Center for Congregations

New Faith Communities Today (FACT) Survey

Aaron Spiegel — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:24:00 GMT

The 2008 FACT survey results and new website, http://faithcommunitiestoday.org/ launch this month. Faith Communities Today (FACT) is an interfaith research report that provides key information on a range of subjects...(read more)

Dynamics of Worship

jane — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:12:00 GMT

Worship is vital to congregational life. Minister, author and educator Deborah Kapp explores with leaders how the structures and speech of worship can support a congregation in worshiping faithfully, forming community and engaging the world. ...(read more)

Jewish-Christian Relations Conference is March 22

jane — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:43:00 GMT

The Jewish-Christian Relations Conference is 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2010, at Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis....(read more)

Christ the King Offers Organic Gardening Class on March 14

jane — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:58:00 GMT

The Earth Stewardship Committee of Christ the King Catholic Church presents Organic Gardening 101 with Lynne Sullivan, president of the Indiana Organic Gardeners Association....(read more)

King of Glory Presents the Musical Tetelestai

jane — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:37:00 GMT

Tetelestai, a contemporary musical, is coming to King of Glory for two performances Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 3 p.m....(read more)

Conference on Philanthropy is April 14-16

jane — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:15:00 GMT

The North American Conference on Christian Philanthropy (NACCP) will be held April 14-16, 2010 in Indianapolis. Plenary speakers include Dr. William Enright, Director of the Lake Family Institute; John Wimmer, Lilly Endowment, Inc....(read more)

Free Handbell Concert is March 14 at St. Mark's

jane — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:06:00 GMT

More than 200 youth handbell ringers from various churches and schools in central Indiana will participate in the Bells of Unity 2010 Handbell Festival Sunday, March 14 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 126th Street & Gray Avenue in Carmel. ...(read more)

Building a Good Foundation

jane — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:43:00 GMT

This long-term program prepares congregational leadership, staff and lay leaders to understand the stages of assessment, planning and implementation for a congregational building program. Leaders will learn how to evaluate their congregations’ facilities and ...(read more)

Nominations Being Accepted for Pastoral Leadership Program

jane — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:08:00 GMT

The Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program seeks nominations for participants in its two-year program, which begins in January 2011. Eighteen talented, younger pastors of Christian congregations in Indiana ...(read more)

Singer/Songwriters Perform March 23 at Earth House Cafe

jane — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:37:00 GMT

Mary Shapiro and Patricia Morrison (an Indianapolis native) perform their soulful songs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at the Earth House Cafe, 237 N. East St., Indianapolis. The performance is part of the Earth House Collective...(read more)

Conference Presents Parent Body Session in April

jane — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:28:00 GMT

You are invited to join the Greater Indianapolis Circle City District Conference as they celebrate the Parent Body session, which focus on teaching, worship, preaching and women's and youth issues....(read more)

St. Patrick's Day Party is March 14 at Holy Cross

jane — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:09:00 GMT

The Church of the Holy Cross Annual St. Patrick's Day Party is 4-8 p.m. Sunday, March 14th in Kelley Gym at the church, 125 N. Oriental St., Indianapolis....(read more)

Free Valparaiso University Chorale Concert is March 3

jane — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:03:00 GMT

The renowned Valparaiso University Chorale, among the top Lutheran collegiate choirs in the United States, performs at St. Luke's United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2010....(read more)

Whitelick Presbyterian Presents Candlelight Lenten Services

jane — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:39:00 GMT

All are invited to an hour of contemplative prayer, scripture reading and soothing meditative song during Whitelick Presbyterian Church's Lenten Candlelight Prayer and Song services....(read more)

First Safety

jane — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:05:00 GMT

Church Safety website provides information to help congregations treat people with dignity and safety by highlighting various groups and ministries they might engage. ...(read more)

March 25 Lake Lecture Explores Muslim-Americans

jane — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:48:00 GMT

Today's society is changing the way Muslim-Americans relate to one another and others. Will new pressures and opportunities in charitable giving lead to a shift in the identity of an entire community?...(read more)

