It was a cool evening in Carmel, a town often recognized for its idyllic surroundings and a place many consider perfect to raise a family or start a career. The streets, lined with well-maintained homes and gardens, reflected the care and pride the residents had for their community. The calmness and beauty of Carmel made it a wonderful place for people to reflect and grow spiritually, and tonight was no different.

The Christian book club met regularly at the local community center, and this evening, Victoria, the group’s leader, was ready to guide them in another thought-provoking discussion. The book being discussed was one that dealt with God’s guidance in everyday life, finding peace in difficult seasons, and how faith can shape the future.

The room was warm, with soft lighting and comfortable seating arranged in a circle. People from all walks of life—parents, young professionals, and retirees—came together to share their thoughts on the book’s theme. It was a community that felt safe, where everyone could speak openly and grow in faith together. Victoria had always had a natural way of creating an environment that made people feel welcome, a perfect fit for a town like Carmel, known for its sense of belonging.

As the group settled in, Victoria began the meeting by offering a simple yet profound reflection: “Carmel is known for its beautiful streets, homes, and gardens—places where beauty can be found at every turn. But what about the beauty of the spirit within us? How do we nurture that beauty?”

The question hung in the air as people exchanged thoughtful glances. The streets and neighborhoods of Carmel were indeed picturesque, but tonight, Victoria wanted to take them deeper, beyond the surface, to explore the beauty of their hearts. As she opened the floor for discussion, members of the group began to share their thoughts on how faith and inner peace are nurtured amid daily life.

One member, Sarah, a mother of two, spoke about how Carmel’s family-friendly atmosphere had helped her create a life centered around her faith. “I love how safe it is here,” she said, “but even more than that, I love how this community supports one another. We have so many opportunities to share our faith and help others, whether it’s through church events, supporting local charities, or simply sharing a meal with a neighbor.”

Another member, Mark, who had recently moved to Carmel to further his career, shared his thoughts on finding a balance between professional ambition and spiritual peace. “I think it’s easy to get caught up in work and the rush of life, especially in a place like Carmel where things are so well-ordered,” he reflected. “But I’ve learned that my career and my faith don’t have to be separate. I can be a person of integrity at work, and that brings me peace in knowing I’m honoring God.”

Victoria nodded in agreement, encouraging them to consider how their surroundings could help cultivate peace. “We often see beauty in the world around us,” she said. “The streets of Carmel, the parks, the art galleries—but the question remains: do we see that same beauty in our relationship with God? Are we allowing His presence to dwell within us, just like these neighborhoods reflect the beauty of their creators?”

The conversation shifted to the importance of community. Victoria pointed out how Carmel’s welcoming environment fostered strong bonds between people, with regular events and festivals that allowed individuals to connect. “It’s no surprise that people in Carmel are drawn to each other,” Victoria said. “There’s something in the air here—an openness, a sense of belonging. That’s the kind of fellowship we’re meant to have as the body of Christ. A place where we are safe, where we can grow together, and where we can lift each other up.”

The members of the book club reflected on this, discussing the importance of creating spiritual community wherever they went, whether at work, home, or church. They spoke of how vital it was to build relationships that were founded on love and trust, just as Carmel’s neighborhood residents did. Many found inspiration in how their relationships with others could be a mirror of God’s love and grace.

Next, Victoria led the group into the heart of the book, focusing on a chapter that discussed the beauty of surrendering to God’s plan. The chapter explored how letting go of personal control and trusting in God’s will was essential in finding peace, especially in seasons of uncertainty.

“What does surrendering look like in your life?” Victoria asked the group. “For some of us, it might be trusting God with our careers or our families. For others, it might mean giving up the need for control over our circumstances.”

There was a moment of quiet reflection as the group pondered this question. Finally, Lisa, a local teacher, shared her experience. “I’ve been in Carmel for years now, and I love it here. But when I first moved, I was so determined to make everything perfect—my home, my job, my relationships. Over time, I realized that while striving for excellence is good, there’s peace in surrendering to God. I trust that His plan is better than mine. I may not always understand it, but I’m learning to let go and let Him lead me.”

As the group shared more personal stories of surrender and trust, they recognized that Carmel’s environment mirrored the invitation God offers: a life filled with peace, order, and beauty, if only they allowed Him to be the architect of their lives.

As the meeting began to wind down, Victoria reminded everyone of the power of prayer. “Prayer is our direct line to God,” she said. “It’s in these moments that we can ask for guidance and clarity, especially when the world around us feels overwhelming. Carmel’s parks may provide a place for exercise and nature, but prayer is where we truly refresh our spirits and find God’s direction for our lives.”

With that, the group bowed their heads and prayed, asking God to fill their lives with His peace, to guide their hearts in surrender, and to continue fostering the beautiful community in Carmel—one that reflected His love to all who called it home.

