“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
October 2016
Featuring stories about:
Praise the Lord! We’re more than halfway through the year and with the Lord’s help we’ve been able to accomplish great things in this ministry! Let’s reflect on how God moved in this ministry so far this year: Financial Freedom Institute (FFI) at Eastern Star Church – In April, we kicked off our inaugural six-week FFI session. Since April, Eastern Star Church has offered three FFI cohorts and more than 500 members have registered for the sessions. We want the kids of this ministry to also learn how to manage money at a young age so they can live a life of freedom. In September, we welcomed our second session of children, tween, and teen FFI classes. It’s amazing to witness members utilizing Biblical principles to become free of financial bondage! Convoy of Hope Indianapolis – Eastern Star Church, Heartland Church, and other participating churches were able to provide a day of Hope and give away free groceries, health and dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, meals, prayers and much more to more than 10,000 people at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds on June 25! I thank God for all the generous givers, vendors, and volunteers that made Convoy of Hope a success!
Convoy of Hope Indianapolis
JEWEL Human Services Rebrand to ESC Care
feedONE – On July 24, Eastern Star Church celebrated Christmas in July by supporting the foreign missions in Haiti, feedONE Program. For the next three years, Eastern Star Church is committed to feeding at least 1,000 children in Haiti and we need your help! Visit our website or mobile app to pledge to feed at least one child, for the next three years for only $360. With your electronic, reoccurring monthly gift of $10, you are providing much-needed hope for one child. Care - On August 15, JEWEL Human Services (JHS) officially changed their name to Eastern Star Church Care. Care will continue to be the outreach arm of Eastern Star Church and will meet the needs and provide assistance to church members, the community, and around the globe. In recent efforts, ESC Care Response, in conjunction with Heartland Church, sent $10,000 to support relief efforts for the devastation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana through Convoy of Hope. Our contribution has helped to support nearly 40,000 people with 33 truckloads of food, water, hygiene kits, and other disaster items.
ESC Graduates and 2016 Scholarship Recipients
We are excited to see how God has placed His hands in this ministry as we continue to be a blessing to our members, the community, and the world. Thank you to all the members, leadership, and volunteers that continue to help advance the Kingdom of God at Eastern Star Church. Blessings, Pastor Johnson & Lady Sharon’s 30th Wedding Annivesary
Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Senior Pastor
Eastern Star Church in Haiti
and more...
Care: Love Lived Out Written by Darnae’ Scales, Director of Care
After a successful rebranding of Eastern Star Church in early 2015, church leadership decided that it was time to do the same for JEWEL Human Services. On August 15, JEWEL Human Services officially changed its name to Eastern Star Church Care. The vision will not change; it is just the manner in which the community will view our services. Why was the name changed from JEWEL Human Services (JHS) to Care? We changed the name from JHS to Care because we want the members of our congregation, community, and the world to know that we Care! When our name was JEWEL Human Services, most members were unaware of its existence and the services that are both available to the general community and the church body. With the new name, Eastern Star Church Care, “Love Lived Out,” members, community, and partners will know we are an outreach arm of Eastern Star Church and the services we provide. What is the mission of Care? The mission will continue to stay the same, to meet the needs of individuals through missions and outreach that reflects the care, vision, and compassion of Christ. Care will help carry out Eastern Star Church’s mission of evangelism, and discipleship in the greater Indianapolis community, nationally and globally. What services will Care offer? We will continue to have the food pantry available for people in the community and members that are in need of food assistance. While people are receiving assistance in the food pantry, they’ll also have the option to receive clothes from the clothing pantry. ESC Care offers emergency benevolence in the form of rent/mortgage and utility assistance. Sometimes members of the church are hesitant to seek assistance because of fear or pride, but we want members to know that they can come to Care when they are in need of help, and we will protect their confidentiality. Members don’t have to worry about Care sharing their personal business or information with others. We also provide individual and family counseling services to members in crisis or experiencing difficult times. To receive counseling services, contact the Exhortation Manager at 317-547-5483 ext. 144. Freedom Connections is one of the newest programs at Care. Freedom Connections is a 10-week program that provides financial assistance to parents (primarily single mothers) who are in need of rent/mortgage or utility assistance. Participants must meet with the Outreach Staff to create an individualized success plan as well as attend workshops that help empower parents to build a stronger family. Freedom Connections workshops address the following: employment, self-esteem, housing, money management, family strengthening, and spiritual growth. These are just a few services Care offers. Visit our website to learn more about Care Help, Care Response, and Care Global. We are excited about the transition from JEWEL Human Services to Eastern Star Church Care, “Love Lived Out!”
