EXALT - APRIL 2017

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.”

Psalm 145:1 NLT

A Message From Our Senior Pastor

April 2017

Featured Stories:

Thank you for sharing the “Share Jesus Now” campaign with your family, friends, and co-workers in March. It was such a blessing to see people who were unchurched and unsaved come to church on March 26. Through the “Share Jesus Now” campaign we exceeded our expectations and were able to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters as evidenced through the benchmarks indicated below: • More than 48,000 interactions through our social media outlets (this includes likes, shares, reactions, and retweets via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).

• More than 18,000 people attended church during the month of March, averaging more than 4,700 people weekly.

• More than 11,400 souls were reached each week via LiveStream.

• More than 4,000 prayer requests were posted on the Prayer Wall.

• 84 people accepted the invitation for discipleship in March, with 43 accepting the invitation for discipleship on March 26.

Care Global: Haiti Mission

God was working in our ministry during the month of March! I encourage you to continue to share your testimony with those who are unchurched and unsaved and invite them to our worship services, anytime! We need to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout this city, nation, and world.

Last year on Resurrection Sunday, the Eastern Star Church family wore red Freedom shirts that symbolized the blood of Jesus. This year, I look forward to seeing our church family wear the royal purple God’s Majesty shirts on Resurrection Sunday, April 16!

Continue to keep this ministry, our members, and the 46218 community in your prayers. We are working to assist those in need. With God, all things are possible.

Volunteer Spotlights

Blessings,

Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Senior Pastor

and more...

There’s No Snow in a Debt Snowball

JEWEL Summer Enrichment Camp

Written by Stacey Moore

Written by Alisa Allen

Debt, often correlated with water, is expressed by saying “I’m drowning in debt.” On the other hand, debt has also been associated with snow as in having a “snowball effect.” Members participating in the Financial Freedom Institute (FFI) at Eastern Star Church are using the snowball technique.

“Debt Snowball” is an elimination strategy to reduce debt.

“To begin the debt snowball process, list all debt and create a spending plan,” stated Keith Wilson, Stewardship Manager at Eastern Star Church. Using the debt snowball method, you would make the minimum payment on all your debt, and when the smallest debt is paid in full, you roll the money you were paying on that debt to the next smallest balance. For example, if your smallest balance due is a medical bill, pay off that balance; take the money you were paying towards the medical bill, and minimum payment you were paying on the next smallest balance. Your snowball will grow larger as you tackle more debt.

According to Bro. Wilson, “It may take 24 months or so (depending on your situation), but you will see progress!”

Why start with the smallest bill first instead of the bill with higher interest rate/balance? Bro. Wilson stated, “Debt snowballers will begin to see progress quicker by paying the smaller bills first. By the time you work up to the larger bills, you will have more funds to apply towards higher balances.”

Becoming debt free not only relieves that “drowning” feeling, but allows you to establish emergency savings or savings for retirement, investments, and other long-term goals. Bro. Wilson stated that Eastern Star Church’s vision is to be a debt free church and its members to be debt free as well! Being debt free as a church will allow us to allocate more resources to the local and global community – all for the glory of God! Remember, God expects us to be good stewards (managers) of His resources (Proverbs 6:6-8, Luke 14:28-30).

Mark your calendars for the next FFI 101A and Teen FFI online registration beginning May 7, 2017!

Eastern Star Church is approaching that time of year when school is ending, and camp is quickly approaching! JEWEL Summer Enrichment Camp (JSEC) is an eight-week camp session, June 5 through July 28, 2017, for children ages 5 – 13 years-old.

JSEC programming engages the campers mentally and physically while focusing on Christ and treating one another with respect.

According to Cecil Sinkfield, Director of Activities at Eastern Star Church, “The identification and prevention of bullying is one of the focuses at camp. During the first week of camp, we deal specifically with what bullying is and the many ways it happens.

