July Worship Service Preview and Dates

Zoe Willows

So, okay, Samuel, I was literally just looking at the calendar, and I cannot believe we are already staring down July. Like, the heat is actually starting to kick in, and it got me thinking about how, um, how local communities sort of pivot during the summer. You know, everyone’s traveling, but then you have these little anchor points. And I was reading up on New Bethel Baptist Church—they’re right there on Southeastern Avenue—and they have this massive milestone happening this month. Pastor Dianna Cline is hitting her three-year anniversary. She started back in July of 2023, and it-it-it just feels like that kind of longevity really shapes a place, you know?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely. Three years, I mean, that is-that’s a beautiful stretch of time to really plant roots in a community. July 2023 feels like yesterday, but in church life, three years is where you really start to see the, uh, the deep relationships bear fruit. Pastor Dianna has been such a steady, inspiring presence there. And honestly, Zoe, if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat and just, like, ground yourself, their Sunday rhythm sounds so incredibly welcoming. They do this thing called, um, "Coffee and Jesus" at 9:30 AM. Like, literally, you just show up, grab a cup, and chat. And then the main worship service starts right after at 10:30. It’s just this really unpretentious, warm way to start a Sunday.

Zoe Willows

Wait, "Coffee and Jesus" at 9:30? That is-that is so my speed. I need the caffeine before I can do any deep spiritual reflecting, let's be honest. But the sermon lineup she has planned for July looks really interesting too. Like, on July 5th, she’s preaching on Romans 7, this sermon called "Moving On." Which, uh, we all need a bit of that sometimes, right? And then on the 12th, it’s the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. It’s all about, you know, what kind of soil we’re planting our lives in. Though, wait, she’s actually out on vacation from July 16th to the 19th, so the deacons are leading the service on July 19th. It’s like a true team effort over there.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, a deacon-led Sunday! I love that. It shows a really healthy congregation when the lay leaders can just step up and carry the service while the pastor gets some well-deserved rest. And then when Pastor Dianna gets back on July 26th, she’s diving into Romans 8:26-39. The sermon is titled "Do All Things Really Work Together?" which is-it’s one of those big, heavy questions we all ask when life gets messy. But, you know, it’s not just Sundays. They have these other touchpoints during the week. Like, they do a Community Breakfast on the first Saturday of the month—well, actually, for July, the schedule says Saturday, July 11th, from 8 AM to 11 AM. And then they have this free yoga class every Saturday morning at 9:30 in the Judson Room. Led by Barb Fengya. You literally just bring a mat and comfortable clothes.

Zoe Willows

Wait, free yoga in the basement? That is-that is so cool. I love when churches open up their physical spaces for things that aren’t just, like, traditional pews-and-hymns stuff. It’s in the Judson Room, you said? That’s on the lower level. It just makes the whole church feel like a living, breathing community hub instead of a building that’s locked up six days a week.

Samuel Rivers

It really is a hub. And, you know, that community connection goes way beyond the walls of the church itself. They have this massive partnership with God’s Bounty food pantry. It’s run by Paul Young—well, he’s the main contact there—and they do so much heavy lifting for the Beech Grove and Wanamaker areas. The pantry accepts donations on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, and then they serve the community on Thursdays starting at 1 PM. But the cool thing is, New Bethel actually sends a team to serve there hands-on on the first Thursday of every single month. It’s just this very tangible, practical way of living out their faith.

Zoe Willows

Yes! I saw that. Paul Young is the guy to talk to if you want to get involved with that. And it’s so important because food insecurity is a real, quiet struggle in so many suburbs. But, okay, if you’re looking for something a bit more, um, low-key to get to know people, they have these great interest groups. There’s a Zoom Book Club led by Janie Bryant on Wednesdays at 11 AM. They’re actually starting a new book this month called "The Time is Now" by Joan Chittister. Have you heard of her? She’s this incredibly feisty Benedictine sister who writes about spiritual activism. It sounds like it’s going to be a really lively discussion.

Samuel Rivers

Oh, Joan Chittister is fantastic! She does not pull her punches. That Zoom format is great too, makes it so easy to join from home. And if you’re more of a card player, they’ve got a Euchre Club that meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 1 PM, also in the Judson Room. Janet Fiddler coordinates that one. I-I-I mean, Euchre is basically a religion itself in Indiana, so you know those games get lively. Plus, there’s also the blanket and flower ministries that Liz B. helps coordinate, which is just this sweet, quiet way of sending comfort to people who are sick or going through a tough time.

Zoe Willows

It’s those little, quiet ministries that really make a church feel like a family, isn’t it? Just knowing someone is weaving a blanket or delivering flowers when you’re down. It’s all of it together. So, if you are in the Beech Grove or Wanamaker area, or anywhere around Indianapolis, and you’re looking for a place to connect this summer—whether it’s for "Coffee and Jesus," some Saturday morning yoga, or just a warm community—you should definitely check them out. They’re located at 8936 Southeastern Avenue. You can also look out for their newsletter, "The Journey," which was set to come out on June 27th, to get all the latest details.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, definitely grab a copy of "The Journey" if you can. It’s just a wonderful, accepting community of believers. Well, I think that’s our cue. Good chatting with you, Zoe.

Zoe Willows

You too, Samuel. See you next time..