Justice Journey... Nov. 16th

The Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic invites you to join us for a "Journey to Justice," a CCDA event designed to explore Indianapolis' history and bring to light sources of racial injustice and how they are affecting our community today. The prayer bus will travel to three sites within Indianapolis where participants will meet community members, learn how injustice has touched their lives, and, most importantly, pray. NCLC views the "Journey to Justice" as chapter one in a continued process of bringing racial healing to our city.

[continued at Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic]

[Click for more CCDA info on the national convention coming to Indy, Nov.16-20th]

"Light Up The Night"

Halloween brings all kinds of challenges for Christians today.

...And opportunities!

[continued at 'Neighborhood By Neighborhood']

[What are YOUR special plans for Halloween time? We'd like to help direct people to your special events. Email us.]

FAMILY DAY OF PRAYER

God Bless you brothers & sisters! You are invited to attend this wonderful Family Day of Prayer - for our city, our people, our neighborhoods, our world. COME CATCH THE FIRE!

The Holy Spirit has set forth this Vision in our own local icon, Evangelist Nettie Lester, President/General Mgr of Gospel Radio station, WHTJ 1690-AM. This powerful and obedient woman of God is moving forward with this Vision, planned for Saturday, October 15, 2005, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. @ Phillips Temple CME in partnership w/the following ministries: Grandma's Porch, All About Him, The Ladies Corner, Reverend Rosalie Burns, Evangelist Ann Rustin, Youth Rapping & Mapping to Save Youth, Inc., H.I.S. Spirit Ministries, and many more.

An organizational meeting will be held this Thursday, 10/06/05 at 6:00 p.m. at 3737 N Meridian, Suite 202 (the radio station) for anyone wishing to help further this awesome work of God.

Spirit filled, spirit driven men are truly needed in this endeavor - please follow the Lord's leading, and plan to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, and would like to help, please contact Evangelist Lester at 924-9485.

[flyer.pdf]

Blog columns, like people, sometimes just can't get along.

LOL.

Actually, this short article is simply a behind-the-scenes, little-known tip I've discovered, regarding why Blogger.com acts strangely at times... like today at IndyChristian.com, when the 2 columns got 'out of sorts' and just couldn't seem to get along side-by-side.

I've found that happens anytime something in one column or the other gets 'too big for its britches' -- ie, it gets 'too wide' and starts encroaching on the other column's 'space'.

Sorta like people at times, I suppose.

So the cure was, finding what was 'too wide'... usually it's an image that's too wide, but this time it was a piece of text that was too wide. Blogger doesn't know how to wrap really long pieces of text (including symbols, like **************************** or ___________________________ ). Or long hyperlink addresses.

Since I have learned this, it's easy to spot, like this morning when I noticed columns were out of sync... I simply went into the offending post and reduced the swollen string of characters the author had used as a divider between paragraphs.

Maybe that's the trick with people too -- just try to reduce our swollen heads. Our pride.

"Act justly, love mercy, and walk HUMBLY."

God bless all you bloggers out there... and the rest of you trying to emmulate Jesus.

Thanks for posting! We've only just begun.

YBIC,
Neil

God's Word

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. Daniel 2:20-22 NIV

3rd "Jailbreak Attempt" at cafe... Aug. 9th

August 9th, noon-til-2pm...
at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central - map).



Transform Indiana will be continuing the topic of Christians coming together to make a greater collective impact in the name of Christ, as we seek to positively impact our neighbors & communities... now & forever.

We'll be following up on our previous TI & CCDA meetings, but also especially regarding what we heard at the "Call To Action" meeting called Aug.4th, by Christian leaders Olgen Williams, Mel Jackson and many others. [Here's a link to some of the reports from that great community meeting attended by more than 400 community pastors, leaders, the mayor, U.S. congresswoman, city council, etc.]

Come be with us for the 3rd jailbreak attempt.

Surprise visitors at the cafe...

See who showed up unexpectedly in Indy for our CCDA Host Team meeting last Friday morning....

...and who showed up in the wrong (Texas) city.

...and who's showing up soon, in Indy... and where.

[continued at CCDAblog.com]

J.A.M..... Jesus And Me...

"I am writing on behalf of Jesus And Me (J.A.M.) Explosion 2005, this is an annual community event held in the Martindale-Brightwood Community. The event takes place on June 25, 2005 at Oasis of Hope Baptist Church. J.A.M. Explosion is in partnership with Indy Parks, Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, other local churches and several community organizations. Last year J.A.M. Explosion was attended by 2500 to 3000 community residents.

