IGNITE Newsletter: March 2026
Devotional
ESC March 2026 DEVOTIONAL – For Our Families: Realigning on Purpose
In a time when kindness can seem elusive, even scarce, families have a spiritual opportunity to live differently. 2026 for our church family is the year of Realignment. Realigning our personal and spiritual priorities isn’t just about doing more—it’s about becoming more like Christ in our homes, our communities, and our daily interactions with one another.
Our children are watching how we respond to a world that sometimes lacks compassion and sometimes feels impatient. Can we present a calm presence? Are we willing to listen to God’s voice, to our children, to people with whom we may not always agree? Do we demonstrate a commitment to strengthening our prayer life—for ourselves and our family? Strengthening our prayer life can truly shape the atmosphere in our homes. Young children and teenagers are growing up in a world that seems to prioritize self over service, but let’s focus on how we can demonstrate kindness and reflect Christ’s heart.
In Micah 6:8, we are reminded of the basics of love, humility, and compassion. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” When we choose mercy over anger and humility over pride, we realign ourselves with God’s priorities.
Jesus teaches us in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Showing love is an act of intentionality. Families that practice kindness become a light in a world that desperately needs it. Realignment begins with focus—deliberately choosing God’s perspective over the world’s demands.
As we listen for God’s voice, let's pray for a restoration of our priorities—so that our schedules, decisions, and conversations reflect and align with God’s priorities for us. When we, as a family, practice kindness, it becomes a lifestyle, while compassion and love become our family’s legacy that can transform every interaction.
What we learned last month!
Last month’s theme was “Stewardship Realigned”. In Children’s Church, the memory verse was “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13 NIV. The students learned that God has gifted us with both money and talents to bring glory to God.
Event Recap
Battle of the Sexes
On Friday, February 20th, our Teen Ministry hosted an unforgettable Battle of the Sexes event at the Rock Community Center, and it was LIT!
We had 40 teens show up ready for battle, and that alone is worth celebrating. Seeing 40 young people choose fellowship, fun, and friendly competition on a Friday night instead of being out in the streets is a major win for our ministry and our community.
From the moment the games began, the energy in the room was high. The teens were fully engaged, cheering on their teams and giving their all in every challenge. The competition was intense and spirited, with both sides battling it out all the way to the finish line. In the end, the girls claimed victory and proudly took home the trophy!
Beyond the games, the night was filled with great food, laughter, and meaningful fellowship. It was especially encouraging to see teens from every campus come together as one unified group. Events like this continue to strengthen connections, build confidence, and create a safe, Christ-centered environment for our youth to grow and thrive.
The excitement didn’t end when the final score was announced; many of the teens are already asking about the next Battle of the Sexes! That enthusiasm and excitement tell us this event made a lasting impact.
We thank God for a successful evening, our volunteers who helped make it happen, and every teen who showed up ready to participate. The future is bright for our youth, and we look forward to many more powerful and positive gatherings ahead!
Children’s Virtual Bible Study
While the adults engaged in the virtual Bible Study with Pastor Jay, the children also had a Virtual Bible Study on Stewardship! The sessions were engaging, and students learned about the 10/10/80 Rule. Ten percent to God, ten percent to savings, and eighty percent to spend, but do not spend it all.
Celebrating Black History
During Black History Month, our Ignite Teens had the incredible opportunity to serve across all three campuses. Three members of our Teen Leadership Council led a meaningful and engaging presentation that was both fun and powerful.
They shared a message centered on the truth that we are living Black history; honoring the resilience and legacy of those who came before us while embracing the responsibility to shape the future.
It was a beautiful moment of reflection, celebration, and growth led by the next generation of leaders.
March Upcoming Events:
Children’s Church at all Campuses:
3/1/2026, 3/8/2026, 3/15/2026, 3/22/2026
Children’s Church at Cooper Road Campus
ONLY on 3/29/2026
Teen Church at all Campuses:
3/1/2026 and 3/8/2026
Teens sit together in the sanctuary:
3/15/2026, 3/22/2026, and 3/29/2026
Youth Revival at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
5111 W. 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN
3/6/2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Children’s Bible Study
3/11/2026, 3/18/2026, 3/25/2026
Here is the link to register:
Virtual Children's Bible Study
Teen Social: Movie Night at the Fishers Campus
3/13/2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Here is the link to register:
Service Project at Midwest Food Bank
3/28/2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Here is the link to register:
Service Project: Midwest Food Bank
Children and Teen New Member Orientation
3/28/2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Here is the link to register:
Let’s get Social!
Follow our IGNiTE account on Instagram!