Recently Lisa and I spent a week in northern Georgia at a Pastor’s Retreat Center near Dahlonega, Georgia. It is a beautiful mountainous area full of waterfalls and stunning views. It was a fantastic time of rest and renewal for us. While we were there, Lisa was in contact with a few ladies about what our church family was doing back home. Our friend, Christy Cummings, was thrilled about the generosity of our church family and the east side community in donating items to help the victims of Hurricane Helene. Ashley Hughes texted Lisa about the amazing ways God was working in Brianna’s Hope in the last few weeks. The number of people attending this support group for those striving to overcome addictions was growing and lives were being impacted. Leslie Power and Kim Thomas were so excited about the launch of the Reading Boot Camp, a program to help kids become better readers. As Lisa gave me regular updates about what was going on back home, something struck me. All three of these ministry opportunities were happening because someone in the Body of Christ had a vision for doing ministry and God used them to make it happen. None of these three ministry/ministry opportunities were initiated by any member of our church staff. I love that. That so encouraged me. Individual members of Christ’s church listening to God, seeing where God was at work, and rallying others to join them in doing God’s work.
That’s the power of community!
Gary Whorlow, Discipleship Minister
2024 has been dedicated to strengthening the sense of community within our church body. Throughout this report, you’ll find real-life stories of how people have experienced community in different ways within the PRCC family.
We asked ChatGPT (Artificial Intelligence app) to describe, in 100 words or less, why community is important in the life of the church. Here’s what it came back with:
Community is essential to the life of the church because it reflects the unity and love central to the Christian faith. In a church community, individuals find support, encouragement, and accountability, helping them grow in their faith and navigate life’s challenges. Together, they worship, serve, and learn, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of belonging. Community also enables the church to act collectively, reaching out to serve others and embodying Christ’s teachings in the world. This shared life not only strengthens each member but also witnesses to the world the transformative power of love and unity in Christ. Sounds pretty authentic!
Welcome!
The search for the Lead Minister was a thoughtful and prayerful process. With Joel Eynon emerging as the leading candidate, his journey included visits to the church with he and his wife Jessie, then his family, meeting with both church leadership and the congregation, preaching, and ultimately receiving strong support through a congregational vote. We are grateful for God’s faithfulness throughout this process -- and thankful for all who took part in it -- and look forward to the plans He has for PRCC in the days ahead. Please be praying for the Eynon family as they transition from Georgia to Indianapolis.
Hello Post Road Family!
I cannot take any credit for all the hard work that went into creating this amazing resource. We have a great team at Post Road Christian Church, and I am excited to join the team! One of the first things I did when learning about Post Road was read over the annual reports from previous years. It gave me, as an outsider, a great view into the heartbeat of PRCC. That is one of the things that the Lord used to continue to draw the Eynon family to this new ministry at Post Road.
As you read the stories, see pictures, and evaluate the numbers in this report, I hope that it encourages you to partner with us to transform the east side of Indianapolis for Jesus! Perhaps you will see things you had a hand in creating or places you served, or maybe you will be convicted to start serving in a new area. God’s Kingdom work is so rewarding, and we are always better together.
I’m only scratching the surface of this great community, and I am thrilled to keep learning more. As we move forward together, may we always remember what the Apostle Paul said in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Peace, Joel Eynon Lead Minister
I have loved all the interactive programs and get togethers we have had the last couple years. I have met and become friends with lots of people I did not know before.
Experiencing Community
Here’s what people are saying about at PRCC
Our LIFE Group is one of the highlights of my week, every week. It’s something I miss when we don’t meet. It is a continual source of community!
Look for speech bubbles throughout this report to hear how some of our church family have experienced community within the Body of Christ this year.
PRCC is my lifeline to survive in this world. I love the comfort of knowing that my LIFE Group is just a text or phone call away if I need any of them. The entire PRCC family is my family.
I’ve experienced community through involvement with our Branches leadership and study groups. God has moved in so many of our sisters’ lives over the course of this past year. We as a church will harvest the fruit.