J.A.M. Explosion is the culmination of outreach and community development efforts spearheaded by Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, and several partnering churches and community organizations in an effort to create an opportunity for the community to to address these issues experience unity and revitalization. This all day celebration, for all people of all ages, is filled with fun, entertainment, recreational and athletic events, clothing give-away, various health and dental screenings, food pantry and much, much more. The Martindale-Brightwood Community is an area plagued in high crime and various health issues. It is our contention that community celebrations such as J.A.M. Explosion are important attempts."


[Oasis of Hope Baptist Church is a great partner among the growing "CCDA Indy 2005" 'Host City Team' as we work together to glorify God and enjoy Him forever... TOGETHER. If you're not yet part of this city-team effort... by all means, consider yourself warmly invited. We meet on the first Friday of every month (July 1st), right here at the cafe at 30th x Central. See you then!]

Mayor Peterson declares "Faith, Hope & Love Day", July 30th

Mayor Bart Peterson today declared July 30th will be "Faith, Hope & Love Day" in Indianapolis. The day will conclude a week-long period of helping neighbors throughout the metro community, and will culminate in an annual festival to celebrate together.

The vision is to build communities of faith, hope & love through active participation in improving neighborhoods and helping those in need... and to bridge the social, economic and spiritual gap in our community.

For more information on the collaborative Christian efforts that week, visit... FHLcommunity.org.

Bikehiker's Bible-study Blogpost...

[Here's an example of a Christian leader blogging -- Pastor John Hay, in this case. I just noticed his recent blogpost about the Bible-study at the cafe! I always like the pics that John uses at his blog, too. Makes blogging much more interesting.]



"Every Wednesday morning I meet for Men's Prayer Breakfast at WEMO at 6:15 am, then drive to 30th & Central Avenue on the northside of Indy for a 7:30 am roundtable that I've been a part of for about five years now. My father-in-law (shown here) has become a part of this table fellowship of prayer, Bible reading, and discussion of how faith intersects with urban community...." [continued at Bikehiker]

Paradigm-shifting... in Indy...

[This was too good to pass up. Enjoy.]



"In a strange twist of fate, Indianapolis--once known for its proud athletic heritage--is becoming the geek Mecca..." [continued at The Keyhole]


[For some other Christian geeks around Indy... visit "Wireless Coffee Blog".]

Cafe Anniversary #8...

Today's the special celebration of the cafe's 8th anniversary.

Oh boy, cake & ice-cream! Actually much more... ya'll come. Open house, 12noon til...

Phat Place...

Look who's coming for lunch...April 5th

Photo, U.S. News & World Report

"Brick by Brick, He Fights the Inner-city Blues"

Allan & Susan Tibbels are coming to Indy for the 'Faith Community Forum' (downtown) [continue for details - RSVP required by April 1st]

But then they'll be coming to the cafe for the lunchtime meeting of 'Transform Indiana', starting at 11:30am. Everyone is welcome.

The Tibbels are having great impact in Baltimore's inner-city, and serve as one of the fine examples of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).

So come be with us for lunch next Tuesday (April 5th).

Helping Neighbors...

Some more of our friends of the cafe are in the news... Chris & Mary Provence. Most of you would recognize Chris from our morning Bible Study, and as an active participant in CCDA Indy 2005.

[Great article, Russ!]


Russ Pulliam, Columnist, IndyStar

"Chris Provence moved to the poverty-stricken neighborhood for convenient access to drugs. Now, he stays there to share the freedom he gained from drug addiction in 1998. But he's not preaching on street corners in the neighborhood around 24th and Guilford near the Monon Trail. He and his wife, Mary, are helping their neighbors buy homes." [continued at IndyStar.com]

[Also visit their ministry site: RebuildingTheWall.org]

[Also visit CCDA Blog]

Sister Elease's church home... on the move.

[This article is about the church that Sister Elease attends!]




"New Life, a predominantly black church, has reached a deal to buy the Northwestside facilities of Traders Point Christian Church, a predominantly white church that's moving to a site in Boone County."

"It's a win-win situation for the kingdom."

"The deal announced recently is making this a special Easter season for both congregations. But the shuffling will cost a lot of money for both churches."

[continue at IndyStar.com]

Video Bloggin'...

Too cute. [continue at Superhua's blog]

Transform Indiana... What's the latest?

Transform Indiana... What's the latest?




