It was only a couple years ago that Richmond, Indiana's Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church was on…read moreIndiana Landmarks' #10MostEndangered list, a signification recognizing the historic church's future being in limbo due to ownership issues and lack of inactivity. However, the Whitewater Valley Presbytery used a $140,000 loan to settle the ownership issues and put the 1906 church back on the path to restoration and recovery as decisions are now being made as to the future of the remarkable church that sits at the corner of 11th and North "A" Street in Richmond. As someone who is in the process of joining a Presbyterian church, I've been exploring its history in Indiana and realized this little icon was in the very city where I attended seminary. The church is considered architecturally significant - designed by Sidney Badgley and William H. Nicklas, the church shares design elements with South Bend, Indiana's St. Paul Memorial United Methodist Church. Building was funded by Daniel G. Reid in memory of his parents. Of course, if you're familiar with the Richmond area then you already know that the Reid name is a common one in the area. The church's interior and windows were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Tiffany Studios. The original Hook and Hastings organ is still in place, though it was rebuilt in 1958. The church actually has a bit of a darker history in Indiana history. In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan was experiencing growth in Indiana in terms of presence and power. In 1922, the Klan was introduced to Richmond by Robert Lyons with recruiting beginning at Reid Church - where years earlier his own father had been pastor. Lyons would eventually become chief of staff for the national organization of KKK. Rev. Lyons is actually buried in the nearby Earlham Cemetery. Membership dwindled and the church closed its doors in 2017 as the few members were simply unable to support such a large church. In 2019, Indiana Landmarks added it to their 10 Most Endangered list. I remember seeing the church on the 10 Most Endangered List and fantasizing about buying it for my own non-profit work. I even checked it out and explored the possibility, though ultimately the scope was beyond my ability. It's exciting to see renewed interest in repurposing this wonderful church building and honoring its history. If you're in Richmond, I definitely recommend checking it out if you get a chance.

Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren is located in Hagerstown, Indiana, a small city in Wayne County…read morenot too far from the Ohio border with around 1,700 residents. It's only a few minutes from Richmond, Indiana. Nettle Creek is a member of Church of the Brethren, a denomination that is one of the historic peace churches - think Mennonite and Friends/Quakers. In 2020, the congregation is celebrating its 200th anniversary - actually this coming Sunday on October 11th! Nettle Creek is nestled in the Hagerstown countryside. I served the congregation for 18 months as an interim pastor before pastor Brian Mackie became the senior pastor. He serves two congregations in the area, Nettle Creek and White Branch. They both lean toward being smaller congregations, though I believe have experienced some growth. This area is known to have an Amish population and it's not unusual to see buggy's on Sunday morning if you're driving to church. It was one of my favorite parts of driving in from Indy every Sunday morning during my time with the congregation. The congregation is warm and friendly. As a pastor in a wheelchair, I was amazed at the simple ways they adapted their older church to meet my needs even knowing I would only be there for a brief period. They ended up winning the denomination's award for accessibility, a nomination which I supported. The church services tend to be fairly traditional. The congregation leans what I would call evangelical and uses a traditional denominational hymnal on Sunday mornings. Pastor Brian is creative with his community outreach and has a voice made for radio - in fact, I know for a period of time he was broadcasting worship on a local station. The church is right next to a cemetery - which I loved. It truly has the old country church feeling. In terms of accessibility, the front entrance is accessible with a double-wide glass door. the sanctuary is on one level, though there are areas of the church that would not be considered accessible. One of the church members actually had built a ramp so that I could preach! There is accessible parking, though the parking situation is pretty reasonable anyway. The theology is solidly evangelical. As a denomination, Church of the Brethren continues to wrestle with many of the current challenging subjects in Christian life. While I likely leaned more progressive, Pastor Brian probably leans more evangelical and I found the congregation a pretty marvelous tapestry that was willing to learn and grow. When I served, it was primarily an older congregation. Pastor Brian, a family man, has helped infuse the congregation with some families and there's greater balance now. The denomination's seminary is located in Richmond, though that presence doesn't seem to strongly impact the congregation. That said, both Pastor Brian and I are from the seminary. Overall, I really grew to love this congregation - its people, its church, and even its location. I kind of fell in love with Hagerstown and always enjoy the opportunity to return (as I will this Sunday for the anniversary) now that my necessary time apart is long gone.

My name is Amy Murphy, and I am currently in the process of an emergency kinship intervention for…read moremy five grandchildren (ages ranging from toddler to school-age). I am working urgently to provide them with a permanent, safe, and nurturing home to prevent them from entering the foster care system or remaining in an unstable environment. I have spent the last several weeks personally renovating my home to ensure it is 100% ready for their arrival. I have managed to complete the painting and structural updates, but I am reaching out to see if you can assist with the final, most critical piece: **sleeping arrangements.** I am in need of: * **Bunk beds** (to maximize space for 5 children) * **Mattresses and bedding** I am a state-appointed representative payee and a dedicated grandmother, but because I am representing myself in court to save funds for the children's needs, my budget for furniture is limited. Providing these beds would allow me to show the Court at our hearing on May 21st that every child has a dedicated, safe place to sleep. I have photos of the prepared rooms and my court documentation if needed to verify my case (No. 33C01-2402-GU-000010). Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community's children. I hope to hear from you soon.