We want everyone to love their neighbors as themselves as it says in Mark 12:31.” JSEC also promotes togetherness, responsibility, and accountability.

Campers are exposed to a variety of STEM /STEAM enriching programming, activities, and field trips. Through discovery and exploration, campers gain memorable experiences by the exposure of multifaceted activities such as tennis, bowling, roller-skating, fishing, canoeing, trail hikes, swimming, ballet, piano, kickball, dodgeball, and golf. JSEC offers several fun-filled, life-gaining opportunities/activities for all to get involved.

To extend ESC’s 2017 theme, God’s Majesty (Psalm 8:1 NIV), everyday campers will focus on who God is. Each day there is devotional time where the campers spend time learning scripture and how to apply the Word to their daily lives. Last year, JSEC added a camp choir that shared their voices with campers, parents, and the community.

Top three things parents should know about JEWEL Summer Enrichment Camp: 1. JSEC develops social skills by teaching children to communicate, work together as a team, and how to be a leader through games.

2. JSEC teaches campers how to face challenges, learn the value of hard work and obedience, and to never give up while using every loss as a learning opportunity.

3. JSEC builds character, increases self-esteem, and confidence. In addition to making new friends, JSEC provides children with the core values of a strong, moral character by teaching them biblical principles.

FUN, EXPOSURE, EXPERIENCES, and MEMORIES. That's JEWEL Summer Enrichment Camp. Join us!

To register your child(ren), visit our website and click on the MINISTRIES tab, then SPORTS AND REGISTRATION. Registration ends April 30.

Membership Expectations: New Member’s Orientation Written by Nicole Ashburn

Eastern Star Church developed and implemented a New Member’s Orientation class designed to provide information about Eastern Star Church and how to get involved in the church ministries. Therefore, potential members (including children, tweens, and teens) are required to attend and complete New Member’s Orientation.

New Member’s Orientation is divided into four parts where each potential member will learn and understand what the church is, what the church does, Eastern Star Church’s mission and values, and how to get involved at Eastern Star Church. These classes are offered to children, tweens, teens, and adult. The classes are all age appropriate, interactive, and engaging. The children’s class is for ages 5 through 11, the tween’s class is for ages 12 through 14, and the teen’s class is 15 years and up are included in the adult class.

Eastern Star Church welcomes continued engagement. Members are encouraged to get involved with at least one of over 40 ministries.

During class, each new member receives a brochure that lists and describes various ministries indicating meeting times and contact numbers. After the New Member’s Orientation is completed and the member has decided to become a participant in one or more ministries, a Ministry Involvement Form must be completed. This form is then forwarded to the ministry leader who then contacts the member.

In the event a member has not decided on a ministry at the end of their class, they can still become involved at a later date by doing one of the following: 1. Visiting the SERVE table which is offered three times a year. SERVE tables are located in the ministry area after services.

2. Attending the Spiritual Gifts class which is offered three times a year by registering online at easternstarchurch.org and clicking the MINISTRIES tab.

3. Attending the designated ministries interests meeting date or leave a message on that ministries voice mail.

It is important that we identify with the church, attend worship services, serve in a ministry, give financially toward the church’s work, and promote unity. That unity begins with attending and completing the Eastern Star Church New Member’s Orientation class!

It’s Scholarship Time!

Written by Arlean Johnson

The Eastern Star Church (ESC) Scholarship is designed to help high school seniors of the congregation further their education.

In 2016, ESC awarded 46 scholarships totaling $60,000. This year, the ESC scholarship committee has expanded the parameters of the scholarship criteria to allow more recipients to receive the award. The scholarship is now available to graduating high school seniors accepted to any four-year college or university, a two-year college or technical school, trade or vocational school (cosmetology, barber school, or similar vocations). The applications will be available via the website on May 1; all applications must be postmarked by June 26.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Additionally, scholarship applicants must: • • • • • •

Be a member of Eastern Star Church for at least one year.

Have a membership verification letter.

