The AIDS Walk supports services and programs that help more than 10,000 Hoosiers with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised will provide assistance with shelter, utilities, food, medicine, and other daily living needs. The funds are managed by the Greg Powers/Direct Emergency Financial Assistance Fund (DEFA).

Won’t you sign up today to be part of Team JMCC? Your participation can make a huge difference to people right here in Indiana. The walk is Saturday October 10, 1:00 pm at University Park. You can join the team or make a donation online, or sign up and get details at church on Sunday.

If you can’t walk (or don’t want to) you can participate by gathering pledges or sponsoring someone else. You’re even welcome to join the team on Saturday for the team picture, turn in your pledges, and not walk, if that’s what you’d prefer. Our goal is to raise funds to help those in need!

As you may know, Fred Phelps and the Westboro Church have announced plans to picket at North Central High School’s production of The Laramie Project, a play about how the brutal slaying of University of Wyoming student Matt Shepard impacted an entire community.

You can read North Central Principal C E Quandt’s letter to students, families, and the community here.

He has requested, “all parents and community members to ignore the protesters, if you see them. Do not draw attention to them, do not engage with them, and do not give them any undue publicity.”

The best way we can counter this protest is to attend the play. Performances will be this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (September 24-26) at 7:00 pm at the North Central High School Auditorium. Tickets are $7 at the door.

The Jewish Community Center has also been mentioned as a possible site of a Phelps protest. They have also requested that there be no counter-protest or interaction of any kind with protesters.

We’re going to make available (for free) a directory of the professionals who attend our church and wish to make known their areas of expertise. Basic listings are free; paid display advertisements are also available.

To be part of the professional directory, please download this form or pick up a copy from the info kiosk. For more info, email Sheryl Holko.

The 2009 Navajo Nation Mission Service Team will depart this week for Gallup, New Mexico to lend a hand to the Navajo people. We’ll be working with the Southwest Indian Foundation to help with new home construction for those in need.

• Please pray for the Team: for our health and safety, and that we demonstrate the love of Christ in all our actions.
• Please pray for the Navajo People: that God will prepare their hearts, and that they will be abundantly blessed!

On Sunday, September 6, David Zier begins a nine-month internship here at Jesus MCC. Last year Vivian Wyatt served as our first clergy intern; this year David will serve in a similar role.

Like Vivian, David is a seminary student at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, entering his final year of work on a Master of Divinity degree. After completing his degree, David plans to retire from his current line of work, seek ordination within MCC, and serve as a full-time professional volunteer here at Jesus MCC.

David was born and raised near Washington, DC. His father was Lutheran and his mother Jewish, but neither were active. David discovered a Southern Baptist Church while in high school. Soon thereafter he entered the University of Central Florida, came out, and became active at Joy MCC in Orlando. After graduating from college, David returned to Washington DC and served at Open Door MCC.

David and Pastor Jeff met there and married in 1991. This week they’ll celebrate their 19th anniversary! David moved with Jeff to Jesus MCC in 1997, and since has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Chair of our first Board of Building Trustees (back when we began planning and fund raising for our building) and current Chair of our Missions Board.

David holds a BS and two Masters degrees in electrical and medical engineering. He has worked at NASA, the Department of Defense, the Food & Drug Administration, and now Quintiles Consulting. Most of his career has been devoted to developing new medical devices.

Several years ago, David began feeling called to pastoral ministry. His current plan is to volunteer full-time at Jesus MCC once he completes his clergy degree. Over the next nine months, you will see David assisting with worship leadership and engaging in a broad range of projects. Be sure to welcome and encourage him during this important phase of his pastoral education!