MAGAZINE #CMBCIndy Annual Community Magazine
January 23, 2017 • Edition 2
P. 18
2016
2017: Putting your prayer life first
ast ck at pve a b k o A lo ts that ga even e to our hop unity. comm
P. 10
#FORINDY: THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS P. 24
CMBCINDY LAUNCHES SERVANT LEADERSHIP UN-CONFERENCE
P. 12
A BUS...A JOB... AN OPPORTUNITY
CONTENT
FORWARD
07
EXEMPLIFYING SERVANT LEADERSHIP
08 WWW.CMBCINDY.ORG
Learn more about the features of Christ Missionary Baptist Church’s new website launched in 2017 at www.CMBCIndy.org.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Dycus for Sway Media, Indianapolis, IN
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PUTTING PRAYER FIRST
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USING SOCIAL MEDIA
09 PERSONAL FINANCES
Pastor G has compiled six important tips to help you regain control of your personal finances in the new year.
10 POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
2016 was the year of partnerships for CMBCIndy. Learn more about the power and impact of our community projects.
Our mission is to help build the Kingdom of God by meeting the needs of our members and reaching our community one soul at a time.
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COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography
PREPARING FUTURE SERVANT LEADERS
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#CMBCINDY 2016 IN REVIEW
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11 2016 COMMUNITY IMPACT SUCCESS
Ms. Smith became one of our CMBCIndy community outreach success stories. Learn more about our impact throughout our neighborhood and what you can do to be a part.
A BUS...A JOB... AN OPPORTUNITY
FORWARD #CMBCIndy.org • 2017 Community Magazine
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From the Pastor’s Desk
Pastor G
Exemplifying Servant Leadership
T
o say I’m concerned about my community
to serve are required to provide the support for the
is an understatement. I’ve watched friends
ones who serve them regardless of the fact that they
and colleagues take the eternal sleep way
themselves are in a worsening position to ensure
too soon. And still urban communities are in
the needs of full time servants are met.
increasing need of love and attention. God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). I have hope! At the same time the damage of decades of abuse and neglect have left a pronounced and significant scare on the face of our children and the neighborhoods they play in.
I know, I’m being overly sensitive. But, let’s be clear, if we don’t provide much needed tools and techniques to succeed in communities rife with the challenges of joblessness, crime, violence and drug and alcohol abuse we will continue to see one burned out leader after another quit and/or die too soon of simple exhaustion,
What am I eluding to? Quite simply the lack of servant
disease or stress. It’s simply too demanding to juggle
leaders within the inner cities most desperate corners.
the hurts of the people and balance the demands of
Don’t get Pastor G wrong. I know we have “leaders.” My
life and family all at the same time. The most stressful
concern is that, for too long, we haven’t had enough
aspect is knowing that if we don’t serve, no one else
leaders willing to operate from a position of sacrifice
will.
and servitude rather than self-grandizing.
For this reason #CMBCIndy is fully engaged in the Urban
Why is this important? I see the inner city as a place
Servant Leader Un-Conference. Our goal is educating
similar to any other mission field throughout the world.
and empowering urban servant leaders with tools to
Communities like those in which many churches serve
survive and thrive while meeting the needs of God’s
are riddled with similar challenges that mirror third-
people in urban mission fields. This issue of FORWARD
world countries. Yet, those who carry the banner in
celebrates the work of #CMBCIndy over the past year.
these communities aren’t commonly supported with
But we also look forward toward the future. We want to
missionary dollars or support as foriegn missionaries
ensure that we leave a trail for others to follow. Will you
are. They are supposed to self support by working extra
join with us?
