Dear friend,

Thank you for being a part of this ministry, for your faithfulness in prayer and participation, and for your generosity toward its effectiveness. It is a joy to serve Jesus and this community alongside you!

As we enter the fall season here at Union Chapel Indy, I invite you to consider with me, what it means to give ourselves more fully to the work of Jesus - in our own hearts, in our relationships, and with our possessions and practice of generosity. 

In nearly any given situation, it’s natural to ask ourselves, “What is required of me?” In a new job, we want to know the expectations and responsibilities. In a social setting, it’s helpful to know if we are in a casual situation or if we are in a more formal setting where our very best manners are called into play. Maybe we’re new to town, or a school, or a neighborhood… How are things done here? What is expected of me to be a good citizen, succeed in class, or be a caring neighbor?

The Bible, our faith tradition, and our personal biases contribute to what we believe is expected of us as followers of Jesus. But maybe the best place to discover this is from Jesus himself. And, as much as we’d like to know precisely what the basic expectations are in certain areas of our lives, Jesus calls his followers to generosity and compassion in all areas. Jesus doesn’t ask us to just meet a list of do’s and don'ts, check off just so many boxes, or just believe certain things. Jesus asks us to give him our hearts, our relationships, and our physical and material lives - everything. To be a good steward of the abundant blessings and grace Jesus has poured into our lives, is to let Jesus have his way with our lives and possessions. Jesus expects more than our occasional presence in church and a few dollars in the offering plates, Jesus expects us to go and do like he did… living and loving, generously, faithfully, and with an abundance of mercy and compassion.

On the Sundays of October 16, 23, and 30, 2022, we will explore a few stories of Jesus that encourage us to join him in living generously; in going and doing like he went and did. Join me for any or all of the following to meet some great people, get to know Jesus a little better, and even have some fun!

     Sundays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
     Small Group with Pastor Elizabeth. Fellowship Hall (lower level).
     No preparation required. Just show up for a little study and good conversation.

     Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
     Worship in-person in the sanctuary and online.

     Sunday, October 30, noon: Smoke Off!
     Lower Level at Union Chapel Indy.
     Enjoy great smoked meat and yummy desserts.
     Raise money for food support to local neighbors.
     Sign-up on Sundays to bring smoked meat, your award-winning dessert, or help with set up and other details.

Living as followers of Jesus is not necessarily easy, but there is nothing more exciting or rewarding! I look forward to exploring with you this month how we more fully, Go & Do, as Jesus’ people in this time and place.

If you have any questions or if there is any way I can be helpful to you in your faith journey, please be in touch with me. You can reach me through the church office at 317.846.3429 or email me at  

Blessings,

Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert
Union Chapel Indy