Dear New Friend,
Hi! Welcome to Roots of Life Community, a place where life and faith come together.
We’re glad you’re here. Here are a few things you might like to know:
Is this thing ever going to start?
Though our service is “scheduled” to start at10:30 a.m. the first few minutes are used for saying hi to friends, meeting people, getting a snack or tea — or just making yourself comfortable. You will know the service is about to start when you hear the bell or an announcement.
I’m fidgety and like to have an escape route. Is that ok?
We want you to be comfortable here! You are welcome to bring your coffee or tea with you to your seat. You are welcome to work on an art project during the service. You are welcome to move your chair to somewhere more convenient. You are welcome in whatever way you would like to be present.
What should I do with these small creatures I call my children?
If you have kids, know that they are welcome too! They may sit with you, play sweetly in the prayer-ground, back right of the worship area, hang out at the art & justice table with activities. There is a changing table in the back restroom. We love for kids to be actively involved in our worship life as full participants. A children’s liturgy is also provided during our 10:30ish worship service.
If I gotta go, where do I gotta go?
We have two bathrooms, both onesies. The bathroom in the middle of our building near the kitchen is wheelchair accessible. The bathroom near the pastor’s study is also available.
We’re not in Kansas First Church of Jesus anymore, are we?
The service uses elements of worship from Lutheran, Episcopal, sometimes Quaker and other emerging traditions. If you run into something that you don’t know or aren’t comfortable with, don’t worry! Just do the best you can, or sit it out. No pressure.
How do I get me some of that bread and wine?
Communion is offered freely to everyone who wants it. You won’t be turned away for any reason. You are welcome to refrain as well if you prefer. The bread is baked fresh every week by members of the community. There is always a gluten free option, as well as grape juice available. Just ask when you come forward. If you just want to be blessed, cross your arms over your chest when you come forward. Some people wish for their children to have First Communion lesson before taking the sacrament. We welcome this, and have classes available throughout the year. Just ask.
Is this church part of a denomination?
Yep. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is in Full Communion (meaning we get along well and share the same core beliefs) with the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, the Moravian Church, and the Reformed Church in America. To learn (lots) more, check out the ELCA website.
What is the current demographic in the community?
At this point we are a community of around 100+ people (with 75-100 showing up most Sundays). There are singles, married couples, young families, Baby Boomers and a few folks in their 70s and 80s. Maybe half of us identify as Lutherans; the rest are post-Evangelicals, Methodists, agnostics, Reformed, Episcopalian, and the ever-popular “nothing.”
What are your Sunday services like?
We like to call ourselves an “-ish” community, meaning we aren’t interested in perfection. The pastor offers the Eucharist and the sermon (most of the time); the rest of the liturgy is led by our people.
What is the space like where you meet?
We meet at 222 Lakeview Drive in a perfectly rainbow-ed building near downtown Noblesville. Our kitchen is right in the middle of the space because we take eating together and food very seriously. Our worship space is toward one end of the building, our kids’ rooms are at the back-end of the building, and we gather around the tables in the kitchen space in the middle.
How can I support this ministry?
Pray for us and tell your friends about us! And consider offering a one-time or ongoing financial gift.
How can I learn more?
If you’re interested in learning more about Roots of Life or maybe just wanting to connect with someone from the community over coffee, please fill out a Connect to Roots form and leave it in the Prayer box by the front door. We’d love to meet with you! We also have newcomer gatherings every quarter, which are just an opportunity to eat, drink and interact with some Roots regulars.
Thank you for being here. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Love,
Roots of Life