May 20, 1979

Rev. Rodger Kube concludes his sermon on the parable of the talents, "5 will get you 10", by giving everyone present a five dollar bill. He suggested the money was a symbol of God’s gifts, and challenged the people to "live out" the parable.

Throughout the summer, a number of projects were undertaken to turn the money from five to ten. On October 14, the $745 that was distributed to church members was returned as $2,200. The money was then used for community projects outside the regular operating budget.

(Photo at left) Church members (l to r) Orville Embrock, Bill Larsen, Erv Doberstein, Todd Embrock, Doug Andersen, Ron Treiber and Vernal Andersen prepare to carve pork loins for a July 4th Community BBQ. The BBQ was hosted by a number of UCC families to raise money for the church's "5 will get you 10" project.

1981

For the first time, Deacons and Deaconesses assisted the pastor in preparing and serving communion during the church service.

The Stewardship Committee conducted The Rainbow Promise of God, which involved each person inviting neighbors to their house and sharing from a booklet about our church.

1982

First publication of the Parish Parade church newsletter.

Alcester UCC contributed 25% of the budget to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM).

1983

The congregation voted on July 31, 1983 to extend call to Rev. Ronald Nuss-Warren as pastor.

Ennah Nsofu, a missionary from Zambia, visited for a week with our minister, the Kubes’. She was the featured speaker at Guest Night.

1984

Church School meeting moved from Wednesday to Sunday.

1986

The Alcester United Church of Christ held their first worship service in the new building (left) on November 16, 1986.

A wall clock in Mitchell Hall was purchased in memory of Elin and Clair Mitchell.

1987

A joint Easter Sunrise Service with Hudson was held at Oak Grove Park near Hawarden.

The church purchased a copier.

The parking lot was graveled.

A 110th Anniversary Celebration was held May 17 with a noon dinner at the elementary school.

1988

The church was linked with sister church in Marawi City, Phillippines.

1988 was the first year the Nativity Scene was erected out front, made by Roy Kundert .

1989

Alcester UCC had a float in the Alcester’s South Dakota Centennial Parade.

A mortgage burning ceremony for the new church was held.

The old church at 4th & Iowa was torn down.

1990

Office typewriter destroyed by lightning.

1991

The Stewardship Committee sponsored a "Make Five Alive" program. Members were given $5 and asked to "grow" it. Proceeds were $6,640.

1992

Millie Hendricks was hired as church secretary.

Stewardship Committee had the "Curb and Gutter Project" in which members could buy a foot of curb for $10.

1993

An Organ Fund was started and an organ was purchased with cash for $10,710.

On December 5, 1993 the Organ Dedication Service was held. Reverend Jeanne Johnston was Pastor at that time.

Pictured at left is Organist Lillian Ericson testing out the new organ as it is being installed in the church.

1996

Rev. Susan Taylor was installed as Pastor on October 20, 1996.

Money gifts were given to Heather Day for her health mission trip to Jamaica.

1998

The UCC church sent money gifts to the people of Spencer, SD. Much of the town of Spencer, located approximately 40 miles west of Sioux Falls, was destroyed by a tornado on May 30, killing six and injuring 130.

Andrew Broadwell accepted a teaching position with Escuela Bilingua Honduras in Comayagua, Honduras, Central America.

While there, the region was hit by hurricane Mitch, which destroyed many homes and devastated large portions of the rural farming area. The Alcester UCC raised $2,500 for a cooperative "bank" to help the local farmers buy seed and tools for the growing season. While visiting Andy in Honduras, David and Kathy Broadwell were presented with a handmade commemorative plaque by the mayor of El Porvenir. The plaque, which now hangs in Mitchell Hall, was a small token of gratitude to the people of Alcester for their help. David and Kathy also participated in planting a friendship tree in Honduras.

An office computer was purchased.

Pastor Susan Taylor accompanied the UCC and Nathanael youth on a Niabrara River canoe trip.

1999

The UCC Youth Group sponsored a bike-a-thon which raised over $1,200. The money was donated to the Alcester Emergency Warning System project for the installation of two new battery-powered weather sirens in Alcester.

2000

A beautiful baby grand piano was purchased.

A children’s playground set was installed on the east side of the church as part of Nick Day’s Eagle Scout project.

2001

The exterior of the church was painted.

Interim Pastor Elaine Miller was hired.

2002

The Alcester and Hudson churches vote to un-yoke.

The church parsonage is sold to a private buyer.

The Alcester church investigates building an addition to the north.

125th Anniversary Celebration of the Alcester United Church of Christ is held on Sunday, June 23, 2002.