January at New Bethel: Worship, Fellowship, and Serving Together

Zoe Willows

Hey everyone, welcome back to What's Up NBBC! Zoe here, and—okay, I know we're barely into the new year, but I already feel like January's flying by. Samuel, are you feeling that, too?

Samuel Rivers

You're not kidding, Zoe. So, Happy New Year, folks! And really, there's just something about starting January at NBBC—there's all this energy, and Pastor Dianna's got some sermons lined up that I think really set the tone for 2026.

Zoe Willows

Yeah, let's talk about that! If y'all haven't grabbed a coffee and made it to the 9:30 a.m. coffee hour at church yet, you gotta try it—Sunday mornings are just better with a little caffeine and a lotta Jesus, honestly. And this month's sermons—okay, Samuel, the first one, Psalm 147, it's about steps to grow closer to God. Like, actionable steps. I love how practical Pastor Dianna gets.

Samuel Rivers

Absolutely. And then, she moves us into Psalm 29, and that's all about finding strength and peace from God, which, honestly, after the holidays, who doesn't need a bit of peace? It's like, come on, take a breath—God's got this.

Zoe Willows

And then my favorite title of the month—January 18th, she’s calling it "Come and See." It's right outta John 1, where Jesus says, "Come and see." It's, um, inviting. Kind of this open table vibe, you know? Like, Jesus is saying anyone can check out what faith really looks like. No secret password required.

Samuel Rivers

Exactly! And the last one, "What does fishing require?" I mean, if you're from a small town like mine—or grew up with anyone who fished—there’s something about that metaphor. Jesus tells folks to be fishers of people, right? And it's more than just standing by the water, hoping something bites. It's intentional. It's patience. And, Zoe, this makes me think—there was actually a sermon at NBBC a while back, it wasn't exactly this one, but it inspired one of my friends back home to get involved in a food pantry. He told me afterward, "Samuel, I finally understood I can't just sit around hoping folks show up, you gotta actually go out and invite, just like fishing." So, these themes—about going, seeing, doing—they're more than sermons. They're like, a blueprint for how to live out our faith this year.

Zoe Willows

Yeah, I love that. And, honestly, that idea of taking action feels like a big through-line at NBBC—like, we've heard this in so many past sermons and episodes. Okay, I’m gonna stop because I could talk about sermon titles for thirty minutes and I know we’ve got more to cover. But, anyone listening, you’re not imagining it: these themes are about growth, yes, but also about getting involved and trying something new, maybe even fishing, but definitely serving.

Samuel Rivers

Alright, so let’s get into what’s happening this month. Official church business and a bit of good ol’ NBBC tradition coming your way! First up, we’ve got the Church Council Meeting, that's Tuesday, January 13th. If you want to know how things tick—or wanna volunteer—you’ll wanna be there.

Zoe Willows

And then, the big one—the Annual Business Meeting on Sunday, January 25th. It’s, like, the family meeting but way more food. There's a fellowship lunch right before the meeting, which is classic NBBC. A little worship, a little business, and a lotta casseroles—my kinda church multitasking.

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely. That brings back some nostalgia for me. When I was growing up, our potlucks were—let’s see, probably more Jell-O salads than anyone needs, but also just, people showing up for each other with their best dishes. It’s, um—how do I say this—it’s not just about the food. It was always a time where you felt like you belonged, that everyone mattered, even if you messed up the recipe.

Zoe Willows

Ha! I've absolutely brought a dish once that nobody touched, but it didn’t matter, right? People at NBBC just want you there, not your perfect casserole. But here’s a question, Samuel—how do you think these gatherings work in a big city like Indy? There's so many churches, so many people, but do you think these traditions still help build real community?

Samuel Rivers

I do, actually. I mean, it’s different—maybe not everyone already knows your grandma’s secret pie recipe—but showing up for these lunches, sharing a meal, that’s how you start to see faces turn into friends. There’s a lotta value in keeping these smaller traditions alive because they’re the moments where big church feels like home. And I think, especially in a city, it’s that chance to really, I guess, slow down and connect.

Zoe Willows

Yeah, absolutely. Plus, if you’re new to NBBC or even Indy, these lunches can be way less intimidating than, like, Sunday morning meet-and-greet. Grab some food, chat, and take the edge off. Please, no need to be nervous—you might even leave with someone’s cookie recipe. Or, at the very least, a new friend.

Zoe Willows

Speaking of new friends, let’s jump into everything else going on! Did you know NBBC is super into serving outside Sunday morning? God’s Bounty is a huge part of that. So, the pantry takes donations on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and they serve folks in our area every Thursday at one. NBBC has a regular slot—we serve the first Thursday each month. You can donate, you can serve, you can just show up and support.

Samuel Rivers

That’s right! And I just wanna highlight, for anyone searching for your “spot” at NBBC, the clubs and groups are such a good way in. The book club, led by Janie Bryant, meets Wednesdays at 11, and it’s on Zoom, so you can literally roll up in pajama pants. Euchre Club—those folks are serious about their cards—meet at one on the first and third Wednesdays. Don’t know euchre? That has never stopped anyone.

Zoe Willows

Actually, that was me. I showed up at my first NBBC euchre game and, like, I didn’t even know what a trump card was. Janet Fiddler just pulled me in, handed me a deck, and taught me as we played. There’s a lot of laughter, a little bit of friendly trash talk, but no pressure at all. Honestly, it was the icebreaker I didn’t know I needed. That’s how I realized—these clubs aren’t just for experts, they’re for everybody.

Samuel Rivers

And, of course, free yoga! Saturday mornings at 9:30 in the Judson Room—Barb Fengya leads and absolutely anyone can join. You just bring a mat and wear something comfy. No judgment if you can’t touch your toes; I definitely can't. And it’s totally free, so really, no reason not to try it. Folks are always looking for a bit of peace and maybe a tight hamstring or two.

Zoe Willows

So, wherever you’re at in your faith journey or how connected you feel at NBBC, there’s a group or a spot for you here—whether it’s at God’s Bounty, sharing a story at book club, faking your way through euchre, or just stretching it out on a Saturday. I mean, we say this every episode, but NBBC really does feel like community, not just church, right?

Samuel Rivers

That’s right—wherever you plug in, you’re part of the family. Alright, that wraps it up for this month’s episode of What’s Up NBBC. There’s always room at the table for you, folks, whether it’s for worship, a meal, or just a card game.

Zoe Willows

Thanks for spending time with us! We’ll catch you all next month. Take care, Samuel!

Samuel Rivers

You too, Zoe. And to everyone listening, have a wonderful January—see you soon!