I’ve experienced community through Band of Brothers relationships and small group study of the Bible. Through delivery of food to a local apartment complex and praying with residents, and donating supplies to help hurricane impacted people.
Our church is warm and welcoming from the parking lot until the time someone is seated. We love our community and we have so many benevolent hearts at PRCC. I love my church!
Community Creates Relationships
The definition of community is feeling fellowship with others as a means of sharing common attributes. Those words seem small when I look upon the only community that’s raised me above my fears. My common doubts, my insecurities I can leave them at my church doors, because I have actual community. Those people in those seats are praying for me. That’s my joy, Lord knows it’s the only community I want.
I’ve been blessed beyond thought by so many beautiful people. A blessed woman started a GoFundMe page which ended up with my treasure, my handicap van. Words aren’t enough.
Some church members visited my home. Seeing the pots I set out during rain, they put together a mighty group. These men, women, and students from the church gave me a new roof. Unreal Blessing.
Recently a couple of gentlemen came by and placed wood down where my bathroom floor had lost the subfloor. Can you imagine? My head still swims.
Then there’s that totally awesome couple that keep my yard up year round, put rails up for my husband when he needed them, and so much more. I know I’ve forgotten some, they know who they are.
I’m crying writing this. God’s love that shines through others’ eyes is what makes the community church I love most, my heart is full.
And, most recently, the study of Amos (current Branches women’s Bible study) and humility has been a journey, because being a 62-year cancer survivor has always, always given me a life of God’s love. I wouldn’t change one moment of the journey he’s blessed me with. My goals are to live it with honor, grace and humility in my handicap.
~ In His name, Jesus Christ, Mary Sego
My husband and I feel right at home. Everyone has made us feel part of the family.
In the fall of 2019, one Sunday I decided to go to church after maaannnyyy years of not going. So, I got up and got ready to go to the church where I was saved. As I was driving, at the light, instead of going left to go to that church, my car went right! I knew I was headed to PRCC instead. This was truly a God moment. My long-time friend Cheryl Kemple had invited me a few times when I had seen her at the store. I got to the church and told whoever was passing out bulletins that this was my first time here. Right next to her was Jan Woodard, who immediately said “come and sit with me.” I did and what a wonderful sweet lady she is. Then a couple weeks later, Martha Wiggins came to me when I was sitting in the sanctuary and she said she was drawn to introduce herself. Now we’re best buds! The friendliness and helpfulness of this church family is a “throwback” to what people think churches should be like. I’m thankful how it has changed my life.
~ Pam Conley
It all started last year with the Christmas help program -- it was absolutely beautiful the set up was absolutely amazing!
comeWhenbigscarysituations intomylifeorthe lives of those I love, it is sowhocomfortingtohaveothersstandwithyouinprayer.
Experiencing Community While Working Together
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul says, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”
In His example, Jesus didn’t live a life of solitude. He lived in community with his followers, each with different talents (or gifts) and each at a different place in their faith.
As followers of Jesus, whether we are opening our Bible for the first time, or are full of wisdom from years of studying, living in community with one another is a very important part of our own walk of faith.
So, what does living in community with one another mean to you?
For our custodial/maintenance team, living in community is not just attending worship, reading our Bibles, or praying. It’s encouraging and lifting each other up when we need it. It’s being surrounded by others who genuinely know you, the good and the bad, and love you anyway. It’s a daily “three-for-one because you’re special” walk to the car, complete with a big hug and an “I love you” before leaving. It’s a 9 a.m. “Jim’s Here” break to sit down and just catch up (which we will now be missing greatly since Jim retired). It’s always having something new to teach or learn, and having someone willing to share. It’s a super shiny “LB” (Lydia Butler) doorstop, a squeaky (literally) clean toilet, an air five from the balcony, or a hulk smash “Yeah” over a finally-removed carpet stain that gets everyone excited and doing the happy dance. It’s celebrating our wins, and carrying our lows together.
Every day, while working hard, diligently, and efficiently together with detail-oriented care in mind, we build each other up. Our laughs, so many laughs, across the building, chatter, and big hugs carry us through the day, even when we’re not at church.
