This is the exciting time of year when the Jesus MCC Gospel Choir kicks off their 2009-2010 season.

We recently sang inspirational songs as part of the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. The audience was also invited to share their testimony. Several youth and adults from Indiana Youth Group joined us. They and others graciously shared their stories and what they were thankful for. Upon closing, everyone sang Nobody Can Do Me Like Jesus, filling the room with the Spirit.

On Christmas Eve, the Gospel Choir will help bring Christmas cheer as we delight in song along with Deacon Robert Ferguson, who will deliver the sermon. Please join us and partake in a wondrous, God-loving event.

On January 9, we will begin rehearsing for our annual Black History Month Celebration. We invite anyone who is interested in being a part of the gospel choir to join us in this exciting new year! Please contact Mark Brown for more information, or fill out the form in Sunday’s Weekly News.

After reading our Church’s draft 25-Year Plan, she just knew she had to become more involved in what we’re doing here at Jesus MCC. So Lavonda Henry met with Pastor Jeff and offered to donate 20 hours per week to our Church! Lavonda and her spouse, Charlene, run the Indianapolis franchise of Tradebank International — helping organizations trade goods and services in barter arrangements. They decided Lavonda would continue working 20 hours per week, while donating the rest of her time to the Church.

Lavonda comes to us with a deep business background. Before connecting to Tradebank, she spent years managing in Kohl’s and Lazarus Department Stores. Initially, Lavonda’s work for the Church will include:

• Office management (including coordination of office volunteers).
• Management of building and grounds.
• Help with marketing strategies for Found Pearl Press.
• Database management.
• Payroll and HR.
• Purchasing agent.
• Budget compliance and trend tracking.
• Constituent service enhancement.

When you see Lavonda and Charlene, be sure to thank them for this incredible act of generosity! Lavonda has been on the job for 5 weeks now and is already making a huge positive difference!

We also want to thank all those office volunteers who give one to five hours per week doing critical clerical tasks. If you would like more information about being an office volunteer, just email Lavonda.