Outreach center for homeless youth under way but still needs boost
The not-for-profit Outreach Inc. has started construction on the $3.3 million facility on the near-east side and hopes donors can come through with the final $300,000.
Churches
Articles
Suburban megachurch expanding into downtown with big purchase
Traders Point Christian Church has acquired a 104-year-old building at the corner of 12th and Delaware streets and plans to spend $2 million to renovate it.
Downtown hotel plan incorporates black church
The city’s oldest African-American church is poised to become a hotel as part of a larger, $30 million project that could add more than 200 rooms to downtown’s lodging inventory.
Noblesville’s Grace Church buys Nora building for expansion
The church, which already is building a second home in Fishers, has bought an office building on Westfield Boulevard and plans to launch services at the site.
Indiana firm trades in frankincense, myrrh
Northwest Indiana Trading Co., based in LaPorte County, provides exotic resins and other substances to religious practitioners across the globe.
Lender discrimination might be bankrupting black churches
Of the 654 congregations to file for bankruptcy protection between 2006 and 2013, 60 percent had black pastors or predominantly black membership, according to an associate professor at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Churches embrace technology to keep donations flowing
Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere these days, but houses of worship are still trying to modernize the way donations are collected.
After final service, Cumberland church awaits likely demolition
The congregation of St. John United Church of Christ in Cumberland has held its last service at the historic structure and is moving to temporary space. After a battle with town officials over the fate of the church building, leaders say they likely will demolish it.
Aging churches need expensive repairs that many can’t afford
The fates of several religious structures in older parts of Indianapolis, often considered architectural gems, are uncertain because dwindling congregations lack the wherewithal to keep up with escalating costs.
Big crowds expected for new Mormon temple in Carmel
The 34,000-square-foot temple at 116th Street and Spring Mill Road in Carmel will be one of fewer than 20 in the United States east of the Mississippi River.
Growing church wants old Borders space in Carmel
Mercy Road Church is seeking to take over the former Borders bookstore at 116th Street and Keystone Parkway, transforming the long-vacant building into a long-term home for its growing congregation.
Grassroots group challenges jail plan, wants focus on jobs
A grassroots, church-based organization is trying to stir up voter interest in the city’s plan for a new criminal justice complex and questioning the need to expand jail capacity.
A love story with Christ Church takes contentious turn
This is far from the first time that heirs and beneficiaries of the Lilly family fortune have tangled over how it was managed.
Three Catholic parishes in Indianapolis to close
Holy Trinity, Holy Cross and St. Bernadette parishes will be merged into nearby parishes under the changes announced Wednesday by Archbishop Joseph Tobin.
Fishers, Noblesville put cuffs on charities to recoup tax revenue
Two growing Hamilton County communities looking to build their commercial tax base are taking steps to ensure land targeted for development doesn’t end up in the hands of organizations that don’t pay taxes.
Church caught up in nightmare after life insurance scheme sours
The Lindberg Road Church of Christ in Anderson has filed for bankruptcy protection because of a failed plan to finance construction on its properties. The plan involved buying life insurance on elderly members, with the intent to sell the policies later on the secondary market.
Pope names Vatican official to head Indianapolis diocese
The pope has transferred a Vatican official who openly sought to mend the Vatican's frayed fences with U.S. nuns, naming him archbishop of Indianapolis.
Indy seminary lands $8M grant for pastoral center
Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis has received initial funding for its new Center for Pastoral Excellence through an $8 million grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Report: Charitable donations ticked up in 2011
Charitable giving grew 4 percent nationally in 2011, but the increase was less than 1 percent after adjusting for inflation, according to a report released Tuesday by the Giving USA Foundation and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
New Christian Theological Seminary president embracing the arts
New Christian Theological Seminary President Matthew Myer Boulton wants to create a more vibrant atmosphere at CTS, by attracting younger students who can live on campus full time and by drawing the general public for lectures, concerts and religious events on a regular basis.