jobs that take time away from the actual work. Truth be told, it seems as though the prevailing methodology of urban ministry is that the very people we are called
JOHN E. GIRTON, JR. (PASTOR G)
Senior Pastor
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The New
www.CMBCIndy.org Launches in 2017
CMBCIndy.org website Features:
Access to God’s Plan of Salvation
SALVATION
Access to Community Resources
MEETING NEEDS VIRTUALLY
Watch, Listen and Share Ministry 24/7
MEDIA ON-DEMAND
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WWW.CMBCINDY.ORG PHONE: (317) 925-4132
Mail donations to: CMBC Indy 1001 Eugene Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), and #ForIndy partner to cleanup the community and make long lasting impact on lives along the way. By Danicia Malone
I
t’s always inspiring to hear stories of positive commu-
Resonate Church in Indianapolis after the tragic loss
nity activism, but for Christ Missionary Baptist Church
of Blackburn’s wife. A close relationship was formed
in Indianapolis, service has become a way of life. The
and they realized that they could both make positive
church has earned a reputation around the local com-
local changes in hurting communities. Since the initial
munity for their inclusive and compassionate ministry.
meeting between Girton and Blackburn, Christ Mission-
Christ Missionary (#CMBCIndy) also holds an appreci-
ary Baptist Church has partnered with various local
ation for diversity, which is apparent in their #ForIndy
churches and businesses, as well as Keep Indianapolis
partnership.
Beautiful (KIB), to meet resident needs and to clean up
#ForIndy was formed in the spring of 2016 after Pastor John Girton met with Pastor Davey Blackburn of 10
the local community. KIB is a private non-profit organization formed in 1976
whose main goal is to engage the diverse communities
has had on the community, Pastor G added, “So many
of Indianapolis, create vibrant public places, and help
think that residents in our neighborhood don’t care
people and nature thrive. In 2015, KIB worked with over
about the condition of their community. Efforts like this
25,000 volunteers on more than 650 unique commu-
prove that not only do they care, they’re willing to work
nity beautification projects. KIB organizes hundreds of
together to improve their surroundings.”
community improvement projects each year throughout our city. Because of KIB’s success in the community, Christ Missionary Baptist Church partnered with them to assist in a massive community improvement initiative. This program includes an ongoing #ForIndy effort that ran from April to November of 2016, and will
“
According to Bush, this ongoing service project is all about spreading love and serving others as Jesus did.
The cleanup has affected the community in a great positive way, it has brought life and hope to the residents...” Vanessa Bush
continue to flourish in the
The participants worked tirelessly to give their all to the community and nothing could stop volunteers from making sure the job was done. Some groups even made additional service visits if their jobs were not completed during the first session. Other groups worked through the rain to ensure construction projects were finished.
years to come. Currently, the #ForIndy initiatives occur twice a month and always includes over 25 volunteers, with ages ranging from eight to over fifty years old. During the first #ForIndy meet-up, members of the church and community residents repaired an old wheelchair ramp, replaced a privacy fence, fixed a worn-down garage roof, removed poison ivy and repaired a dilapidated backyard fence among other things. Two window air condi-
Participants hope that the work they’re doing will continue to gain momentum throughout the coming years and attract more volunteers. “I have been a part of this community all my life, and it made my heart have so much joy when the people I loved received so much love from #ForIndy,” she said. “Service and giving back to your church and community warms the hearts of many.”
tioning units were also given away to families in need. Vanessa Bush, an active CMBC member and co-leader of the #ForIndy team, had nothing but positive things to say about these changes and programs. “The cleanup has affected the community in a great positive way, it has brought life and hope to the residents and Christ Missionary Baptist Church”, she said. When asked to elaborate on the impact the program
2016 Impact
Success Story
Over 2,000 volunteer hours; 8 couples participated in our Winter Couples Retreat; Over 325 volunteered for our community clean up effort; 5 Senior families assisted with home repairs; Over 250 applications turned in for new jobs.
Our neighbor Ms. Smith spent hundreds of dollars on home repairs after receiving a 30-day notice from the health department that was meant for someone else. CMBC and #ForIndy united to help Ms. Smith make needed repairs as part of a pledge to reinvest in our community. Read more: www.bit.ly/2hrpEz6
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Cover Story
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It’s keeping me out of trouble, and it’s keeping me from thinking about trouble. It’s wonderful...I’m not tempted to do anything wrong. I know I’m going to eat, and I’m going to have a roof over my head.” Lamont Bailey
ART SMITH, JR. Smith is one of CMBCIndy’s newest members who is on the move. After joining the church in late 2016 he has assisted in multiple church projects and is taking full advantage of our employment partnerships. According to Mr. Smith, “If you want something different, you have to do something different.” He’s certainly taking his own advice.