Living in community to us, simply put, is family.
The PRCC Custodial Crew
Lydia Butler
I
feel very blessed to have found PRCC. The people have a tremendous amount of love for Christ and the church family. I enjoy doing things for the church and for the people.
Mary Rose Martin
Cindy Reyes
Christina Beam
I feel a strong sense of community working in Children’s Church with the adults I serve with and the kids.
For me, Children’s Ministry functions as a small group or family. There is great support, encouragement, and prayer.
(from left) Jim Sheridan, Mary Rose Martin, Lydia Butler, Cindy Reyes, Christina Beam
Community Around the World
Every year, we take our students on a Fall Retreat to give them a chance to get away from campus, grow closer to each other, and strengthen their relationship with the Lord. This year, 24 students attended, 5 of whom were new to the Campus House. Despite the rain throughout the weekend, our students were able to gather, play games, and bond with one another. They also had the opportunity to form groups, discuss the topics from our main sessions, and pray together. The joy of this retreat comes from seeing students form new connections with people they might not have otherwise interacted with.
Caleb Grimes, Ball State University Campus House
Back in 2020, when a Covid outbreak reached one of the villages we ministered in, the local government ordered the lockdown of the village to prevent further infections in the area. This resulted in the believers of this village not being able to travel out to buy food and many of the people of this village did not have enough food stored for the duration of the lockdown. After hearing about the lockdown of this village our associated ministry churches in the area got together and raised funds to buy food and essential items for the believers and non believers of the village that was in lockdown. This was a great example of community among believers that not only helped each other but also the entire village as a whole showing God’s love for all to see.
Abel Sairrantanyu, Thailand
Some of our Global Partners shared with us how people and churches in their part of the world have experienced community.
David and I enjoy giving love and sharing Christ in 7 correctional facilities a week! It is also a joy seeing a “community” of volunteers sharing the love of Christ with so many inmates who feel hopeless and hurting! It is also wonderful to hear of inmates becoming “community” to each other in group Bible studies!
Lee Ladd
Extended Hands
Prison Ministry
The Polish churches have been deepening community amongst the believers since the beginning of the Ukrainian refugee crisis. 100% of our churches (51 total now) were housing Ukrainian refugees in their homes for a week or more. Some of the same churches were housing them in their Sunday School classrooms for over a year. This caused dependence upon each other, and even a greater dependence upon our awesome God, to grow and deepen. This has built trust, faith, character in the believers and has resulted in a greater community of Christ-followers in our Polish churches.
Dave Hatfield,
Polish
Christian Ministries
We have seen depth of community established at our program centers throughout the city. On the Near Eastside, we have had so many youth attend our weekly Bible study and spiritual formation programs. One young person said “this Bible study gave me the courage to try going back to church.” At our Old Southside program center, we have seen many young people visit for basic needs like showers, laundry, etc. and end up getting connected to our partner, Impact Old Southside, where they now attend church. God is doing incredible things and never ceases to amaze us!
Andrew Neal, Outreach,
Inc.
Community Across Generations
ReRroute, our Sunday evening program for children from infant through 4th grade, is extremely community oriented. It’s our opportunity to present apologetics to children. Simply put, we learn what it means to love God and follow Jesus. We are learning how to defend what we believe through critical thinking and logic. All questions are welcome. We help children come to a faith that is their own.
So, how does ReRoute work? What does it look like?
We follow the same basic format every week. Routine helps us to know what is going to happen next. Our children have so many things to be anxious about. We create one less by following the same path weekly.
Each week begins with an opening activity that supports the lesson. Most often it is Science or Art related. Apologetics helps us focus on God as the original Scientist and Artist. We are made in His image and likeness, which makes us junior Scientists and Artists. We start the evening with everyone together, so the opening activity is adapted for all ages. Recently we used our creative skills to make beautiful cards for recovering friends. We used observation skills to look at the “tumbleweeds” that blow about on our campus. We will try to use them as paintbrushes soon. We provide different experiences in order to capture all learning styles.
