h a n c oc k c o u n t y
church directory 2023 Daily Reporter
2 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
h an c o c k cou n t y
church directory 2023 Churches are listed by township in Hancock County. Within each township, listings are alphabetical. Listings for areas surrounding Hancock County are by town, listed alphabetically. Services are on Sundays unless otherwise noted. Many congregations also stream their services online.
tell us what’s going on at your church. Send information on church services and activities to dr-editorial@ greenfieldreporter. com Church notes is a listing including service, Sunday school and Bible study times; sermon titles and Scripture references and other weekly activities. The Bulletin features notices of special church events such as fundraising dinners, concerts and special speakers. For more information, email Anne Smith at dr-editorial@ greenfieldreporter.com or call her at 317-477-3226.
Manubhai Mecwan, pastor of Faith Community Fellowship, and Living Streams Community Church pastor Greg Ruble traveled to india. See religion-related stories from the area. Pages 12-24.
BLue riVer toWnShiP
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Shiloh Christian Church 4980 S. County Road 500e Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-3238 Dale Holzbauer, minister Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; service, 10:30 a.m.
Righteous Oaks Baptist Church 8356 N. State Road 109 Wilkinson, IN 46186 765-785-2858 Steve Rayburn, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.
Westland Friends Church 2892 S. County Road 700e Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4131 phil Abram, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. www.westlandfriendschurch.org
BrandyWine toWnShiP Carrollton United Methodist Church 1060 W. u.S. 52 Fountaintown, IN 46130 Bible study, 7:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.; worship, 9 a.m. Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 2783 S. State Road 9 Greenfield, IN 46140 317-467-8660 public Talk and Watch Tower, 9:30 a.m. Sunday; Bible study, 7 p.m. Thursday. Mt. Lebanon Community Church 3447 S. State Road 9 Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-1313 The Rev. Amanda Blue, pastor Sunday school, 9:40 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. mtlebanongreenfield.org Sugar Creek Baptist Church 3928 S. County Road 100W Greenfield, IN 46140 317-793-3204 Steve Blanchard, pastor Coffee and donuts, 9:30 a.m.; adult Sunday School, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday midweek prayer service, 6 p.m. mysugarcreekbaptist.com
Shirley Christian Church 202 S. Meridian St. (p.O. Box 10 for mail) Shirley, IN 47384 765-738-6365 Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. @ShirleyChristianChurchindiana on Facebook Shirley Church of the Nazarene 306 South St. Shirley, IN 47384 Darrell Bertram, interim pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday midweek service, 6 p.m. Shirley Friends Church 101 S. Main St. p.O. Box 463 Shirley, IN 47384 765-414-3492 James Jackson, pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. Shirley-Wilkinson Community United Methodist Church 309 South St. (South and White streets) Shirley, IN 47384 765-738-6710 The Rev. Rick Hutson, pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. “Shirley Wilkinson Community united Methodist Church” on Facebook
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana Warrington Church of the Nazarene 8381 N. Nashville Road Wilkinson, IN 46186 Brad Hacker, pastor Life classes, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m.; sign language interpretation available. warringtonchurch.webs.com Wilkinson Church of Christ 7293 N. State Road 109 Wilkinson, IN 46186 765-781-2585 Tony Darling, minister Traditional worship, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; contemporary worship, 10:45 a.m.; youth (K-12), 4:30 p.m. wccin.org Willow Branch United Methodist Church 6244 N. Thomas St. Willow Branch, IN 46186 317-326-2502 The Rev. T. Glen Davis, pastor Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. willowbranchchurch.weebly.com
BUCK CREEK TOWNSHIP Amity Community Church 6042 W. County Road 100N Greenfield, IN 46140 317-894-3047 Randy Worland, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.; Tuesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. amitychurch.net Harvest Church 6107 W. Airport Blvd. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-336-8850 Scott Ferguson, lead pastor Worship, 10:15 a.m. harvestchurchlive.com Lifeline Baptist Chapel 1925 N. Buck Creek Road Greenfield, IN 46140 317-894-2111 Dr. Robert Messer, pastor Bible classes, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. Mohawk United Methodist Church 2045 W. County Road 400N Greenfield, IN 46140 The Rev. Kerry O’Brien, minister Worship, 9 a.m. mohawkumc.com
Mt. Comfort Church Mt. Comfort campus 3179 N. Mt. Comfort Road Greenfield, IN 46140 Worship, 10:30 a.m. Philadelphia campus 2265 W. U.S. 40 Greenfield, IN 46140 Worship, 9 a.m. Ethan Maple, lead pastor 317-894-8965 www.mtcomfortchurch.com Otterbein United Methodist Church 2901 W. County Road 200N Greenfield, IN 46140 Dave Wise, pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. greenfieldotterbeinumc.org
CENTER TOWNSHIP Bethel Baptist Church 1610 S. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-5850 Tommy Hensley, pastor Sunday School, 10 a.m.; worship, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, teen service and Kidz Club, 7 p.m. bethelbcg.org Bradley United Methodist Church 210 W. Main St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-2662 The Rev. Steve McPeek, pastor Adult Sunday School, 8:30 a.m.; worship, 9:45 a.m.; livestream at bradleyumc.org and the church’s Facebook page. bradleyumc.org Brandywine Community Church 1551 E. New Road Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4777 Mark Wright, senior pastor Worship, 9:30 and 11 a.m. brandywinechurch.org Calvary Baptist Church 1450 W. Main St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4586 Roger Kinion, pastor Sunday school 8:45 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; evening activities/groups, 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study and prayer, 6:30 p.m. Also livestreaming on Facebook at “Calvary Baptist Church Greenfield.” cbcgreenfield.org
November 2023 3 Calvary Bible Methodist Church 4465 N. Fortville Pike Greenfield, IN 46140 317-326-3601 Mark Potter, lead pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. (also livstreamed) and 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer Bible study, Kids’ Church and teen service, 7 p.m. cbmchurch.com Curry’s Chapel Church 3488 N. County Road 375E Greenfield, IN 46140 317-326-2386 Rich Bailey, pastor Church school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. @curryschapel on Facebook Evangel Christian Church 1221 E. Main St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-919-2563 Jody Ballenger, lead pastor Free breakfast, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; men’s and women’s meetings throughout the week. www.evangel-cc.org Faith Apostolic Church 70 Tyler Ave. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-468-3248 John Reading, pastor Worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. growinginfaith.org Faith Baptist Church 1489 E. County Road 600N Greenfield, IN 46140 317-369-0042 Larry Hof, pastor Worship, 11 a.m.; discipleship for all ages, 2 p.m.; Wednesday prayer meeting, 7 p.m. faithbaptist.us Faith Lutheran Church 200 W. McKenzie Road Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4609 Rev. William Daniel O’Connor Worship, 9:15 a.m.; fellowship, 10:30 a.m.; children’s Sunday school and adult Bible study, 11 a.m. faithgreenfield.org
