Awakening Hope

West Morris Church's mission is to Awaken Hope with the Transforming Light of Jesus.

Our vision is to partner with God to cultivate flourishing and unleash revival in West Indy.

Join us in this life-transforming, hope-filled Kingdom work!

IN THIS ISSUE
Hope Awakens
Blessed by our Neighbors
Elanco Groundbreaking
Invocation
Summer Camp
Construction Ahead
Community Garden

Very early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb, bringing the fragrant spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. They didn’t know what to make of this. Suddenly, two men were standing beside them in gleaming bright clothing. The women were frightened and bowed their faces toward the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He isn’t here, but has been raised.
Luke 24:1-6a (CEB)

Hope Awakens

Have you ever wondered what makes Good Friday GOOD? Come discover HOPE this Good Friday at our Good Friday worship service at 7 PM. It will be a Kingdom gathering, as we join together with our sisters and brothers from our partner congregations. We will be gathering in Comunidad's sanctuary, so enter door #1.

Gather with us to worship, to remember, to acknowledge one of the greatest days in history, as we kick off the Easter weekend.

Easter worship continues on Sunday morning. We begin in West Park at 8 AM with a sunrise service, reading Scripture, singing hymns, and celebrating communion. Bring a lawn chair to sit on.

We continue our celebration with a church-wide Easter breakfast in the lower level. Bring your favorite breakfast dish to share - whether it's cinnamon rolls, an egg dish, bacon, fruit or french toast. Breakfast happens from 9-10:15 AM, and everyone is welcome.

Our ultimate Easter celebration begins at 10:30 AM upstairs. Join us for music, drama, and great rejoicing as we declare that HOPE has awoken. Come discover new truths about Easter and be renewed in your own life as we celebrate together.

And - think about who you might invite. People who don't normally attend church often are open to an invitation on special days like Easter. In fact, almost 80% of those who don't attend church indicate they would come if they were invited. So - think about inviting a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker or a family member.

I can't wait to celebrate the HOPE of Jesus this weekend together with you. See you then,

Pastor Kristen
317-464-7360
westmorrispastor@gmail.com

What happens when a church loves its community well? When it's committed to awakening hope by cultivating flourishing?

We discovered what happens this week when we were blessed by a gift of $1190 collected in just 24 hours by IPS School #46 staff and West Indy Library staff to help us upgrade our security system after 3 break-ins last week.

If you've ever wondered whether West Morris Church is making an impact in our community, here's your answer! Not a single person who gave is part of our church - but they have been personally impacted and blessed by our commitment to West Indy. Talk about awakening hope!!

You can watch the presentation video here.
(I had no idea what was coming when they started filming!)
(https://www.facebook.com/sydney.dressler/videos/287633953543078)

West Morris Church at Elanco Groundbreaking

On Tuesday, Indianapolis celebrated with a special Groundbreaking Event at the site of the former GM Stamping Plant for Elanco's world headquarters. The event welcomed Councilor Kristin Jones, Mayor Hogsett, Governor Holcomb, US Representative Andre Carson, Elanco President/CEO Jeff Simmons, Eiteljorg President/CEO John Vanausdall, IEDC CEO Secretary Brad Chambers and AgriNovus President/CEO Mitch Frazier. Pastor Kristen was also seated on the stage, having been invited to represent the faith communities of the westside, opening the celebration with an invocation. (A copy of the invocation is included below the pictures.)

We welcome Elanco as our new neighbor, and look forward to on-going conversations and relationship building for partnership and collaboration in the future!

Elanco Groundbreaking Ceremony Invocation
Rev. Dr. Kristen Bennett Marble
April 12, 2022

Loving God, we gather here today to celebrate new beginnings and fresh starts, while also honoring and acknowledging the rich history that’s gone before, and the precious land upon which we stand.

Father God, you once commanded your creation to care for and to cultivate your good earth and all its inhabitants. You entrusted to us the order and beauty you created from chaos. We recognize that on-going command here today. Help us to not take this responsibility lightly in our own lives - nor in this space. Teach us to care for and respect the sacredness of your creation - preserving it for future generations to come.

Loving God, we gather here today as business leaders, government leaders, social sector leaders and non-profit leaders, from across Indianapolis and beyond. Help us to be leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in our communities and neighborhoods.

Lord God, we humbly ask for wisdom, discernment and favor in your eyes as this work is undertaken. Give us each a vision for your community - a vision that strengthens bonds - that cultivates flourishing - that embraces innovation - and that provides opportunities - especially for those too long overlooked or disregarded. As this vision is developed, we pray for neighborhood well-being, economic vitality, and equitable business practices. Give these leaders integrity and character. Guide them in their decision-making to do unto others, as they would desire others would do unto them.

We ask for safety and protection of all who will work here in all aspects of the construction trades. We pray for the future employees that will come to work in these spaces from all four corners of the world. Open our hearts to receive them, and prepare them to become vital members of our community.

So fill the company executives and city officials involved in this project with a strength of conviction that this site would be recognized as a shining example of your goodness and light.

We dedicate this site to you, recognizing your work of transforming chaos into beauty continues yet today. Your word says, “By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is established.” May it be so here in this place we pray.

Amen.

Camp season at the Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center for kids & youth is coming. Learn more and register here. Want to know more? Ask Pastor Penny.

And don't forget about Family Camp taking place on July 18-24!

CONSTRUCTION AHEAD!

The West Morris Street repaving has begun and will continue for the next 18 months. When coming to the church building, be prepared for travel to take a little longer than normal, and for potential detours. Let's use the extra travel time and alternate routes as an opportunity to pray for West Indy!

Love to garden? Want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather? Looking for ways to connect with others?

Be part of our first-annual Community Garden this year. Interested? Contact Audrey Curtis at 317-628-4889 to find out more and get involved!

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