Have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Complete Teen Financial Freedom Institute (FFI), class. (Registration for the June 6 – July 20 session begins in May) Provide a copy of their official final transcript from High school.

Provide an official letter of acceptance.

Be sure to visit our website and download the Eastern Star Church Scholarship application on May 1!

Remember, all applications must be postmarked by June 26, 2017.

Eastern Star Church Care Update Written by Barbara Walker Eastern Star Church (ESC) Care works to improve the lives of those they touch by demonstrating Love Lived Out. ESC Care assists approximately 300 souls per month, with the food and clothing pantry serving more than 900 individuals during the first quarter of 2017.

Care provides services to members of our congregation as well as the community.

How are they doing it? Through the financial support of the members of Eastern Star Church, Care offers emergency utility, rent, and mortgage assistance. The Care Exhortation staff and volunteers pray for members of the church, visit the sick, attend funerals, and come alongside Eastern Star Church families in their time of need. ESC Care also provides opportunities for members to serve with our community partners and make an impact in the greater Indianapolis community (e.g. Center for Leadership Development, NeighborLink, Wheeler Mission, Midwest Food Bank, etc.).

At the heart of Care is the Freedom Connections program that serves primarily single mothers. Freedom Connections is a holistic, 10-week program that addresses several key areas of a woman’s life to help her move toward self-sufficiency. Once enrolled, the women meet weekly in both one-on-one and group sessions along with eight to ten other women with similar needs. Using both internal and external resources, these underemployed, single mothers work to address issues which are barriers to their self-sufficiency, including improving self-esteem, managing finances, acquiring adequate housing, and spiritual needs. While working on becoming the best they can be, the women also receive a stipend to assist with their rent and utilities.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

If you want to be like Jesus, you have to CARE! For more information about Care, visit our website and click on the NEED HELP tab or call (317) 547-LIVE (5483).

Care Global Haiti Mission Trip Written by Alisa Allen On July 8 – 22, 2017, Eastern Star Church (ESC), along with Heartland Church, will take the first joint mission trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Over the course of two weeks in July a total of 30 members from each congregation will work side by side on the mission trip organized by our long-term mission partner Convoy of Hope, Inc. According to Darnaè Scales, Director of Eastern Star Church Care, “Convoy of Hope ensures that the mission trip is impactful and safe. Convoy of Hope also provides the training material for our mission teams.” ESC participants are currently attending on-going training sessions, while leading individual campaigns to fund their trip.

A

ART FOR HAI TI HE

Why is ESC going to Haiti? After an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. was moved to visit Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas to assess the damage and decide how Eastern Star Church could assist with relief efforts. Bro. Scales notes, “Pastor Johnson wanted to go to Haiti, but all the avenues he initially explored to get there were closed. The country was in disarray, and at first, they (Haiti) were only allowing a select few people into the country. Nevertheless, through the connection Pastor Johnson has with his brother in Christ, Pastor Darren Scheske, pastor of Heartland Church (who grew up in Haiti and was already partnering with Convoy of Hope), Pastor Johnson was able to go to Haiti." Since 2010, Pastor Johnson has visited Haiti numerous times to witness the progress and needs as well as update the congregation, in addition to inviting other churches to join the relief efforts.

The mission trip participants are excited about this opportunity. They are looking forward to making an impactful trip that glorifies God. One of the proposed projects involves the teams building a kitchen with a propane stove at the school in Turpin Village (just outside of Port-au-Prince). The kitchen will enable the women in the village to prepare meals for the children each day during the school year.

This is the same village that the ESC congregation supports through the feedONE initiative that allows us to feed over a thousand children each year.

Please begin lifting the Haiti mission trip participants up in prayer now and especially during the weeks of travel.

CALENDAR Important Dates for All Members Visit our website calendar to view updates and registration details for the following: Premarital Readiness: April 12 Would you like to have your wedding ceremony or vowel renewal at one of our campuses? Register to attend the Premarital Readiness Meeting on April 12.

