Space is limited! Reserve your spot by emailing group leader Donna Martin or by filling out the form in Sunday’s Weekly News.

They have soft structure play units, laser tag, climbing walls, bumper cars, bowling, bungee trampoline, games, food, and a toddler area for the little ones. Families of all ages are invited to join in the fun Saturday, February 11, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The cost is $10 for children ages 4-17, $3 for children ages 2 and 3, and free for adults and children under 2. Admission gets you four hours of fun on the main attractions (the inflatables and the soft structure play units). Other attractions and food are extra.

Please complete the form in Sunday’s Weekly News or email Melody Merida if your family will be attending the winter escape.

The Gay Christian Network (GCN) operates one of the most popular web-based support organizations for LGBT Christians. GCN’s conferences typically draw about 500 participants, and provide a wonderful opportunity to promote our resources.

Jeff presented two workshops based on the book he co-authored, The Children Are Free. The third workshop was about our church’s discipleship materials — Discipleship 101 and 102. The fourth workshop presented our Pastoral Training Program to those who feel called to ministry.

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!

Read more about the views of all the at-large Council candidates and other contested positions:

• indylp.org/candidates/2011-candidates/
• indyrepublicans.com/2011-candidates/
• marioncountydemocrats.org/people/candidates

Stacy Cook, a healthcare attorney who has lost 10 dress sizes and has kept it off for several years, will be facilitating this group. Stacy’s journey began when she learned a poor diet as a youngster, and gained weight as an adult for all the usual reasons.

This group will be for anyone who is seeking to lose weight and be healthier, and who wants to support each other spiritually on our weight loss journey. It does not matter if you are trying to lose a lot or a little, we will be here to support each other.

Join us at church on November 13 after either worship service. If you can’t attend one of these meetings but are interested in the group, please email the church office.

“I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to lead the Singles Group. I first attended LifeJourney Church in June and I knew immediately it’s where I belong. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and I’m confident we can put together a lot of fun activities for all to enjoy.”

Our next event is a Trivia Night at the church on Saturday, November 12 at 7:00 pm. Bring a snack and your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. There will be something for everyone and prizes will be awarded. You can RSVP to the church office.

You can stay connected with the Singles Social Group on their own Facebook page: facebook.com/LifeJourneySingles. Go like us!

The leaders of this new group are Tiffany Soaper and Sha-Hanna Lewis. Tiffany graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in Psychology and Human Services Counseling. She has an extensive background in working with youth of all ages.

Sha-Hanna has been a mentor and service advocate for many years. At Indiana University and the University of Chicago Charter School she especially enjoyed helping youth overcome challenges in and out of the classroom. Her most recent projects were through AmeriCorps at the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School.

Won’t you sign up today to be part of the LifeJourney Team? Your participation can make a difference to many people right here in Indiana. The walk is Saturday October 8 at University Park.

Sign up to be part of the LifeJourney Church Team at church on Sunday, or sign up directly online. Click “walker registration” then choose “LifeJourney Church” as your team. You can download the pledge form with instructions.

If you can’t walk, you can still participate by gathering pledges or sponsoring someone else. If you’d like to make a general team donation, please see Gina Walker or email the church office.

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.