Many, many thanks to everyone who was part of the June 13 Pride Day outreach!

From the marchers in the parade, to everyone who shared info and literature at the church booth, to the fantastic band and choir performance — you were fabulous!

Collectively, we had untold opportunities to share the most vital message ever: There’s a place for you in God’s family!

Jesus MCC's group in the 2009 Indy Pride Parade.

Jesus MCC's Band and Choirs perform at Indy Pride.

Are you looking for a way to connect and make friends? Are you looking for an opportunity to dig deep, and to think intentionally about your next spiritual step? Then Jesus MCC’s SoulShift Program is for you! This quarter you have four terrific study options this quarter:

• Reflecting On My Journey. Walk through eight key questions to assess where you are on your spiritual journey, and what might be your next step. Prerequisite to Discipleship 101 and 102.
• Discipleship 101: Building a Close Relationship with God. Examine the teachings of Jesus directly, without the centuries of encrusted “churchiness.” What does Jesus ask of us? Do I want to follow Jesus? How can I communicate with God?
• Discipleship 102: Thriving In Christian Community. Discover what Church is supposed to be and where you fit.
• Unwrapping God’s Gifts. Explore the many gifts God has given us (spiritual gifts, personality, interests, values) and how they point us to our “sweet spot” of service, at church and elsewhere.

Classes begin the first week of July, so register soon! You don’t have to be a member to participate; all are welcome. Registration forms will be in the Weekly News on June 21, 28 and July 5.

You won’t want to miss Vacation Bible School!

We will explore the wonders of God’s incredible world through daily expeditions of Discovery Canyon. We’ll have some exciting adventures as we make our way through Red Rock Rhythm, Sagebrush Storytelling, and Gully Games, just to name a few of our destinations. The trek is scheduled for June 22-26, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

This year’s VBS will feature a special Navajo Nation Missions opportunity for the children as we seek to create a global community.

To register your child or to donate some items that will help us create a dynamic canyon experience, stop by the information table in the social hall on Sunday, or email Melody Merida.

Your children will make memories that can last for a lifetime! Grab your walking stick and join us on the journey through Discovery Canyon.

Church is supposed to be a place of sanctuary—a place where we always feel safe. Here at Jesus MCC, we have been fortunate that in our 18 year history, we’ve never had a major incident. But recent national news has reminded us that sometimes churches face security challenges.

We have decided to take three proactive measures to upgrade security at Jesus MCC:

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Sunday, May 3 marks the end of Vivian Wyatt’s nine-month internship at Jesus MCC. Vivian is a seminary student at Earlham School of Religion, where she is about to enter her final year of work on a Master of Divinity degree. For the past nine months, Vivian has had the opportunity to develop her wonderful gifts of spiritual leadership, blessing us with awesome sermons, small group leadership, prayer, communion, wise counsel, and much more.

But this is not the last we’ll see of Vivian! She became a member of our church on April 19. She will be away for two months (June and July) for a chaplaincy internship at a hospital in Virginia, then be back among us for her final year of seminary. Upon her return, Vivian will continue providing spiritual leadership in our Church. She is considering seeking ordination within MCC.

Vivian says, “My experience at Jesus MCC has been life changing. The love this congregation has shown me epitomizes God’s love, and I am so glad that you have accepted and welcomed me into the fold. While away for [my internship], I will miss you and look forward to coming home!” Let’s all be sure to express our love and appreciation for Vivian!

Trip to Sudan, January 2009 from Jesus MCC on Vimeo.

Six people from Jesus MCC went to Sudan with New Community Project to meet the people there, learn about the country and their needs, and to see if there is something we can do to make a difference.

See also:

• From the Be Still and Know devotional: Lessons from Sudan
• Pictures from the trip: Back from Sudan
• A Visit to the Sudan: Great Need, and Glimmers of Hope

Our Drama Team, Music Ministries, Dance Team and Kid’s Choir will present a multi-part production that will unfold sequentially on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Join us on:

• Palm Sunday, April 5, at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm, to mark the start of Holy Week.
• Maundy Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 pm or Good Friday, April 10, at 7:00 pm. The production will be the same on Thursday and Friday, so you can come to either service.
• Easter Sunday, April 12, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm. Join us as we celebrate together the power of resurrection!

This musical — spread over four days — is about the importance of remembering. Jesus told us to remember Him and His sacrifice. He instituted the sacrament of the Last Supper to be a central part of the Christian faith — a time to gather as His Body and remember. May we never lose the wonder of the Cross.

On Palm Sunday, you will be a part of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we’ll be among the disciples receiving communion at the Last Supper and experience the passion of Calvary. (The services are identical on Thursday and Friday nights.) Easter Sunday will be a joyous celebration of resurrection.