Easter: April 16 No Sunday School, Financial Freedom Institute classes, or Children’s Church on April 16. Worship services will operate on normal times: Fishers Campus at 9:15 a.m., Cooper Road Campus at 10:45 a.m., and Main Campus at 12:15 p.m.

New Member’s Orientation: April 22 The next New Member’s Orientation will be held on April 22 at the Main Campus from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration is required and must be completed by April 19 to participate. New Member’s Orientation is offered to children, tweens, teens, and adults. Registration is available on our website by clicking the ABOUT US tab, then MEMBERSHIP. Get F.I.T. Marriage Boot Camp: April 22 Join the Marriage Ministry at the Main Campus for Get F.I.T. Marriage Boot Camp on April 22 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Couples will learn about forgiveness, how to overcome money challenges and broken promises, and the importance of family by using the F.I.T. (faithful, inspired, and trusting) method. Register online by visiting our website and clicking on the CALENDAR tab or call James Woodard at (317) 591-5050 ext. 115.

Prayer Ministry Orientation: April 22 The Prayer Ministry is looking for dedicated volunteers to come alongside those in need of prayer, comfort, and encouragement.

Register to attend the Prayer Ministry Orientation on April 22 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Main Campus, Room J303. Visit our website by clicking on the RESOURCES tab, then GET INVOLVED to view a volunteer job description and register to attend the orientation.

Baby Dedication: April 23 Baby Dedication will be held on April 23 at all three campuses.

Registration is required and must be completed by April 19. At least one parent must be a member to participate.

Race for the Cure: April 29 Join the Eastern Star Church Team on Saturday, April 29 as we show our support for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k Run/Walk. To register for the event and join the Eastern Star Church team, visit our website and click on the CALENDAR tab.

Summer Camp registration: April 30 deadline Have your child stay both physically and mentally active this summer through scheduled field trips, daily academics, and more by registering them for JEWEL Summer Enrichment Camp.

To register your child(ren), visit our website and click on the MINISTRIES tab, then SPORTS AND REGISTRATION. Registration ends April 30.

Volunteer Spotlight Written by Alisa Allen Marceline Estil teaches the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry classes at the Main Campus. She has been a volunteer since 2005 and says she “loves serving the Lord and being in obedience to God.” Sis. Estil isn’t just teaching a Sunday School lesson; she is giving the deaf community a deeper understanding of the Bible through interpreting.

Michael Johnson volunteers in Sunday School and has been a part of the Assimilation Ministry for the past four years; teaching children and youth Sunday School at the Fishers Campus. He loves teaching children and working with families in a fun, loving, Christian environment.

According to Bro. Johnson, “To volunteer in Sunday School requires studying the Bible, meeting kids and families where they are in life, being passionate about building children’s faith – and having a sense of humor is a must.”

Catrina M. Thompson has taught Sunday School for young adults and adults at the Main and Fishers Campuses for nearly 12 years. Sis. Thompson volunteers because “I want to give back as it also allows me to continue to develop my teaching skills and use it to the glory of God. Getting to interact with the young people and share Jesus with them brings me joy.” According to Sis. Thompson, a volunteer must be dedicated, have a will to serve, be flexible, and have a teachable spirit.

Gloria Maddox has been a volunteer for 15 years. She teaches children’s Sunday School at the Cooper Road Campus.

“I volunteer because I enjoy people, the fellowship, and the friends I make along the way,” stated Sis. Maddox. She enjoys seeing the children learn and discover the Bible and discover how God’s Word impacts their lives daily. According to Sis. Maddox, “Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry takes dedication, devotion, and a servant’s heart.”

All the teachers would agree that more volunteers for the ministry are needed. The Christian Education Department encourages other members with the gift of teaching to use their spiritual gift to edify Jesus.

To join the Sunday School Ministry or view other ministries at Eastern Star Church, visit our website and click on the MINISTRIES tab, then TEACHING.