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.

• Reflecting On My Journey. Walk through eight key questions to assess where you are on your spiritual journey, and what might be your next step. Prerequisite to Discipleship 101 and 102.
• Discipleship 101: Building a Close Relationship with God. Examine the teachings of Jesus directly, without the centuries of encrusted “churchiness.” What does Jesus ask of us? Do I want to follow Jesus? How can I communicate with God?
• Discipleship 102: Thriving In Christian Community. Discover what Church is supposed to be and where you fit.
• Unwrapping God’s Gifts. Explore the many gifts God has given us (spiritual gifts, personality, interests, values) and how they point us to our “sweet spot” of service, at church and elsewhere.

Classes begin the first week of July, so register soon! You don’t have to be a member to participate; all are welcome. Registration forms will be in the Weekly News on June 21, 28 and July 5.

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.

We have decided to take three proactive measures to upgrade security at Jesus MCC:

• We have established a brand new Security Ministry Team that keeps a watchful eye during worship services and other events. For more information about our Security Team, email the Church office and we’ll have Team Leader Randy Robinson contact you.
• We have installed security cameras in key locations.
• We have recently installed vision panels in the doors of all our children’s classrooms. Now teachers will routinely lock classroom doors, and can preview anyone who knocks at the door. Looked doors provide an extra layer of security in the unlikely event of an intruder.

Our goal is to make Jesus MCC the safest place you or your child visits — safer even than your home!

But this is not the last we’ll see of Vivian! She became a member of our church on April 19. She will be away for two months (June and July) for a chaplaincy internship at a hospital in Virginia, then be back among us for her final year of seminary. Upon her return, Vivian will continue providing spiritual leadership in our Church. She is considering seeking ordination within MCC.

Vivian says, “My experience at Jesus MCC has been life changing. The love this congregation has shown me epitomizes God’s love, and I am so glad that you have accepted and welcomed me into the fold. While away for [my internship], I will miss you and look forward to coming home!” Let’s all be sure to express our love and appreciation for Vivian!

Six people from Jesus MCC went to Sudan with New Community Project to meet the people there, learn about the country and their needs, and to see if there is something we can do to make a difference.

See also:

• From the Be Still and Know devotional: Lessons from Sudan
• Pictures from the trip: Back from Sudan
• A Visit to the Sudan: Great Need, and Glimmers of Hope

• 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!

An overview of Jesus MCC’s Missions Service Trip to Gallup, New Mexico, to work with the Southwest Indian Foundation and the Navajo Nation. The trip was in October, 2008.

For the past two years, Mark has volunteered 20 hours per week in the office, in an incredible act of generosity. He has made a huge difference in our operations, and we are delighted that we can finally begin compensating him for at least some of his time. Mark’s responsibilities include attendance analysis reports, phone and email coordination, book order fulfillment, sermon duplication, payroll processing, and an unending stream of critical clerical tasks!

Mark grew up in Tipp City, Ohio, attending Brethren Churches with his family. He holds a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and has served as a professional chef at various restaurants, including Café Nora in Indianapolis. To make ends meet, Mark is also currently working part-time at Trader Joe’s Grocery. We are delighted that Mark is now officially part of our Staff Team. Please thank him for his incredible service!