4 November 2023 Greenfield Faith Church 328 N. Swope St. Greenfield, IN 46140 John Wakeman, pastor 317-847-8581 Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 11 a.m. greenfaithchurch.wixsite.com/mysite Faithway Baptist Church 610 W. Sixth St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-2888 Joshua Poole, pastor Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; afternoon service, 2 p.m.; Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m. fbcgreenfield.com First Church of the Nazarene 1980 S. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-468-0298 David Huff, pastor Life groups, 9:30 a.m.; worship and children’s church, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. greenfieldfirst.org Grace Baptist Church 4245 N. County Road 200W Greenfield, IN 46140 317-326-2362 Stephen Elmer, pastor Sunday school at 10 a.m.; worship at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m. growatgrace.org Greater Grace of Central Indiana Church 320 W. Walnut St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-702-1017 Donald Barnes, pastor Adult Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. Greenfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 23 N. East St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-6348 Merlyn Winters, senior minister Worship, 10 a.m. greenfieldchristian.org Greenfield Church of Christ 1380 S. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-6728 Brandon Lavy, minister Bible study, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. greenfieldchurchofchrist.org
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana Greenfield Church of God 1561 E. Main St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-2552 Jack Stout, pastor; worship and children’s church, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study and children’s and youth ministries, 7 p.m. @greenfieldcog on Facebook Greenfield Friends Church 323 W. Park Ave. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-2756, 765-977-5167 Phil Baisley, pastor Worship, 10 a.m. greenfieldfriends.org Hancock Reformed Baptist Church 944 E. Davis Road (County Road 100S) Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-6722 Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m., with lunch and devotions following. hrbchurch.org Immanuel Holiness Church 1038 E. Fourth St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-7805 Robert Brown, pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. “Immanuel Holiness Church - Greenfield, IN” on Facebook Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 1009 S. County Road 100E Greenfield, IN 46140 Elder Jeremy Jenkins, pastor Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/macedoniambcgreenfield New Home Church 3891 N. County Road 200W Greenfield, IN 46140 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 52 N. County Road 500E Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4960 Todd Reynolds, pastor Connection Groups, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; New Hope Kids, 7 p.m. Wednesday @newhopenaz.net on Facebook Park Chapel Christian Church 1176 E. McKenzie Road Greenfield, IN 46140 David Barnett, teaching pastor 317-462-4513
Service times: 9 a.m. (chapel); 9:15 a.m. and 11 am. (gym) parkchapel.org Riley Friends Church 323 W. Park Ave. (inside Greenfield Friends) Greenfield, IN 46140 253-381-1358 Markus Dennis, pastor 5 p.m. Saturday Brianna’s Hope recovery program, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday @JWRiley Friends on Facebook St. James Lutheran Church 1741 S. State St. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-7340 The Rev. Dr. Richard Blue Jr., senior pastor Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. stjamesnalc.org St. Michael Catholic Church 519 N. Jefferson Blvd. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4240 The Rev. Aaron Jenkins, pastor Masses take place at 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. Weekday Mass Schedule: 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. Friday. www.stmichaelsgrfld.org Trinity Park Church 207 W. Park Ave. Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4303 Dr. Andy Flink, pastor Worship, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Faith Groups, 10 a.m.; youth, 4-6 p.m. Sundays. trinitypark.net
GREEN TOWNSHIP Eden United Methodist Church 2122 E. Eden Road Greenfield, IN 46140 317-326-2212 Dave Crittenden, pastor Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school 10:30 a.m. edenumc.com Sugar Grove Bible Church 5482 E. CR 900N Greenfield, IN 46140 317-281-1306 Randy Badgley, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.; Thursday Bible study, 7 p.m. @sugargrovebible on Facebook
November 2023 5
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
St. Michael Catholic Church 519 Jefferson Boulevard Greenfield, IN 46140 Office (317) 462-4240
Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Indianapolis Archives
Sister Grace Marie Meehan stands with students at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in this 1964 photo. Read about Sister Grace Marie Meehan on page 19.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP
Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church 994 N. County Road 600E Greenfield, IN 46140 317-462-4910 Theodore Griffin, pastor Growth groups, 9 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. brownschapel.com
Brookville Road Community Church 7480 W. U.S. 52 New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-3880 Kris Sorensen, lead pastor Worship, 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday; 6 p.m. youth group meetings www.brookvilleroad.cc
Charlottesville Friends Meeting Carthage Road (4 blocks south of U.S. 40) Charlottesville, IN 46117 317-586-1967 Gary Jones, pastor Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.
Calvary Christian Fellowship 79 S. County Road 700W Greenfield, IN 46140 317-912-2388 Toby Risner, pastor Worship, 10 a.m. ccf-indy.com
Nameless Creek Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 3856 N. CR 800E Greenfield, IN 46140 765-785-2953 Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. “Nameless Creek Christian Church (NCCC)” on Facebook
Weekend Mass Schedule: 4:00 P.M. Saturday 8:30 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Sunday Fr. Aaron Jenkins, Pastor Find us on Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/ stmichaelcatholicchurchgreenfield Website: www.stmichaelsgrfld.org
You have a choice... for your child’s education
St. Michael School Since 1954
Community Christian Church 3123 S. CR 500W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-5407 Lyle Parker, pastor Bible study 9:15 a.m.; worship, 10:20 a.m.; youth, 5 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6 p.m. cccnewpalestine.com Cross of Grace Lutheran Church 3519 S. CR 600W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-0977 Mark Havel, lead pastor Worship, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. (meets at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day); nursery available. crossofgrace.org
Pre-school through 8th Grade, Children of all Faiths Welcome. Send your child to a faith based school that provides a quality learning experience!