Sound Workshop is May 1 at John Knox Presbyterian

jane — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:34:00 GMT

John Knox Presbyterian Church, 3000 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, hosts a hands-on sound workshop led by nationally recognized How-To-Church Sound Ministries on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 9am to 6pm....(read more)

Alignment4 Conference Explores Ministry, Leadership and Building

jane — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:20:00 GMT

The Alignment4 Cornerstone Conference is 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday March 16, at The Fountains Conference Center, 502 E. Carmel Drive in Carmel. ...(read more)

Speakers' Bureau Highlights Needs and Services of St. Vincent de Paul

jane — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:12:00 GMT

The all-volunteer Society of St. Vincent de Paul now has a speakers' bureau. One of a dozen speakers are available to give a brief presentation to groups across the Indianapolis metro area. ...(read more)

Living with Loss Workshops Set for March 13

jane — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:46:00 GMT

Living with Loss: Discovering Your Life is 9 a.m.-noon March 13 at Friedens United Church of Christ, 8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis....(read more)

Diversity and Congregations

jane — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:50:00 GMT

Participants are invited to take a look at diversity and multi-cultural movements in congregations. Educators Gerardo Marti and Kevin Dougherty will explore with attendees the social trends of diversity and how faith communities reflect these wider developments....(read more)

SE Indiana Congregations Welcome New Center Office

jane — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:59:00 GMT

Southeast Indiana congregations, businesses and community members warmly welcomed the Seymour Center for Congregations office...(read more)

Youth Groups Gather to Help Indianapolis Neighborhood

jane — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:39:00 GMT

On May 1, 2010, Indianapolis-area youth groups will gather to serve the St. Clair Place neighborhood on the near east side. ...(read more)

Practices and Your Congregation

jane — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:30:00 GMT

Every congregation participates in certain activities that are common to any number of human communities. Congregations make decisions. They help others. They sing. They tell stories. Congregations offer hospitality. They make choices about money....(read more)

Faithful Finances: When to Adopt New Technology

Aaron Spiegel — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:43:00 GMT

Alban senior consultant Dan Hotchkiss writes about his congregation's move from a printed to email delivered newsletter....(read more)

Your Church Web Site Matters!

Aaron Spiegel — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:13:00 GMT

A friend forwarded this November 2008, Church & Worship Technology Magazine article to me, "Your Church Web Site Matters!" written by Lauren Hunter. ...(read more)

Help for Navigating Transitions and Challenges

jane — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:56:00 GMT

Alban Institute Consultant Susan Nienaber picked her top resources to help congregations as they navigate transitions and challenges. Nienaber talked about common challenges for faith communities ...(read more)

New Major Grants Initiative Announced for Central Indiana Congregations

jane — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMT

The Center for Congregations is pleased to announce its new major grants initiative, Technology and Ministry...(read more)

Cumberland First Baptist Offers Taizé Prayer Services

jane — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:13:00 GMT

Cumberland First Baptist Church presents prayer services in the style of Taizé at 7 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2010, at the church, 116 S. Muessing, Indianapolis....(read more)

A Resource for Working with Volunteers

jane — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:17:00 GMT

As the Center for Congregations works with congregations across the state of Indiana, we encounter many who face challenges as they seek to make ministry meaningful for volunteers. Outside resources are often beneficial. One such resource is a national conference, LifeServe 2010...(read more)

Family Systems and Congregations

jane — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:33:00 GMT

A new resource about to be released provides an opportunity to further explore a way of thinking that has been helpful to many congregational leaders for (amazingly enough!) about two generations now. Bowen Family Systems Theory began...(read more)

Youth Ministry Resources

jane — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:54:00 GMT

Youth Ministry Architects founder Mark DeVries talked to congregational leaders in Evansville and Highland this month (January 2010) about moving forward with youth ministry....(read more)

Looking at Technology in Churches Large and Small

jane — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:12:00 GMT

One of our local congregational technology guys, Daryl Cripe from Grace Community Church in Noblesville, was featured in Technologies for Worship Magazine. This on-line article, "Avoid Willow Envy" by Kevin Rogers Cobus...(read more)

What in the World is a Wiki?

