February 23, 2026 Editorial Team

Edition 2026, Volume 8

Romans 15:5-7 New Living Translation

Living to Please Others

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 

Prayer

God of endurance and encouragement, shape us to live in harmony with one another as followers of Christ Jesus. As He has welcomed us with grace, teach us to welcome one another, that our life together may bring You glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sermon

“A Love That Makes Room For Everyone”

 

Weekly Prayer Request

Carrie Bailey, Paul Eberhardt and A.J. Pitts.

* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net

 

Black History Month Spotlight

The Indiana Avenue Jazz Scene

A Legacy of Sound, Soul, and Black Brilliance in Indianapolis

Guitarist Wes Montgomery and trombonist Slide Hampton.

 

For our final Black History Month spotlight, we turn to a place where music, community, and creativity came alive—Indiana Avenue, the historic heart of Black arts and culture in Indianapolis. From the 1920s through the 1960s, “The Avenue” pulsed with jazz clubs, restaurants, social halls, and Black-owned businesses that nurtured generations of musicians and shaped the sound of American music.

This vibrant corridor produced some of the greatest jazz artists the world has ever known. Wes Montgomery, the legendary guitarist whose warm, melodic style influenced musicians across genres, learned and played right here. Slide Hampton, the brilliant trombonist, composer, and arranger, grew up in a family band that performed in Avenue clubs before he went on to international acclaim. They were part of a whole ecosystem of talent—local bands, church musicians, traveling acts, and young players honing their craft in late-night jam sessions.

But Indiana Avenue was more than music. It was a community anchor—a place where Black residents gathered, celebrated, organized, and expressed themselves freely in a segregated city. The Avenue’s clubs and theaters offered joy and refuge, while its businesses and social institutions built economic strength and cultural pride.

Today, the legacy of Indiana Avenue reminds us that Black history is not only about struggle but also about creativity, innovation, and the power of community. The music born there still echoes around the world, and its spirit continues to inspire new generations of artists and dreamers. As we close this month’s series, we honor the sound of a people who turned their stories into song—and a city, our city that helped shape the soundtrack of America

 

Announcements

Thank You: To the Muñoz family for the incredible Puerto Rican feast they prepared for our Love Your Church Luncheon, and to our decorating team for creating such a loving and beautiful space. Your generosity, creativity, and hard work helped make our time of fellowship truly special.

We are grateful as well for the freewill offering received. All proceeds will support our Mission efforts and help us continue feeding and serving our community.

Lent: Last Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we entered this journey, we invited you to consider what you might set aside this year to make more room for God’s presence and guidance in your life. Did you choose to give up anything for Lent this season?

Zumba w/ Suzanne: Is every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (1-hour sessions). Get ready to move, laugh, and sweat in the best way!

Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on this Thursday, February 26, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m., and on the following Thursdays: 3/12/26, 3/26/26, 4/9/26, 4/30/26, 5/14/26, 5/28/26, 6/11/26, 6/25/26, 7/9/26, 7/30/26, 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.

Monthly Fellowship Calendar
  • MARCH 🌶️ Chili Tasting: Sunday, March 15, 2026
  • APRIL🌷🥐 Easter Brunch: Sunday, April 5, 2026

 

Clothing Closet

The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.

Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.

Laundry Detergent

Bath Towels

Children’s Winter Clothes (size:4 and up)

Blankets

Pillowcases

Sheets

Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)

Men’s Winter Gloves

Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)

Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)

Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)

Women’s Winter Gloves

Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)

Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles

Sweat Pants