A Bus…A Job…
An Opportunity Christ Missionary Baptist Church, First Christian Baptist Church and DNA Consulting offer much needed employment options with a transportation twist. BY Ayana Lage
L
eslie-Darvae Fondren was running out of options. She was trying to secure a job transfer after a move to Indianapolis, but her company wouldn’t budge. Fondren started planning to move back to Gary, Indiana her hometown. Without a job, it wouldn’t be possible to stay in Indianapolis. But then she got some good news. “My mom came to me and said, ‘I’ve heard about this place that’s hiring,’” she said. The 48-year-old went to the historic Christ Missionary Baptist Church, where representatives from Greenfield, Indiana-based temp agency DNA Consulting were holding a hiring fair. Within three days, she had a new job at
Chiyoda USA Corp., an auto parts plant in Greencastle. “The application process was so simple,” she said. Since she started earlier this year, she’s referred four friends. “For the church and pastor to reach out to the community, regardless of your background –– they’re trying to help you be better, and it’s awesome,” Fondren said. Pastor G of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, used Facebook Live streaming video to spread the word about DNA Consulting’s hiring spree. His videos garnered nearly 18,000 views and hundreds of shares. “It requires you to be serious and change some of the habits you have” he told his social media followers. “It’s
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Cover Story a great opportunity for somebody.” “For people tired of just getting by,” he said, “the job openings provide a valuable option. A stable job can, serve as motivation to go back to school or save up for a child’s college tuition.” “I myself have been unable to find steady work in Indianapolis,” he said. “I know the struggle, the hopelessness, the fear, the anger and the bitterness that can result when the public and private sectors just don’t want to hire you.” Christ Missionary Baptist Church collected over 250 applications and gave them to DNA Consulting. First Christian Missionary Baptist Church, in east Indianapolis, first participated in the hiring program. Employees make a little over $11 an hour and have the option of being bussed to the Chiyoda plant in Greencastle, where they manufacture parts for an auto maker. Lamont Bailey, 58, of Indianapolis, said his criminal record stopped him from finding a good job. He was losing hope until his son-in-law told him to go down to the church and fill out a job application. “Although I’m not religious, churches are the best backbones in the community for helping people,” he said. Since he started working at the Chiyoda plant, Bailey said, his life has turned around. It’s the best job he’s ever had, and he doesn’t mind working long hours or getting up early for it.
“
“It’s keeping me out of trouble, and it’s keeping me from thinking about trouble. It’s wonderful,” he said. “I’m not tempted to do anything wrong. I know I’m going to eat, and I’m going to have a roof over my head.” Before she submitted a job application through DNA Consulting, Shelbyville resident Brandy Mattox said she was stuck with an exhausting factory job. “It was really, really hard work,” she said. “It was awful, and I hated it.” When she applied for a job at the Chiyoda plant, she had no idea if anything would come of her application. When she was offered a position, it was a turning point. “I wanted to improve my situation and wanted to improve where I was,” she said. “I absolutely love where I’m at now.” DNA Consulting office manager Jessica Tucker said having churches like First Christian and Christ Missionary Baptist
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Church involved has helped the agency reach even more people. Hundreds of locals have applied for jobs at the Chiyoda plant, she said. “We have an endless pool of candidates. There are always people calling us as well,” she said. “It’s constant.”
“It’s like I’m really getting ahead. I’m really making some money that I can have things to show for...I count it as a blessing.” Nicole Wright
For Nicole Wright, 45, the job has given her an opportunity to have financial stability. Wright applied for a job at First Christian Baptist.