Aaron Spiegel — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Almost everyone has heard of the site Wikipedia. It's difficult to do a Google search that doesn't include at least one result from Wikipedia. But Wikipedia is merely a site that uses a certain type of web technology called a 'wiki.' So, what in the world is a wiki and more importantly, why should congregations care about it?...(read more)

Exploring the Longevity Revolution: Ministry with Older Adults

jane — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:53:00 GMT

Richard Gentzler helps resource congregation leaders in their ministry with older adults. The workshop is Thursday, October 21, 2010 in the Fort Wayne area, and Friday, October 22, 2010 in the Indianapolis area...(read more)

Effective Leadership for Building Projects

jane — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Renovating? Expanding? Architectural issues? Check out this workshop!...(read more)

Congregation Celebrates Completion of Flourishing Grant

jane — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:50:00 GMT

South Wayne Baptist Church in Fort Wayne (now Fort Wayne Baptist) celebrated the conclusion of its Flourishing Congregations grant with a Thanksgiving dinner on November 18. The purpose was to honor the new outreach children’s ministry the grant helped make possible. ...(read more)

Lectionary Resource Can Help Congregations Reflect on Stewardship

jane — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:51:00 GMT

For congregations following the lectionary, a new year has begun. For congregations preparing to close out the fiscal year, a new year is on the horizon. And for congregations practicing year-round stewardship ...(read more)

Moving Day in Seymour

jane — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:02:00 GMT

After a day of moving furniture, unpacking boxes and hanging pictures, the Southeast Center for Congregations office at 100 S. Chestnut Street is open. Congregations are welcome to call or visit the office. ...(read more)

Your Congregation's Directory, with a Twist

jane — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:56:00 GMT

The standard congregational pictorial directory has taken a page from today's popular social networking websites. Directory publisher Olan Mills now offers an alternative to the traditional church directory - the My Family Page Bio Directory. ...(read more)

At the Center

jane — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:07:00 GMT

See what is happening at the Center for Congregations....(read more)

Essentials of Church Finance (Part 2)

jane — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:41:00 GMT

Essentials of Church Finance (Part 2) is September 22 & 23, 2010. Vonna Laue, co-author of Essential Guide to Church Finances and partner with the accounting firm Capin Crouse, will lead congregational leaders through workshops covering topics of church accounting practices, planning and budgeting, internal controls and risk management, and financial reporting....(read more)

Congregations and Military Families

jane — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Congregations all across Indiana have families whose members are serving in the military. Here in Indiana, we also have an excellent resource that conducts research about, with, and for military families. The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University develops and delivers outreach activities for the military and civilian infrastructures supporting military families. ...(read more)

Protect Your Congregation from Fraud and Embezzlement

jane — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:26:00 GMT

Here in Central Indiana we have recently seen three rather public cases involving trusted church employees who embezzled large sums of money from their congregations. In at least one case, no one seems to have suspected anything amiss until the congregation ran out of money. How could this happen?...(read more)

Resources and Photos from Governance and Ministry

jane — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Congregational leaders gathered in Indianapolis and Crown Point to hear Alban Institute Consultant Dan Hotchkiss discuss Governance and Ministry....(read more)

Preparing for the Flu and Other Emergencies

jane — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Being prepared can help congregations deal with the upcoming flu season, the H1N1 virus and other emergencies. Two free on-line articles explore precautions, ...(read more)

Economic Impact Study Results Released

jane — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:53:00 GMT

More than two-thirds of congregations in the current recession reported that their fundraising receipts increased or remained the same in the first half of 2009 compared to 2008, even as the recession was worsening. ...(read more)

Resources and Pix from Nurturing Faith and Family Life

jane — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:41:00 GMT

See photos and Diana Garland's top resource recommendations...(read more)

Multi-Site Congregations: A Resource List

jane — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:27:00 GMT

The Center for Congregations is receiving more and more requests for resources related to multi-site churches. The multi-site church is defined as ...(read more)

Resources and Photos from Cultivating a Church with Vibrant Purpose

jane — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:31:00 GMT

See photos and the presenter's top resource picks for the October 2009 workshop, Cultivating a Church with Vibrant Purpose...(read more)