WANTED: Angels, Superheroes, and Minions for the Hallelujah Celebration! Written by Phyllis Kendall
It’s October, and you know what that means...it’s time for the Hallelujah Celebration! Since 2005, Eastern Star Church has offered a positive alternative to Halloween with its Hallelujah Celebration. The celebration provides a family friendly option in a safe, Christian environment that doesn’t embrace the Halloween philosophy and allows children to still have fun along with their peers. This year, the Hallelujah Celebration is on October 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Main Campus. Children ages 3 to 11 years old are invited to wear a costume that reflects a positive character and enjoy a variety of games, food, and candy. Costumes are not limited to biblical characters but can include animals, food, plants, super or everyday heroes, and princes or princesses. Some fun examples include kids dressed as a Starbucks Frappuccino, a waffle, a ladybug, a Smurf, or Jesus. For those who are unable to attend but wish to help the Hallelujah Celebration become a success, candy donations will be accepted at all campuses on Sundays through October 23 in the bins marked “Candy Donations.” Additionally, donations can be dropped off at the Main Campus church office during regular business hours. Volunteers are also needed for bagging candy prior to the event, greeting, facilitating games, and preparing and serving food. Make our children’s celebration a success by volunteering! Email youthmin@easternstarchurch.org or call 317-591-5050 ext. 119. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones at the Hallelujah Celebration on October 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Main Campus for good Christian fun!
Hallelujah Celebration
6P.M. - 8 P.M.
Face painting, games, bounce house, food, candy bags and much more!
Main Campus, Gymnasium For ages 3 – 11 years old
Positive and encouraging costumes
October 28
Adults must accompany children at all times If you would like to volunteer for this event, please email youthmin@easternstarchurch.org
or call (317) 591-5050 ext. 119
SNAPSHOTS: PASTOR JOHNSON & LADY SHARON’S 30TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY In June, we celebrated Pastor Johnson and Lady Sharon’s 30th Wedding Anniversary. A dinner party was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and featured performances by radio personality and comedian, Marcus D. Wiley and musical artist, Andrew Young.
A Pastor After God’s Own Heart Written by Alisa Allen
To God be the Glory for the things He has done in the ministerial and pastoral ministries of Senior Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Standing before the congregation, as he gracefully begins the Word of God with Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer,” Pastor Johnson continues to come before Eastern Star Church to exalt Jesus and explain God’s Word. In speaking with a few members of Eastern Star Church, their reflections of the preaching of Pastor Johnson were described as an antidote of consistency and discipline like good medicine. Rickey Bellamy shared his most memorable sermon, “God Pours Out Blessings.” Rickey stated that the visual concept made it more tangible, more receptive in character form, and much easier to relate, receive, and understand. Rickey also expounded on how Pastor Johnson’s exegesis style of preaching has allowed Pastor Johnson to build a power-packed ministry by listening to God and standing strong in his faith in God’s word to reach the capacity of where Eastern Star Church is today. Hank and Denise Mosley expressed that the words of Pastor Johnson’s sermons flow through their spirit and illuminates light as a sweet aroma of Christ. It resonates in their spirit throughout the week until the next dose of his preaching. Pastor Johnson is, and continues to be an exceptional man of God and a remarkable preacher. Help celebrate what God has done through Senior Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr.’s 37th Ministerial Anniversary, and 28th Pastoral Anniversary.
Honoring Our Eastern Star Church Scholars Written by Brandy Wright
On Sunday, June 12, Eastern Star Church held their annual Graduates Appreciation Sunday, where we recognized members who graduated in 2016 from high school or college. Members were asked to wear their graduation apparel as they shared with the congregation where they graduated from, honors received, and their future plans. To help celebrate their accomplishments and achievements, ESC provided all graduates with a book written by Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. (Dialogue with my Daughters and A Making of a King: Transforming Boys to Men).
Fishers Campus
Cooper Road Campus
We hope that these books bless all the graduates on their spiritual journey!
Main Campus
We surveyed past JEWEL Childcare Preschool, JEWEL Christian Academy, and ESC Scholarship recipients and asked them, what advice would you give to high school seniors who graduated this past academic school year?