Children are also invited to join us for our annual Easter Egg  Hunt on Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 am. We’ll have cool games, prizes and lots of eggs to find!

2008 Missions Service Trip to the Navajo Nation from Jesus MCC on Vimeo.

An overview of Jesus MCC’s Missions Service Trip to Gallup, New Mexico, to work with the Southwest Indian Foundation and the Navajo Nation. The trip was in October, 2008.

The budget approved at last Sunday’s Congregational Meeting allows us to begin paying an Administrative Assistant for ten hours per week. This position was posted in December and interviews conducted. Mark Shoup has been selected to fill the position.

For the past two years, Mark has volunteered 20 hours per week in the office, in an incredible act of generosity. He has made a huge difference in our operations, and we are delighted that we can finally begin compensating him for at least some of his time. Mark’s responsibilities include attendance analysis reports, phone and email coordination, book order fulfillment, sermon duplication, payroll processing, and an unending stream of critical clerical tasks!

Mark grew up in Tipp City, Ohio, attending Brethren Churches with his family. He holds a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and has served as a professional chef at various restaurants, including Café Nora in Indianapolis. To make ends meet, Mark is also currently working part-time at Trader Joe’s Grocery. We are delighted that Mark is now officially part of our Staff Team. Please thank him for his incredible service!

Our missions team returned from Sudan this week. Here are a few pictures from the trip, and the group will share much more information in the weeks ahead. Click the picture to enlarge.

Are you looking for a place to work through life challenges with the company and support of other caring people?

Beginning Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm, we’ll offer our new support group, Turning Point. This support group is will be a safe place for any who want to speak with a counselor and connect with a loving group.

The counselor for our new group is Mary Frohs. Mary is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary and has been a senior pastor for more than 10 years. She is currently seeking her Doctorate of Ministry degree at Christian Theological Seminary and is writing her thesis on “reclaiming the healing and transformative power of dreams”.

There is no need to register nor is there any cost for this group. Come as you are Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm beginning February 4. Questions? Please email the church office or call (317) 722-0000.

Fifty-six activist leaders from around the world received copies of The Children Are Free at the 24th Worldwide Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association in Vienna, Austria, in November, 2008.

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At our Annual Congregational Meeting on February 8, we will review a draft 2009 budget proposed by the Board of Directors and elect four Board members.

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Mark your calendar! If you have questions, please email the church office or call (317) 722-0000. This schedule will be continually updated as more details are confirmed.

First Sunday of Advent, November 30.

Beginning December 1, Be Still and Know (our devotional resource) will offer Advent and Christmas-themed devotionals. Each Monday will look at the traditional themes of Advent: hope, love, joy, and peace, and for the rest of the week we’ll look at Jesus’ colorful ancestors, those usually glossed over in the “begats.” You can read each day’s entry online or get them by email.

Our traditional Giving Tree items will be available for you to take on December 7. We’ll buy gifts for Indiana Youth Group and clients of the Damien Center.

Parent’s Day Out, December 6, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Parents, do you need a day to yourselves? Need time to do that holiday shopping? The JMCC Nursery Team will host our annual Parent’s Day Out for any child between the ages of 1–12! You can drop off your kids at the church any time between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm for a day full of fun activities, awesome games, and yummy pizza! Please fill out the information sheet at the info kiosk at church or email Melody Merida if you are interested.

Couples’ social event: Holiday Progressive Dinner on ­Saturday, December 6, at 6:30 pm. Cost is $25 per couple for good fellowship and great food. We will be limited to 15 couples so register today! Contact the church office for information or to make reservations.

The sermons and services on December 14 and 21 will explore Christmas themes.

Christmas Program, December 14, 6:00 pm. A celebration featuring our Children’s Choir, called Bethlehem Treasure. View the program.

Birthday Party for Jesus, December 21, 11:00 am. Children’s Church will celebrate Jesus’ birthday with a party — complete with games, cake, and gifts.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 pm, we’ll hold a special service with candlelight and music.

Christmas Day Open House, Thursday, December 25, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Pastor Jeff Miner and David Zier’s home. Desserts and hors doeuvres will be served the entire time, dinner will be served until 6:00 pm. Mark Brown will lead carol singing at 7:00 pm. Contact the church office if you need directions.

Regular service times for Sunday, December 28, 2008, as we look forward to 2009! We’ll begin the year with a sermon series that provides an in-depth look at ways we can become more intentional in our spiritual lives.

New Year’s Eve Party and Game Night, December 31, 8:00 pm to midnight at the church. All are invited as the Transformation Oasis sponsors this New Year’s event. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share and your favorite board or card game. Happy New Year!

