The Indiana e-Christian

“God Has Done Great Things” provides the theme for the 2008 Christmas Special Day Offering of Disciples Mission Fund. The theme, drawn from Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1, calls individuals and churches to recall the many blessings of God and to give as an act of rejoicing.

The Christmas Offering offers individuals and congregations the opportunity to express gratitude for the ministry of the Region in their life and work. All gifts to the Christmas Offering given by Hoosier Disciples remain in Indiana to support the many ways in which the Region equips and connects the ministries of its 185 congregations.

God has begun a great thing in the Region through the work of congregational transformation. Seven congregations participated in a pilot group that has just completed an 18-month process of discernment and training. Many of these congregations are beginning experiments to help them move toward more effective ministry. A second group of congregations is forming that will begin the process in January.

In addition, several Indiana congregations are experiencing transformation by engaging “Unbinding the Gospel.” Others have embarked on their own spiritual strategic journey. All these efforts are supported by the Region in its ongoing effort to equip congregations to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

Camping programs continue to be one of the most visible ministries of the region. Each year over 800 youth and adults participate in the region’s summer camping program. In 2008, the camp program introduced “Created to Be Me,” a camp for eighth graders that helps them explore questions of faith and sexuality. The camp was enthusiastically welcomed.

A second group of middle school students are entering the LEAD program, sponsored by the Commission on Ministry. This program trains leaders for the church by identifying youth with leadership potential and working with them over six years to develop their leadership skills.

These ministries and many others are made possible by the support of faithful Disciples across Indiana. Please join in the great things that God is doing by giving generously to the Christmas offering.

November 21-22, 2008 will be the sixth annual production of A Christmas Carol at First Christian Church in Marion. The production schedule includes a dress rehearsal on November 20, with public performances on November 21 and 22.  Both public performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

Scrooge is visited by Marley's Ghost during First Christian's production of "A Christmas Carol".

The production started in 2003 when pastor Rodger Moore presented an idea for a sermon series entitled “Humbug to Halleluiah.” Several church members involved with the Marion Civic Theater agreed to perform small theater cameos during the sermon series. This effort spawned an idea to put on the full play at the church as a gift to the community. A small but creative group lined up members interested in all aspects of the production and recruited two well known directors at the Civic Theater.

Since 2003 members of the church have created the set pieces, acquired costumes and props, installed new lighting and sound components, adding new items to the production each year. After the first year the production became a self supported event by selling advertisements in our program book and have never charged for admission.

That first year most parts were filled by very capable church members, with some entire families participating in different ways. This is still true today. Each year the number of community members cast has increased, in large part due to the continued partnership with the Civic.

The 2008 production is a special one. In addition to the no admission charge performances at the church, the church has been invited to participate with Marion Civic Theater to perform A Christmas Carol as one of their season shows December 5-7 and 12-14.

For more information on the production, please visit http://www.rememberindiana.com/fcc/info.htm.