August at New Bethel Baptist Church

Zoe Willows

Hey everyone, welcome back to What's Up NBBC! I'm Zoe, and as always, I'm here with Samuel. August is shaping up to be a big month at New Bethel, and honestly, I can't wait to dive in. Samuel, have you seen the sermon lineup for this month?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely, Zoe. I mean, Pastor Dianna is really bringing it this August. We’re starting off with “Knowing Thyself” from Colossians 3:1-11, then moving into “Living by Faith” with Hebrews 11, and “Good Fruits” from Isaiah. And that’s just the first half of the month! I gotta say, these themes really hit home for me, especially the whole “Knowing Thyself” bit. It’s like, every time I think I’ve got myself figured out, there’s another layer, you know?

Zoe Willows

Totally. And I love how these sermons aren’t just, like, abstract ideas. They’re super practical. I mean, “Living by Faith”—that’s something we all wrestle with, right? Especially when life throws curveballs. And then “Good Fruits”—I always think about how we show up for each other, not just in church but out in the world. It’s kind of a gut check.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, and speaking of showing up, we’ve got Pastor Dianna’s ordination coming up on August 3rd at 4 p.m. That’s a huge milestone, not just for her, but for the whole church. I remember when we talked about her journey a few episodes back—her leadership has really shaped NBBC’s vision of being an inclusive, welcoming community. It’s not just words on a page, it’s something you feel when you walk in the door.

Zoe Willows

Exactly. And, you know, I was thinking about how these sermons kind of build on what we talked about last month—like, obedience and humility, but now it’s more about self-awareness and living out your faith. Samuel, you mentioned once that a sermon really made you rethink your own path. Was that one of Pastor Dianna’s?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, yeah. I think it was last spring—she was talking about “Empty Nets” from John 21, and it just hit me. I’d been feeling stuck, like I wasn’t making a difference. But she said something about how sometimes you have to let go of your own expectations and just trust God’s timing. I mean, I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out now, but it made me look at my daily choices differently. These sermons, they really do shape how we live, not just what we believe.

Zoe Willows

That’s so real. And I think that’s what makes NBBC special—there’s always this invitation to grow, together. Okay, so, speaking of growing together, let’s talk about what’s happening outside the sanctuary this month…

Samuel Rivers

Right, so, August is packed with opportunities to connect. First up, we’ve got the community breakfast on Saturday, August 2nd. If you’ve never been, you’re missing out. There’s just something about sharing a meal that brings people together. And then, of course, the next one’s already on the calendar for September 6th.

Zoe Willows

Okay, I have to jump in here—my first New Bethel breakfast was, like, a revelation. I’m not even exaggerating. I’d never had biscuits and gravy before, and I ended up sitting with a couple who’d been coming for several months. We talked about everything from favorite recipes to, I don’t know, the best place to get coffee in Indy. It was just… easy. Like, instant community. I think food just does that, you know?

Samuel Rivers

Absolutely. There’s a reason Jesus broke bread with people, right? And it’s not just about the food—it’s about the conversations, the laughter, the chance to check in on each other. And speaking of service, God’s Bounty pantry is another big part of NBBC’s outreach. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., they’re taking donations, and Thursdays at 1:00, they’re serving the community. NBBC’s turn to serve is the first Thursday of each month. If you want to help, Paul Young’s your guy.

Zoe Willows

I love that. And honestly, volunteering at God’s Bounty is one of those things where you go in thinking you’re helping others, but you end up getting just as much back. It’s humbling, and it’s also a blast. Plus, you get to meet people you might not see on Sundays. Oh, and don’t forget—church council is meeting on August 12th at 6 p.m., and the fellowship luncheon is moved to August 10th this month. So, mark your calendars, people!

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, and if you’re new or just looking for a way to plug in, these events are the perfect place to start. Whether you’re flipping biscuits or just pouring coffee, you’re part of something bigger. And, you know, we’ve talked before about how these shared meals and service projects are where real relationships form. It’s not just about what happens in the sanctuary—it’s the everyday stuff, too.

Zoe Willows

Exactly. And that kind of leads us into all the other ways people are connecting at NBBC, right? Like, it’s not just Sundays and service days—there’s a whole world of groups and activities happening every week…

Zoe Willows

So, let’s talk about the groups that keep NBBC buzzing all week long. First up, the book club—led by Janie Bryant, meeting Wednesdays at 11 a.m. on Zoom. They’re reading “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan right now, which, by the way, is such a good pick if you want to dig deeper into what it means to really love God and people. If you want in, just reach out to Janie.

Samuel Rivers

And then there’s the Euchre Club—meets at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays in the Judson Room. Janet Fiddler runs the show, and let me tell you, if you don’t know how to play, they’ll teach you. It’s all about having fun and making new friends. And, of course, Saturday mornings at 9:30, you’ve got yoga with Barb Fengya. It’s free, it’s in the Judson Room, and all you need is a mat and some comfy clothes. I mean, I’m not exactly a yoga pro, but it’s a great way to start the weekend.

Zoe Willows

I love how there’s something for everyone. Like, whether you’re into books, cards, or just want to stretch and breathe for an hour, you can find your people. And I think that’s what makes these groups so important—it’s not just about the activity, it’s about belonging. Samuel, you mentioned once that joining a book club helped you settle in when you first moved to Indy, right?

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, that’s right. I was new in town, didn’t know a soul, and honestly, I was a little nervous. But I showed up to a book club meeting, and before I knew it, I was swapping stories and laughing with folks I’d just met. It’s funny how something as simple as a book or a card game can open the door to real friendships. And, you know, these groups—they’re not just about keeping busy. They support your well-being, your faith, and your sense of connection. It’s all part of that vision we keep talking about—worship, learn, serve, and belong.

Zoe Willows

Couldn’t have said it better. So, whether you’re a regular or just thinking about checking out NBBC for the first time, there’s a place for you here. And hey, if you have questions about any of these groups, just reach out—everyone’s super welcoming. That’s it for this episode, but we’ll be back soon with more stories, more events, and, I’m sure, more biscuits and gravy. Samuel, always a pleasure.

Samuel Rivers

Always, Zoe. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Take care, and we’ll see you next time on What’s Up NBBC!