November 20: Our traditional Giving Tree will be ready. We’re purchasing gifts for Indiana Youth Group, a safe haven for LGBT teens and young adults, and Dayspring Center, our ministry partner that assists homeless families. Complete instructions and due dates are on the gift tags, which are available in the social hall at church. Contact David Squire if you have questions.

November 20: The Children’s Ministry will explore the origins of Thanksgiving through stories, games, crafts, and, of course, food! Preschoolers through fifth graders are invited to the festivities during both morning services.

November 24: Our traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner will happen from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It’ll be a great time with good food and church friends. The church will provide turkey and ham. Please bring a side dish or dessert to help complete the meal, if you can. If you plan to attend, please contact Melody Merida so we can plan appropriately.

December 3: Couples’ Christmas Party. Dinner at Chile Verde at 7:00 pm followed by dessert and a white elephant gift swap at the church. Contact Doug Snow to RSVP or for more info.

December 8 and 9: Sing Joy! Christmas Concert at 7:00 pm. Join us for a casual, cozy, contemporary Christmas concert, with a classic reading of the Christmas story. Concert participants include the Children’s Choir, the Gospel Choir, the Sanctuary Choir, the Instrumental Ensemble and guest Charlie Morgan of the local band Hyryder.

December 18: Birthday Party for Jesus! The Children’s Ministry will hold a birthday party in Jesus’ honor, complete with games, prizes, birthday cake, and a visit by Jesus himself.

December 24: Christmas Eve Open House at Jeff Miner and David Zier’s home from 1:00 to 7:00 pm. Drop in any time from 1:00 to 7:00 for Christmas dinner and a relaxed time with church friends. This is not a pitch-in, and all are welcome. Contact the church office for directions.

December 25: Christmas Remembrances. Join us on Christmas Sunday at our regular worship times for a one-hour service of carols, scriptures, and Holy Communion. We’ll have you out in an hour for the rest of your busy day!

Starting September 25, we’re going to try to strip away all the extraneous stuff imposed on Jesus by centuries of institutional Christianity, so we can get back to Jesus as he was. Here’s what we’ll cover:

September 25 • Rock My World

The parable of the Good Samaritan — the most famous parable — is more than a nice story. It challenges modern Christian orthodoxy to its core. Luke 10:25-37.

October 2 • Who Gets Into Heaven — According to Jesus

His answer will surprise you, and challenge you to rethink what you’ve always heard. Matthew 21:28-46.

October 9 • When A Woman Talks Back

The institutional church has shown little respect for the spiritual insights and leadership of women. How about Jesus? What was his attitude toward women? Matthew 15:21-28.

October 16 • When Jesus Encountered A Gay Couple

You may have heard a portion of this story in Sunday school, but not the rest of the story. In Sunday school they glossed over a scandalous fact that changes everything. Matthew 8:5-13.

October 23 • Rules, Rules, Rules

For most of us, that’s what religion has always been. The same was true in Jesus’ day, but not for Jesus. He taught a radical new approach that the institutional church has never quite been able to embrace. Mark 2:21-28.

October 30 • What Must I Do To Be Saved?

If it’s not about rules, and it’s not about doctrinal purity, what is the key to “salvation”? Jesus’ answer is very simple and compelling. Matthew 19:16-22.

November 6 • When A Bad Man Prays

Most of us feel pretty inadequate. Spiritually speaking, we know we fall short. For us, Jesus has a message of hope and encouragement. Luke 18:9-14.

November 13 • Love Life!

Authentic religious life is not about renouncing fun and giving up good times. Jesus set the example. He had so much fun, his critics accused him of being “a glutton and a drunkard.” And we are called to be like him. So let’s get the party started! John 2:1-11.

We invite you to join us each Sunday on this exciting journey of discovery. We meet at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. More info:

• About our Worship Services
• Map and Directions

If you miss any of these sermons, you can watch them at LifeJourneyChurch.cc/listen.

We believe our campaign will cause many who’ve been turned off by institutional Christianity to take another look at the real Jesus — loving, kind, flexible, merciful, joyful. We also want to challenge churches across central Indiana (and beyond) to step back and examine how they are presenting Jesus.

Already nine billboards have been sponsored by individuals or groups of friends within our church — and we anticipate receiving more sponsorships this Sunday. We hope to reach at least 20. Next Sunday, September 4, is the deadline to sponsor a billboard.

Yard signs will also be a key component of the campaign. If you plan to place yard signs, we need to know now, so we can order the right number. We also need to know how many bumper stickers and t-shirts to order.

If you want to sponsor a billboard, or plan to participate with yard signs, t-shirts, or bumper stickers, please fill out this document and bring it to church on Sunday or return it to the office. Our campaign will begin the week of September 19!

This retreat is more than just a great getaway from the stress of everyday life; it is also a chance for parents to connect with other parents and gather the tools necessary to be the spiritual leaders their children need them to be. Both children and parents will enjoy the Inn’s amenities, including the covered pool, a game room, miniature golf, horseshoes, and more!

The cost for each room (2 queen beds) is $125 + tax, and meals will be served in the Inn’s restaurant. For more information or to reserve your spot please complete the form in Sunday’s Weekly News, or contact Melody Merida. All reservations must be made by September 4.