Trust your moral compass. You will be placed in situations that will force you to make choices, both small and life altering. Lean not only to your faith and God, but also to the values instilled in you. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it.
Have goals, but be flexible in how you reach them. Things don’t always, and usually don’t work out exactly the way you planned, when one path fails don’t be afraid to try another. You may find the alternate route was better.
Jasmine Williams, JEWEL Christian Academy, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
Miata Eggerly, JEWEL Christian Academy, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
My biggest advice would be to not worry about things you cannot control. God ALWAYS has a plan for you. Although it may not come to fruition when you want it to, it is important to relax and stay prayed up. Brandon Broadus, JEWEL Childcare Preschool, JEWEL Christian Academy, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
Networking is an important skill to develop in college. Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities that your institution has to offer. Kasey Hornbuckle, JEWEL Childcare Preschool, JEWEL Christian Academy, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
Know who you want to be and don’t stop yourself from getting there. Even if it doesn’t look exactly like what you were thinking, it may be exactly what gets you to what you need. David Olaleye, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
Make the most of your college experience. It really is what you put into it. Be sure to have a balance of work and play, and continue to keep God in the center of your walk. He will guide you every step of the way. Lauren Rascoe, past ESC Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations Class of 2016 Graduates!!!
Honoring Our Eastern Star Church Scholars (Continued) In early August, Eastern Star Church (ESC) also recognized high school seniors who received the Eastern Star Church Scholarship. All recipients had to attain at least a 2.0 GPA, complete an ESC application, and attend the ESC College Readiness Seminar. Due to the generous tithes and offerings of our members, we were able to award 46 scholarships totaling $59,800. Each scholarship recipient received a check for $1,300. The Eastern Star Church Scholarship will help students with tuition, housing, books, and school supplies. Thank you Eastern Star Church for your generosity!
2016 ESC Scholarship Recipients CAITLIN ALEXANDER NICOLE ARCHIE BROOKLYN BANKS JAYLA BOYD KIERRA BRITTAIN JADA BRITTON ALEXUS BROOKS LEONDRE BURGESS BERNARD CAILLOUET JADE CAMPBELL SAMMIE CARTER MYA COOK LANCE DOLLISON BRAYLIN FINNEY ALEXANDRIA FORD JAYLA FRENCH NIA GAVIA RAVEN GIBSON NIKITA GILBERT ZOE GOWENS-EVANS ASHLEE HARRINGTON BRYCE HIBBLER AUSTIN HOLMES
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY HOWARD UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS IUPUI UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY IUPUI INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY DENISON UNIVERSITY MARIAN UNIVERSITY IUPUI MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF LOUSIVILLE PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY
CHRISTOPHER HOLMES KENNETH HORNBUCKLE WILLIAM HOSEY, III MACKENZIE ISAAC COURTLAND JAMES NAIM JOHNSON JORDAN LAPSLEY JOHN MASON DANIA MATTHEWS DOMINIQUE MATTHEWS KYNDAL MCKINNEY MAIA MITCHELL SHAWN MOORE, JR. NATALIE MURDOCK SAAD QUICK KADELL RANDLE DIONA RICHARDSON STEFANA RIMMER SARAH SIGMAN BROOKLIN SIMS KHARI STEWART CLARK WILLIAMS ERICA YOUNG
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING HILL COLLEGE PURDUE UNIVERSITY TRINE UNIVERSITY INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY SPELMAN COLLEGE WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY LOYOLA UNIVERISTY OF CHICAGO INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
ELECTION DAY 2016 | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH 6 A.M. - 6 P.M. IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPCOMING ELECTION PLAN AHEAD | WWW.INDIANAVOTERS.COM OR CONTACT YOUR COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE • • • •
REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE UPDATE NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES ETC. FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION AND WHO WILL BE ON YOUR BALLOT FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON ABSENTEE VOTING
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOU TO REMEMBER THE C.R.E.W. POLITICS 101 - OCTOBER 15
SOULS TO THE POLLS - OCTOBER 23 AND OCTOBER 30
11 A.M. - 1 P.M. MAIN CAMPUS
DEPARTURE TIMES 9:30 A.M. | FROM MAIN CAMPUS 1 P.M. | FROM COOPER ROAD CAMPUS
REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT BY EMAILING THECREW@EASTERNSTARCHURCH.ORG
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED VIA OUR WEBSITE CALENDAR.