Dinner together is next. In an increasingly busy world, it can be hard to gather everyone around the table. We have four to six children and one or two adults at each table for “family dinner.” Our amazing food team makes us a meal adapting to allergies and sensitivities. They show such concern and care for our children. We are so grateful that we can nurture and feed every part of our ReRoute family, physical, emotional, and spirtual.
After dinner, as music plays, we wait patiently in our chairs until we are tapped on the shoulder as an invitation to join the dance line. We show our best moves as we head toward the center of the room to sing Scripture, in praise. We sing about the faithfulness of God, the failings of man, and the saving grace we have through Jesus! What a privilege it is for the volunteers and children to sing God’s words back to Him! Babies through adults, praising God together!
After singing, we split up into small groups for lesson and prayer. Bible time is designed to be age appropriate, and we use a story flip chart. We review previous weeks routinely as part of our lesson time. Lessons are extremely interactive allowing for questions from both sides, children and adults. We use an apologetics curriculum. We teach who God is, what He does and what we should do as a response. Apologetics encourages us to defend our faith through critical thinking and logic.
Next up, prayer. Prayer not only happens at dinner and lesson time, but anytime in the two hours, we will stop for prayer, as it is appropriate. The children often ask if we will pray with them for some concern. We happilly pause what we are doing to join them in prayer. We love that the environment always allows for prayer. Our prayer page (available as part of our AiG [answersingenesis.org] curriculum) is available to anyone upon request. Prayers are divided into four groups; I love you prayers, thank you prayers, I’m sorry prayers, and please prayers. We pass a Prayer Pal (we have several soft stuffies) around the circle and everyone prays while they have the Pal. Some prayers are short and to the point, others more extensive. We try to pray in different ways to reach all the learning styles and pathways to God. The prayers of our children are so powerful.
After lesson and prayer, there could be one or more supporting activites and we always fit in play. Our focus is not on classroom management but rather on building relationship and community. We are all learning how to love God first and each other better.
ReRoute is a safe and comfortable place to experience God, learn to understand ourselves better, and relate more graciously to others. It is a stong community within a larger community. A big shout out and thank you to the many volunteers, who week after week commit to building community together.
Thank you to Theresa Edwards for sharing with us what the community of
Being in a Branches group has helped me meet new people. They have helped me draw closer to God and His Word..
I have been blown away from all the prayers, phone calls, and mountains of cards of encouragement from my brothers and sisters in Christ during my ongoing health crisis.
Our family has received support and prayers from all the members of PRCC over the last year. Whether it was for our daughter’s health, our own struggles and even our victories. We have always felt welcome and wanted and loved and included.
ReRoute is all about.
Sermon Series
I have experienced community within PRCC this year specifically with the Student Ministry. Throughout all the trips the students have been on, all the Bible studies, and sitting together in Sunday service, we’ve created an unshakable bond that draws us closer in Christ. We can lift each other up and grow in our faith together. I’ve gotten the blessing to watch these fellow students grow in faith and love for God and it’s so amazing getting to see that. I’m excited to see where God takes us next and to see our bond grow!
Average
Monthly Attendance October 2023-September 2024
Baptisms & Transfers: October 2023 through September 2024
Average Monthly Giving
Baptisms: 12 Transfers: 13
October 2023-September 2024
I had major surgery this year and the people of the church were there to help me through it. I really enjoyed their visits and since I was in the hospital 24 days I don’t think I could have made it if I didn’t know that I had their support. They are wonderful with people who are in hospital and showing the support, which means a lot.
2024 Elders
Dan Franke has been an active member of PRCC for five years. He and his wife Sue have been married 50 years and have three children and seven grandkids. Over the years, they have been involved in church planting, prison ministry, and serving on worship teams with Dan on guitar and Sue on keyboard. Dan likes to be involved and has been active in the Worship Band, Benevolence, Band of Brothers, LIFE Group and more. He retired as a Director of Operations in the automotive industry. For fun, Dan plays guitar, golfs (kind of), likes motorcycles, gardening and family.