The book club meeting ended with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. As members departed, they walked out into the quiet streets of Carmel, knowing that their connection to God and one another was what made this community truly special.

On a warm Sunday morning in Bloomington, Indiana, a vibrant gathering took place in one of the town’s cozy, sunlit church rooms. The leader of the Sunday School meeting was a bright young lady named Naomi, known for her enthusiasm and gentle wisdom. With a heart full of joy and a deep love for the Word of God, Naomi greeted everyone with a radiant smile and invited the group to settle into their seats. The room buzzed with energy, a reflection of the town itself—home to the main campus of Indiana University and alive with youthful vigor and creativity. Bloomington was often called a bohemian town, where art, music, and theater thrived, but today, it was a place of spiritual growth and fellowship.

“Good morning, everyone!” Naomi began, her voice carrying warmth and excitement. “I’m so glad to see all of you here today. We’re going to dive into something beautiful this morning—how God moves in our lives, and how He speaks to us through the world around us. Just like the creativity and life we see in Bloomington—whether it’s the plays, music shows, or art exhibitions—God’s presence is all around us, in ways we might not always expect.”

The young people in the room nodded and smiled, recognizing the truth in Naomi’s words. Naomi had a special way of connecting with the youth of Bloomington. She understood how the pulse of the city—its energy and creativity—mirrored the vibrancy of the Christian faith. Just as the town was shaped by the university’s intellectual pursuit and creative expression, Naomi helped the students in her Sunday School class see how their own lives could be shaped by God’s guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit.

She began with a question, “What do you think it means to live a life that reflects God’s creativity? How can we see His hand in the arts and music we love here in Bloomington?”

A young woman named Sarah spoke up first, “I think it’s about seeing beauty in everything. Sometimes when we’re looking at a painting or listening to music, we forget that the talent behind it is a gift from God. It’s like, He gave us the ability to create beautiful things because He’s the ultimate Creator.”

Naomi smiled, “Exactly! God is the Creator of all things, and He made us in His image, so it’s no surprise that we, too, have the capacity to create. It’s important to remember that art, music, and even the theater productions we see here in Bloomington are reflections of His glory.”

Another student, Mark, chimed in. “But what about when life gets hard? When things aren’t as beautiful as we’d like them to be—when we’re struggling, or we’re not seeing the good? Does God still create in those moments?”

Naomi nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the group. “That’s a very important question, Mark. The truth is, life is full of challenges. But even in those moments of difficulty, God is still at work. Sometimes, the most beautiful pieces of art come from the hardest struggles. You know, in the Psalms, we read about how David was often in trouble—fleeing from enemies, struggling with fear—but even in those dark times, he declared God’s goodness and faithfulness.”

She opened her Bible to Psalm 27:13, “I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Naomi looked around at the class. “David was going through some tough times, but he trusted in God’s goodness. Even when everything seemed bleak, he knew that God would show up, and that’s the kind of faith we’re called to have.”

The room grew quiet as Naomi’s words sunk in. Even in a town like Bloomington, where there’s so much beauty, students also experienced challenges—pressure from school, relationships, and the uncertainty of the future. Naomi could see that they were beginning to understand the depth of her message: that God’s creativity wasn’t just visible in the art of the world but was woven into the very fabric of their lives.

“I want to encourage you all,” Naomi continued, “that even when things seem uncertain, God is still at work in your lives. He has a purpose for you, and you don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect to see it. Just like we hear music in the background of our daily lives here in Bloomington, God is working in the background of our lives, too.”

She then led them to a passage from John 6:38, where Jesus said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Naomi explained, “Jesus came to fulfill God’s will—to show us how to live a life of purpose, a life that reflects God’s glory. And just like Jesus, we are called to align our will with God’s. So, what does that look like in your daily life? How can you create in the world around you, even when it’s hard?”

The students took a moment to reflect. Naomi’s words had stirred something in them. Some began to share personal stories of how they had faced challenges—whether in their studies, relationships, or their walk with God—but had learned to see God’s hand at work, even in those difficulties. They shared how their faith had helped them persevere and how they had come to realize that even their struggles were part of a bigger picture that God was painting.

Naomi smiled as she listened. This was exactly what she had hoped for—a group of young people who were not just learning about faith but were experiencing it in real time. “I’m so proud of you all for being vulnerable and sharing,” she said. “God is doing something beautiful in each of your lives. And remember, just as Bloomington is full of energy and creativity, your lives are meant to be full of His power and purpose. No matter where you are—whether you’re sitting in a classroom, creating art, or simply living day-to-day—God is with you, and He is working through you.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Naomi encouraged the students to take the lessons of the day with them into the week ahead. “This week, look for the beauty around you, and remember that God’s creativity isn’t just in art and music. It’s in you. You are part of His masterpiece.”

