Journey in the Wilderness
A Sermon Series by National and Local Leaders
How should Zionsville Christian Church face the post-pandemic world? What challenges do churches face today?
This summer, our pastor will be engaged in the wilderness for his sabbatical. This period is also a time of reflection for ZCC as we take a sabbatical too. Rev. Tyler and his family will be exploring parks, camping outdoors, and even hiking part of the Appalachian Trail. The purpose for him, and for us as a congregation, is to explore what it is like to face the unknown, and to become comfortable moving beyond conventional boundaries.
We are thrilled to announce a stellar group of preachers who will be helping our congregation explore this theme while Tyler is away.
June: Prophetic Thinkers
June 5, 2022 | Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm
Dick is the former general minister and president of our denomination. During his tenure he helped the church focus on a twenty-year plan toward adaptive change that propelled the Disciples of Christ to launch 1,000 new congregations and to transform 1,000, while developing the leadership needed for both. A highly regarded church consultant for the Columbia Partnership and sought-after workshop leader, we are thrilled to have Dick kick off our theme.
June 12, 2022 | Rev. Larry Whinnery
Our very own Rev. Larry Whinnery will present his observations on where we as a church are today, and where we might consider going. A seasoned elder in our church, Larry will have just retired fully from his years as a chaplain.
June 19, 2022 | Rev. Alexis Tardy
Alexis, our former minister of faith formation, is now a community activist who ignites the passions of others around the area of racial justice. Alexis will return to give us an update on where she has been, and will share with us information about the future that we need to consider. Let’s welcome her back!
June 26, 2022 | Rev. Matt Rosine
Matt worked with our congregation during the time Gary Straub was our interim minister. He helped our leaders develop a future plan and focus on developing the capacity to reach that plan. Many of the things we take for granted were a result of his time with us. Matt now works for the Christian Church Foundation, which manages our endowment funds. Matt has some ideas about ways we can continue to grow for the future.
July: Pastors and Leaders of ZCC
July 3, 2022 | Gabe Perkins-Barbieri and Rev. Jack Collins
Gabe and Jack will lead us in a unique Sunday of praise. Gabe will introduce us to our most meaningful hymns, and will examine how music helps us express our praise toward God. Jack will draw on his many years of experiences as a pastor, to look into the future and the challenges we face.
July 10, 2022 | Rev. Jim Powell
Jim is the retired president of the Disciples Church Extension Fund. He was a progressive leader in our denomination who not only managed the financing of many new and existing congregations but also led the Disciples in church planting. He has a keen nose for the future and has a lot of ideas on how we need to begin looking at the unknown. We are glad to have this fearless leader challenge us.
July 17, 2022 | Rev. Ellen Corcella
We have walked with Rev. Ellen Corcella through her ordination and work as a chaplain. Many in our congregation have felt her healing presence. Ellen has always had a sharp sense of what we should be about, with critical thinking and insight; we look forward to her word. Ellen has had a fascinating life as a prosecutor and now a chaplain.
July 24, 2022 | Dr. Rick Gunderman
The always-amazing Dr. Rick Gunderman will preach on our theme of facing the unknown. As one who works in the medical profession, Rick is one of the most curious people you will ever meet. He is widely read, and published. Our church has benefited from his advice and counsel during the pandemic. We look forward to his view into our future.
July 31, 2022 | Rev. Dr. Rick Morse
After a year as president of our congregation, and years of experience working with congregations to find creative paths for their futures, Rick will share his thoughts regarding our future. He will be addressing our work with youth and children in faith formation.
august: National Voices
Aug. 7, 2022 | Rev. Cheryl Russell
Our very own Rev. Cheryl Russell, a staff member of the Christian Church in Indiana, will give us the word. Cheryl grew up in our church before going to seminary and has served a number of Disciples churches before serving our regional staff. She has insights into faith formation and will have a challenging word for us as we contemplate our future.
Aug. 14, 2022 | ZCC Youth
August 14th is Youth Sunday! The ZCC Youth Group went on a mission trip to Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, on June 21–26. During the August 14 worship service, the mission trip team will be sharing about their “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” mission trip. A film made by Jacob Thurman will highlight the team’s work.
Aug. 21, 2022 | Rev. Dr. Gilberto Collazo
Rev. Dr. Gilberto Collazo from the Disciples Church Extension Fund has worked in future church work for more than twenty years. Gilberto comes from Puerto Rico, and brought his insights from that culture to the mainland. He is passionate about starting congregations but also insightful about transforming existing ones.
Aug. 28, 2022 | Rev. Monique Crain Spells
Rev. Monique Crain Spells will give us a good word. Monique currently serves on the staff of Disciples Home Missions and works in the area of faith formation. Monique has worked with two seminaries and has focused on Christian education and faith formation. It will be interesting to hear her thoughts on what our future in educational ministries might look like.