Dan Haag has been a member of PRCC since 2009 and a Christ-follower for 29 years. He serves in the Student Ministry as a sponsor, as a LIFE Group leader and has also been involved in The Gift and the Mother’s Day Oil Change. Dan has been married to Sarah for 20 years and they have two teenage daughters. He works as a claims adjuster for GEICO. In his free time, Dan enjoys fishing and reading.
Marvin Hitchcock has been a Christfollower and member of PRCC for 51 years. He’s served as a LIFE Group/ Sunday School leader (same class for all of those years), Student Ministry sponsor, and a variety of other ministries. Marvin has been married to Donna for 46 years and has two grown children and seven grandchildren. In his free time, Marvin likes to read, travel, and play with his grandkids.
Russ Hornickel has been a member of PRCC for 46 years and a Christ-follower for 49. Over the years, he’s served as a Youth Sponsor, Ministry Coordinator, co-leader of a LIFE Group, Men’s Ministry, and media. Russ and his wife, Mel, have been married for 47 years and have one grown daughter and two grandsons. Russ is retired from being a photographer at WTHR-13. In his free time he enjoys biking, hiking, serving, and hanging out with friends.
Charles McDaniel has been a Christ follower for 60+ years and a member of PRCC since 2019. He has served with the Crossover Sports Ministry, and various other outreaches. He is a retired chaplain with the U.S. Army (and a civilian chaplain) and has served on the pastoral staff with several congregations in the U.S. and overseas. Charles and his wife Karen have been married for 56 years and have two grown children and nine grandchildren.
Steve Pryor has been a member of PRCC for 35 years and a Christ-follower for 42 years. He has served in the Worship Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Buildings & Grounds and special events.
Steve has been married to Barb for 45 years and they have two grown sons and four granddaughters. He is a retired IT manager and developer. In his free time, Steve enjoys music, model railroading, travel and being a grandpa
Jim Raftery has been a member of PRCC for 41 years and a Christfollower for 44 years. He has served in Student Ministry, Cars of Clay Ministry, LIFE Group leader and lesson writer.
Jim and his wife, Kim, have been married for 44 years and have three grown children and four grandchildren. He works at IAC as an Energy Consultant. In his free time, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling as a spectator to car races and serving others.
Lewis Woods has been a member of PRCC for 11 years and a Jesus follower for 26 years. Over the years he has taught children’s Sunday school and currently works with Middle School and High School students. He and his wife Sharlyn also serve on the Marriage Ministry team. Lewis and Sharlyn have been married for 34 years and have one grown son and a baby granddaughter. Lewis works for Belcan Engineering Group where he does work for Rolls-Royce aircraft engines. In his free time he enjoys disc golf and hanging out with family.
Dave Banton has been part of PRCC since 1972 and a Christ-follower since 1976. Over the years, he’s served with the Finance team, Benevolence, Teaching and Student Ministry.
Dave and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for 34 years and have two grown children. Dave works for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and in his free time enjoys yard work, hiking, disc golf, and watching sports.
(Dave took a sabbatical year in 2024 and is returning for 2025.)
2025 Elder Candidate
Daniel Bowen has been an part of PRCC since 2020, placing membership in 2021. He has been a Christ-follower for 52 years. Over the years, he has served in Student Ministry, teaching Sunday School, teaching parenting classes and doing marriage counseling along with his wife, Michelle. He and Michelle have been married 35 years and have 7 children and 3 (soon to be 4) grandchildren. Daniel is an electrical engineer and works for Miller Eads. His hobby is painting and playing with finely crafted miniatures (Army men).
2024 Ministry Coordinators
Buildings & Grounds Ministry
Global Partner Ministry
Men’s Ministry
Outreach Ministry:
Benevolence
Crossover Sports
Prayer Ministry
Safety Ministry
Seniors Ministry
Student Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry
Financial Officers
Financial Secretary
Assistant Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
2025 Leadership Ballot
If there is a scriptural reason why you believe any of these listed on this ballot should not serve as an Elder, Ministry Coordinator or Financial Officer, please contact one of the Elders to discuss your concerns. (Contact info below.)