Connecting the Puzzle Pieces
By Becki Jenkins
President/Director
Missionary Connection

Over the years, working in various ministry capacities, I have wondered why Churches, ministries, faith groups and outreach initiatives do not unite. As a whole, we as the collective body of Christ tend to do our own things in our own buildings in our own little spaces and claimed geographical territories with little connection with our brothers and sisters locally, nationally or internationally. It seems that every new Church, ministry or faith based group that pops up recreates the wheel, by duplicating outreach initiatives and resources, all acting as if there are none of these resources already available in their communities and that their particular ministry is didactically unique and singular in relation to the outside world.


for the rest of the story: http://mcconnect.blogspot.com/



What's New with Missionary Connection?



Church on Wheels:

Missionary Connection has just began a ministry initiative that takes the Church to the shut in or shut out. A bus is being converted into a Church on wheels providing physical and spiritual help in our streets and our communities! The bus will also be used as a traveling school of various educational offerings. If you or your Church would like to use the bus or other resources,please contact Missionary Connection: becki5789@msn.com.

Living Bread to the World:

Missionary Connection provides baked goods: bread,treats, unleavened bread and many other items at a low cost to raise money for community programs. If you would like to help,please contact: becki5789@msn.com or support The Unleavened Bread Cafe at 30th and Central with your patronage. Ask about Living Bread to the World through Missionary Connection baked goods.

Save your cans,lend a helping hand!

Missionary Connection is particiapting inan on-going program of saving your aluminum cans to help local community programs. We will pick up. If you or your business would like to participate,please call: 317-471-0156 or e-mail: becki5789@msn.com.

Baltimore to Indy... April 5th

Photo, U.S. News & World Report

"Brick by Brick, He Fights the Inner-city Blues"

The Tibbels are coming to Indy for the specially combined sessions of 'Faith Community Forum' and 'Transform Indiana'.

Don't miss them... [location: Sagamore Institute, April 5th]

[continue]

U.B. Goin'....

I love the folks at the cafe. All of 'em. And now that we're a little bit underway with the "U.B. Bloggin'" computer-training program, maybe it's time to add a new available training-item to the program, for those who might want it...

After all, so far, we tell folks that we can train 'em in 3 weeks on the 3 important aspects of the internet...

1. U.B. Surfin'
2. U.B. Emailin'
3. U.B. Bloggin'

And it's fun, especially if you love people. Our trained friends will tell you what we always say... "It's not WHAT ya know that's as important as WHO ya know."... because if you know the right kind of people, they can help you learn anything you want to learn. [And the cafe has the 'right' kind of people!]

So people that love ya and want to help you learn computer skills will tell you... these 3 skills above are the most important ones on the internet.

But important as those are, there's nothing more important than the 4th module...

4. U.B. Goin'

Goin' where? Goin' how?


U.B. Goin' to heaven... if you want to, and if you learn how.

But it's like surfin', emailin' and bloggin' -- what's important is... that you want to do it, and you're willing to learn the RIGHT way.

Bill Gates doesn't ask your opinion about how to surf.... because opinions may be interesting, but the only thing that counts is... are you doin' it the right way. Right?

Same with heaven. Opinions are interesting, but the only thing that counts is... Are you doin' it the right way? And the 'right way' of course, has to be GOD's way.

Thankfully, He loves us way more than Bill Gates loves us. And He's provided a way that's way simpler than surfin', emailin' or bloggin'.

He loves us so much that He humbled Himself came down to earth 2000 years ago and lived as one of us. And even though He was perfect, He allowed Himself to be cruelly tortured and crucified... as a sacrifice, to pay the penalty for our sins. And He rose again from the grave and was seen by over 500 people... to demonstrate His power and authority.

And several of those who saw Him do miracles, saw Him die on the cross, and even saw Him after rising from the dead.... they wrote about Him... and died at the hands of folks who hated Jesus... rather than 'give in' about what they had seen and known to be true.

Do you know anyone who willingly died instead of telling the truth? I don't. But many of the writers of the New Testament did just exactly that. [And some of the Old Testament writers, as well.]

So these friends of Jesus.... Did they record what Jesus said about how 'U.B. Goin'??? Yep. Lots.

Take John for instance -- one of Jesus' closest friends. Look what he said about why he went to the trouble of writing down what he observed:

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. "

And of course it was John who wrote down Jesus' words that are famous throughout the world:

John 3:16... "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes [trusts] in him shall not perish, but will have eternal life." [clarification added]

Actually, if you want to read John's book about Jesus, you can even do it online. It's pretty short. Read it for yourself. Learn what Jesus said about "U.B.Goin'" (or U.NOT.B.Goin').