In the three months since she’s started, she’s already been promoted from a press operator to a member of the cleaning crew. Wright said she appreciates that the staffing agency allows non-violent felons to apply for jobs. The agency partnering with the community provides hope for people turned away by other companies, she said. “It’s like I’m really getting ahead. I’m really making some money that I can have things to show for,” she said. “I count it as a blessing.” Learn More: www.bit.ly/2hnypZs
PASTOR G USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO MAKE KINGDOM IMPACT UNITING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMNT If you are not on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Tumblr, or Snapchat it’s OK. There’s a lot to each one of these social networks that make them powerful for those who use them. But, it’s not for everyone. For Pastor G, the power to connect and engage with church members and non-members was too much to ignore. According to SocialPilot.co, •
More than 3.5 billion active internet users • Over 2.5 billion people have social media accounts • Nearly 1.8 billion people have active social media accounts In 2016, our media team saw exponential growth online. Popular videos have been watched as many as 14,781 times and shared over 764 times helping neighbors find employment and improve their lives as well as our community.
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2016 Family & Friends Day
Christ Missionary
Women’s
CMBCIndy celebrated Family & Friends Day with record attendance and a show of school spirit!
Members enjoy hugging family and friends...
The Christ Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Book Club is an exciting addition to our 2017 calendar. Our ministry leader’s desire is to use small group opportunities to encourage, equip, meet, share and serve one another in Christ. The Women’s Book Club will meet on the following dates:
Winter-Spring-Summer Club E. 38th Street Library 5420 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46218
~ Saturday, January 14th • 9-10 a.m. ~ Saturday, March 11th • 9-10 a.m. ~ Saturday, June 10th • 9-10 a.m. New member of CMBC enjoy praise and worship.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church 1001 Eugene St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
~ Saturday, February 11th • 9-10 a.m. ~ Saturday, April 8th • 9-10 a.m. ~ Saturday, May 6th • 9-10 a.m.
Women’s Ministry Baby Shower follows
~ Saturday, July 8th • 9-10 a.m.
Pastor G prays with one of our children.. FORWARD #CMBCIndy.org • 2017 Community Magazine
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GROW SPIRITUALLY
p u t t i n g
[ F I R S T ] Pastor Chris Hodges
The Lord’s Prayer
LIFESTYLE PRAYER: Once you learn how to pray, prayer can become a part of everyday life.
H
ow do we make prayer a part of our everyday life? We
A CERTAIN PLACE
can learn from three things that Jesus did…
Jesus had a prayer place. Your prayer place needs to be
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed (Mark 1:35). A CERTAIN TIME Jesus got up very early in the morning to spend time with His Heavenly Father. In order for prayer to work, we should do the same. Make a daily appointment with God and keep it. 18
an nu-distracted environment where you can pray out loud and perhaps have some worship music playing in the background. A CERTAIN PLAN Go into your prayer time with a plan. If it changes that’s fine. When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He gave His disciples a prayer outline. We call it the Lord’s Prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1). “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” (Matthew 6:9-13). 1. CONNECT WITH GOD RELATIONALLY - MONDAY
“Our Father in heaven...”
“You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15 NLT). God loves for us to call Him our Father. Establish your intimate relationship with Him and thank Him for the relationship you have with Him. 2. WORSHIP HIS NAME - TUESDAY
God’s priorities: • Saving the Lost • Guiding those in authority – parental, spiritual, governmental, workplace
“God’s name is a place of protection—the righteous can
•
“…Hallowed be Your Name…” run there and be safe” (Proverbs 18:10 MSG).
4. DEPEND ON HIM FOR EVERYTHING - THURSDAY
“…Give us this day our daily bread…”
What are His Names? • Righteousness – He makes me clean • Sanctifier – He has called me and set me apart • Healer – He heals all my diseases • Banner of Victory – He has defeated my enemy • Shepherd – He speaks to me and leads me • Peace – He is my peace in every storm •
His will in us
“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT). Ask God for what you want and need and then trust Him for the answer.
Provider – He supplies all of my needs
5. GET YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD AND PEOPLE - FRIDAY
3. PRAY HIS AGENDA FIRST - WEDNESDAY
“…Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
“…Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors…”
“He will always give you all you need from day to day if you
forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”
will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (Luke 12:31 TLB).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will (1 John 1:9). Ask God to check your heart and motives. Receive His for-
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GROW SPIRITUALLY giveness for any area that He brings to mind.
replaced with the truth of God’s Word.
