The Indiana e-Christian

They’re an unlikely pair: a seventy-six-year-old woman with a cochlear implant and shoulder replacement and a large shaggy dog weighing almost as much as she does. It all began with a sermon given by John Davis (pastor of Greenfield Christian Church) more than four years ago.

Children rush up to pet Reggie before the service when Judy Brown and her therapy dog come for the children’s moment.

Pastor Davis’ text is Matthew 14:25-31. “Before Peter could walk on water,” he says, “he had to get out of the boat. And if you are going to serve God, you’ve got to get out of the boat . . .Think about what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and figure out how you can do that for the Lord.” He continues, “But you’ve got to get out of the boat.”

Herb and Judy Brown are listening. Both are enjoying the freedom of retirement, but Judy is wondering “Isn’t there more to retirement than this?” With experience training family pets, she has often thought it would be challenging and rewarding to train and work with a therapy dog. But there has never been a right time to make the huge commitment in time, money and effort. Now for the first time she considers a therapy dog as a ministry. Pastor Davis’ phrase “You’ve got to get out of the boat” sticks to her mind, as Judy says, “like beggar lice to wool socks.”

A few days later she stops by the church to discuss the possibilities of a therapy dog ministry with Pastor Davis. He practically jumps out of his chair with enthusiasm. “You’ve got to do it,” he exclaims. Her husband, Herb, is harder to sell, but he too becomes a strong and supportive silent partner in the project.

Reggie and Judy are now registered Delta Society Pet Partners (therapy dog team). Together they visit Hancock Regional Hospital every week and Springhurst Health Care Campus bi-weekly. The unique part of their work is a ministry with the children and youth at Greenfield Christian Church. Judy incorporates Reggie (a Giant Schnoodle) in stories for the “Children’s Moment” and in the message for Youth Worship once a month.

“Reggie captures the children’s attention,” Judy explains, “and illustrates key points in the story. By connecting the story to what Reggie does, the children seem to remember the object of the story better.”

The most recent aspect of the Pet Partner’s ministry is a web site where they share the details of their journey and a collection of stories Judy has written for the children and youth at Greenfield Christian Church. To learn more about the ministry of Judy and Reggie, go to www.therapydogministry.org.

Youth and young adult groups from Central Christian Church in Lebanon combined to carry out three mission trips this summer.

Chi Rho youth from Central Christian in Lebanon bring down the walls of a house being razed in Neon, Ky.

A group of Chi Rho youth and their sponsors, 16 people in all, traveled to Neon, a community in southeastern Kentucky, from June 14 to June 20.  While there, the group worked with HOMES (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service), a non-profit organization that builds and repairs houses for low income families living the Neon area.

The group’s task for the week was to demolish one of two houses in such bad repair that they were creating a health and safety issue for the surrounding neighbors.  It was the hope of the HOMES staff that after the two homes were demolished and the lots were cleared that the town would use the ground for a community playground.

What at first seemed to be an overwhelming task was accomplished as the group’s skills, confidence and determination increased.  By the end of the week, the youth had made so much progress that they were split into two groups, with one group returning to finish work on the house and another group assigned to help pour footers for a new home being built.

A group of 13 CYF youth and sponsors traveled to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to work from June 21-27.  Hosted by First Presbyterian Church, the group spent the week working on a Habitat for Humanity build.  Although it was was first Habitat build for most of the group, they worked diligently with the Habitat staff and local volunteers to take a house from a slab foundation to locked with windows and doors in less than five days.  The workers from Central even had time to share an evening meal with their sister congregation, Central Christian Church, in Murfreesboro.

Then, during the week of August 2-8, seven young adults traveled to Kent County, Mich., near Grand Rapids, to work with Habitat for Humanity there.  Hosted by Wyoming Park United Methodist Church, the group spent its first day working at the Habitat ReStore, where local builders and stores can donate surplus building and decorating supplies.

The rest of the week they worked at two houses being renovated for Habitat-qualifying families. These are houses that are too good to tear down and just need some TLC to once again be livable and bring pride to the neighborhood. Most of the work involved preparing and painting walls and woodwork, doing small repairs to windows and doors, cleaning, and helping make lists of those things that still need to be completed.

The youth and young adults of Central Christian Church, Lebanon, demonstrated their ability to rise to a challenge and their commitment to giving of themselves to benefit others.