Nominated to Serve as Elder
Daniel Bowen (1-year term; to expire 12/31/2025)
Dan Franke (1st 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2027)
Charles McDaniel (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2027)
Lewis Woods (1st 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2027)
Elders Currently Serving
Dave Banton (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2026)
Dan Haag (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2026)
Marvin Hitchcock (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2025)
Russ Hornickel (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2025)
Steve Pryor (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2025)
Jim Raftery (2nd 3-year term; to expire 12/31/2026)
(Jim is taking a sabbatical year and will return in 2026 to complete his term.)
Recommended to Serve as Ministry Coordinator
To be selected to serve a 1-year term
Buildings & Grounds Ministry Mike Welch
Global Partner Ministry
Men’s Ministry
Outreach Ministry: Benevolence
Barb Pryor
Russ Hornickel
Steve Pryor
Mike Welch Crossover Sports
Prayer Ministry
Jim Sheridan
Barb Pryor
Russ Hornickel
Steve Pryor
Mike Welsh
Shaun Morris
Dave Poole
John Read
Stephen Keller
Donna Hitchcock
Barry & Karen Survant
Julie Hudson-Bowley
Scott Campbell
Don Paul
Kim Dickerson (thru 7/24 )
Lila White (thru 4/24)
Dorothy Frazee (start 2/24)
Open Position
Shaun Morris
Dave Poole
Brandon Garmon
Student Ministry Barry & Karen Survant
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry
Vanessa Watkins
Eren Garard
Recommended to Serve as Financial Officers
Financial Secretary
Assistant Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Don Paul
Tony & Susie Paglia
Dorothy Frazee
Assistant Treasurer Open Position
Elder Contact Info
The elders are always willing to answer questions or address concerns. They can be contacted at the phone numbers or emails below.
Jim Raftery 317-800-3375 jraftery@modelairsystems.com
Lewis Woods 317-850-2305 lwoods3@sbcglobal.net
2025 Proposed Budget
The Annual Congregational Meeting is Sunday, November 17, 2024. The purpose of this meeting is to affirm the Elders’ recommendations for Elders, Ministry Coordinators, Financial Officers and the 2025 Budget. The Leadership Ballot can be found on Page 12.
Many hours go into preparing the budget. There are multiple people who pour over past years’ budgets, the current year’s trends in giving, and known needs for next year. There are many meetings, discussions, and adjustments. After much consideration, the final budget is agreed upon by the Finance Team and the Elders for presentation to the congregation. Our hope is to present you with a budget that is clear, concise, efficient, and capable of meeting the goal of Connecting People to Jesus on the east side of Indy.
We thank God for the continued generosity of our congregation. But we must be transparent and recognize we have not always met our weekly giving goal in 2024. But the Staff, Finance Team, and Elders are determined to not spend beyond what is given. This does impact the scope of what we can do in our community and beyond. We are asking that you join us in prayerfully considering how we all can increase our giving in 2025 to be able to increase our impact for Jesus.
Thank you for faithfully giving to the Lord’s work. May God bless our efforts to share the Good News, love, and community we have at PRCC with the east side of Indianapolis. Below are explanations about several specific line item changes.
1. Adult Discipleship was reduced to reflect a reduction in the Seniors Ministry amount.
2. Student Ministr y shows a reduction due to planned use of surplus funds in the Student Ministry account from previous years. We plan to allocate $10K per year from those funds for the next two years.
3. Preaching Team Administration budget was lowered due to not needing as many guest speakers for 2025 now that the Lead Minister position has been filled.
4. Building & Grounds was raised slightly to accommodate some needed projects in the building.
5. Vision was lowered significantly due to the “contingency” portion that was allotted for last year’s staff search being removed for 2025.
These reductions allow for a lower “offset” needed from money we have in the bank from previous years’ unused funds while still allowing the overall amount needed from the congregation to remain the same as 2024.
If you have questions regarding the budget, please contact Valerie Daniels at vdaniels@prccindy.com or 317.898.4945 x106.
