
Wait, you just let kids wander around the Sanctuary?
Sure. It’s their church, too. It’s one of the blessings of being a small church, to be able to incorporate the different needs of different generations (so we do encourage courtesy toward those who might have difficulty hearing). Sitting in one place for an hour is hard (even with our rainbow pillows). It’s a traditional worship style, but we like spontaneity. As we said above, we also invite kids to lead prayers, read scripture, light candles, and collect the offering.
Wait! What about Christian Education?
I’m glad you asked. You can read about it on our Christian Education tab, but we have pre-k through sixth grade Sunday School, an adult class that discusses faith questions that come up with kids, and mission quilting on Sunday mornings at 9:15, and seasonal Bible and Book studies.
Are you sure I’m welcome?
May 20, 2018, we entered into this covenant by unanimous vote:
You are a valued part of the family of God just as you are. We at Ankeny United Church of Christ celebrate the diversity our Creator has given all people. Our community is incomplete and broken when our siblings in Christ are excluded because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, mental ability, race, age, nationality, faith background, relationship status, family structure, economic situation, or any of the numerous other aspects of identity that make us each who we are. Your differences make you unique and should be celebrated in God’s family. You are wonderfully and purposefully made in the image of our Creator, and you have a place here in fellowship with other members of God’s Church. This is a place where you can praise, question, worship, laugh, mourn, doubt, wonder, celebrate, and otherwise live as part of a community with other people seeking God and loving their neighbors.
We the members of Ankeny United Church promise to affirm your worth as an individual and your place in our community. You are joyously welcomed to join us just as you are.
Sounds great. But I don’t do stairs.
No worries! Our building was built in 1993 and is totally accessible! Except for the balcony.
I have more questions.
So do we. But you can send us email at [email protected] or [email protected] if you want to start talking about them. Or call 515-964-4647. We’re usually there in the mornings.