Mark Gray and Anthony Gray demonstrate the ceremonial burning of a tattered American flag.

Few people are aware that flags that have become tattered or otherwise unsuitable for display should be burned in a ceremonious fashion.  This and other interesting information about the handling of the American and Christian flags was shared as part of the LOGOS ministry of Westview Christian Church in Indianapolis. 

Representatives of Boy Scout Troop 505, which meets at Westview, attended the regular Wednesday night meeting of Westview’s LOGOS Program on October 23 to instruct the children and youth in the proper respect and handling of both the American and Christian Flags.  The demonstrations by Anthony Gray, Mark Gray, and Ron Turner were held in the outdoor Vespers area at the church. 

A wiener roast was enjoyed by all as a part of the evening.

220 worshippers crowded into Eastwood Middle School in north Indianapolis for the opening worship service of New Revelation Christian Church on September 20, 2009.  Richard Reynolds serves as the lead planter for New Revelation. 

Reynolds is a graduate of Christian Theological Seminary and was ordained in July at Light of the World Christian Church. 

New Revelation currently holds worship services at Eastwood Middle School, located on the north side of Indianapolis, just east of Allisonville Road on 62nd St.  Services begin at 12:30 p.m. each week.

Pastor Reynolds initial message launched a sermon series on “Birth of a Nation” with a sermon entitled “The Delivery Room.”

New Revelation is jointly sponsored and supported by Light of the World Christian Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana.

Join retreat leader Kathy Light on a spiritual exploration of Mary from a Protestant perspective during a retreat for women, Messages from Mary, at Lindenwood Retreat Center, November 20-21, 2009. Kathy is a licensed minister of spiritual care, serving First Christian Church in Valparaiso, Ind.

Kathy Light will lead women in Messages from Mary at Lindenwood, November 20-21

The retreat will offer a closer look at Mary, Jesus’ mother. Discover the lessons Mary offers through scripture, prayer and art. Experience Mary in a sacred setting where she plays a dominant part. Times for reflection and meditation will be included within the program time. Allow Mary to help you prepare for Advent this year.

Check-in begins Friday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m. EST, and the program concludes on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The registration fee includes three meals and the overnight stay at Lindenwood. Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center is located in Donaldson, Ind.  Registration for single occupancy is $75 per person. Double occupancy is $60 per person.

The retreat is being offered by Kathy through First Christian Church. Registration for Messages from Mary is not being handled through the regional office. Use this link to download a flyer and registration form.  For more information, contact Kathy by email.

Hazelwood Christian Church in Muncie dedicated a substantial addition to its sanctuary in 1991. Included in the addition were an expanded kitchen, a library, classroom space (since used to establish a preschool), and a meeting area designed to accommodate 350 people in meetings and 225 for meals.

The meeting area was named “The Common Room” at the suggestion of the senior minister at the time, Dr. David Cartwright. Dr. Cartwright had been familiar with that term from his student years at Yale University, where the dining area was known as “The Common Room.”

Dr. Cartwright retired as Senior Minister at Hazelwood in 2006. At the time of his retirement, the congregation bestowed the title Minister Emeritus.  He and his wife, Susan, returned to Hazelwood in 2008, and they continue as active and involved members.

As a recognition of Dr. Cartwright’s ministry and to honor his wife and their children, the board of Hazelwood Christian Church voted to rename The Common Room as Cartwright Hall.

The renaming became official at a dedication service held on Sunday, August 9. Rev. Colby Smith, who currently serves Hazelwood as senior minister, led the service. Dr. Cartwright responded on behalf of his family, all of whom were present.

Children from First Christian Church, Lafayette, prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Children and youth at First Christian Church, Lafayette, have been actively involved in outreach ministries.  They recently completed their annual “Tools For Schools” program. ”Tools for Schools” helps to provide school supplies for local children.

Children and yout at First Christian will soon begin stuffing boxes for “Operation Christmas Child.”  The boxes will be sent to children around the world in hopes of sharing God’s word with them.  The youth of the church have also helped the congregation reach out to the community, serving lunch to the homeless as well as raising money for the “Hunger Hike.”  The youth are able to share excitement and gain valuable insight by serving their downtown neighbors. 

Michelle Schluttenhofer serves as Director of Children  and Youth Ministries at First Christian. Greg Eberhard serves the congregation as senior pastor.