Government vouchers are accepted at St. Michael. Call us to find out how you can use your voucher at St. Michael.
IN-35149892
Charlottesville United Methodist Church 230 Carthage Road Charlottesville, IN 46117 317-717-0838 Debb Ebersole, pastor Church, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. @christatcharlottesville on Facebook
Parish Office Hours: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Monday -Friday
For more information contact Ruth Hittel, Principal 317-462-6380 www.school-stmichaelsgrfld.org
6 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Haven of Hope 5084 S. County Road 450W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-374-5810 Worship, 10:30 a.m. Sunday; Bible study, 7 p.m. Wednesday Rick Moreland, pastor email: rkmoreland56@gmail.com
New Palestine United Methodist Church 3565 S. CR 500W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-4390 newpalumc@comcast.net Anthony Stone, lead pastor Worship, 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. www.npumc.com
His Place New Palestine United Church 15 E. Main St. New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-4548 Carl Coffey, pastor Sunday school, 9:15 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.
Realife Church 5151 W. U.S. 40 Greenfield, IN 46140 317-468-1100 Adam and Kristin Detamore, lead pastors Worship, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Visit www.realifechurch.org for service times.
Fortville Church of the Nazarene 701 S. Maple St. Fortville, IN 317-485-6443 Phil Edwards, pastor Adult discipleship class, 8:45 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; Fort Naz Preschool Worship (ages 3 years-Pre-K) and Fort Naz Kidz Worship (Grades K-6), 1o a.m.; adult discipleship class, 6 p.m. Club Naz (preschool to sixth grade), 6:45 p.m. Wednesday; Brianna’s Hope (addiction recovery), 6:30 p.m. Thursday. fortvillenazarene.org
Victory Independent Baptist Church 3982 W. U.S. 40 Greenfield, IN 46140 317-894-8154 John Paul Nichols, pastor Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. victoryindependentbaptist.org
Gateway Community Church of Fortville 125 E. Staat St. Fortville, IN 46040 317-485-5418 Kevin Smigielski, pastor Worship, 10 a.m. gatewayfortville.org
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 3993 S. CR 650W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-8759 Worship, 1 p.m.; Thursday service, 7 p.m. New Life Church 501 N. Buck Creek Road Cumberland, IN 46229 317-891-4685 Mike Faulk, pastor Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Wednesday adult Bible study, youth class and Kids Church, 7 p.m. connect2newlife.org New Palestine Bible Church 5954 W. CR 300S New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-1210 Brett Crump, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.; livestream, 10 a.m. Small groups, youth, children’s, men and women’s ministries newpalestinebiblechurch.org New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 4053 S. CR 650W New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-4356 Rev. Daren Huber, pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. https://newpalchristianchurch.org/ New Palestine Church of Christ 5947 W. CR 200S New Palestine, IN 46163 317-441-0912 Dewey Williams, minister Sunday school, 10:30 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church 6513 W. CR 300S New Palestine, IN 46163 317-861-5544 Jason W. Taylor, pastor Praise service, 5 p.m. Saturday; services, 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday (also viewable online at “Zion Lutheran Church — New Palestine” on Facebook or on YouTube). zionnewpal.org
VERNON TOWNSHIP Christ Presbyterian Church 7879 N. CR 700W McCordsville, IN 46055 317-335-7600 Gretchen Schneider, pastor Worship, 10 a.m. christpresby.org Emerge Church 211 S. Merrill St. Fortville, IN 46040 317-674-3366 Curt Edmondson, lead pastor Worship, 10 a.m. www.emerge317.church Fortville Christian Church 9450 N. CR 200W Fortville, IN 46040 317-485-4934 Rob Rigsbee, lead pastor
Worship, 9 and 10:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 9 and 10:30 a.m. fortvillechristian.com
Geist Apostolic Church 8750 N. CR 500W McCordsville, IN 46055 317-335-2454 Joseph and Sylvia Horner, pastors Sunday school, 9:45 a.m. Geist Community Church 6697 W. CR 900N McCordsville, IN 46055 317-335-7500 Matt Walker, senior pastor Bible fellowship, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. (child care provided); Grades 5-12 student ministries, every other Wednesday at 5 p.m. geist.org Grace Missionary Baptist Church 406 S. Maple St. Fortville, IN 46040 317-508-9487 Mark Kerfoot, pastor Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m. Living Streams Community Church 7061 N. CR 700W McCordsville, IN 46055 317-306-9676 Greg Ruble, lead pastor Worship, 10:15 a.m.; ClassVTeens, 6 p.m. livingstreamscc.org
November 2023 7
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana McCordsville Community Church 7397 N. CR 600W, Suite 100 McCordsville, IN 46055 Steve and Amber Jones, lead pastors Worship, 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.; First Wednesday service, 7 p.m. mc2church.com McCordsville United Methodist Church 6247 W. Broadway McCordsville, IN 317-640-0560 or 317-335-3705 Rev. Daniel payton, pastor Traditional service, 9:30 a.m.; Modern Vintage service, 11:11 a.m. Services are in person but are also streamed on Facebook; find link at mccordsvilleumc.org. mccordsvilleumc.org Mercy Road Church Northeast 611 Vitality Drive Fortville, IN 46040 260-376-2900 Ken primeau, lead pastor mercyroadne.com
tom russo | dAily rePorter
The Comfort Makers at The Fountain church in Fountaintown make tied quilts, fleece blankets, burp cloths and other items for people with a new baby, people experiencing loss or illness, Life Choices Care Center, Hope House and others. Read about the Comfort Makers on page 22.
Join us on Sunday mornings! Christian Discipleship Hour Coffee and Conversation Worship Service
9:00am 10:00am 10:30am
(Nursery & Children’s Church Available)
IN-35150584
Bible Studies Offered Throughout The Week
8 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
Since January, Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries has been meeting in Greenfield, renting space inside The Garden Chapel on Sundays and Tuesday evenings. Owners of the chapel continue offering wedding and event venue services the rest of the week. Read about Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries on page 12.
