Whenever the Bible speaks of suffering, war, or cataclysm of any kind we tend to assume it is speaking of God’s punishment. Jesus does not do that. Referring to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, “war and rumors of war,” he calls them “birth pangs.” This does not minimize the suffering and pain. It reminds us, however, that the birth pangs…

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from November 17, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm recaps the state tournament and previews the Senior Volleyball Classic with coach Michele Quick, setter Katie Quick and outside hitter Carley Craighead of Ankeny Christian Academy, outside hitter Delaney …

When schools, nonprofits like the Food Bank of Iowa, students, and dedicated staff come together, real change happens. Ankeny Schools Community Engagement Specialist, Madisen Gaskin hosts a roundtable discussion with Michelle Book, CEO & President of Food Bank of Iowa, Scott Litchfield the Director of Nutrition Services for Ankeny Schools, and Leah…

The church shares and cares for one another. Listen to how the Spirit empowers us to become the people of God. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

What does it mean to give everything when you don’t have enough to begin with? A widow’s offering of two small coins challenges everything we know about generosity, trust, and faith. In a world that devours us, how can we respond with faith that holds nothing back? What does it truly mean to offer our all?…

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from November 10, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm breaks down the state volleyball tournament and the Class 5A football playoffs with Andy Pollock–who is an assistant coach for the Dowling Catholic football team and the father of Ankeny Centennial volley…

If you don’t know where you are headed, you’re probably lost. This world seems lost, unsure of where we are going or who will lead us. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know where the world is headed and what the end looks like. It is what he revealed in his life, death, and resurrection. The reign of God is not yet here, but it is already dawning, …

Contrary to what you hear, politics do not reign supreme. Jesus does. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from November 3, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

Ankeny HS seniors Maxx Tyler and Alli Macke, student interns at Casey's Corporate offices, want to know how their Orbis Program experience is influencing plans for the new Innovative Hub building. Superintendent, Dr. Erick Pruitt and Samantha Aukes, Chief of Communications for Ankeny Schools are answering ALL of their questions. Tune in!…

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm previews the state cross country meet with senior Brayden Vander Wilt and junior Cohen Moll of the Ankeny Centennial boys’ team and coach Eric Cogdill of the Ankeny Centennial girls’ squad.…

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm previews the state cross country meet with coach Jon Lindaman and senior Ethan Zuber of the Ankeny boys’ team and coach TJ Jumper and senior Sophia Graber of the Ankeny girls’ squad.…

You are a beloved child of God. Know that you are accepted; you are loved by the one who made the universe.Autor: Pastor Tim Olson

There is no name to trust in other than Jesus! Hope, power, and truth are all on the side of Jesus, not in those who scramble to keep the status quo. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Acts Series: "Time of refreshing" | Message: Todd Hessel | Oct. 20, 2024 https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

It is common to look at the trouble of the world and ask why God does not do something about it all. But what if God has done something, and that something is you? Luke, the masterful storyteller, and evangelist offers some of the most beloved and memorable teachings of Jesus we know. In many of them, Jesus is not the miracle worker. Instead, after…

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from October 20, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic Rodcast, Rod Brannan of Shelter Insurance and Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm are joined once again by sports fan extraordinaire Tony Rhoads to break down the hottest topics in the world of sports.Autor: Ankeny Fanatic

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny football coach Jeff Bauer and senior defensive end Andrew Haase about the Class 5A playoff picture and the Hawks’ huge showdown against Valley on Friday.…

For people who live in a culture so grounded in material possessions and having “stuff,” Jesus’ instruction to “sell everything and give to the poor. And then follow me…” (Mark 10), is challenging to say the least. Is Jesus serious? When what we possess gets in the way of our relationship with what truly matters, when we see faith as yet another po…

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Nick Brannen from October 13, 2024Autor: Nick Brannen - Hope Ankeny Pastor

Madisen Gaskin, Community Engagement Specialist for Ankeny Schools hosts Ankeny Schools staff, Leah Clark - Social Worker, Erin Van Dorin - Associate Principal BEYOND & Summit High School programs, and Shawn Beirman - Social Emotional Learning Specialist on this podcast to discuss what led to opening Ankeny's school-based food pantries in partnersh…

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm previews next week’s Class 4A boys’ state golf meet with coach Mike Weddingfeld and senior Duncan Beelner of Ankeny and coach Andrew Reedy and senior Charlie Morrissey of Ankeny Centennial. Coldwell Banke…