Forgive anyone who has offended you in any way. You can
7. EXPRESS FAITH IN GOD’S ABILITY - SUNDAY
even forgive people in advance. 6. ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE - SATURDAY
“…And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…” “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
“…For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever.” “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
End your prayer time by reminding yourself of God’s ability.
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces
Return to praise and make your faith declarations.
of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
“Yours is the Kingdom” – all rule belongs to You
Take your stand against the enemy and fight the good fight
“Yours is the Power” – all mightiness flows from You
of faith. Every lie that the enemy has told you should be
“Yours is the Glory” – Your victory shall be complete
Please Come Support our Christian Education Department Saturday, May 20th • 4 p.m.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church 1001 Eugene St., Indianapolis 46208 For more information: (317) 925-4132 Equipping Believers, Mobilizing the Church and Worshipping Christ
FORWARD Magazine:
Editorial coordination: Ebony Chappel, Lindia Williams Photography: Linda Adeniyi, Eric Dycus, John Girton, Jr., 20
Ian James, Darrell Wells, and Melissa Lewis Graphic Design: John Girton, Jr. Special Thanks to Brad Huff, Richard Bray, Andrew Znachko, and Tyrrell Giles
Personal Finance Tips
It’s 2017 and, if you’re like most people, decisions you made to save and invest money last year may not work this year.
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Accountability Find someone to help you be accountable for your financial decisions. This trusted family member, spouse or advisor should be able to check your progress on a regular basis to help you stay focused and on track.
Goals (Budgets are our friend)
As Pastor G always says, “You can’t hit a target if you can’t see it.” Financial goals help guide your decisions now and into the future. Not only should you have asset, spending, saving, purchasing and credit goals, you should also be sure to write them down and review them regularly.
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Diversify As we get older its important to check our decisions based on risk. One tool to help with risk is spreading your investments around and mitigate a major loss.
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Avoid Credit Card Debt This tip is for our younger family members. Many seasoned members can attest that the temptation of credit cards can damage more than your pocketbook. Simply put, if you can’t afford a purchase without using a credit card, don’t buy it.
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Live Within Your Means I know it looks good on them. But, it may not look good on you. Keeping up with the Jones’ is a sure fire way to get into financial trouble. Make sure that you are making rational decisions about major and minor purchases that help you meet your financial goals. If you’re faced with deciding between the cable bill and food, then you need to readjust quickly.
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Update Your Will I know that this is a touchy subject. However, too many Americans don’t have a will. Wills are not just for wealthy people. Whether you have a lot or a little, having a will ensures that your property, assets and even children are transfered to the appropriate family or beneficiaries that you designate.
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Mobilizing the Church
Preparing Servant Leaders CMBCINDY LAUNCHES SERVANT LEADERSHIP UN-CONFERENCE
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RETHINKING • REVAMPING • RE-IMAGINING COMMUNITY By Danicia Malone
S
ervant Leadership is a practice derived from age old philosophy. The term is relatively new but the tradition
is rooted. The Tao say “The highest type of ruler is one of whose existence the people are barely aware. Next comes one whom they love and praise. Next comes one whom they fear. Next comes one whom they despise and defy. When you are lacking in faith, others will be unfaithful to you. The Sage is self-effacing and scanty of words. When his task is accomplished and things have been completed, All the people say, ‘We ourselves have achieved it!” The term was coined by Robert Greenleaf after he read Herman Hesse’s Journey to the East. In the words of Robert Greenleaf, “the servant leader is servant first.” This ideology is seeing real life application at Christ Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Girton is transforming his congregation to be authentic and fortified servants of the greater Indianapolis community. In 2016 he and other members of the church had a revelation - the status quo won’t change if we don’t and they have been on a mission to dismantle tradition in as many ways as they can. Confronting community woes, the church decided to conduct an ‘un-conference’ with the objective to un-do the complacency in community matters. Stepping into new norms, the church is taking stewardship by storm. An un-conference rethinks, revamps and re-imagines; inviting participants to engage in critical thought and applied knowledge. Over an afternoon in August, with a theme centered around servant leadership, Christ Missionary Baptist Church held its first un-conference in stellar fashion. Partnering with area churches, all of which desire better for the communities they serve, the un-conference was a major success. Mrs. Linda Adeniyi, three year church member, recounts, “This was such a precious moment. Without this event so many of us who were dismayed wouldn’t have had the chance to experience reprieve and inspiration.” Bustling with a crowd nearing 100, the un-conference featured speakers from FORWARD #CMBCIndy.org • 2017 Community Magazine