Mt. Carmel Primitive Baptist Church 9654 N. Fortville Pike Fortville, IN 46040 765-644-6295 church or 317-398-4895 Bill Blackburn, elder Worship, 10:30 a.m. first and fourth Sundays of the month. New Life Christian Fellowship 1574 W. Ind. 234 Fortville, IN 46040 317-485-7472 Mark Adcock, pastor Worship, 8:55 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. nlcfonline.com Outlook Christian Church 6531 N. CR 600W McCordsville, IN 46055 317-335-6815 Rob McCord, senior minister Worship, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., in person and online. outlookchurch.org
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 523 S. Merrill St. Fortville, IN 46040 317-485-5102 The Rev. Aaron Jenkins Mass, 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon Thursdays. stthomasfortville.com Surrounding Areas
CARTHAGE Carthage Early Methodist Church 406 Henley Ave. Carthage, IN 46115 765-565-7211 Carthage Friends Meeting 202 S. Main St. Carthage, IN 46115 765-525-9354 Jake Brown, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.
Walnut Ridge Friends Meeting 8956 W. CR 800N Carthage, IN 46115 765-565-6121 Jake Brown, pastor Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6 p.m.
CUMBERLAND Buck Creek Baptist Church 135 Muessing Road Cumberland, IN 46229 317-894-5001 Randy Stone, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday prayer service, 7 p.m. buckcreekbaptist.net Cumberland Christian Church 39 N. Starter St. Cumberland, IN 46229 317-894-3756 Tom Scott, minister Bible school, 9:30 a.m.; worship and children’s worship, 10:30 a.m. www.cumberlandchristianchurch.org
November 2023 9
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana Cumberland First Baptist Church 116 S. Muessing Road Cumberland, IN 46229 317-894-2645 Rev. T. Wyatt Watkins, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.; fellowship, 11 a.m.; children’s and adult studies, 11:15 a.m. cumberlandfbc.org Cumberland United Methodist Church 219 N. Muessing Road Cumberland, IN 46229 317-894-3454 Ronnie Bell, pastor Worship, 10 a.m.; Adult Sunday Learning, 11:15 a.m. cumberlandumc.com Heather Hills Baptist Church 1421 N. German Church Road Indianapolis, IN 46229 317-894-7474 Brian McCrorie, pastor Worship and children’s programs, 9:30 a.m., with Adult Bible Fellowship and Sunday School following; adult Bible
study, Teen Prime Time and AWANA for children, 6 p.m. heatherhills.org St. John United Church of Christ 11910 e. prospect St. Cumberland, IN 46229 317-894-7958 The Rev. Janna Meyers, pastor Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m. stjucc.com
Fountaintown United Methodist Church 11715 N. Main St. Fountaintown, IN 812-890-4016 Jan Bond, pastor Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m.
fountaintoWn Community Church of Fountaintown 11715 N. Main St. (in the Fountaintown uMC building) Fountaintown, IN 46130 317-501-3193 Michael Smith, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m. The Fountain (Fountaintown Christian Church) 797 W. Brookville Road Fountaintown, IN 46130
317-861-5382 Joshua Hahn, senior minister Worship 9:30 and 11 a.m. yourfountain.org
eaStSide of indianaPoLiS Burge Terrace Baptist Church 9345 e. Brookville Road Indianapolis, IN 46239 317-862-6109 Todd Curtis, pastor Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School/ adult Bible study, 10:45 a.m.; Wednesday prayer service, Teen Time and Truth Trackers, all at 7 p.m. burgeterrace.org
READ all ABOUT it! Sunday School 9:30 Sunday Worship Service 10:30 We support local charities and organizations including: Women’s Ministry: Once Monthly Hope House Homeless Shelter Love INC of Greater Hancock County Life Choices Care Center Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen Boys and Girls Clubs of Hancock County Hancock County Food Pantry
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We host an annual car show every Labor Day (first Monday in September). More than 300 cars participate in this community outreach event. Free food, games, Hot Wheels races, Garage sale, cake walk and much, much more.
Let us know at the Daily Reporter and we are happy to assist you.
Daily Reporter 22 W. New Road, Greenfield
Senior Pastor: Rev David Huff 317-417-6238 Greenfield First Church of the Nazarene IN-35151309
IN-35152674
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1980 S State St, Greenfield, IN 46140 317-468-0298 • www.greenfieldfirst.org
10 November 2023 Calvary Baptist Church 3255 N. German Church Road Indianapolis, IN 46235 317-894-4260 Sunday school, 9:15 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday adult Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Church52 Family Worship Center 8220 Brookville Road Indianapolis, IN 46239 317-861-8648 Perry Meade, pastor Worship, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m. www.church52.org Irvington Presbyterian Church 55 Johnson Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-356-7225 Worship, 10 a.m.; Vespers, 6 p.m. irvpresby.org St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 8320 E. 10th St. Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-898-7807 Rev. Frank S. Impicciche, rector stmattsindy.org Zion United Church of Christ 8916 E. Troy Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46239 317-862-4136 Worship 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m. www.zionuccindy.net
INGALLS R.E.A.L. Community Church 528 N. Meridian St. Ingalls, IN 46048 317-485-5021 Chris Ondrovich, senior pastor Sunday school, 10 a.m.; worship, 11 a.m.; Thursday service, 6:30 p.m. Indiana United Pentecostal Camp and Conference Center 1900 E. Broadway St. Fortville, IN 317-485-5984 www.inupci.org/camps
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
KNIGHTSTOWN Bethel Presbyterian Church 112 S. Franklin St. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-5390 Alan McCraine, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:45 a.m.
Knightstown Friends Church 214 E. Brown St. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-2371 Tim Basford, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. www.facebook.com/KnightstownFriends/community
Christ Fellowship 4833 S. Ind. 109 Knightstown, IN 46148 765-545-0447 Worship, 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. discovercf.org
Knightstown New Birth Church 623 W. Main St. Knightstown, IN 46148 Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m.
Faith Chapel Independent Baptist Church 359 E. Morgan St. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-7015 Eric Boling, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.
Knightstown United Methodist Church 27 S. Jefferson St. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-5912 Rev. Ed van Wijk, pastor Worship, 9:30 a.m.; fellowship time, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:45 a.m. www.facebook.com/KnightstownUMC/
Grace Temple of Knightstown 132 E. Main St. Knightstown, IN 46148 Danny Silvers, pastor Worship, 10 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 7 p.m.
