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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n18)
Northminster Returns to Quintana Roo
posted: Sept. 08, 2006

For the sixth year, members of Northminster Presbyterian Church at 1660 Kessler Blvd, Indianapolis, have returned to the Mexican State of Quintana Roo as part of their Hispanic outreach mission. Begun by the Whitewater Valley Presbytery as a regional mission effort, volunteers from several area churches go to North Quintana Roo each year to help build a church, provide a Bible School for area children, and strengthen partnerships with parishioners in this verdant but economically depressed area.

Northminster volunteers build a wall as part of a mission project for the Quintana Roo church building project.
Northminster volunteers build a wall as part of a mission project for the Quintana Roo church building project.
image courtesy of Bethany Moslener, volunteer for Northminster Presbyterian Church


Quintana Roo forms much of the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. With Cancun as its largest and northern-most city, the Mexican state has been called the Mayan Riviera for its extensive coastline and beaches on the Caribbean. The area suffered severe hurricane damage last summer when the partially built mission church was seriously damaged. Project volunteers have now returned to rebuild the structure and fortify relationships.

Peter Hunter from Northminster Presbyterian Church pours cement at North Quintana Roo Church building project.
Peter Hunter from Northminster Presbyterian Church pours cement at North Quintana Roo Church building project.
image courtesy of Bethany Moslener, volunteer for Northminster Presbyterian Church


"Our volunteers willingly give up a week of vacation to return with the mission to make new friends and renew old acquaintances," say Dr. Teri Thomas, Senior Pastor of Northminster. "All have said that they get much more out of the experience than they could ever give back, and it definitely has helped to focus and expand Northminster's growing Hispanic Outreach Program.

Northminster Presbyterian Church volunteers conduct Vacation Bible School with young people from Quintana Roo.
Northminster Presbyterian Church volunteers conduct Vacation Bible School with young people from Quintana Roo.
image courtesy of Bethany Moslener, volunteer for Northminster Presbyterian Church


This year about 20 Northminster parishioners, ages 18 to 60+, worked in North Quintana Roo, including Pastor Reverend Ruth Moore. All missionary volunteers sleep in the church and are fed by the local parishioners.
Among those who returned this year is Bethany Moslener - a young woman who has spent previous summers in Quintana Roo and also happens to be the daughter of Northminster Associate Pastor Larry Moslener. Bethany kept a correspondence journal of her experiences and will make its entries and candid photos of her trip available to regional media upon her return.
Northminster Presbyterian Church was founded in 1945 and, at one time, was the largest Presbyterian Church in the state. Now, with about 1000 parishioners, the church continues to be recognized for its innovative outreach programs and strong community commitment. Annual events, such as Summerfest (August 26) and Vacation Bible School (June 18-24) attract hundreds of first-time visitors each year, as does the Sound and Spirit Concert Series, which will feature internationally known artists during the coming season. In addition, the generosity of Northminster parishioners has been recognized for contributing more money per capita than any other PCUSA Presbyterian Church in the city. For more information on Northminster Presbyterian Church, or the Quintana Roo mission, visit www.northminster-indy.org or call Senior Paster Teri Thomas at 317/251-9489.


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