September Happenings at New Bethel

Zoe Willows

Hey everybody! Welcome back to What's Up NBBC—your friendly update on all things happening at New Bethel Baptist Church here in Indianapolis. I'm Zoe, kicking things off in my usual style, with my co-host Samuel here beside me. Samuel, how are you feeling about September at the church?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, I'm excited, Zoe! It kinda feels like every month at New Bethel has its own flavor, but September—there’s just something about that early autumn bustle. You know, getting ready for big changes... And it all rolls right into our church vision, right? New Bethel’s not just about Sunday mornings; it’s worship, learning, and serving together—a place where anyone can feel they belong, no matter where they're starting from.

Zoe Willows

Exactly, and Pastor Dianna's keeping that vision alive with another lineup of meaningful sermons. So if you missed grabbing a bulletin or scrolling through our last episode, here’s the rundown for September: Sundays start off with coffee and Jesus at 9:30, then worship kicks into gear at 10:30. Each week, Dianna’s got something new for us. First up, there's "The Let Them Theory" on September 7th from Luke 14. Samuel, do you know—wait, is it actually called the Let Them Theory or did I just misread my notes?

Samuel Rivers

No, you’re spot on, Zoe! "The Let Them Theory"—I had to look that up, too. It’s all about choosing your path, letting folks go their own way sometimes. Then the next week, we’ll hear about "God's Mercy" from First Timothy, then "Being Faithful with What You Have"—which, actually, brings back a memory for me. I remember my first time hearing a sermon like that, all about faithfulness. I was probably, oh, nineteen, maybe twenty? I’d just started volunteering at my hometown church—small place, real country. The pastor said something like, “It’s not about how much you got, it’s about what you do with it.” I realized then that helping wasn’t about having big talents or deep pockets; it was about showing up and serving, faithfully, with whatever you can offer. That’s guided me ever since—in church life and honestly everywhere.

Zoe Willows

I love that, Samuel. It just fits right in with the NBBC way—bring what you have, be who you are. Then, to cap off the month, Pastor Dianna dives into "Investments" from Jeremiah. Not the stock market, folks! We’re talking about what we’re pouring into our lives and community. It’s a good time to reflect on where we’re investing our hearts as a church.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, there’s just a flow to the whole month—letting go, seeking mercy, being faithful, and investing for the long haul. You can really see how those piece together the vision here at New Bethel. Makes you wanna walk in Sunday and see what’s next, honestly.

Zoe Willows

We’d better talk about everything happening outside the sanctuary, too, because—wow—September is stacked. First up, Saturday the 6th: we’ve got a blood drive from 8 to noon, and actually, the community breakfast is happening right alongside it, from 8 to 11. So you can donate, then immediately refuel with biscuits and gravy. Pretty smart, if you ask me.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, and if you’re new, that breakfast is just open to everyone—whether you’re a member or not. It’s become almost legendary in the neighborhood. And between those events and the church cleanup day on the 13th, there’s lots of ways to pitch in. I gotta say, seeing everyone show up—in old jeans, scrubbing, sweeping, laughing together—it reminds me why NBBC's become such a cornerstone for community life.

Zoe Willows

It’s true! I mean, this might sound a little silly, but I first learned about church breakfasts as a kid through my neighbors. My apartment building smelled like burnt toast and bacon every Saturday—okay, a lot of burnt toast if I’m honest. But it brought folks together who maybe only waved at each other during the week. At New Bethel, these breakfasts do the same thing; you find people swapping stories over sausage links, or just hanging out because they need that connection. I think that’s a special kind of magic, even if the coffee is sometimes—well, let’s call it “robust.”

Samuel Rivers

Ha! Yeah, “robust.” I like that, Zoe. There’s more, too. The classic car show hits on the 20th—registration’s bright and early at 8, and the show runs all the way to 2 p.m. Great chance for anyone who wants to see—or show off—something shiny and vintage. Then on the 27th, there's a car wash from 11 to 3, and cap off that day with an outdoor movie night at 8:30 p.m. It’s one of those “come as you are” nights. Bring your lawn chair, your blanket, maybe a bug spray or two!

Zoe Willows

Don’t forget God’s Bounty—NBBC serves there every first Thursday, so if you want in, talk to Paul Young. This month we're collecting canned meats to donate. God’s Bounty’s pantry opens up Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for donations and serves the community Thursdays at 1 p.m. I know we talked about God’s Bounty a few times in previous episodes, but it’s worth repeating—little bits of help, like a couple cans of food, go a long way when you’re feeding neighbors who need it.

Samuel Rivers

Amen to that. Sometimes people ask if these small acts even matter—and I always tell them, even a can of soup is a seed you plant for hope. That’s been kind of a recurring theme here, you know? Like, we might’ve said it three or four times already this summer—and, honestly, I don't mind repeating myself because it’s who we are.

Zoe Willows

Every little bit counts. Alright, so next up—we’ve got some ongoing ways for you all to connect. Let’s run through the clubs and classes real quick, Samuel?

Samuel Rivers

Absolutely! So for the bookish folks, Janie Bryant’s book club meets on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. on Zoom. Right now, the group is digging into "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It’s one of those books that makes you rethink what faith looks like in daily life—really practical, really heartfelt, kinda flips the script compared to your usual Bible study. If you wanna join, just reach out to Janie. She’ll get you the link and all that good stuff.

Zoe Willows

And if board games are more your style—well, cards in this case—the Euchre Club gathers in the Judson Room every first and third Wednesday at 1 p.m. That’s on the lower level, and everyone is welcome, even if you have no idea what Euchre actually is. I had to Google it my first time—shout out to Janet Fiddler for helping me cheat, uh, “learn the ropes” last month.

Samuel Rivers

Hey, as long as you’re having fun, right? And don’t forget about Saturday yoga at 9:30 a.m.—same Judson room, lower level, totally free. You just show up with a mat and whatever stretchy pants happen to be clean. That group is always welcoming, and even if you’re a little stiff (like me most Saturdays), you fit right in. If you have questions, just reach out to Barb Fengya.

Zoe Willows

We’ve also got some early heads-up for October—Crop Walk 2026 is set for October 12th at Fort Harrison State Park, great chance to go outside for a good cause. And then, Trunk or Treat on October 25th! I’m already plotting my costume this year. If you’re new, this is one of NBBC’s most fun family events and honestly, it’s a blast for grownups, too. Samuel, you dressing up?

Samuel Rivers

You know I'm in, Zoe. Pro tip for newcomers: plan your trunk early if you wanna decorate big—folks get super creative. There’s even car costume bragging rights riding on it.

Zoe Willows

Alright, quick spotlight for our September birthdays: Doug Hiner, John Huddleston, Dianna Cline, and Bob Tandy—happy birthday, you guys! And for anniversaries, congrats to Jeff and Lindsey Fiddler, and Ruth Ann and Skip Mills. Hope you all have amazing celebrations—maybe some of that "robust" coffee at the next breakfast, yeah?

Samuel Rivers

Absolutely. Alright, that’s a lot for one September—so whether you’re new here or you’ve been around forever, there’s a spot for you. Thanks for catching up with us!

Zoe Willows

We’ll be back soon with more stories and updates. Until then, keep showing up, keep serving, and keep that coffee hot. Samuel, always good chatting.

Samuel Rivers

Same to you, Zoe. Take care, church family, and see y’all soon!