MORRISTOWN
Knightstown Bethel Holiness Church 242 W. Morgan Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-2307 George Maloyed Jr., pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.
Faith Independent Baptist Church 323 S. Washington St. Morristown, IN 46161 765-763-7657 Dr. Wayne Scott, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; fellowship meal, noon; Wednesday Bible study, 7 p.m. www.fbcmorristown.org
Knightstown Christian Church 138 W. Main St. Knightstown, IN 46148 765-345-2854 Worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday breakfast and Bible study, 8:15 a.m. knightstownchristian.com
Morristown Christian Church 209 S. Washington St. Morristown, IN 46161 765-763-6155 Fred Hickman, pastor Sunday school, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; junior/senior high youth, 4 p.m. in Fellowship Center; Wednesday youth programs, 5:45 p.m.; Friday Youth GAP meeting in Fellowship Center, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/MorristownChristianChurch
Knightstown Church of God 473 N. East St. Knightstown, IN 46148 317-364-5180 or 765-686-1451 Tim Hensley, pastor Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 6 p.m.
Morristown Methodist Church 221 S. Washington St. Morristown, IN 46161 765-763-6889 Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. www.facebook.com/Morristown Methodist
November 2023 11
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
oakLandon Living Hope Church 11605 pendleton pike Oaklandon, IN 46236 317-826-0520 David Allender, pastor Get acquainted fellowship, 10 a.m.; contemporary worship, 10:30 a.m.; Kidz Blast and nursery, 10:30 a.m. New Revelation Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 6701 Oaklandon Road Indianapolis, IN 46236 317-823-7222 Richard A. Reynolds, pastor Worship, 10:30 a.m. newrevelationcc.com Servants of Christ Lutheran Church 7650 Oaklandon Road Oaklandon, IN 46236 317-823-9580 The Rev. Matt Masko, interim pastor Worship, 9 a.m.; Sunday school, 10:30 a.m. www.servantsofchrist.org
ShirLey
tell us what’s going on at your church.
(Henry County) Grant City Wesleyan 4387 S. Grant City Road Shirley, IN 47384 (765) 376-7497 Ron Ferguson, pastor Sunday school 9:30 a.m.; worship, 10:30 a.m. (with children’s church) and 6 p.m. with a meal; Wednesday Kids Club with a meal at 6:30 p.m. and adult Bible study at 7 p.m. Accessible to people with disabilities.
Send information on church services and activities to dr-editorial@ greenfieldreporter.com Church notes is a listing including service, Sunday school and Bible study times; sermon titles and Scripture references and other weekly activities.
Kennard Baptist Church 6931 W. Henry County Road 100S (County Road 100S and ind. 234) Shirley, IN 47384 765-520-6449 Brent Weaver, pastor Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; morning service, 10:45 a.m.; evening service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday service, 6 p.m. kennardbaptist.com
The Bulletin features notices of special church events such as fundraising dinners, concerts and special speakers.
Bradley UMC strives to be Inclusive and the Hands and Feet of Christ in the world. Pastor Roger Kinion Associate Pastor Paul George www.cbcgreenfield.org
Join us for Worship sundays - 9:45 aM adult sunday school - 8:30 aM Bradley Beacon cafe’ sundays - 9:15 aM
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12 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
‘On fire for the Lord’
November 2023 13
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Kingdom Word congregation fills chapel with exuberant praise By Anne DurhAm Smith | Daily RepoRteR
G
annesmith@greenfieldreporter.com
REENFIELD — The belted words of a Psalm resound among the wooden pews, filling the white chapel with sound. “The Lord is my light and salvation / whom shall I fear / of whom shall I be afraid?” Three singers sway rhythmically up front as they sing out lyrics based on Psalm 27 in the Bible. The congregation joins in as the line is repeated. At the east end of the stage a small band meshes with the voices, the drummer punctuating beats and the organist’s fingers scurrying over the keys with animation. It’s Sunday afternoon, and the congregation of Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries has gathered for worship in
downtown Greenfield. “At the Kingdom we also love to praise the name of the Lord,” the lead singer says. “We love to give him a good dance, we love to give him a good shout. If you don’t mind … put your hands together while we praise the Name.” There will be a lot of clapping during this service, not only for keeping beat during the singing, but also for expressing agreement during the sermon. Deep into the Feb. 26 sermon, the speaker quotes a passage in the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus says he’s calling not the righteous but sinners. He talks about being a clinic people visit as opposed to a hospital where the sick find healing. “Tell it! Tell it!” comes a call from someone listening. Later in the
sermon, several women stand up, gripping the pew in front of them and leaning forward, nodding. Sometimes the organ also springs back into action with an air of emphatic endorsement as well. Kingdom Word began renting space in The Garden Chapel, a wedding and event venue at 226 W. North St., in January. The congregation’s services are at 1 p.m. Sundays. Morgan Thomas, owner of The Garden Chapel, continues to operate the chapel but said she had decided to give up Sundays for weddings so she could attend church herself and spend time with her family. She said she’d been praying about how God would use the chapel and began to reach out to churches. “The moment I spoke to Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries, I knew
Pictured: The stained-glass windows of The Garden Chapel provide a backdrop during Sunday’s service of Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries in Greenfield. The congregation began renting the chapel, which continues to offer wedding and event venue services, in January. Services are at 1 p.m. Sundays with Bible study at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. tom russo | dAily rePorter
GREENFIELD CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 23 North East Stret, Greenfield 317-462-6348 greenfieldchristian1895@gmail.com www.greenfieldchristian.org
A Heart of Grace in the Heart of Greenfield Worship 10:00 A.M. Sunday School 11:00 A.M. IN-35151313
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14 November 2023
Anne durhAm smith | dAily rePorter
Bishop Alexander Wortham (right) and his wife, First Lady Lakeisha Wortham, speak during a Feb. 26 dedication service.
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana they were the ones. They were on fire for the Lord, and just genuine people ready to do outreach in our community,” she wrote in an email. “… So yes, I am also doing weddings, receptions, and events on the other days of the week! The only difference now, is that God is able to SHINE a little brighter through this little chapel. Our community has already been so welcoming of them … this will be a blessing to our growing community!” Before moving to Greenfield, Kingdom Word shared a building in Indianapolis with another church, a little north of the Interstate 70/Interstate 65 north split. “My desire was for God to give us our own location … Lo and behold, God just connected the dots,” said the church’s pastor, Bishop Alexander Wortham. “It was a great blessing.” Kingdom Word is an independent, non-denominational church, Wortham said. He has ties, though, to the Church of the Living God, which has headquarters in Indianapolis. “We worship, we praise, we shout, we speak in tongues,” Wortham said.