Financial Freedom Institute Written by Ellen Powell
We’re more than halfway through our year of Freedom! We’ve implemented freedom in our Bible Study classes, Sunday School lessons, sermons, and financial classes. Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. and the leadership team encourages all members to focus on being financially free. In March, members started to register for Financial Freedom Institute (FFI) at Eastern Star Church, a free interactive six-week course that uses Biblical principles of financial stewardship. The Spring and Summer sessions have wrapped up and the Fall session is underway. We reached out to a couple of attendees to find out how FFI has impacted their lives and here is what they’ve shared: ESC FFI Rack 8.24 - BACK.pdf
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LaTonya Hiser
Melanie Moore
1) Was FFI what you thought it would be? No, it was amazing, not boring! The personal touch of other saints going through some of the same experiences (or have experienced) was a moment I won’t forget. We were free to be transparent, which caused friendships to develop and provided encouragement along the way.
1) Was FFI what you thought it would be? Yes, FFI gave me the foundation and goals to follow to continue my path to financial freedom. The templates and tools will also help my husband as he couldn’t attend. 2) How has FFI impacted your life? FFI made me pay attention to how I spend money spontaneously. Also, I’ve learned the 10-10-80 rule of savings which has proven to enhance our saving goals.
2) How has FFI impacted your life? Looking at oneself is challenging, but the most revealing and freeing experience. What was freeing to me was understanding that just as I have eternal life; God gave me freedom in my finances, but I must be willing to accept His principles and OBEY in the area of spending God’s money (not my money). 3) What was the most surprising or unexpected thing you learned, either about yourself or the course? I thought, I was ok in the area of how I spent money. However, the course helped me see where I missed the mark and provided me with the tools to succeed. I feel blessed to have been a part of FFI. ESC FFI Rack 8.24 - BACK.pdf
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3) What was the most surprising or unexpected thing you learned, either about yourself or the course? The most surprising fact I learned is that my credit report is more important than the credit score. Although I don’t have much credit card debt, I’ve learned how important it is to pay off school loans and car debt to improve our credit reports.
If You Can’t Feed A Hundred, Then Just Feed One by Valerie Wortham In July, 1,000 members of Eastern Star Church were invited to sponsor one child in Haiti. The feedONE program, our foreign mission outreach campaign through Convoy of Hope, Inc. was launched as this year’s “Christmas in July.” Each donation will provide a child with enough meals throughout the year. We reached out to a few members asking them to share their testimony as a feedONE giver. This is what they had to share:
Jennifer McDade Why did you decide to give to the feedONE program? I decided to participate in the feedONE program when I watched the video of Eastern Star Church’s impact on the residents of Haiti. It was amazing to see how lives were being transformed and I wanted to be a part of that mission. To know that such a small sacrifice could have such a great influence on someone’s life was so gratifying to me. What has giving back taught you or your family? Giving back has re-emphasized the importance of not taking anything for granted. It has made us more appreciative of God’s blessings every single day. Most importantly it has taught us that God blesses us so that we can bless others. Why should others give to the cause? It is by God’s grace that we are not in the same situation as the residents’ of Haiti. We have been instructed to” love your neighbor as yourself.” feedONE is one avenue to show love.
Vincent Clark Why did you decide to give to the feedONE program? My family and I were touched by the work being done in Haiti. We wanted to help in some way. What has giving to feedONE taught you or your family about giving back? We have been blessed in so many ways, not just monetarily. Now, giving has taken on a new level of understanding.
Amahl Brown Why did you decide to give to the feedONE program? I decided to give to help the less fortunate. What has giving to feedONE taught you or your family about giving back? We are truly blessed in America, even if we don’t have “stuff.” Why should others give to the cause? To help others around the world who live in poverty. We need 300 more people to join the feedONE campaign and pledge to feed at least one child, for only $10 per month for the next three years. Visit our website or app and click on the NEWS tab or visit the Main Campus front office for giving cards. Simply complete the donor and payment information to set up your reoccurring gift. Donations to feedONE are tax deductible through feedONE. Donors will receive tax statements directly from feedONE.
