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.

Ray Boltz in Concert from Jesus MCC on Vimeo.

Set list:

To Be True
God Knows I Tried
Don’t Tell Me
Following Her Dream
Dancing With The Girls
The Swimming Hole
I Will Choose To Love
I Chose
Thank You
Take Up Your Cross, with the Jesus MCC Choir
Who Would Jesus Love?
The Anchor Holds

Ray Boltz has written and sung some of Christian music’s greatest hits — Thank You, Watch The Lamb, I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb. He has sold more than four million albums and his songs have repeatedly reached the top of the Christian music charts, including twelve No. 1 Hits. He has won three Dove Awards — Christian music’s highest honor. He has been a hero within the American evangelical Christian movement, including headlining huge Promise Keepers gatherings.

Several years ago, Ray stepped out of the limelight to reflect and reassess. Now he’s ready to launch a whole new phase in his music career.

Ray wants the first concert of this new phase to be at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, Indianapolis, where he worshiped several times during his period of reassessment.  The concert will be on Sunday September 14, at 6:00 pm.  Jesus MCC is located at 2950 East 55th Place, on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Tickets for the concert are available by calling 317-722-0000 x 100 or by emailing the church office.  Tickets are $20 each for adults, $5 for ages 12 to 18, and under 12 are free. Seating is limited. All proceeds will benefit this new phase in Ray’s music career. Invite your family and friends for a momentous and moving Christian music concert!

Join us Sunday August 10 as we celebrate at each service!  The day will feature

• Special Guest Rev. Belva Boone from St. John’s MCC, Raleigh, NC.  Rev. Boone has been a member of MCC since 1983, and is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, where her training emphasized preaching and worship.  She’s been pastor of St. John’s MCC since 2001, and is the first African American woman to hold that position.
• Performances by the Gospel Choir and the Praise Dance Team!
• A soul food potluck after the 11:00 am service!  Ham and fried chicken 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.

It’s something no parent even wants to think about — the disappearance of a child.  But if the unthinkable were to happen, would you be prepared with the information the authorities need to help find your child and bring them back safely?

On August 17, after the 11:00 am service, we’re offering the Managing Information on Lost Kids Program in cooperation with Farmers Insurance Group.  Photos and fingerprints of your child, along with other essential data, will be compiled into an easy-to-use electronic resource.  And while we all pray that these will never have to be used, you can rest assured that you’ll be prepared for a time when minutes can make a difference.

There is no cost or obligation for this resource kit, and it’s not a sales pitch in disguise.

If you have questions, please email Melody Merida or call her at (317) 722-0000.

The Moderator and spiritual leader of Metropolitan Community Churches, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, will speak at our 6:00 pm worship service on June 29.

That same weekend, Rev. Wilson will be a featured speaker at a conference here in Indianapolis sponsored by the Evangelical Ecumenical Women’s Conference.  For more about the Conference, pick up a brochure at the Info Desk or visit the website: A Place at the Table 2008.

Childhood Memories — Adult Dreams!

That’s the theme for our 2008 Art Auction, and you won’t want to miss it! This Auction will raise funds for our Children’s and Missions Ministries.

This Auction is not just a fundraiser, it’s an event! We’ll have an over-the-top extravaganza beginning with the art preview and amazing food at 6:00 pm.

We will bring back fond memories of childhood, with a gourmet twist on favorite foods from another era. We’ll be entertained by a magician, a balloon artist and a face painter, then the auction will begin at 7:30 pm.

Kids under 13 are admitted free — but please let us know they’re coming, so we can make arrangements.

Tickets are on sale at the church on Sundays for $20, or patron packages of 10 tickets for $150. To reserve tickets or to advertise in the auction program, please email us.

Devotions for Holy Week: During Holy Week, we’ll offer several special devotionals as part of Be Still and Know.

Easter Egg Hunt, March 15, 11:00 am to noon. All kids are invited to join us for cool games, exciting prizes and lots of eggs to find!

Palm Sunday Service, March 16, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm, to mark the start of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday Service, March 20, 7:00 pm. We will gather to celebrate a traditional Jewish Seder meal, which marks the start of Passover. This is the meal Jesus would have shared with his followers the night before his death. Maundy Thursday is a “hands on” way to connect the Old Testament stories with the New Testament resurrected Christ.

Good Friday Service, March 21, 7:00 pm. A somber, contemplative service with stunning music and drama.

Have you ever thought about what Jesus’ disciples thought and felt when their Master was betrayed and crucified? That will be the focus of our powerful Good Friday Service.

We’ll hear from John and Peter about what appeared to be the loss of their dreams. They will show us what that group of Jesus followers experienced as that Passover weekend unfolded. Their lives would be altered forever, as their dreams were nailed to the cross with their Messiah. Join us for The Loss of a Dream.

Easter Services, March 23, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 6:00 pm. Join us as we celebrate together the power of resurrection!