The Indiana e-Christian

Greg Bryant, pastor of Centenary Christian Church, leads worship at the original site as part of the church's 100th anniversary celebration.

Centenary Christian Church in Indianapolis celebrated 100 years of service in worship on Sunday, October 11.  The church is located on the near east side of Indianapolis at 1035 N. Oxford.

The morning began with a gather at the original site of the church, above a storefront at the corner of 10th and Rural.  Following a time of scripture, prayer and singing, the group walked a block and a half back to the congregation’s current meeting location.

The celebration included the presentation of a quilt made by the women of the church entitled, “Helping Hands: Past, Present and Future.”  The quilt was made possible by a gift in memory of Margaret Wright.

Presentations included as part of the worship service included music from the chancel choir and bell choir and snapshots of church history.  Manna, a quartet from earlier days at the church, reunited for the celebration and also presented special music.

The morning message, “1910,” was given by a former pastor of Centenary, Richard Powell.  Other former ministers in attendance included Paula Peterson, Jeff Gill, Lind Trowbridge, Brooks Barrick and Richard Moore.

Over 200 members, former members and friends shared in the celebration.

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.

In many ways, Central Christian Church, Indianapolis, is much like many other Disciples congregations. The lectionary is followed. The building is old and the organ is grand. Young children haven’t quite mastered the art of walking slowly and quietly as they proceed to Worship & Wonder.

Despite other similarities, Central Christian has just concluded its first program year as one of only three in the Indiana Region to proclaim their congregation to be Open and Affirming, making a public commitment that persons of all sexual orientations are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church.

The congregation’s membership has included gay and lesbian members for two decades, but it took as many years of conversation and study, a formal discernment process, a new Mission Statement and a Welcome Statement to reach the point of taking a public position.

The formal discernment process began in 2003, as 70 members of the church met in groups of 10-12.  However, it was not until March of 2007 that the congregation began holding “circles of inquiry” about becoming open and affirming.  A Welcome Statement approved in the spring of 2008 affirmed the diversity of the congregation, and the Board voted in favor of proclaiming Central to be an open and affirming congregation in September 2008.

Elder Kerry Armstrong, reflecting on the process, observes that Disciples belief and practice have traditionally been at odds. “We claim the Table is open,” he says, adding, “We declare the invitation is by God and not the church. But, still we draw a circle around the Table and say some are not worthy.”

Fortunately, this tension can be resolved, he adds, through “a long process of living out our journeys of faith – both gay and straight – openly and honestly.” Based on his experience at Central, Armstrong suggests that when “a church shares ministry and struggles together with hard questions, stereotypes and misconceptions about ‘the other’ disappear.”

The congregation’s Mission Statement also calls upon the congregation to “extend God’s boundless hospitality to all.” Central continues to find that to seek to welcome in a way that reflects the fullness of God’s love can be challenging, but rewarding.

New Light Christian Church, Indianapolis, opened The Place 2 Hang, on Friday, April 17. The program is a community gathering place that features a weekly chaperoned social and recreational gathering for youth between the ages of 11 and 21. The Place 2 Hang also includes monthly programs for adults between the ages of 21-55.

The program is held every Friday from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Place 2 Hang is an outreach of New Light’s M-Power Youth Mentoring Program. The Place 2 Hang program is designed to make a positive impact on youth and the wider community. It is a place for youth to have fun and be themselves.

The church believes that if they can provide a safehaven for youth to gather, it will be a positive outlet for them. The Place 2 Hang is one way that New Light attempts to meet the youth where they are. Activites include, but are not limited to, time on the computers, Playstation, Wii, Basketball, Volleyball, Double Dutch, Talent shows, greek step shows, poetry contests, ping pong, movies, and more.

Rev. Michael Scaife, pastor of New Light Christian Church, comments that The Place 2 Hang offers "community outreach by providing recreational activities, mentoring, education, and social services." He adds, "We've also found out that when youth and the community at large are offered structured, consistent night-time programs that include recreation programs as well as evening social activities, the impact on crime reduction is proven."

The program serves young adults and older individuals through programs such as HIV/AIDS testing, voter registration, Health screenings, AA and NA information weekly and monthly.

Two Indiana congregations in formation showed the highest per capita giving to Disciples outreach in 2008.  Iglesia Cristiana Casa del Alfarero contributed over $6,000 to Disciples causes in 2008, and Living Water Christian Church contributed almost $5,000.

Casa del Alfarero (Potter’s House) is led by Rev. Daphne Arias.  The congregation started in 2003 and is currently nesting at Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis.

Living Water is led by Rev. Charles Webb, Jr.  The congregation started in 2007 after the closing of Faith United and University Park Christian Churches.  Living Water is currently holding its worship services in the chapel at Robin Run Village in Indianapolis.

Allisonville Christian Church showed the highest total contributions to Disciples outreach and also showed the largest dollar increase.  Rev. Bob Riester serves Allisonville as senior minister.

East Christian Church in Markleville demonstrated a significant percent increase from 2007, as did Centenary Christian Church in Indianapolis.  These churches are served by Rev. Mike Srbljan and Rev. Gregory Bryant, respectively.

Other highlights from 2008 giving reports include:

• Five congregations gave to Disciples outreach in 2008 that did not in 2007.  These gains equal $2,529.
• Seven congregations did not give to Disciples outreach in 2008 that did in 2007.  These losses equal $6,219.
• 84 congregations increased giving in 2008 over 2007.  The total increase from these churches was $156,757.