“Our church is a power-packed Pentecostal movement.” Church of the Living God leaders visited Greenfield on Feb. 26 for a dedication service. They count nearly 50 churches with such ties in more than a dozen states — in addition to several overseas. “I hope to see more people added to the Body of Christ,” Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem said after the Greenfield service. It was his first dedication service as general overseer, and he preached the sermon for the service, in which he used the clinic vs. hospital analogy. “I look forward to coming back and seeing the growth.” Daniella Phillips joined Kingdom Word about a year ago after being a “loyal visitor” for a while. “Then they welcomed my family, and I didn’t feel like just a number,” she said. “They actually took an interest in including my kids into the church, and that was what sold me. It’s really like a big family.” Wortham said about 14 new members have joined the church since January. He said he and his wife,
evangel c h u r c h
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daily reporter • hancock county, indiana Lakeisha, have met people and struck up conversations as they’ve run errands in town, and some of them have come to a service. Wortham has also felt welcomed by fellow pastors in town, meeting many at the local ministerial association and being invited to speak a Greater Greenfield Body Builders gathering focused on evangelism today (March 11) at Curry’s Chapel Church. “We’re trying to do a lot of things in Greenfield. I know my goal is to really get out in the community. I know it’s a culture shock for a lot of people, you know, with us being a predominantly African American church,” he said. “But I think it gives people an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, let’s fellowship’ … I’m excited to see some of the (local) pastors came today and fellowshipped with us. That was encouraging. “We’re excited to be a part of the community. … I’m excited for this new season and to see what God has in store.”
November 2023 15
tom russo | dAily rePorter
Congregation members pray during a Kingdom Word Outreach Ministries service on Sunday in Greenfield.
TRINITY PARK CHURCH
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16 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
‘GOd hAS A PLAn’ Pastor says sickness complicated, but also expanded, ministry trip By Anne DurhAm Smith | Daily RepoRteR
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annesmith@greenfieldreporter.com
reaching in churches, encouraging groups of Christians gathered in their homes, and celebrating a wedding were all part of the itinerary for the trip. Two weeks in a hospital intensive-care unit were not. It was harrowing for a while; Manubhai Mecwan said doctors told his wife they were down to their last medicine. A few Hancock County congregations and other friends of the pastor
prayed he would recover and return from his trip to India. And he did, but not before his effervescent faith-sharing had made an impression even within the walls of the hospital.
BUS TICKET AND A SANDWICH Around the start of a new year, Mecwan sets out for India for several weeks of ministry and invites a local pastor to go with him. This year, as in many other years, it was Greg Ruble of Living Streams Community Church in McCordsville. It used to be the other way
around for the pastor from India. Years ago, he pastored a Methodist church in Bombay but would spend a month each year ministering in the United States. He said for several years, he bought a monthly bus pass for $265 and spent that month riding between New York and California, bringing up Jesus to people and talking with those who would converse. He timed his bus rides so he could catch sleep and ate $1 McChicken sandwiches from McDonald’s — or if he was especially hungry, two.
Pictured: Manubhai Mecwan, pastor of Faith Community Fellowship, and Living Streams Community Church pastor Greg Ruble traveled to India recently. Here they visit a newer church. Photo Provided
November 2023 17
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana After about seven years of that, he felt God had called him to minister to Indian people living in the United States. While policies in India can limit activities such as open-air preaching, Mecwan sought to reach out to Indian people here, knowing they could then share their Christian faith with friends and relatives back home. He leads Faith Community Fellowship here, which has a Tuesday prayer meeting to pray for America and for those family members and friends in India.
‘NEW TESTAMENT-LIKE’ Each week, he calls several churches in India and preaches over the phone to the congregation gathered, often in someone’s home. The yearly trip is a chance to visit some of those churches. “There’s over 20 churches in India now … all of that has been fruit of their prayer ministry that goes on every week here,” Ruble said. “… He’s on the phone quite a bit leading and teaching over there
from here … It’s very Acts, New Testament-like in flavor,” he added, recalling chapters in the Bible recounting the Apostle Paul’s travels and letters to churches. Ruble said he and Hubert Nolen go as they are able along with Mecwan on these trips. (Nolen is founding pastor of Brookville Road Community Church in New Palestine and now co-founding executive director of Hope Center Indy,) They often speak to small house churches who fill up the living room of a home. “We pray for them and teach them, always sharing the Gospel everywhere we go,” Ruble said.
FULL SCHEDULE Ruble said there’s a lot happening in India: some persecution; revival in the rural areas of the south, where Mecwan supports three missionaries; and seven churches that have been planted since COVID, with 200 to 1,000 people in those churches. Ruble preached at a church the first Sunday of their trip. They
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visited a school the pastor’s wife is running for first-generation Christian families. Mecwan’s family was also finally able to have wedding celebrations in India for his daughter Charmin, married in 2020, and her husband. A procession to the reception, a dance circle, fireworks and food were all part of several days of festivities to celebrate the joining of two families. There were also more churches to visit, more encouragement to offer. Ruble said it ranged from encouraging longtime Christians in established churches to be bold in sharing their faith, to offering basic Christian teachings and prayer to groups gathered in homes and perhaps newer to the faith. About two-thirds of the way into the trip, though, both pastors were sick. Ruble managed to rally and, with prayers from Mecwan, fly back to the U.S. But by the time he left Jan. 19, Mecwan was in a hospital; Mecwan would not return to the United States until March.
