development of relationships with
community leaders and organizations,
identified funding, and inspired
donors.”
To encourage ongoing learning and
mutual support among congregations,
one of Frederick’s goals is to create an
alumni group of leaders who have
participated in New Dollars in years
past. He has other ambitions as well:
“Sacred Places Indiana has new
opportunities to encourage churches to
use their space better, and help them
nurture a culture of giving that can
serve as a solid foundation for capital
campaigns and community-wide
fundraising.”
Asset-mapping in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Brazil, Indiana
Photo: Jeff Duell
Alban’s Episcopal Church in
Indianapolis saw its community
gardening program as an asset that
could grow; the parish invested in the
program to generate a multi-fold
increase in produce that was given to
families in need. Program growth, in
turn, attracted neighbors to join the
parish.
Sondra Gentry, pastor of Bethel, sums
up the program’s impact: “Sacred Places
Indiana’s work has inspired
conversations with strangers, the
Marsh Davis is delighted that SPI is
now an integral part of Landmarks’
work. He is eager to add new
dimensions to the strong relationship
between Landmarks and Partners, and
find creative new ways to ensure that
sacred places—and their community
value—are appreciated and preserved for
generations to come.
SPI has also helped churches plan
and carry out their repair projects, such
as St. Athanasius in Indianapolis, which
struggled to find a contractor to carry
out the repair of its large stained glass
window on the west facade. Thanks to
SPI, the parish found a contractor that
was able to take on the job.
SPI’s grants have leveraged major
projects, such as the creation of better
kitchen facilities for food and hunger
programs sponsored by Second Baptist
Church in New Albany. Wabash
Presbyterian Church is embarking on a
major project to replace its roof and
boiler, and has been supported in its
work to plan a large, six-figure capital
campaign.
Bethel Community Church in
Seymour was inspired to go out and
knock on the doors of 1,000 households
in town, attracting new volunteers as
well as foundation grants to support
their outreach programs. The Rev. Dr.
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SACRED PLACES • WINTER 2019
Peace Garden at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Indianapolis
Photo: Debbie Dehler