St. John is underway with a $30,000 grant from the Indianapolis Center for Congregations to help us develop our ministry to the community.

Funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Indianapolis Center for Congregations is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening congregations through resource consulting, educational events and resource grants.

St. John has already formed a partnership with the Children’s Bureau, Inc. On the second Wednesday of each month, Jamila Nwokorie, Case Manager, Post-Adoption Services at the Children’s Bureau meets with families at St. John. The parents enjoy time to relax and share stories while their children (natural and adopted) play in our gym.  

Another partnership was formed with the CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions. Dr. Diane Healey, Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, St. Vincent Center for Healthy Aging, will be presenting a workshop at St. John Lutheran on Friday, October 27 (9:00 – 1:00) on what we can do to better understand and care for people living with chronic conditions, and look at resources and best practices for supporting caregivers within our faith community. You will be able to RSVP soon to attend this event.

St. John will be purchasing items and making improvements in 2018 as a result of this grant to better serve our community. These include:  new projectors and blinds in the Dwelling Place and furnishings (seating, tables, ottomans, etc.) for the Commons. We also will be updating our nursery with toys, furnishings, and lighting to have a place for children with sensory needs. We also will be equipping our gym for fun, exercise, and social skills practice for all children, with and without disabilities. 

With involvement opportunities coming soon, please pray for our congregation and community and consider joining this exciting journey.  This journey helps us carry out the third part of our mission statement:  Project God’s love into our communities through caring and sharing. 

Please contact Paul Johnson for more information.