18 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
‘IF YOUR GOD WILL…”
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Mecwan said he was in an intensive-care unit for 16 days. “I could not take a breath,” he said, panting a few times to illustrate what it was like. “The doctor finally said to my wife, ‘Your last chance, we are going to try a higher dose (and maybe) if your God will do some miracle …,” he said. “I had oxygen day and night … by God’s grace, after 14 days I got a breath — my own.” In the course of his hospital stay, doctors also discovered a tumor — cancer — in his liver, which they treated with a form of ablation, injecting something to burn out the tumor. “I never keep quiet,” Mecwan said. “Even in pain, I said, ‘Jesus loves
you.’ That’s my nature. ‘Jesus loves you.’” He said hospital staff asked why he and his wife did not seem worried; he said he knew where he was going if he died. He said his hospital stay started some conversations, and some people asked him to pray for them and/or asked for a Bible. A friend of Mecwan’s, a retired American doctor, would call Mecwan on a video call and pray with him. “When he prayed with me, all these people were listening to the prayer, (saying) ‘American people are praying for Mecwan,’” he said. “… God has a plan. Because of my sickness, maybe God wants to save them. … Nothing is impossible for God.”
Pictured: Manubhai Mecwan (blue shirt), pastor of Faith Community Fellowship, prays with Christians in India and with Living Streams Community Church pastor Greg Ruble (white shirt, to right of Mecwan). Photo Provided
November 2023 19
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
A LOnG JOurneY Of SerVice
Former St. Michael principal marks 75 years as a Sister of Providence By Anne DurhAm Smith | Daily RepoRteR
S
Sister Grace Marie Meehan
Photo courtesy of sisters of Providence
ister Grace Marie Meehan remembers those years in Greenfield. She taught at St. Michael Catholic School when it had just four classrooms, serving as both principal and teacher, living in a house with another nun or two across Jefferson Boulevard from the school. “I loved Greenfield. The people were so wonderful to us … I had a good school board,” she said. Back then, “All we had behind us at that point were cornfields. Now I don’t even recognize the place when I’ve gone by.”
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Greenfield has been just one of the many stops on the sister’s journey. This year she marks 75 years with the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Terre Haute. Grace Marie Meehan grew up in the Chicago area, the middle child and the only daughter between two sons. She grew up attending Catholic schools and found the nuns who taught there a positive presence, so much so that she began thinking of becoming one during grade school. “The sisters that I had were so good to us,” she said. “They seemed to enjoy one another and enjoy life.”
20 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Photo courtesy of Sisters of Providence
Sister Grace Marie Meehan gathers with fellow nuns at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in 1960. Seated is Sister Agnes. Standing (from left) are Sister Joseph Maria, Sister Mary Anselm, Sister Grace Marie and Sister Rose Michael.
She joined the Sisters of Providence in 1948 at age 18 and professed final vows in 1955. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Maryof-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University. She taught at the former St. Agnes Academy in Indianapolis, served as a teacher and principal at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in Greenwood for nine years, and taught at Richmond’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School before coming to Greenfield. She was a teacher and principal at St. Michael from 1969-72. She remembers marching classes to downtown Greenfield for the annual Parade of Flowers leading to the statue of poet James Whitcomb Riley, in years before
the Riley Festival became an established tradition extending the festivities beyond the procession. Mimi (Robak) McKee remembers Sister Grace Marie being at the school. “She was a very jolly person,” McKee said. “Very sweet lady.” Sister Grace Marie’s years as an educator also included assignments out of state, including California. “If you’re in religious life, as my dad used to say, it’s like you’re in the navy,” she said. “You go where they send you. You just picked up your bag and went.” After about 25 years of teaching, she retired. Around that time she was volunteering in the infirmary at Saint-Maryof-the-Woods in her free time. There, she developed interest in becoming a
New Palestine United Methodist Church
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November 2023 21
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana nurse. She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Lincoln Trail College in eastern Illinois. Working in education and in nursing were “so different,” she said, “but in another way they’re not. You are serving and giving of yourself, and you’re also receiving a lot from other people.” Her students — she imagines they must be grandparents or great-grandparents by now — were children who showed love and kindness. In hospitals, patients were grateful for what nurses could do to help them. Most of her years in nursing were spent at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, where she ministered for more than 20 years. She volunteered another 10 years after retiring. Most recently, she ministered as a parish volunteer from 2020-22 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Albuquerque, New Mexico, part of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Today, at 93, she lives in “the mother house” at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and remembers a lifetime of fellow nuns and laypeople who’ve enriched the journey begun 75 years ago. “Religious life has been wonderful — the companionship of the other sisters, the good friends that I’ve made through the years.”
Photo courtesy of Sisters of Providence
Sister Grace Marie Meehan (second from left) stands with fellow nuns at Our Lady of the Greenwood School in a 1960 photo. She served as teacher and principal there from 1959-68.
