March 23, 2021

Dear Friends,

Happy Spring! Welcome to a new season in Central Indiana, and a new season in the life of Union Chapel Indy! I am so pleased to write to you with information about new life springing forth in many areas of our life together...

On the top of all our minds is the question of when we will return to in-person worship and gatherings. I’m pleased to announce that we will return to in-person worship on Sunday, April 18, at a new time - 9:30 a.m. This date and new time afford us several opportunities…

• By April 18, we anticipate we will have our Certificate of Completion and Compliance and we can legally occupy the newly constructed space. On Sunday, April 18, you can enter through the new west entrance and enjoy the beautiful new space that will serve us and this community so well. 
• Moving the start of sanctuary worship to 9:30 a.m. will allow us more opportunity to use the new space in creative and meaningful ways, including a second hour of learning and growing in faith starting in June. Stay tuned for more details about this opportunity that will be Sunday mornings, 10:45-11:30 a.m.
• Research also indicates that 9:30 is an effective time to offer worship; it is a time when many people respond to the invitation to gather for corporate worship. It also opens up time later in the morning - but before noon - to engage younger adults and families with children. It’s a win-win for reaching people with the love and grace of Jesus!

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, April 18, 9:30 a.m., and plan to be at Union Chapel Indy for worship. It will be so good to be together again!

But even before April 18, you are invited to participate in a very special Holy Week event we will host in the new Great Room and the Sanctuary. On Holy Thursday, April 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m., we will host a self-guided, socially distanced Way of the Cross Prayer Walk. The Way of the Cross, also known as Stations of the Cross, is the practice of using scenes of the final hours of Jesus' life as a structure for prayer and meditation. At each scene you are invited to pause, experience beautiful, original art; read the accompanying Scripture; participate in various interactive prayer prompts, and reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross. Children are welcome - the prayer activities will provide opportunities for hands-on learning and meaningful conversation. Masks will be required and participants will be asked to socially distance. Please enter through the new west entrance.

And please, SAVE THE DATE, for a dedication of the new building and a celebration of all God is doing and will do in and through this new space! We will worship and officially dedicate the space at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Then following the dedication until 6:00 p.m. the building will be open for tours, food, festivities, and fun. This is an event the entire family - as well as your neighbors and friends - will want to be a part of!

There is so much to look forward to here at Union Chapel Indy. I am excited to be with you in this new season of life and ministry!

And thank you for your faithfulness through this long season of separation and distancing. Though we have not gathered often in the last year for in-person worship or activities, I have seen the church active and faithful. Especially through this season of Lent, Union Chapel Indy has been Loving Like Jesus, sharing love, grace, resources, kindness, and compassion in countless ways. Thank you for your witness to Jesus’ presence and work among us.

Staff and leadership of Union Chapel Indy continue in prayer for you, and for all God is doing among us.Thank you for joining us in that prayer. Be watching for more details about all of these upcoming events, and share them with your friends and family.

In the meantime, should you have needs or questions, please be in touch. You can reach me by email at , or through the church office at 317.846.3429. I would look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

Rev. Elizabeth Gilbert

Senior Pastor

Union Chapel Indy, Inc.