Twelve different faith traditions and congregations will each provide prayers in a style fitting their tradition to remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

If you would like to be part of the LifeJourney group from 8:00 to 9:00 am, please contact Melody Merida. You’re welcome to attend any portion of the Vigil.

Participants

• 7:00 – 8:00 am Orthodox Christian Community of Central IN
• 8:00 – 9:00 am LifeJourney Church
• 9:00 – 10:00 am Baha’i Faith
• 10:00 – 11:00 am Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
• 11:00 am – noon St. Luke’s Labyrinth Ministry
• Noon – 1:00 pm Muslim Community
• 1:00 – 2:00 pm Quaker Community
• 2:00 – 3:00 pm Progressive Spiritualist Church
• 3:00 – 3:30 pm The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana
• 3:30 – 4:00 pm The Sai Center of Indianapolis
• 4:00 – 5:00 pm Indiana Buddhist Center
• 5:00 – 6:00 pm Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana

Black Pride Sunday is August 14,

Rev. Offer and the Choir will be featured at both the 9:30 and 11:00 am services, and the potluck will follow the 11:00 am service, around 12:30 pm.

For the soul food potluck, we’re asking all who come to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

June 3 and 4, 7:30 pm, at LifeJourney Church.

Written and directed by Michael Drain; original music by Stephen Martin.

Starring Vanessa Waters, Michael Drain, Tina Johnson-McCrackin, Stephen J. Martin, and Dawn McCrackin. Accompianed by Carol Upshaw.

Jesus had questionable friendships, and the religious authorities — sometimes even his disciples — didn’t approve.

As we look candidly at Jesus’ life journey and some of his scandalous friendships, we’ll examine how we should be able to do the same. When should we break the rules? When should we forgo decorum for honesty and rage? When does love call us to cross barriers of safety, appearance, and loyalty?

Good Friday, April 22, 7:00 pm: How Powerful Is the Cross?

Christ went to the cross for his betrayer, for the battalion of soldiers who would kill him, for the politicians who would acquiesce to their constituencies, for the dear friend who would fail him.
Did he love these people any more or any less than you or me? Did he judge them? Can we love these people as Christ did? Because these people are still in our world today! In our workplace, in our church, in our government — anywhere there is humankind.

What is God calling you to do with those who challenge your relationships, your humanness, and your fitness to be a child of God? How does love respond?

Easter Egg Hunt, April 23, 10:00 am

We’ll celebrate Easter with the kids with our annual Easter Egg Hunt! This event is for children ages two and older. We will be coloring eggs, playing Easter-themed games, having a bunny hop sack race, and of course hunting for hundreds of colorful eggs. Bring a friend to join us too! If you have questions contact Melody at mmerida@lifejourneychurch.cc

Easter Sunday, April 24, 9:30 and 11:00 am

Join us as we celebrate the power of Christ’s resurrection!

Friday Morning Oasis will meet at a member’s home for breakfast. We will meet at the church at 9:00 am as usual and follow one another to his home. Please RSVP to Melissa Bruce or email her with questions.

Fellowship Galactica Couch Potato New Year’s Eve
Low-key New Year’s celebration at David Wene and David Squire’s home. Food, friends, and conversation begins at 7:00 pm. We’ll watch Despicable Me and the last half-hour or so of the Times Square event. Soup, salad, and bread will be provided. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share, if you can. For info and directions, email David Squire. All are welcome. RSVP helpful but not required.

Singles Movie Night/New Year’s Eve Party
All singles are invited to gather at the church at 7:00 pm to ring in the new year! We’ll watch a couple of movies, one action/adventure, one romantic comedy or drama. Sparkling juice for toasting will be provided, please bring an appetizer and a two-liter of your favorite beverage. Join us on our Facebook page to share suggestions for the movies we watch: Facebook.com/JesusMCCSingles.

Our Traditional Giving Tree items…
…will be available by the tree in the social hall on Sunday, December 5. We’re purchasing gifts for Indiana Youth Group and Horizon House. Pick up a gift tag and follow the directions printed on it. Questions? Please contact the church office.

Christmas Program: A Baby Changes Everything
December 9 and 10, 7:00 pm at the church
A Baby Changes Everything is warm and engaging, and will tell the familiar story from the innkeeper’s point of view. Featuring a spectacular arrangement of the title song (made popular by Faith Hill) and the thought-provoking While You Were Sleeping by Casting Crowns, the musical mixes new theatrical songs with beloved songs of the season. The evening will feature our choirs, soloists, instrumentalists, and drama. Directed by Nancy Lafferty, musical direction by Mark Brown.

Couples’ Progressive Dinner
The Couples’ Oasis is sponsoring the Ninth Annual Holiday Progressive Dinner on December 11 at 6:30 pm. Cost for this event is $35 per couple. For availability, contact Stan or Skip via the church office.

Birthday Party for Jesus
On December 19, Children’s Church will celebrate with a Birthday Party for Jesus, complete with gifts and cake.

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

Christmas Day Open House
December 25, noon to 7:30 pm
Join us at Pastor Jeff Miner and David Zier’s home for our traditional Christmas Day Open House. We’ll enjoy a complete Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. This is not a pitch-in; please don’t bring anything! Contact the church for directions to Jeff and David’s.