The Indiana e-Christian

First Christian Church in Kokomo has discovered new ministry and vitality using backpacks and toothbrushes.  Over the last few years, First Christian Church, located at the corner of Sycamore and Malfalfa on the west side of Kokomo, has entered into partnerships with schools to reach out to children and their families. 

One way is through dental care.  The “Happy Teeth” program provides dental exams and sealants to second grade children in the Kokomo-Howard County Schools.  This program is staffed by volunteer dentists along with students and staff from the Ivy Tech dental assistant program.  This partnership of funding and coordination from the church, with hands on caring by the dentists and students, is making a difference for the children of Kokomo. 

Another way is through backpacks.   “Building Blocks” provides food for a weekend for the families of first, second and third grade children at Bon Air elementary.  Each week backpacks are filled with non-perishable food at the church to be distributed on Friday at Bon Air. 

As with other such programs in the community, teachers and staff notice both the joy of children who receive the food and the increased health and ability to concentrate on Monday.  Bon Air principal, Paula Concus, says: “Families at Bon Air Elementary School are truly blessed by the First Christian Backpack Program.  Parents and students have shared that the food provided by this program has allowed the family to eat and eat in a healthy way.  We truly appreciate the support we have received for our students and families from First Christian Church members and others supporting this program.”

The relationship of First Christian and Bon Air also connects church members with students in a weekly reading program and, last spring, an adult Sunday School class provided new books to every student at Bon Air Elementary to encourage the love of reading.

With over 150 years of ministry in the Kokomo community, First Christian continues to be a church that “lives and shares the good news of Jesus Christ; witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.” 

For more information, visit http://www.kokomofirstchristian.org.

Residents of Briarwood Health and Rehab with their prayer shawls. Also pictured are facility Administrator Sonia Patel, and Activities Director Michelle DeBona.

Several residents of an Indianapolis nursing home will enjoy the warmth and comfort of prayer shawls made during this summer’s General Assembly.  Briarwood Health and Rehab, located on the near-northeast side of Indianapolis, was the recipient of 26 prayer shawls knitted and crocheted as part of the “Threads of Healing” outreach ministry. 

The “Threads of Healing” ministry, developed by Arlene Pimintel and Carmen Fernández as part of the General Assembly’s overall theme of “For the Healing of the Nations,” was based on the original Prayer Shawl Ministry of Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo.  Bristow wrote in 1998:

Shawls…made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.  They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter, and beautify.  Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…

More than 26 women and one man participated in making the prayer shawls that were donated to Briarwood Health and Rehab.  “Threads of Healing” was thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated.

Participants expressed interest in expanding the outreach ministry at future assemblies to include teaching the art of knitting, crocheting, and weaving.  Molly Plantz, from the Local Arrangements Mission Committee, offered special thanks to all of those who participated in “Threads of Healing.”

 For more information on the Prayer Shawl Ministry, visit www.shawlministry.com.

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.

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.

• Can you provide education and testing in Terre Haute to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
• Can you help Latino children and youth in Indianapolis experience the joy and community of a week at church camp?

Yes, you can. In fact, you already have!

The generous gifts of Hoosier Disciples to the Reconciliation Offering in 2008 provided assistance to Wabash Valley PATH, an AIDS awareness and prevention organization in Vigo County, and to Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana in Indianapolis.

Wabash Valley PATH (People Attempting To Help) is a ministry of Central Christian Church in Terre Haute. Studies indicate that 73% of persons presenting with new STD infections and 35% of overall HIV infections in Vigo County in 2006 self-identified as African-American. Yet, African-Americans comprise only 6.1% of the entire county population.  PATH is addressing this systemic issue through education and free, anonymous testing.

Iglesia Hermandad Cristiana in Indianapolis wanted to send some of its youth to the Christian Church in Indiana camps this summer.  While the camping program was able to offer some scholarship money, it was not enough to meet the need.  The congregation applied for a Reconciliation Grant to help send a number of youth to summer camp. 

The congregation’s goal was to provide Hispanic/Latino youth, as well as youth of other cultural backgrounds, the opportunity to share and live together in a Christian environment and program where they would be able to experience different ways of looking at the world. 

At first, only a few youth signed up for camp, but each Sunday that a youth shared her or his camp experience, more youth signed up for a week at camp.  By the end of the summer, 18 youth from Iglesia Hermandad and one counselor headed to camp.  They are beginning now to save their money so that they can return to camp next year!

The 2009 Reconciliation Ministry Offering, Many Members, One Table, will be received in congregations on September 27 and October 4.  More information and access offering resources are available on the Reconciliation Ministry website.

Pastor Ted Nottingham presents a plague to Marciel and Ralph Werking in honor of their service.

In honor of their twenty-five years of leadership, Northwood Christian Church has named its Food Pantry “The Marciel and Ralph Werking Food Pantry”.

Pastor Ted Nottingham presented a plaque to the Werkings as they stepped down from overseeing a pantry that has fed as many as sixty families a week. The plaque will be permanently placed in the food pantry area in honor of their decades of leadership, participation and support of this ministry.