CALENDAR Important Dates for All Members Visit our website calendar to view updates and registration details for the following: Baby Dedication: October 23 Baby Dedication will be held at all three campuses. Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, October 19. At least one parent must be a member in order to participate. Registration is available on our website. For more information call (317) 591-5050 ext. 122. Tween and Teen Church: October 23 Last Tween and Teen Church for 2016! Tween and teen church is an interactive worship opportunity for ages 12 – 18 years old. Services are held at 9:15 a.m. at the Fishers Campus, 10:45 a.m. at the Cooper Road Campus, and 12:15 p.m. at the Main Campus. New Member’s Orientation: October 22 The next New Member’s Orientation will be held at the Main Campus from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, October 19 in order 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. For more additional information, call (317) 591-5050 ext. 256. Traditional Bible Study: October 25 Traditional Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Fishers Campus, Wednesday, October 26 at noon and 7 p.m. at the Main Campus, and Thursday, October 27, at 7 p.m. at the Cooper Road Campus. Hallelujah Celebration: October 28 Our Hallelujah Celebration for ages 3 – 11 years old will be held at the Main Campus from 6 – 8 p.m. Black Friday/Cyber Monday Forum: November 5 (Saturday) Continue your journey towards financial freedom and join us on Saturday, November 5 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Main Campus for Black Friday/Cyber Monday Forum with special guest speaker Dr. Deforest Soaries, Jr., author of “dfree: Breaking Free from Financial Slavery.” This seminar is FREE. No registration required. Baptism Date: November 13 Registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday, November 9. You must be a member to participate. Registration is available on our website. For more information call (317) 591-5050 ext. 221. Ministry Update: Recreational Ministry The Eastern Star Church Recreational Ministry is currently on hiatus until 2017. Stay tuned to church announcements or visit our website for updates.
Get Out and Move: Family Fall Activities
Ministry Recap:
by Phyllis Kendall
Written by Samy Tshimanga
Convoy of Hope Indianapolis
It’s October, and the official start of fall has commenced. The cooler weather and beautiful foliage provide great opportunities for family fall activities that allow us to get out and move. Cecil Sinkfield, Director of Activities at Eastern Star Church, offers great suggestions to help all glorify God in body, mind, and spirit while making memories and family bonds that last a lifetime: • Take time to walk and admire the colorful trees while discussing family issues. This not only improves family communication but it provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout. Bicycling around the neighborhood, playing tag in your yard, even visiting one of the many museums in the area or bowling are also fun family activities. • Other inexpensive options the family can do together include raking and collecting leaves or pine cones for decorating and picking apples. It’s not a family activity unless the kids are also involved. So what are some ways to get kids excited about physical activity? • Set aside a day for family time and let the kids pick the activity. This will unleash their imagination and get them excited. Use the activity as a way to demonstrate skills to expand their horizons. For example, a child who enjoys video games can be shown engineering applications for that same type of remote control used in gaming. • Other ways include setting and scheduling physical activity goals. Make it a challenge if your child is competitive; provide lots of praise and encouragement. Most importantly, choose activities they enjoy and can do as part of everyday life. Now that we are motivated and ready to get active, what goals should we set? • Using mechanisms like The Twelve Days of Christmas song to tap into children’s creativity and to pay it forward. The first day of Christmas may be celebrated by giving away pears or olive branches to not only family and friends but to potentially new friends. Allow your child to put his or her own interpretation on the verses and expressions of love. Why should we bother to set aside time for these family fall activities? Bible readers know that “Physical training is good…” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) and 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT) reminds us that “…your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God...” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages young people to be physically active for one hour or more each day and adults for at least 30 minutes a day. They also recommend that our physical activity incorporates aerobic excercises that get the heart pumping like brisk walking or climbing, playing on a jungle gym or gymnastics, and bone strengthening moves that provide an impact on the body like running or jumping. The good news is the amount of physical activity you do can be accumulated throughout the day. Remember, to check with your doctor before starting a new physical fitness regime, especially if you have any chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. Start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity. Most importantly, have fun! If you have questions on how to get and stay active this fall, email Cecil at csinkfield@easternstarchurch.org.
