The Central Indiana Youth for Christ has launched an ambitious initiative, the We Believe in Youth Campaign, aimed at encouraging young people and rallying community support. CEO Dara Berkhalter explained the campaign’s dual focus: fostering meaningful connections between adults and youth while raising funds to sustain and expand the organization’s mission.

The campaign calls on adults to actively engage with young people by writing encouraging notes and speaking affirming words. “It’s about adults mobilizing to tell young people in their lives that they see them, value them, and care about them,” Berkhalter said. The initiative has already gained momentum, with strong reactions from youth participants and their communities.

In addition to building connections, the campaign includes a fundraising component, with a goal of raising $200,000. As of now, over $40,000 has been raised. A significant boost came from a generous supporter who pledged a $50,000 matching donation. “The next $50,000 raised will be matched,” Berkhalter announced, noting the overwhelming excitement and gratitude the pledge has generated.

Donations can be made online through the campaign’s link, GiveButter.com. The matching challenge is active, doubling contributions made during the campaign period.

SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL INDIANA YOUTH FOR CHRIST.

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Central Indiana Youth for Christ (CIYFC) is actively working to build Christ-centered communities for young people in Central Indiana. The organization’s focus is on youth between the ages of 11 and 19, aiming to foster a movement of young people committed to faith, emphasizing the shift from a model of adult-led ministry to one where youth play a vital role in growing faith within the community.

The organization partners with local churches, businesses, and school communities to reach more young people. Last year, CIYFC served over 1,000 students across the region. This outreach varies by program. Through the Campus Life program, YFC staff connect with students directly in schools, offering activities and Bible study. For example, they host a morning club where students play games, participate in Bible study, and enjoy a donut before starting their school day.

Beyond Campus Life, CIYFC offers the City Life and Parent Life programs, which connect with students through school and community referrals.

A key component of CIYFC’s recent initiatives includes mental health counseling, made possible through a city grant aimed at crime prevention.

More information about Central Indiana Youth for Christ and its programs is available on ciyfc.org.

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The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is set to host a vibrant and family-friendly celebration of Diwali and the Hindu New Year on November 2nd, starting at 11:30 AM. This event promises to bring the community together in a spirit of devotion, reflection, and gratitude.

Diwali, one of the most significant and auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As devotees gather at the temple, they will take a moment to reflect on their spiritual journeys, assessing their relationship with Bhagwan over the past year. The day culminates in a special ceremony known as Chopda Pujan, where hundreds of new account books—both in paper and electronic formats—are sanctified. This ritual involves the showering of flower petals and rice grains, accompanied by the melodic chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers.

The celebration continues into the early hours of the following day, marking the Hindu New Year. Devotees will arrive at the mandir for the first darshan of the sacred images, beautifully adorned for the occasion. The New Year is ushered in with the first arti, a devotional ritual that symbolizes the light of knowledge dispelling ignorance.

A highlight of the New Year celebrations is the Annakut, meaning “mountain of food.” This year, over 1,000 unique thals (vegetarian delicacies) will be offered in a grand display of gratitude for the past year and in hopes of blessings for the year ahead. The Annakut offering will include a diverse array of items—snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks, and more—meticulously prepared by devotees in a spirit of devotion.

The BAPS event is designed to be inclusive and engaging for families, making it an ideal opportunity for community members of all ages to partake in these cherished traditions. Everyone is encouraged to join in the festivities and experience the rich cultural heritage of Diwali and the Hindu New Year.

For more information about the event, please visit www.baps.org

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Indy Serb Fest’s mission is to preserve, promote, and nurture the Orthodox Christian Faith and Serbian culture.

The festival is an opportunity to share heritage and have some family fun.

Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church invites you to their Annual INDY SERB FEST, on September 14th, with authentic Serbian food, beer and wine, live music, dancing, and kids’ activities.

Admission to the festival is free

Entrees for purchase include; roasted Lamb, sarma (Serbian stuffed cabbage), cevaps (Serbian sausage), burek (Serbian meat pastry), and hot dogs.

Amazing desserts include; palacinke (Serbian crepe), krofne (Serbian doughnut), baklava, strudel, cookies, and so much more.

The festival takes place at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church (7855 Marsh Rd., Indianapolis IN 46278).

he fun runs from Noon to 10 p.m.Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church and its charitable efforts will be benefited from the energies of this festival. Hope to see you there!

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JR Sandadi and Connor Bomar, both from the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC), joined us to talk about the upcoming Indy Festival of Faiths.

This free event, happening from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 15th, at University Park in downtown Indianapolis, celebrates the many different faiths in the community.

The festival offers visitors the chance to learn about different religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and many others. Over 40 booths will be set up, featuring various faiths, social service organizations, and vendors. Free food and water will be available, with donations going to the Crooked Creek Food Pantry in Indianapolis.

One of the highlights will be the festival’s popular drum circle, hosted by Bongo Boy Drum School, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Other exciting activities include the blowing of the shofar, a traditional Jewish practice, and dance performances from the Hindu community.

The Sacred Arts stage will feature Hindu dancers, spoken word from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and music from Unity of Indianapolis, bringing a peaceful folksy vibe.

The Indy Festival of Faiths is a family-friendly event, open to all, and a great opportunity for people to explore different beliefs while enjoying live performances and a welcoming atmosphere.

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David M. Mellott, PhD, President of Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), joined us to discuss the seminary’s 100th anniversary celebrations during the 2024-2025 academic year.

CTS has planned four special events, including a virtual and in-person Alumni Day on October 10, 2024, and a centennial chapel service on November 14, 2024.

The celebrations continue into 2025 with a talk by author John Green on February 6, and a Summer Fest on May 31.

These events will honor a century of dedication to education, social justice, and community leadership.

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We talked with Fr. John McCaslin, the Pastor of St. Monica Parish, and Maria Pimentel-Gannon from the Festival Committee about the upcoming St. Monica International Festival.

This exciting event is happening on August 24th from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 6131 Michigan Road in Indianapolis. Fr. John and Maria shared how the festival is a great chance for everyone to experience different cultures in a friendly and family-oriented setting.

The festival, called “One Faith, Many Cultures,” will feature tasty food from around the world, lively music, and dance performances that let you experience many cultures in one evening!

The best part? Admission is free! There’s something for everyone, whether you love food, music, or just want to have fun with your family.

You can try dishes from places like Benin, Mexico, India, and the Philippines. Plus, there will be a $3,000 raffle, bounce houses for the kids, a dunk tank, and even a mechanical bull for some extra excitement!

If you’re coming from outside Indianapolis, don’t worry—everyone is welcome. This festival is a perfect way to explore new cultures, meet new people, and have a unique experience.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, it’s sure to be a night you’ll remember. So, mark your calendars for August 24th and bring your friends and family for an evening full of fun, food, and learning about different cultures. We hope to see you there!

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