Join us on Sunday, August 8 as we welcome Indiana Black Pride for our annual Community Worship Celebration! Highlights of the day include:

• Special guest speaker Rev. Candy Holmes! She has been part of MCC since 1987 and is a gifted preacher, healer, and musical director. She is known for her justice and ecumenical work.
• Songs by the Gospel Choir!
• A soul food potluck after the 11:00 am service! Main dishes will be provided. If you plan to take part in the potluck, please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Rev. Holmes was a guest in the Oval Office when President Obama signed an executive order granting Federal employees with same-sex partners extended benefits on June 17, 2009. Official White House Photographer Pete Souza.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 21 at noon! Our annual church picnic is always a time of great fun and wonderful fellowship.

This year the picnic will be part of our anniversary weekend celebration. The picnic will be held on the church grounds and will include loads of great activities: a bounce house for the kids, a tent to provide shade, exciting yard games, and of course some great hot dogs and hamburgers. And if that’s not enough, there will also be a dunk tank so that everyone can have a turn trying to dunk the church staff!

A few notes:

• The church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers, and we’ll each bring our favorite side dish or dessert to share.
• There will be some seating, but if you can, please bring lawn chairs.
• Lemonade and iced tea will be provided. If you’d like another beverage, please bring it with you.

Our next TGI Friday Night Praise Service will be July 30 at 7:00 pm! Our first “experiment” was a wonderful success, so we are going to continue this service each quarter.

If you like praise and worship and want more music, this service is for you! We’ll sing a wide range of old and new favorites.

Our worship theme for the evening is Faith Without Borders. We’ll be blessed with a homily from Michael Drain. You may remember him from the Black History Month service as “the Preacher.” He’ll share some insights about faith and how that impacts us as a church that draws from diverse traditions.

We will have some soloists from our church, and one from our local community, Anthony Rodriguez. Our prayer is that God will speak to you through the music and strengthen you on life’s journey!

The Gay Christian Network will offer their 1-day conference, Reclaiming Christianity, here at Jesus MCC on June 26, beginning at 9:00 am.

It’s for Christians who believe the church’s reputation as homophobic and bigoted needs to change. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded Christians and learn how to make a difference. The conference is a cooperative effort with welcoming churches in our area.

Info and registration is at ChristiansWhoLove.com. Cost is $20 in advance; $30 at the door. Lunch is provided.

Questions? See the contact form at the conference website, or email David Squire at Jesus MCC.

Pride Season is fast approaching and we’re going to work together to make it better than ever! Here are some ways you can participate:

• We will march in the Indy Pride parade on June 12, and would like as many of us as possible to join in, wearing a Jesus MCC t-shirt. More shirts will be available in the church bookstore on May 30, in sizes from Youth Small to 6XL.
• We’re looking for a few folks to staff the church booth at the Festival. Shifts will be two to three hours, and two or three people will be assigned to each shift. There’s no “proselytizing” involved—booth staff will pass out brochures, answer questions, and mostly, just be friendly.
• New this year: LGBT Family Picnic at Eagle Creek Park, also on June 12. Jesus MCC is a sponsor of this event, and we’ll have a church booth there, same as at the Pride Festival.
• Our Choirs and Instrumentalists will perform a three-song set at the Indy Pride Festival. Look for them on the main stage at 11:45 pm!
• We’re exploring the possibility of having a float in the parade next year. We want to put our heads together and explore ideas.

If you want to be part of any of these activities, please email David Squire.

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

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

At our Sunday evening service on April 11, we will host a presentation of Man from Magdalena, with music by Mary Lou Prince and words by Patty Christiena Willis.

As West Side Story portrays the Puerto Rican experience in New York City in the 1950s, Man from Magdalena is a musical story of the migrant experience in Southern Arizona in the 21st century.

The courage of Manuel Jesús Córdova Soberanes from Magdalena, a city an hour south of the Arizona/Mexico border, inspired the creation of Man from Magdalena. On his way north, he saved an Anglo boy’s life and in so doing gave up his own dream. In his incredible act of kindness, he urges us to find our own ways to reach out our hands and heal. The music will sweep you away.

Tickets are not required; admission is free. A portion of the offering will be given to the Kiva microloan program, which empowers people who are in poverty to create their own business ventures.

Our Music Ministry will present a concert trilogy:

• A Traitor Among Us, Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 pm.
  We will chronicle Jesus’ last days from the Passover, to the Garden of Gethsemene, to His arrest.
• Do You Know the King of the Jews? Good Friday, April 2 at 7:00 pm.
  We will stand with Jesus before Pontius Pilate, and follow Him through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgatha’s hill. As He is laid to rest in the tomb, we will ask, Who am I that a king would live and die for?
• Arise, My Love. Easter Sunday Morning, April 4 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am.
  Victory, God calls Jesus back from hell!
• Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3.
  Email Melody Merida for more info.