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some of Indy’s leading churches, with workshops the likes of advocacy, financing and multi-cultural ministry. With a 28 percent Black and 10 percent and growing Latino population the un-conference topics were all too necessary. Sr. Legislative Assistant with the Indiana House of Representatives, Ashley Gurvitz led the advocacy workshop that addressed using community voice to make systemic changes to laws and policies that disproportionately affect minorities. An attendee of the conference states how grateful she is to have the opportunity to network and learn from an extended church family. Demographics are quickly changing in America and the world is globalization. With predictions that the “minorities” will be the majority by 2020, Mr. Colby Hill from Heartland Church took the lead facilitating the multi-cultural ministry workshop. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., once said “it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” Nearly 60 years later, this unfortunate reality remains true. The Church understands this and is taking strides to adapt. In this workshop they examined proven strategies on how to start multi-ethnic ministries or churches, or aspire to transition current homogeneous ministries into a multi-ethnic trajectory. Mrs. Adeniyi who helped coordinate the event, spoke with pride at the celebration the un-conference morphed into. “It exists to break stereotypes,” she says. On the wake of this feat, the church is already underway planning the next un-conference for 2017. “Next year will be even better” she exclaims. “Your cup has to be full before you can fill another. That’s what we are trying to do here.” It’s evident that the congregation at Christ Missionary Baptist Church has been keenly intentional about strengthening its core and is hitting the ground hard to be a resource to the surrounding community. To find out more about the un-conference or to get involved, visit the church’s website at www.cmbcindy. org or call the church directly at (317) 925-4132. 26
Year in Review
CMBCIndy 2016 in review CMBCINDY REACHES OUT TO THE COMMUNITY WITH EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
P
erched on the corner of Eugene and Radar in our west side neighborhood of Riverside is Christ Missionary
Baptist Church. Standing stoic and weathered in charm for nearly ninety-eight years, it mirrors the wisdom of the sage elders walking along the sidewalks. Those who are keepers of the neighborhood history. Our Church is an anchor, not solely to this community but to the city. At the helm and
CMBC, KIB, #ForIndy Community Clean up
under the roots of a strong family legacy, is our pastor, Pastor G, the nephew of long standing former pastor Dr .Melvin B. Girton Sr. The community is changing, the city is changing and we are keenly aware, with a finger on the pulse of the needs. As the neighborhood is invested in the North West Quality of Life Plan the church is making strides to be evermore present on the ground level and not just within the church walls. Pastor Girton, affectionate-
CMBC Nurse Ministry Community Bingo Night
ly called Pastor G or “The People’s Pastor”, as member Sherry Jackson refers to him, has transformed the church body with the philosophy to meet neighbors where they are. In response to community requests the church has unveiled a series of new initiatives in 2016 to assist with everything from policy awareness to understanding the signs of mental health. Jackson, a cheerful woman who is a lifetime
Pastor G, Pastor Emeritus Dr. Girton and Tracey Boyd with Mayor Hogsett
member of the church stated that the goal of the church’s revamped community involvement is gilded in a hope for revitalization. In a community that is experiencing a myriad of issues the likes of housing, infrastructure and pride, the church is thankful for its partners in both city agencies and neighbors who believe in the value of the community. She helps in leading three
CMBC Leadership Retreat
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initiatives that speak to the legacy and the spirit of the community; H.O.P.E (Hold On Pain Ends), Caregivers and Insurance Awareness and the IMPD Northwest Community Conversation. Each one is tailored to address a unique batch of requests by the residents and newcomers to the area. Hold on Pain Ends Mrs. Jackson With a robust launch in October of this year, H.O.P.E was determined to shine a warm light
Pastor G with Dr. Girton as he receives his Master’s Degree
on mental illness by helping individuals recognize the warning signs in themselves, friends and family members who may be suffering from emotional and mental distress. Jackson, said this seminar was surprisingly well-received and looks forward to next year. In partnership with a local Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter, H.O.P.E is an education forum with in depth training and Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority, Inc. partner for There’s H.O.P.E.