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22 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Soft touch Group reaches out in compassion through quilts, other handmade items By Anne Durham Smith | Daily Reporter
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annesmith@greenfieldreporter.com
OUNTAINTOWN — One woman keeps the quilt draped over a rocking chair, a soothing reminder of her late husband. Another man’s quilt, one that he kept near during his final years as he lived in a facility, was buried with him. Other quilts are folded and sent to summer church camp with children who might not have much bedding to pack. Women who hand-tie the quilts, and keep sewing machines humming
as they finish them off with edging around the perimeter, join hands in a circle and pray at the close of their work. They pray the flannel quilts, fleece blankets, Christmas stockings, burp cloths and other items they’ve made will meet a need and be an expression of love for those who receive them. A group of women began meeting more than 20 years ago at Fountaintown Christian Church, bringing cloth from their own stashes, frequenting fabric store sales and pooling their know-how to make blankets. Sometimes they’d collaborate on a quilt for the church’s annual tenderloin dinner,
auctioning it off and using the money to buy more supplies. “When we first started out … we said, ‘OK, now, who are we going to give to? Are we just going to give these to church?’” recalls Mary Ann Suddarth, one of the originators of the group. “And we finally decided, ‘Whoever or whatever has a need.’ And it has just ballooned.” That desire to offer comfort to those who need it inspired the name an early member, Louise Johnson, gave the group: Comfort Makers. These days, the church — now known as The Fountain — allots funds annually to the group for fabric,
Pictured: The Comfort Makers at The Fountain church in Fountaintown make blankets, burp cloths and other items for people with a new baby, people experiencing loss or illness, Life Choices Care Center, Hope House and others. Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
November 2023 23
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
Volunteers cut notches around the edges of large pieces of fleece; the resulting blankets will have a tied fringe edge. seeing Comfort Makers as an outreach that has touched many over the years. And the group has gone from jamming fabric into a cabinet next to Christmas decorations to having a large closet where it can line up bolts of flannel and spools of thread. Becky Fugate, who records items made in a notebook, said the group has given away more than 3,600 items over the years. They’ve been given away one by one — someone knew a person who was sick, or had a new baby, or some other need. Yet they’ve also been given away in batches, such as 102 fleece blankets with tied fringe edges given to children in an afterschool program. “Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people have been blessed,” said Marianne Smalley, another founder of the group. Thank you notes have poured in, occasionally with a donation to help the group buy cloth for the next blanket. “They just don’t stop thanking you,” Smalley said. Her lap is covered by fleeces with colorful rainbow spirals that look like tie dye; she’s tying tassels on a fleece blanket. Across from her, Jane Grant does the same for an aqua blanket with
WEAVE OF THEIR WORK The Comfort Makers use flannel and fleece. They make tied quilts using 2-yard pieces of flannel; two pieces are quilted together, wrong sides touching, and a edging is sewn around the perimeter. Usually there is one print piece and one coordinating solid-color piece. A baby quilt often consists of two 1-yard pieces similarly tied and sewn. The group also makes fleece blankets using pieces of at least 1½ yards. dark-blue scalloped circles and butterflies. After she moved to New Palestine a few years ago and started attending The Fountain, some of the Comfort Makers women invited her to one of the group’s work sessions to see if she liked it. “It’s a blessing, I’m telling you it is,” she said. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful organization of sweet, kind women that work hard.” There have been moments along the way when the women have felt their work enjoyed a blessing beyond their own labor. There was the guy at the sewing machine store who found and tuned up a brand-name sewing
machine and an embroidery machine for the group at a price that fit what they had left to spend — but, being experienced sewers who know how much machines cost, they knew he had given them a great deal. There was also the time they took about a dozen quilts to a nursing home, and each resident commented how theirs matched their room, their bedding, etc. Yet the Comfort Makers didn’t know the residents’ color schemes. Even as they make items to share with others, the women say they reap benefit as well from the friendships that have developed with each other. “I like to sew, and the fellowship is good,” Doris Bright said. “We all laugh and joke and carry on,” said Pat Duda. They’ve made things together, as they’ve gone to the fabric store in matching fluffy-chick-adorned “Christian Chicks” T-shirts, and as they’ve gathered for a Christmas lunch at a local restaurant. “We really love what we do,” Suddarth said. “We have a really good time with each other.” Smalley feels that too. “The group has grown close.”
24 November 2023
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
‘Outside of their comfort zone’ Youth mission teams minister over summer, look to next year’s trips By Anne Durham Smith | Daily Reporter
T
annesmith@greenfieldreporter.com
hey carried groceries up a steep hill to a woman in Costa Rica with a broken ankle. They cleaned out stalls in a Nashville, Tennessee, horse farm that serves children who’ve experienced trauma. They helped refurbish a house in Cleveland, Ohio. They passed out 600 hygiene kits in El Salvador. All that and more was carried out by youth from Hancock County churches this summer. Teens from a number of local congregations participated in mission work trips this summer, serving in the United States and abroad. They led Vacation Bible Schools and soccer camps, cooked, painted, built and shared their faith in numerous ways, both in verbal presentations and in acts of service. Chase Shinkle and his fellow team members from Brookville Road Community Church entered a store in Costa Rica with a shopping list. It included items such as coffee, rice, flour and sugar — “a lot of it was pretty much the same,” he said, as a list one might
make here in Indiana. But the journey to drop off a couple of weeks’ worth of food was very different. The families the group was delivering to live in steep terrain. “When it rains it’s really hard to take their cars up and down the hills,” said Chase, a junior at New Palestine High School. The trek was made in a humid climate. Chase noticed that when he went to bed at night, on an air mattress with mosquito netting, that his hair was still damp hours and hours after his morning shower. During the group’s trip in late June, which began with a 16-hour delay to its flight out of Indianapolis, the group also cleared trees and rubble for a church preparing to expand. The teens also played host to a sports gathering and led a two-day Vacation Bible School. They planned the lessons, crafts, snacks and games. Chase taught a lesson about Jesus’ life and miracles. “I kind of gave the point to the kids … Jesus is still going to love them no matter what,” he said. Later, the person translating his talk into Spanish told him children were saying to each other, “Jesus
really loves me, doesn’t he?” Praying Pelican Missions helped connect the Brookville Road group with the churches it served. Next Step Ministries connected Trinity Park Church youth with the groups they served in Cleveland in late June. In July, a group of 16 students and four adults from Mt. Comfort Church traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, serving at various community partners. One crew worked at a horse farm that provides free equine therapy to children recovering from trauma. The youth assigned there “did ALL the things, from building fence to cleaning out stalls and helping to care for the horses,” wrote Mary Ann Crisman, the church’s discipleship director, wrote in an email. Crisman wrote that students and adults served alongside different non -profit organizations, from food pantries to community gardens, day care facilities for children and elderly adults, and farms raising fruits and vegetables and meat for those in need. Also in July, a group of youth from Realife Church traveled to El Salvador.
They offered children’s events for an orphanage there, said Luke Cornwell, communications pastor at Realife. The group also passed out hygiene kits, led a soccer camp, helped build homes and ministered to young adults in prison. Churches are already planning for their 2024 trips. A car show today (Sept. 23) at Mt. Comfort Church will help raise money for the next youth work trip. Cornwell said Realife plans to send another team to El Salvador next year. He said such trips offer important lessons for young people. “We really encourage students to experience the opportunity to share Jesus with people, and to do that outside of their comfort zone, which many times is outside the United States,” he said. “It takes all of the distractions of our normal day-to-day life out of the picture and places them in a position where they need to rely on God and live out what they say they believe. “They walk away with an experience that encourages them to come back and live out their values here in the United States, in their own community.”
Pictured from left: Youth from Brookville Road Community Church in New Palestine package groceries to distribute during a trip to serve in Costa Rica. // Alexis Thornton, a sophomore at Mt. Vernon High School, spreads mulch on a playground in Tennessee during the Mt. Comfort Church youth work trip. // Trinity Park Church youth served in Cleveland, Ohio. Photos provided