Church of Jesus Christ ~ Mt. Ayr Restoration Branch

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About Us

Our branch is located in a small community in southern Iowa ~ named by its Scottish founders. Our local members live as far south as Bethany, Missouri, and as far north as Boone, Iowa, however our "church" has members throughout the world whose fellowship and support are very important to us.

Where Located

Mount Ayr is approximately 21 miles West of Interstate 35 at exit 12 (Decatur City).  We're located on the east edge of Mount Ayr, on the north side of US Highway 2.  Our congregation is currently worshipping in a remodeled office building on the north side of highway 2 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

If you'd like directions to Mt. Ayr, mapquest is an excellent resource no matter where your location. Our address is: Highway 2 East, Mt. Ayr, Iowa 50854.

Mail for the Mount Ayr congregation may be addressed to:

Mt. Ayr Congregation
attn pastorate
15581 270th Street
Lamoni, IA 50140

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Our Church School

Our church school is held each Sunday from 10:00 am till 10:45. Current classes include the following:

Class
Lead Teacher
Adult
Rob Rolfe
Jr./Sr. High (7-12) Lynda Rolfe
Junior ( 2 - 6)
Sue Beck
PreK - Kindergarten Sue Cunningham

If you would like to receive in-home learning (cottage meetings), contact Sherm Phipps or Rodney Bastow.

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Our Worship Schedule

Our congregation meets together at least twice a week for worship and prayer, on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. Members are asked to fast Sunday breakfast and Wednesday supper at the request of the restoration Patriarchs

Sunday Worship:

Time

Worship Activity

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Priesthood Worship *

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Family Worship

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Church School

10:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Prelude or Song Service

11:00 a.m.

Worship Service

12:30 p.m. (after worship)

Potluck *

* Sacrament Sunday only (1st Sunday of each month)

Wednesday Worship:
Prayer services are held on Wednesday nights in the homes of the Saints ~ typically in Leon, Lamoni or Mount Ayr. These are services of song, prayer and testimony. See the bulletin board for service locations..

Additionally, the women, men and youth meet separately (as indicated below) with occassional congregational gatherings for fellowship.

Priesthood Meetings:
The priesthood meet at the church the first Sunday of each month for prayer, song, and sharing. They begin at 8:30 a.m. in the classroom just off the sanctuary.

Youth:
Youth meetings are held throughout the year at the discretion of youth leaders.

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Our Beliefs

An Epitome of Faith and Doctrine ....

We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgressions.

We believe that through atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

We believe that these ordinances are, first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second,  repentance; third, baptism  by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We  believe  that  a man  must  be called of God by "prophecy, and by laying on of hands" by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances thereof.

We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church; viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.

We believe  the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated  correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

We believe  all  that God  has  revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal  many  great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes, that Zion will be built  upon  this  continent,  that  Christ  will   reign personally  upon  the   earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaic glory.

We claim privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our consciences, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, "we believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If  there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

 Respectfully, Joseph Smith, Jr.
(From "Times and Seasons" Vol. III, pages 709-710, 1842)

 

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Current Priesthood Members

Our congregation is blessed to have priesthood after both the order of Melchesidec and the order of Aaron. Active priesthood (alphabetized by FIRST name) include:

Melchesidec
Aaronic
Alan Smith High Priest Alan Elefson Priest
George Knotts Seventy Ben Anderson Priest
Gordon Winkler Elder David Houston Deacon
Michael Jordison Elder Ed Anderson Priest
Milo Burnett Patriarch Jim Barber Priest
Norman Nelson Elder Jowett Bastow Priest
Rob Rolfe High Priest Kent Clisby Priest
Ron Smith Seventy Rodney Bastow Priest
Sherm Phipps * High Priest    
Steve Cunningham Elder    
Steven Smith Elder    

* Presiding Elder (Pastor)

  • Those desiring administration may contact any of the Melchesidec priesthood listed above
  • Those desiring to be baptized should contact the pastor
  • Those desiring cottage meetings to learn more about our church, should contact Rob Rolfe
  • Those desiring priesthood visits should contact the pastor

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Current Congregational Leaders

All of our members are relied upon for their leadership abilities, their example, and their willingness to serve. Those currently serving in elected capacities include:

Leadership Role
Member(s)
Pastor (Branch President) Sherm Phipps
Counselors Alan Smith and Gordon Winkler
Worship Coordinator Jennifer Rowland
Worship Center Ministry Sue Beck
Music Director Lynda Rolfe
Christian Education Coordinator Sue Cunningham
Facility Coordinators Jim Barber and Jacob Cunningham and Samuel Jordison
Priesthood Visiting Coordinators Rodney Bastow and Ed Anderson
Caring Coordinator Pat Bolingbroke
Fellowship Coordinator Valle Smith
Missionary Coordinator Michael Jordison
Service Project Coordinator Kent Clisby
Stewardship Coordinator Cheryl Phipps
Bishop's Agent Gordon Winkler
Youth Ministry Coordinators Bob and Jennifer Rowland
Newsletter Coordinator Michael Jordison
Sermon Transcriber/
Newsletter Circulation
Cheryl Phipps
Recorder/Secretary Julia Jordison
Historian Linda Winkler
Building Committee (1-yr term) Jim Barber, Steve Cunningham and Gordon Winkler
Building Committee (2-yr term) Bob Rowland and Michael Jordison

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Member Profiles

We are in the process of interviewing members to learn more about what has shaped their lives. Those currently on-line include:

Member
Date Profiled
Mildred Smith
January, 2005
Janice Jordison
July, 2008

If you would like to recommend a member be interviewed, contact our webmasters.

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This page last updated : Thursday, January 5, 2012 11:00 AM