Through the ages, Christians have given themselves to some basic practices for a fruitful spiritual life. We must reject cheap substitutes and devote ourselves to the right things. Watch or listen now to this week’s message now. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Amid destruction and despair, Isaiah's words remind us that God's promise is both present and future—a hope that invites all to the table, where death is defeated and new life begins. Isaiah 25:6-9 | 1 Corinthians 11:20-26 | Luke 24:22-33Autor: Pastor Travis Segar

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from October 6, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm previews Friday’s football showdown at Valley Stadium with co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti and senior running back Braeden Jackson of Ankeny Centennial and assistant coach Andy Pollock of Dowling Catholic.…

Acts " The gospel preached" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.29.2024 https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks of plucking out eyes and cutting off hands—but what if we’ve misunderstood? What if true wholeness comes from letting go? Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 | James 5:13-20 | Mark 9:38-50Autor: Holy Trinity Ankeny

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from September 29, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

It's another student takeover. 6th graders Ella, CeCi, and Lucy have questions for Dr. Pruitt and they want answers. Testing their investigative reporter skills, these ladies don't shy away from the hard-hitting questions from "Do you decide if there's a snow day?" to "What's it like being a girl dad?". Tune in to a special student takeover of We A…

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny activities director Mike Bakker and volleyball players Finley Greiner of Ankeny Centennial and Olivia Eike of Ankeny about Thursday’s Jag-Hawk showdown. Revive owner Stef Gatica also mak…

The Holy Spirit moves us to speak to everyone, everywhere. Find out what this means for you, for others, and how we understand the heart of our Lord. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Ever felt lost in confusion, even when you're right in the middle of faith? You're not alone. Sometimes the greatest lessons come when we’re the most uncertain. In our confusion, Jesus reassures us that he will always be with us. Jeremiah 11:18-20 | James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a | Mark 9:30-37Autor: Pastor Travis Segar

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Nick Brannen from September 22, 2024Autor: Nick Brannen - Hope Ankeny Pastor

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America and Revive Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads and senior captains Gracie Lindaman and Paige Spoelstra about the first few weeks of the girls’ swimming season.Autor: Ankeny Fanatic

As the followers of Jesus were left wondering what would happen next, they devoted themselves to things that would nurture them for the upcoming season. Instead of being ruled by fear, we can practically turn to the Lord in the seasons of uncertainty and waiting. https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Peter thought he had it all figured out. He had the right title, but completely missed the meaning. What happens when we try to make Jesus fit our expectations? Isaiah 50:4-9a | James 3:1-12 | Mark 8:27-38Autor: Pastor Travis Segar

Acts "You will be my witnesses" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.08.2024 https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

This is the first of a special topic series we're introducing this season. The topic is Restorative Practice and your host is Shawn Beirman, Social Emotional Specialist for Ankeny Schools. In this episode, Shawn introduces you to restorative practices and three theories that ACSD focuses on in educating administrators and teachers including Social …

Deacon Jodi Schuman visits Holy Trinity and preaches on Mark 7 this week.Autor: Deacon Jodi Schuman

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Scott Rains from September 8, 2024Autor: Scott Rains - Hope Ankeny Pastor

Acts "To the ends of the earth" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.01.2024 https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Jesus and the Pharisees clash again—this time over handwashing traditions. Ever wonder if the rituals you follow are drawing you closer to God—or pulling you away? Sometimes, it’s time to uncover the dirt in our spiritual lives. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 | James 1:17-27 | Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23Autor: Pastor Travis Segar

Hope Ankeny - Sermon by Pastor Nick Brannen from September 1, 2024Autor: Nick Brannen - Hope Ankeny Pastor

Prayers That Transform| "The Prayer of Nehemiah" | August 8, 2024 | Chris Mavity & Todd Hessel https://www.ankenyfree.churchAutor: Ankeny Free Church

Not many people know what a Community Engagement department does, but Madisen Gaskin, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ankeny Schools, and her team have big plans to change that. Madisen is at the mic with Dr. Pruitt talking about how volunteers contribute to schools and the district overall, developing new community education classes and how t…

There are words and phrases that everyone needs to hear in their life. Sometimes it is simply “I love you” or “I am proud of you.” Other times, when life is really hard and we cry out “God where are you,” someone in our life brings us the good news that God is with us and God is with you. It is the good news of Advent, the good news of Easter, and …