Vision & Accountability Team Archives
Members: Cheryl Martin (Chair), Frank Kandel (Vice-Chair) CoraLyn Turentine (CR1), Mark Stocksdale (CR2), Carol Bixler (CR3)
Pastoral Representatives: Brian Bither, Craig Oury
(For more records, consult the file cabinet upstairs across from the copy machine.)
Community Life Groups
It is a great comfort to belong to a community of caring, peace-loving individuals who help make up a
unique family of believers. Check out our numerous opportunities below.
Small Groups
Small groups are a core part of our life together. In them, we have a chance to get to know and support one another on a deeper level, as well as to discuss personal and corporate concerns. We have recently reorganized into five small groups that meet in different homes in the city of Indianapolis, some of which meet on weeknights and some of which meet on Sundays. If you are interested in joining a small group, contact us to help us find the right group for you.
Ministry Teams
Our church is not run like a hierarchical business, where the pastors are the C.E.O.s who make all of the decisions. Instead, the church is run through our ministry teams, which are open to anyone who wants to participate. The adult education ministry, building & grounds ministry, children & youth nurture ministry, fellowship ministry, outreach & welcome ministry, and worship ministry are always looking for new members and fresh ideas. We also have a pastor-elder team and gifts discernment team whose members are elected by the congregation at the beginning of each church year.
Service Opportunities
There are several opportunities for community service through Shalom Mennonite. There is a donation center at the back corner of our sanctuary for food and supplies, which we take to the local community center, Forest Manor. For those who want a more hands-on experience, we regularly participate in a program that provides temporary housing for homeless families by volunteering to cook, babysit, and drive participants in various shifts. We also participate in larger community events and work days periodically.
Bible Study
For those of us who want to have an ongoing and thorough study of the Scriptures together, a Bible study group meets at the church on Thursday evenings. If you would like to learn more about this, contact us to learn what book we are studying and on which days we are meeting.
Young Adult Book & Movie Discussion Group
Also on Thursday nights is a small group specifically designed for young adults. Every few months, they select a book to read together, one chapter at a time, discussing it in the group and leaving some time for prayer and sharing at the end. On the first Thursday of the month, they watch a movie and discuss it together. This is a great opportunity to get to know other young adults in our community.
Worship Ensemble
On the first three Sundays of every month, our worship ensemble meets an hour before the worship service to practice songs that will be sung and played during the church service. If you have vocal or instrumental talent and would be willing to share it with our community, they would love to have you join them! You can contact us to get in touch with the chair of our Worship Ministry.
Peace Group
The Peace Group aims to promote the cause of peace in our own congregation and throughout the city of Indianapolis. One of their main projects has been "the peace scholarship," a fund that they offer to students each year who research peace-related topics. They have also been involved in outside projects and are now responsible for nominating a representative to the newly formed Indianapolis Peace Church Coalition, an interchurch network of Mennonite, Brethren, and Quaker churches in Indy.
Creation Care Team
The creation care committee works to provide a community setting of nature and beauty for both the Shalom congregation and the neighborhood. They are restoring a forest in an urban setting to provide educational opportunities as well as ecological stewardship. If you have a passion for the earth, this is the group for you!