Greater Indianapolis Disciples Association (GIDA) Habitat is getting geared up to build its ninth house since organizing in 2000.  The 2009 Build on Faith home will be built on 2223 Morgan in west Indianapolis.  The build begins on October 7, 2009.

Rose Nderitu is originally from Kenya and is now a single mother. She and her children will work on the build and then own the home.  She says, “I have been working hard to support my children, and I have also been involving them in being responsible by handling some light chores at home.

“As long as God has given me good health, I will always pray that he may also give me the will and ability to work and be there and provide for my children. I also believe and trust that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis will be an answer to my prayers.” 

When GIDA Habitat was first organized the group was able to raise the funds for each house themselves. The cost to build a Habitat house is now $70,000, and natural disasters have increased demand for building supplies.  GIDA Habitat is now only able to support one-third of the cost of a home or less.  The group seeks help from Disciple congregations in Greater Indianapolis to contribute funds to the project or prepare meals during the build.

Eligibility for a Habitat home involves a long process of learning and dedication by the prospective family. One family member has to be employed. Applicants have to take classes and counseling that Habitat provides, and they invest their sweat equity by working on the construction of the house. They will be required to pay on a small non-interest mortgage.

Currently, about nine of the 33 churches in the Greater Indianapolis area participate in the Habitat build.  Due to the generosity of those churches, GIDA Habitat reached its goal last year.

The dedication of the home is planned for November 20 or 21 .  Workers are needed for approximately 72 half-day slots.  Prayers, breakfast and lunch are always provided.  The adult family members work on the home every day, so volunteers have the opportunity to meet and work alongside the people that will be living in the home. 

A donation of time or money can make a huge difference in the life of a family. Consider organizing a fund-raiser or organizing workers. To volunteer to work or to make a donation, contact Chris Wittenmeier at christena1026@comcast.net or Sarah Murphy at sarah.murphy@prodigy.net.

The Traveling Communion Table will grace the chapel at General Assembly before moving on to displaced congregations.

Paul Hartig, pastor of Saint Paul (Ind.) Christian Church and a student at Christian Theological Seminary, has constructed a traveling communion table that will make its first stop in the chapel at the upcoming General Assembly in Indianapolis. 

Hartig originally built the table for Downey Avenue Christian Church in Indianapolis after the sanctuary had been severely damaged by fire in December 2005.  The original intent was to provide an enhanced sacred feel to the fellowship hall of the church, where the congregation met for worship while the sanctuary was being rebuilt.

The design of the table incorporates a three-part, angled shape, representative of the Triune God, and the words, “Do this in remembrance of me.”  Hartig says, “My hope for this table was that it would encourage each of us to remember the the gift of love shared with us 2000 years ago as well as to offer us a place today where we can ‘re-member’ the Body of Christ.”

Three panels of stained glass, also built by Hartig, will be incorporated into the construction of the table.  The center panel depicts the logo and theme for the 2009 General Assembly, For the Healing of the Nations.  Lettering on the glass was done by Patty and Tom Pike of Sign Masters in Saint Paul and members of Hartig’s congregation.

Paul Hartig, pastor at Saint Paul Christian Church, holds a stained glass piece that will be part of the traveling communion table.

The Administrative Board at Downey Avenue helped launch the Traveling Communion Table ministry by voting to allow the table to journey to another congregation that had been displaced from their regular worship space by human activity or natural disaster.  When the table makes its first stop in the chapel, participants at General Assembly will have the opportunity to learn about the ministry of the Traveling Communion Table.

Rev. Ilumbe celebrates his joy at being in Indianapolis. Rev. Sandra Gourdet (left), Africa Executive for Global Ministries and Rev. Richard Spleth (right), Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Indiana, were among the delegation welcoming Rev. Ilumbe and Rosette to Indiana.

Rev. ILUMBE Ndjongo and his wife, Mama Rosette, arrived in Indianapolis Thursday evening, July 2.  They will be guests of the Indiana Region for five weeks.   Over 100 Hoosier Disciples gathered at the Indianapolis International Airport to welcome the couple.

Rev. Ilumbe is Principal Supervising Pastor (PSP) of the Mbandaka District of the 10th Community–Disciples of Christ in the Congo (10-CDCC).  He expressed great joy at being in Indianapolis, a place he has known all his life as the home of the missionaries who came to his country beginning over 100 years ago.

The Mbandaka District and the Christian Church in Indiana entered into a mission partnership in May 2008.

Hoosier Disciples have the opportunity to welcome other Disciples guests. Rev. BONANGA Eliki, General Secretary and Legal Representative of the Disciples Community in the Congo and his wife, Mama Anna, will be arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport at 5:29 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

130 Hoosier Disciples gathered at the Indianapolis International Airport on July 2 to welcome Rev. Ilumbe and Rosette from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rev. Bonanga will be a major speaker at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada when it meets in Indianapolis July 29-August 2. All Indiana Disciples are invited to come to the airport to welcome Rev. Bonanga and Mama Anna to Indiana.