Total Disciples outreach includes all giving to Disciples causes through the DMF office, including Disciples Mission Fund, blessing boxes, special day offerings, Week of Compassion, Reconcilation, designated giving and Heartbeats of Faith.

Northwood Christian Church services are now broadcast each Friday at 12:30 pm on WHMB TV 40.  WHMB broadcasts can be received across Central Indiana on cable and non-cable systems.  Messages from Pastor Ted Nottingham can also be heard every Sunday at 11:30 am on WICR 88.7 FM. The programs regularly include general information on the history and basic beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Northwood received 27 new members last year and is already receiving people into membership this year, due in part to the synergy of media presence, active church growth efforts, presentations to the public, and a strong music program. A dynamic internet presence is also having a significant impact on drawing visitors to the church.

Visit Northwood on the web at www.northwoodchristian.com.

The registration system for General Assembly, which had been down due to techincal difficulties, is now back online.  In addition, the deadline for early bird registration has been extended two months, from January 31 to March 31.

An additional discount is available to Indiana Disciples as representatives of the host region.  Hoosier Disciples can save $60 by registering before March 31.  The cost, including the early bird and host region discounts, is $100.

To receive the host region discount while registering online, select ‘host region’ from the list of registration options.  The discount is not applied automatically.

A $50 one-day registration is also available for those who would like to experience part of the Assembly but cannot commit either the money or the time for a full registration.  Evening worship services at the General Assembly are open to the public.

The General Assembly will meet at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, July 29 – August 2.

Rev. Stuart Mill presides as leaders and scouts from Troop 505 serve communion.

The scouts and leaders of Troop 505 participated in the morning worship service of Westview Christian Church, Indianapolis, in observance of Boy Scout Week. The scouts participated as color guard, worship leaders for scripture and prayer, and deacons. The leaders participated by serving at the communion table as Elders.

Troop 505 has been sponsored by Westview for the last 44 years. During that time, 432 young men have passed through the scout program at Westview. 77 of those have attained the rank of Eagle, the highest rank attainable in scouting. At present, 24 boys and 15 adult leaders participate in troop activities.

For more information on scouting and Troop 505, call the church at 291-7871.

On Saturday, December 12, 2008 the AIDS Ministry Network of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) traveled to the John H. Boner Community Center in Indianapolis to conduct free anonymous HIV testing and prevention education focusing on HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Women In Motion, a not-for-profit community based organization in Indianapolis, sponsored a ‘Teen Extravaganza’ where attendees heard from several speakers on topics such as postponing sex and the consequences associated with failure to postpone sex, namely HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The event also included a talent show which showcased vocals, spoken word, and original artwork. Pamela Goodwin, Founder and Executive Director of Women in Motion, contacted the AIDS Ministry Network through the Indiana Counselors and Testers Support Network website, www.IndianaTesters.org and Wabash Valley PATH of Terre Haute, Indiana.  Indiana Testers is co-sponsored by the AIDS Ministry Network of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

While staff from the Marion County Health Departments Bell Flower Clinic tested for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, the AIDS Ministry Network tested for HIV using a rapid test that takes only 15 minutes. The participating organizations offered counseling to individuals and provided brochures on HIV and STIs to youth as well as parents.

Jody Grieb, a volunteer with the AMNCC, reported that 37 people were tested for HIV and an additional 18 were tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

The AIDS Minsitry Network is available to help bring a faith based, comprehensive HIV/STI prevention program and free anonymous HIV testing through member groups to congregations and other organizations.

Member organizations of the AMNCC promote a ‘Sex Positive’ approach, encouraging abstinence from behaviors that could lead to pregnancy and HIV/STI infection.  These member organizations also believe that taking sex out of the closet and talking about it openly and without judgment will lead to fewer new infections of HIV and STIs, fewer unplanned pregnancies, fewer hate motivated crimes and less discrimination.

Questions about the AMNCC and how your congregation or organization can get involved in comprehensive health education can be directed to Jody Grieb: by email at jgrieb@wvpath.orgor by phone at 812.243.6402.

Next summer Indianapolis will proudly host the 2009 General Assembly for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This will be an exciting time for the entire church, as well as for the Christian Church in Indiana, but it will also require nearly 400 local volunteers to assure success of the event.

Logo and theme for the 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis.

The theme for the General Assembly is, “For the Healing of the Nations,” based on Revelation 22:2.

Work is well underway to organize volunteers for this exciting challenge. Earlier this year, a group of Disciples clergy from greater Indianapolis selected Arlene Pimentel as chair of the Local Arrangements Committee. The committee consists of four Vice Chairpersons that are responsible for a vast variety of volunteer tasks.

Several opportunities exist for volunteers to extend Hoosier hospitality to General Assembly attendees. These range from providing specialized transportation to organizing the serving of communion at worship services, and everything in between. The Local Arrangements Committee also has a treasurer and recording secretary.

“We’re trying to emphasize involvement by everyone in the Indiana Region,” states Arlene Pimentel. Involvement includes registering early as a General Assembly attendee. A registration discount is available to anyone who registers from the Indiana Region.

Involvement also means volunteering for one of the many needs of the General Assembly. Contact the committee via email at genassembly09@mdssworld.com for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.

“What a wonderful way to praise God through our denomination by showing genuine Hoosier hospitality to our visitors from around the world. Volunteer today and be a part of this exciting event,” adds Pimentel.