Jesus MCC will mark the beginning of Lent with an Ash Wednesday service on February 17 at 6:30 pm. Lent is a 40-day season that begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes at the Great Vigil of Easter. Ash Wednesday is named for the practice of imposing ashes, which many of us have found to be very meaningful.

The service will be a time of reflection and prayer with the imposition of ashes. If you can’t make it to the church you are encouraged to set aside some time for reflection and prayer in your own sacred space.

This list will be updated as more information becomes available. For information about any of these events, please call the church at (317) 722-0000 or email the office.

Traditional Giving Tree items…
…will be available to take from the tree in the social hall on November 29. We’ll purchase gifts for Indiana Youth Group and the Damien Center. Complete instructions will be on the gift tags.

Parent’s Day Out
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 on December 5 for any child between the ages of 1–12! You can drop off your kids at the church for a day full of fun activities! Email Melody Merida if you want to take part.

Couples Social Event!
The Eighth Annual Couples’ Social Progressive Dinner is this Saturday, December 5. Tickets have sold out, but you’re welcome to contact Stan or Skip Lyford-Jones via the church office to check on possible availability.

Simply Divine Tour of Churches
Tour five Near-Eastside churches in full holiday trim, enjoy refreshments and seasonal entertainment. An interchurch concert at the final stop includes Jesus MCC’s Choir and Instrumentalists.

The “Tour of Churches” begins at 2:00 pm December 5, at Shepherd Community Church, 4107 East Washington Street. Tickets for the tour and concert are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Transportation, refreshments and concert included in ticket.

If you want to attend just the concert, join us at Woodruff Place Baptist Church, 1739 E Michigan St, at 7:00 pm. Concert tickets are $10.

Tickets are available from Mark Brown or Zach Adamson at church on Sunday, or email Mark.

The Christmas Letters: Drama and Music Production
Written and directed by our own Jim Thorp, musical direction by Mark Brown. December 11 and 12 at 7:00 pm, here at the church.

The Christmas Letters follows the lives of 16 people during the Christmas season. The letters are written to family members, God, and friends.

There are some poignant moments of love, love lost, and heartbreak, as well as frivolity, humor, and hope. Join us as we ponder, How do we rejoice at Christ’s birth during times of stress in our lives?

Birthday Party for Jesus
On December 20, Children’s Church will celebrate with a Birthday Party for Jesus, complete with gifts and cake.

Christmas Eve Service
Join Deacon Robert Ferguson and our Gospel Choir for a warm and wonderful Christmas Eve! December 24, 7:00 pm.

Christmas Day Open House
Join us at Pastor Jeff and David Zier’s home for our traditional Christmas Open House from 2:00 to 10:00 pm. Dinner, dessert, and hors d’oeuvres will be served all day. This is not a pitch-in, so please don’t bring any food or gifts. Their home is on the far-east side of Indianapolis. Maps are available at church, or contact the office.

Jesus MCC’s traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner will happen on November 26 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 and ham. Please bring a side dish or dessert to help complete the meal. If you plan to attend, please email Melody Merida so we can plan appropriately.

Join us on Sunday, August 9 as we welcome Indiana Black Pride for our annual Community Worship Celebration! Highlights of the day include:

• Special guest speaker Rev. Dr. William Knight from Water of Life MCC, Tucson, Arizona. You can search youtube.com for samples of his dynamic preaching and singing.
• Songs by the Gospel Choir!
• A soul food potluck after the 11:00 am service! Main dishes will be provided. If you plan to take part in the potluck, please bring a side dish or dessert — and plenty of it! — to share.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

** New info: one date change, and you can now schedule your appointment online. **

We’re gearing up to produce a new church directory—and this one’s going to be online!

Pictures will be taken at the church on Wednesday, October 15 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Sunday, October 19 from noon to 6:00 pm, and Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. There is no cost to be included in the directory. You will have the opportunity to purchase prints but there’s no obligation.

The directory will be accessible from the church website, and will be password protected so your information is secure.

To make a photo appointment, call (317) 291-EDGE or go to the appointment website.

The AIDS Walk supports services and programs that help more than 10,000 Hoosiers with HIV/AIDS.

Participants and teams solicit pledges from family, friends, co-workers, employers and others to provide assistance with emergency shelter, utilities, food, medicine, and other daily living needs. The funds are managed by the Greg Powers / Direct Emergency Financial Assistance Fund (DEFA).

The pandemic is far from over—infection rates are increasing among women, youth and minorities. Indiana remains above the national average of young people under 25 who are living with AIDS. Won’t you sign up today to be part of Team JMCC? The walk is October 11, 1:00 pm at Military Park. Go to the walk website to sign up today! If you’re not able to join us for the walk, please make a pledge!

• October 11 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
• See the IMPD Mounted Police!
• Receive a Certificate of Blessing suitable for framing.
• Pet/Family Portraits, Petting Area, Refreshments.

You can pre-register your pet at church on Sunday.

Please note that pet owners will be responsible for their pets! All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier/kennel.