In late June, Eastern Star Church, along with other local churches and volunteers, put on their volunteer shoes and participated in a day of service called Convoy of Hope Indianapolis. Participants received free services such as haircuts, groceries, medical and dental screenings, job and career services, and more. We interviewed Elder Lukau Matuka concerning the event: 1) What was your favorite activity at Convoy of Hope? One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the volunteer rally which took place at the Main Campus that Friday. It was so powerful to be in a room with 3,000 Christians with the same common purpose. I remember leaving out with my sister that evening just feeling so inspired and motivated. The energy and spirit stayed with me the entire weekend! 2) Why did you volunteer at Convoy of Hope? God has blessed me with more than enough, and to be able to share and help others who are less fortunate was a very humbling experience. Everyone who I encountered at the event just seemed so appreciative, happy, and positive! 3) What did you enjoy most as a volunteer? What I enjoyed the most about Convoy of Hope is the fact that multiple people in the community from different backgrounds and organizations came together for one common purpose: to bring free services to the community and help win souls to Christ. I felt like the Spirit was definitely in the place that Saturday morning. One attendee stated that it was nice to see the City of Indianapolis come out for such a good cause. Alex Monroe brought her family for a good family day and she stated, “Indianapolis needs to have more events like this. My kids were able to enjoy all the activities that Convoy of Hope Indianapolis had to offer.” She said it’s definitely something she will attend again. We, at Eastern Star Church, want to extend a big thank you to all the volunteers, local churches, and the City of Indianapolis for making Convoy of Hope Indianapolis a success!
Getting Connected Written by Barbara Walker
Faith, Love, and Hope Written by Alpha Garrett
Eastern Star Church is a large and thriving ministry! As “one church in three locations,” a person can easily get lost in the fray. People are drawn to Eastern Star Church because they can fulfill their desire to learn of God’s word and grow as a mature Christian believer. For those who want to get involved in the church, the Link Ministry is for you! The Link Ministry supports Eastern Star Church members as they transition into ministry. A three-pronged approach is used. The first priority is to create AWARENESS by offering quarterly informational sessions to build members awareness of the church’s many opportunities to serve. It is a pipeline into the various ministries of the church. Awareness of ministry opportunities is a great first step, but where do you go from there? How do you get plugged in so that you can get involved? The Link Ministry’s second priority is EDUCATION. The Link Ministry offers quarterly spiritual gift classes. The classes not only help you identify your spiritual gifts, but they also provide guidance on how to put your gift(s) to use. A class is scheduled for October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Campus. If you have always wondered “what is my spiritual gift,” this class is for you. The final step is FOLLOW-UP. The ministry meets on the third Thursday of every month. During this time, they reach out to members who have recently completed New Member’s Orientation classes and provide them with information on the various ministries of the church. The church offers many opportunities for spiritual education, including Sunday School, Bible Study, Financial Freedom Institute, Children’s Church, and Teen Church, just to name a few. For additional information on the ministries of the church, visit our website at easternstarchurch.org/ministries/. Get more information about Eastern Star Church’s Link Ministry and how to get connected to the ministries, by contacting Michelle Kirk at mkirk@easternstarchurch.org or call (317) 591-5050, ext. 212.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Membership Expectations In October 2015 at our Connections Meeting, church members adopted and approved new bylaws regarding membership. As of April 3, 2016, to be a member of Eastern Star Church (both children and adults), you must:
Nestled at the foot of a small mountain, Bill Richardson-Lotin walks from his classroom at his school, Ecole Mixte Nouvelle Vie, to meet the delegation from Eastern Star Church. Small in stature, but large in presence, we learn that Bill will graduate from high school soon. His plans to attend college are visible in his bright smile. Bill is a writer. In all its joy and sadness, he wants to tell the story of his home Port-Au-Prince, and the country he loves, Haiti. It is no small feat that Bill will attempt. Haiti is a country complete with beautiful scenery from ocean to mountaintop, and all the land in between. The Haitian people are kind and welcoming, always with a warm creole “bonjour” on their lips. But Haiti is also a country with many needs. Ravaged by natural disasters in recent years and political turmoil, Haiti is ready for what Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This is where Eastern Star Church (ESC) comes into the picture. Over the years, ESC has worked with Convoy of Hope International and the Overseas Council in developing an on-going program to support several organizations in Port-Au-Prince and surrounding communities. This past April, a small delegation was able to travel to Port-Au-Prince and survey the opportunities for support and collaboration in the areas of education, infrastructure, and community development.
1. Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior 2. Complete New Member’s Orientation For those who joined before April 3, you will be grandfathered, therefore, whether you have completed New Member’s Orientation or not, you are a member of Eastern Star Church. We do encourage those who have not completed New Member’s Orientation to attend an upcoming orientation to receive class materials and information. To verify you and your family’s membership at Eastern Star Church, visit our website by clicking the ABOUT US tab, then Membership & Membership Services.
In the coming months, you will hear more about what the church is doing and how to get involved in programs that will have a major impact on the Haitian community. Visit our website to learn more.