The group prayed together, lifting their hearts to God, grateful for the chance to grow in their faith and understanding. As they left the Sunday School meeting, the words of Naomi resonated with them. They stepped out into the vibrant world of Bloomington, carrying the knowledge that, just as the city thrived on creativity and life, so too could their lives be filled with purpose and joy as they followed the call of God in everything they did.

A Message from Ivy

Dear Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from our beautiful town of South Bend! As we reflect on our community and the grace of God in our lives, I am reminded of the many blessings that surround us. South Bend is not only a hub of culture and economics for the north of our state, but it is also a place where God’s love is felt in our families, neighborhoods, and places of worship. Let me share with you a bit of what makes South Bend so special and how we can continue to glorify God in this vibrant city.

A Hub of History and Culture

South Bend sits gracefully at the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River. From its humble beginnings to the thriving, bustling city it is today, it has always been a place where growth and opportunity abound. Many big businesses have chosen to call South Bend home, but there is one institution that stands out above all others: the University of Notre Dame.

As many of you know, Notre Dame is more than just a university; it is a cherished landmark that defines our city. Known across the nation, the university is home to the Fighting Irish football team, whose games in front of 77,000 fans at the iconic stadium are nothing short of spectacular. It’s a reminder of the strong spirit of community and pride that runs deep in South Bend, a spirit that we, as a church, are a part of as well.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Notre Dame is its campus. With fine art galleries and museums lining its expansive, lovingly landscaped quads, the campus is a visual representation of beauty and purpose. It’s easy to get lost in admiration as you walk by the historic colleges that stand tall, full of stories and academic excellence. Whether you’re a student, a visitor, or a lifelong resident, taking a walk through the university is a calming experience, one that brings a sense of peace and inspiration.

Touchdown Jesus and Downtown Revival

For those who have attended a Fighting Irish game, you know that the experience is like no other. The atmosphere is electrifying, and it’s impossible not to feel the unity of 77,000 voices cheering on their team. But beyond the excitement of the game itself, there is something more—something that transcends sports. It’s the mural of Touchdown Jesus, a powerful image of Christ that overlooks the stadium. This mural, along with the glittering Golden Dome, is a reminder of God’s presence in our community and how He continues to guide us as we face both victories and challenges.

While Notre Dame and its football team draw much attention, I urge you not to miss the wonders of our downtown area. In recent years, our downtown has experienced a remarkable revival, and it is truly heartening to see. Once neglected, downtown South Bend now boasts cozy cafes, cultural centers, and beautiful spaces that invite you to sit, relax, and connect with others. It is a place where people from all walks of life can gather to share their stories, enjoy a cup of coffee, and build lasting relationships. It is a testament to the beauty that emerges when a community comes together in love and purpose, and I am excited to see how God will continue to bless this part of town.

A Wonderful City to Live and Thrive

As much as I love South Bend for its rich history, culture, and the energy brought by the University of Notre Dame, what truly makes this city remarkable is its people. We are blessed to live in a place that offers excellent public schools, affordable housing, and a low cost of living. It’s a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and individuals can pursue their dreams while keeping close to their roots. For those who may be considering moving to our area or starting a new chapter in their life, South Bend is a wonderful city to call home. We are a community bound by faith, resilience, and a deep love for one another.

Whether you are walking through the university campus, cheering on the Fighting Irish, or enjoying a quiet moment in one of our revived downtown cafes, there is no doubt that South Bend is a special place. But let us not forget the greatest blessing we have—our faith in Jesus Christ. Just as our city has seen growth and renewal, we too are called to experience a renewal in our hearts, minds, and spirits.

Looking Forward with Hope

As we move forward together, let us take inspiration from the vitality of South Bend. Just as the city has seen a dramatic revival, so too can our spirits be renewed by the love of Christ. We are a part of something much bigger than ourselves—a community that is called to serve, love, and support one another in Christ. Whether through acts of kindness, offering a listening ear, or praying for our city and its leaders, we each have a role to play in fostering a thriving and Christ-centered community.

In closing, I want to encourage each of you to look around and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, both in our town and in our lives. Let us continue to be a shining light of hope in South Bend, sharing the love of Christ in every corner of this city. As we celebrate the many blessings of our home, may we always remember that our ultimate joy comes from the One who gave His life for us.

With love and blessings in Christ,
Ivy

Upcoming Events:

• Community Prayer Breakfast – March 1st at 8 AM
• Downtown Outreach Event – March 14th from 10 AM – 2 PM
• Family Fun Night at the Church – March 28th at 6 PM

We look forward to seeing you at these wonderful events as we continue to serve God together!