Community News
For Such a Time as This
Protecting the Neighborhood
By Nikki Shaw,
Director of Communications

On the phone recently, I spoke with retired pastor of Pleasant Run UCC in Indianapolis, Rev. Greg Denk. As we spoke I looked out my windows. A week of spring rain had coaxed out a lush green lawn and swollen creeks and ponds in my neighborhood. That's life-supporting rain. But when the weather turns to overwhelming deluges, that's when Denk's team is ready to respond. He is the Conference Disaster Coordinator for the IKC and Director for the IKC Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry Team (DPRMT) .

Denk became involved in this kind of ministry in 2005, when in seminary as a second career student, he and some colleagues travelled to Louisiana to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. "God was nurturing me along [toward disaster relief ministry] and Katrina sealed the deal.” The first work Denk engaged in? "We cleaned up a park for the kids," he said. Residents were "so tired of the ugly."


You can also meet Rev. Greg Denk at the DPRMT booth at this year's annual gathering. Come and see the good we are doing together in the IKC neighborhood! You can register for annual gathering by clicking on the red button below.
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 
Luke 10:36-37 (NRSV)
MID Spotlight

Dakota Roberts – Southeast Association

I am a member of Friedens UCC in Indianapolis and have been since I was confirmed there in April of 2009. I have served in various volunteer and leadership positions there, including going on mission trips, participating in youth group, serving on the Christian education ministry team, leading vacation bible school, and serving regularly as a liturgist in worship. In 2017 I was hired by Friedens to be the Revive and Thrive Youth Coordinator; I served in that role for one year.

I am currently finishing up my first year of a three-year Masters of Divinity program at Eden Theological Seminary. I'm thrilled and humbled to announce that I was awarded the Kenneth M. Cooper Book Award at Eden Theological Seminary. This award is given to a deserving student pursuing preparation for parish ministry with priority consideration to sons and daughters of the Kentuckiana Association. I'm grateful for the benefit of the sense of community seminary has helped me build. This is a benefit I pray all seminarians feel, not just during their time at seminary, but all their lives.

Ecumenical Partner Opportunity

The Christian Church in KY (Disciples of Christ) is offering educational training this summer at Lexington Theological Seminary, July 8-11. They are offering "The Politics of Jesus," taught by Dr. Paul Jones, professor of religion at Transylvania University in Kentucky. The class will focus on questions about the politics of Jesus of Nazareth, not just as a religious leader, but as a political voice.

Upcoming Events
Transitional Ministry Training

August 14-1
Beech Grove, Indiana
IKC Women's Board
Women's Retreat

September 27-29
Beech Grove, IN
For a complete list of our events, click below!
Support the Ministries of the IKC UCC ...
[317-924-1395]  [ikc@ikcucc.org]  [www.ikcucc.org]