Disciples Home Missions has recognized Northwood Christian Church, Indianapolis, with the Excellence in Evangelism Award.  This award is given to Disciples churches among the top ten percent of congregations in their size category for their evangelistic efforts. 

In a letter to the congregation, R. Wayne Calhoun, the Minister of Evangelism and Executive for Congregational Transformation with DHM, writes: “[DHM's] desire is to encourage you and let you know that someone has taken note of your accomplishment. Please accept this small token of recognition for your efforts in evangelism and striving to be a 21st century congregation.”

Marge Galbraith, left, receives the Valiant Woman Award from Marilyn Porter.

Church Women United of Indianapolis presented the Valiant Woman Award to Marge Galbraith at their annual meeting on September 18, 2009.

Marge is a member of Geist Christian Church.  She graduated from Phillips University and received a master’s degree from Butler University.  Marge is married to Les Galbraith and they have two children and six grandchildren.

Marge taught in the Indianapolis Public Schools and was a Reading Specialist in Washington Township before her retirement in 2001. 

She has served the church in many capacities.  While a member of Northwood Christian Church, she was active in that congregation’s Christian Women’s Fellowship.  She was also a member of the diaconate, an elder, the children’s librarian, a member of the church board and the Faith Development and Outreach committees.  She frequently worked in the church’s food pantry.

Marge is active in Bread for the World and serves as treasurer of Bread for the World in Indiana.  She has regularly volunteered at Wheeler Mission, and, with Les, served as mentor for a family while they were getting a home through Habitat for Humanity. 

She has been active in Church Women United, serving as secretary for a four-year term.  Among those standing in support with Marge were past Disciples recipients of the Valiant Woman award, Sue Warrick from Westview Christian Church, Alice Langford from Northwood Christian, and Marilyn Porter from Central Christian.  Also standing with Marge for the presentation was her mother Dorothy Temple.

Church Women United is a racially, culturally, theologically inclusive Christian women’s movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice.  Founded in 1941, CWU is a movement representing 25 million Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women.

Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana (IHC) (Discípulos de Cristo) in Indianapolis, Ind. has had a very full summer.  In the spring of this year, the congregation wrote a grant proposal to the Regional Commission on Reconciliation for funds that would allow them to send their junior and senior high students to the Indiana Region’s camp programs during the months of June and July. 

Youth and other members from Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana pose with Associate Regional Minister Carolyn Reed following the celebration on August 23.

As a result of the grant being approved and additional regional camp scholarships being secured through the Regional Office, 18 youth were able to attend the summer camp programs offered at Camp Barbee and Bedford Church Camp.  In addition, one of the young adults from IHC, Francisco Pérez, was also able to serve as a counselor for the Bedford CYF Camp in July.

On Sunday, August 23, IHC held a special celebration in recognition of the youth that were able to attend, the congregation’s leadership that provided transportation to and from the camps and Carolyn Reed from the Regional staff. 

Alejandra Alpizar represented the youth of IHC and expressed the appreciation for the experience. He indicated that the time at camp is now motivating the youth from IHC to become more involved not only with the local church youth program but also with other opportunities that will be offered by the Region throughout the year.

The youth, mostly Hispanic with one Vietnamese member, were first time attendees to such an event.  One of the purposes of the camp experience, as it was outlined in the proposal to the Commission on Reconciliation, was to provide and share a multicultural experience to the  youth of IHC for this summer’s camp program.

IHC is grateful to the whole Regional staff for their collaboration throughout this process.  We are especially thankful to Cheryl Cloar, who presented the request before the Commission on Reconciliation, Carolyn Reed, who had major responsibility for working with registration and assignments for the campers, and Vonnie Cloud and Enid Colón who worked with finalizing registrations through the Regional Office.

Following the camp programs, the congregation was also involved with different aspects of the General Assembly which met in Indianapolis, IN from July 29 to August 2.  On Sunday, August 2, IHC, together with Meadlawn Christian Church and Casa del Alfarero, served as host to over 150 in worship, primarily Hispanic delegates to the General Assembly, at the Meadlawn Church facility.  The Reverend Héctor Méndez, one of the founding pastors of IHC, was the guest speaker.

IHC is grateful to all who have helped to make this a very memorable summer and commit to working towards other such experiences that can unite us as one Church in Christ.