“If one member suffers, all suffer together with them; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with them.” 1 Corinthians 12:26

Are you affected by HIV/AIDS? Are you looking for ways to find support and grow spiritually? Welcome to the Positively + Oasis! Please plan to attend with a heart attuned to learning what plans God has for your future! We will look at ways to grow and praise God.

We will begin meeting the first week in December on Wednesday evenings at the Church. The Group is open to anyone who is affected by HIV/AIDS. For the first few meetings, we will get acquainted, share stories, and decide together how the Group will function.

Then we will study The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, with an emphasis on how those affected by HIV can look forward and determine God’s purpose for their lives. If you would like to attend or want more information, please contact Oasis leader Larry Gist via the church office. Confidentiality will be respected in the Positively + Oasis.

Please join the Indianapolis community of transgender people and our friends and loved ones for the Transgender Day of Remembrance, which will be held at Central Christian Church (701 N. Delaware) from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 22.

This event will acknowledge and honor the lives of transgender people, to commemorate those who have died and to celebrate those who live their lives each day. Our own Oliver Danni Green, a member of our TransFormation Oasis, will be a featured speaker. For information, contact the TDoR Project Manager.

The TransFormation Oasis of Jesus MCC is thrilled to be a sponsor of the 2008 Transgender Day of Remembrance. TransFormation is a spiritual support group of people of all genders. We meet each Sunday at 2:00 pm in Room 2. Contact the church office for more information.

In the November 16 worship services, we will be dedicating our brand new Votive Candle Altars.

Candles have been an integral part of Christian worship through the ages. One example is found in Revelation 1:12-20, where the passage suggests a separate candle burns in God’s presence for each local Church, serving as a continual “reminder” to God.

Prayer candles build on that notion. When we light a prayer candle — traditionally known as “votive candles” — God sees our candle and is “reminded” of our prayer. The candle becomes a form of continuous silent prayer, expressing our hearts to God.

There are many ways to pray.  Votive candles are not a replacement for other forms of prayer, but they serve as a lovely reinforcement for the prayers we speak to God throughout the week.

Each Sunday when you arrive at Church, you are welcome to light a prayer candle before or after worship service, or during Holy Communion. Your candle will burn until it is consumed.  You are also welcome to light a prayer candle anytime you come to Church during the week. You may light a candle to express thanks or praise or to raise a prayer for yourself or others.  There is no cost for lighting a candle; God’s grace is free.

The altars were designed, constructed, and donated by David Humbert and Kenn King in consultation with our Building Trustees. Our deepest thanks to them!

Jesus MCC’s traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner will happen on November 27 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Please join us if your schedule allows! It’ll be a great time with good food and church friends. You’re welcome to bring board or card games.

The church will provide the turkey. Please bring a side dish or dessert to help complete the meal. If you plan to attend, please fill out the form in Sunday’s bulletin or email the church office so we can plan appropriately.

This year, for the first time, the church is also hosting the Community Thanksgiving Dinner that’s co-sponsored by Indy Pride and Indiana Black Pride on Saturday, November 22, at 6:00 pm.

It’s a pitch-in dinner with meat provided, and it’s open to everyone. In addition to the community meal, Indy Pride scholarship awards will be presented,  and there will be performances by the Pride of Indy Band and the Jesus MCC Gospel Choir.

And on Sunday, November 23, the Children’s Ministry will host our first ever Thanksgiving meal together at 11:00 am. This will be a smaller version of a traditional Thanksgiving meal that our children can share together as we give thanks for our blessings. The children’s ministry will provide the turkey, and we are asking parents to bring a small side dish to be shared. Sign-up sheets are available in your child’s classroom today and next Sunday. If you have questions, please email Melody Merida.

Greetings from sunny, cool — and very dry — Gallup, New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that a year has flown by since our mission service team has been here, but amazingly enough, we’ve picked up where we left off.

While we’ve only been here a few days, so many wonderful things have happened –- so here’s the latest from the southwest.

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At our Evening Worship Service, beginning on October 12 and continuing for the next few Sundays, we will be experimenting with a new worship format that is spontaneous, warm, and informal. We’ll begin with a rough sketch for the flow of the worship service, but then adjust as the Spirit leads.

Our worship will include songs, song requests, testimonies, prayer, sharing of prayer requests — all blended in a fashion that closely resembles the worship practices of the earliest Christians.

After we experiment for a couple weeks, we’ll seek feedback from those who participate and decide whether to continue.

If you’d like to be part of this new adventure, join us at 6:00 pm on Sunday evening!