literature. “This helped us heighten the awareness and acted as a beacon towards hope”, says Mrs. Jackson. In conjunction with H.O.P.E is the initiative Caregivers and Insurance Awareness which has a bit more tenure to it, with this being its fourth year running. Jackson beams with pride talking about
Miguel Pugh ready for baptism
Community Block Party 2016
this annual event that focuses on assisting caregivers with resources to maintain their personal wellness and mental fortitude as they tend to others. “Caregivers are so often overlooked. This event is special because for a moment we provide some reprieve for those who give of themselves.”, she states. Caregivers and Insur-
Wheeler Mission Worship Service in the alley
ance Awareness, has had such great attendance it’s apparent just how appreciative the guests are for this spotlight. IMPD Northwest Community Conversation The IMPD Northwest Community Conversation was a stellar pillar of success boasting partnerships between over 17 different city agencies, area groups and businesses. Spearheaded by Sergeant Grimes, the mission of this gathering was to make the inaccessible accessible. 28
CMBC and IMPD community conversation and vendor fair
Representatives from the Indianapolis Housing Authority, the Marion County Health Department, Animal Care and Control, and more, were in attendance to answer any and all questions the community could fathom on growing and managing the neighborhood’s quality of life. Community Block Party On a summer afternoon in June, the church’s love letter to the neighborhood unfolded - The Community CMBC visits the Indy 500
Block Party. Filled with live music, laughter, food and vendors - the block party was a place where everyone felt welcome - neighbors and strangers alike. The Block Party is a time for guests to get down, dance and fellowship. Children play and parents chat and the community soaks up the healing spirit. In a neighborhood that finds itself struggling through some hard times, the Community Block Party is a beautiful scene of peace and triumph. “Next year we are ready for something bigger and better”, says
Missouri youth partner with CMBC youth to form first street team
Ian James, one of the lead organizers of the event. Who doesn’t love a good party with good food and good folks? Souls to the Polls One of the church’s oldest initiatives is Souls to the Polls. Currently undergoing a makeover, the goal is to bring awareness to not just the national election process but also the local. With roughly 10 percent of the church’s congregation being from the surrounding neighborhood, member and ini-
Shero’s and Hero’s Luncheon
SOULS TO THE
POLLS!
tiative leader Robert Jackson said the objective for Souls to the Polls is to ensure everyone is not only registered to vote but also understands the power within their vote. Mr. Jackson says, “the church is a part of the community and we are excited and determined to help improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.” As they ramp up for next years round of Souls to the Polls, Mr. Jackson smiles stating the new ideas that will be launched to make this initiative even stronger. All in all, Christ Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor G, is an example of true stewardship and community engagement. With dedicated members and the support of area residents, the church is more than just a
Bus headed down to early vote at the City County Building
church it’s a neighbor. FORWARD #CMBCIndy.org • 2017 Community Magazine
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The VBS kitchen crew. Youth in the house for 2016 Vacation Bible School
Alter prayer during Family & Friends Day Block party free iMac computer drawing
Lady G, Amanda and Falicia celebrate Pink Sunday
Leah meets IMPD K-9
Brooklyn shows off her VBS creation
Sis. Denise, William and Nick prepare for backpack give-away Young men profile after family & friends day
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WHEN WE MEET
SUNDAYS: 10:00 TO 11:30AM
WHERE WE MEET
OLD NATIONAL CENTRE/MURAT THEATRE DELUXE ROOM 502 North New Jersey Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Please take advantage of the free parking in the lot off of Alabama Street OUR VISION IS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AND MAKE OTHERS GREAT.
AntiochCCIndy
AntiochIndy
AntiochCCIndy
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www.antiochindy.com | 903-262-5289