FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8.30.16

September 18, 2016 (Indianapolis, IN):  In an effort to continue peace among neighbors and show support for the Butler-Tarkington students and neighborhood, North United Methodist Church has organized an inter-church prayer service of blessing for IPS School 43 (James Whitcomb Riley School 43) and the surrounding neighborhood on September 18 beginning around 12:00pm. At roughly 12:00pm (following their respective worship services), members from participating churches will march from their churches to IPS School 43 (150 W 40th Street, Indianapolis) to join together with community members  and school leadership to pray and bless the school. 

Participating churches include: 

  • North United Methodist Church (event organizer) – 3808 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
  • Common Ground Christian Church – 4550 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis
  • Fairview Presbyterian Church – 4609 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis
  • Meridian Street United Methodist Church – 5500 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
  • Mt. Zion Baptist Church – 3500 Graceland Avenue, Indianapolis
  • Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis – 615 W 43rd Street, Indianapolis

This march will also emphasize IPS School 43 as a safe place for learning.  As of August 9, the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood reached a milestone of “300 days without a homicide.” This blessing hopes to encourage peace and inspire students as they head back to school. The school has seen several leadership changes in a short period, but with the leadership of new principal Bakari Posey, also formerly from the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, the school looks to focus on the future and strive to be a place where students feel safe and supported. 

This event is open to the public; anyone wanting to show support for IPS School 43 and the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood is welcome to join. 

For over ten (10) years, North United Methodist Church has supported IPS School 43 in a variety of efforts, including hosting school supply and uniform drives, providing in-classroom tutors and providing school chaperones. 

For more information, quotes, or interviews: 

Ronnie Bell – Associate Pastor of Mission & Outreach, North United Methodist Church
Lydia Shaw – Chair, Mission & Outreach Team at North United Methodist Church
Darren Cushman Wood – Senior Pastor, North United Methodist Church 

Laura Halt 
Communications Coordinator 
North United Methodist Church 
3808 North Meridian Street 
Indianapolis, IN 46208 
(317) 924-2612 | lhalt@northchurchindy.com