When visiting family in the area I love coming to St. Anne's for Mass. The sanctuary is beautiful…read moreand the parishioners are very friendly. It is a lovely small town Catholic church!

Great place to worship! Great place to find Christian community. The people are loving and…read morefriendly, and the message is focused on the Word.

My name is Amy Murphy, and I am currently in the process of an emergency kinship intervention for…read moremy five grandchildren (ages ranging from toddler to school-age). I am working urgently to provide them with a permanent, safe, and nurturing home to prevent them from entering the foster care system or remaining in an unstable environment. I have spent the last several weeks personally renovating my home to ensure it is 100% ready for their arrival. I have managed to complete the painting and structural updates, but I am reaching out to see if you can assist with the final, most critical piece: **sleeping arrangements.** I am in need of: * **Bunk beds** (to maximize space for 5 children) * **Mattresses and bedding** I am a state-appointed representative payee and a dedicated grandmother, but because I am representing myself in court to save funds for the children's needs, my budget for furniture is limited. Providing these beds would allow me to show the Court at our hearing on May 21st that every child has a dedicated, safe place to sleep. I have photos of the prepared rooms and my court documentation if needed to verify my case (No. 33C01-2402-GU-000010). Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community's children. I hope to hear from you soon. 765-593-9073 amylmurphy143@gmail.com

My name is Amy Murphy, and I am currently in the process of an emergency kinship intervention for…read moremy five grandchildren (ages ranging from toddler to school-age). I am working urgently to provide them with a permanent, safe, and nurturing home to prevent them from entering the foster care system or remaining in an unstable environment. I have spent the last several weeks personally renovating my home to ensure it is 100% ready for their arrival. I have managed to complete the painting and structural updates, but I am reaching out to see if you can assist with the final, most critical piece: **sleeping arrangements.** I am in need of: * **Bunk beds** (to maximize space for 5 children) * **Mattresses and bedding** I am a state-appointed representative payee and a dedicated grandmother, but because I am representing myself in court to save funds for the children's needs, my budget for furniture is limited. Providing these beds would allow me to show the Court at our hearing on May 21st that every child has a dedicated, safe place to sleep. I have photos of the prepared rooms and my court documentation if needed to verify my case (No. 33C01-2402-GU-000010). Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community's children. I hope to hear from you soon. 765-593-9073 amylmurphy143@gmail.com

My name is Amy Murphy, and I am currently in the process of an emergency kinship intervention for…read moremy five grandchildren (ages ranging from toddler to school-age). I am working urgently to provide them with a permanent, safe, and nurturing home to prevent them from entering the foster care system or remaining in an unstable environment. I have spent the last several weeks personally renovating my home to ensure it is 100% ready for their arrival. I have managed to complete the painting and structural updates, but I am reaching out to see if you can assist with the final, most critical piece: **sleeping arrangements.** I am in need of: * **Bunk beds** (to maximize space for 5 children) * **Mattresses and bedding** I am a state-appointed representative payee and a dedicated grandmother, but because I am representing myself in court to save funds for the children's needs, my budget for furniture is limited. Providing these beds would allow me to show the Court at our hearing on May 21st that every child has a dedicated, safe place to sleep. I have photos of the prepared rooms and my court documentation if needed to verify my case (No. 33C01-2402-GU-000010). Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community's children. I hope to hear from you soon. 765-593-9073 amylmurphy143@gmail.com

My name is Amy Murphy, and I am currently in the process of an emergency kinship intervention for…read moremy five grandchildren (ages ranging from toddler to school-age). I am working urgently to provide them with a permanent, safe, and nurturing home to prevent them from entering the foster care system or remaining in an unstable environment. I have spent the last several weeks personally renovating my home to ensure it is 100% ready for their arrival. I have managed to complete the painting and structural updates, but I am reaching out to see if you can assist with the final, most critical piece: **sleeping arrangements.** I am in need of: * **Bunk beds** (to maximize space for 5 children) * **Mattresses and bedding** I am a state-appointed representative payee and a dedicated grandmother, but because I am representing myself in court to save funds for the children's needs, my budget for furniture is limited. Providing these beds would allow me to show the Court at our hearing on May 21st that every child has a dedicated, safe place to sleep. I have photos of the prepared rooms and my court documentation if needed to verify my case (No. 33C01-2402-GU-000010). Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community's children. I hope to hear from you soon. 765-593-9073 amylmurphy143@gmail.com