Tabernacle Presbyterian Church first came to 34th and Central as an act of service.
Then a downtown church with a heart for mission, in the early 20th century Tab felt called to provide the children in the community around 34th and Central with a Sunday School. Just a few years later, Tab followed its outreach with its physical presence, moving to the Mapleton-Fall Creek area and building the iconic building that stands there today.
This mission-driven legacy survives in Tab’s many programs that serve the neighborhood around 34th and Central, providing a wide range of opportunities to members of Tab and other area churches who feel God’s call to serve the city’s heart.
If you’re feeling God’s call, Tab can provide opportunities for you to serve and support God’s people.
* Hineni: A Hebrew word meaning, “Here I am,” it’s the way great people of faith such as Abraham, Moses, Isaiah and Mary answered when God called.
Tab Community Ministries Mission Statement
Eighty years after God called Tab to 34th and Central, He still has a mission for Tab there: To demonstrate His love, mercy and justice through acts of service to those who live outside its walls. By humbly serving His people in His name, we strive to make this community more like His kingdom so that others may feel and desire His love.
Our geography is no accident, and the decision 40 years ago to remain at 34th and Central was inspired by God to make this church a beacon of hope, serving the heart of the city. By being faithful to this call we show our love for Christ, in keeping with Matthew 25: 40, as inscribed on our communion table, “inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”
Hands-on Opportunities
Tab offers members a number of opportunities to provide personal and immediate demonstrations of God’s love. If you are interested in exploring possibilities for service in any of these ministries, contact frontdesk@tabpres.org or call (317) 923-5458.
Tab’s Open Door Ministry
Tab serves meals to our neighbors every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 am until Noon. More than 800 people come through our doors each month for a hot lunch, food to take home to families, fellowship and spiritual care.
Tab Community Care
Tab provides emergency assistance (food, clothing, utilities assistance) and direct support to family in Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood, while also referring individuals with additional needs to partners in ministry and appropriate agencies for substance abuse, mental health, HIV/AIDS support, housing and other longer-term services. Leave a message on the Tab Community Care Line (317) 805-1281.
Tab Tutoring
Tab Tutoring Ministry for children from Phelan Leadership Academy and The Oaks Academy begins again in September from 3:45 pm until 5:15 pm. This ministry meets every Thursday and follows the IPS school calendar,
How can you help?
Join the Tab Tutoring team by becoming a weekly or a bi-weekly volunteer (tutoring and non-tutoring positions available), donate weekly food snacks and/or basic school supplies, make a monetary donation for learning materials, and by praying for this ministry. Please consider joining Tab’s team of volunteers making a difference in the lives of the children in our neighborhood.
Contact: Carolee Berry, (317) 989-9064 or snugasa@gmail.com.
Recreation Ministry
One of Tab’s most-storied programs, the Rec Ministry always needs volunteers for a range of needs. For more information, go to tabrecreation.org.
Habitat for Humanity
A number of TAB members participated in Habitat for Humanity projects this year, initiating what we expect to be a long-term relationship.
Fresh Stop Produce
The latest news from Fresh Stop:
Are you concerned about food access in the Tab neighborhood? Does it bother you that a healthy diet just isn’t affordable for many folks? Do you want to improve your own diet by eating more veggies? Are you looking for a place to volunteer your skills as a Tab member? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Fresh Stop is for you! We’re currently in need of more volunteers to help with this ministry and we always need more folks to help by ordering shares. To learn more, pick up a brochure at the front desk, and for more information about how you can help out, contact Sally John at sallybjohn@gmail.com.
Partnerships
Recognizing that we can’t meet all the needs in the community, Tab provides financial support and volunteer assistance to and networks with several community ministries and agencies, including:
Mapleton-Fall Creek Community Development Corporation, the area’s community development corporation
Indy Grace Place a prison re-entry program
Mid-North Food Pantry, a food pantry serving the neighborhood
Habitat for Humanity, global housing initiative that Tab supports on nearby building projects
Raphael Health Center, healthcare services
Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, a ministry serving senior citizens
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic legal services for area residents
Circles Indianapolis, builds relationships to explore and alleviate the causes of poverty
The Oaks Academy, Christian classical education
Phelan Leadership Academy @ Louis B. Russell School 48
Horizons, Education support for IPS students during school breaks
Second Helpings, a food service training program
Community Events
Tab Community Ministries also sponsors or participates in the following special community events:
The Mozel Sanders Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, a hot meal and other gifts on Thanksgiving. More than 100 Tab volunteers help us participate in this annual citywide outreach.
Mapleton-Fall Creek Community Worship Service. For this annual Sunday morning service, the congregations of Tab and Phillips Temple worship together in a tradition honoring God’s love and racial reconciliation.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Surrender yourself to God’s call by choosing to volunteer for one of our ministries. Review the information on this site and contact Paula Daum, 923-5458, ext 104, paula.daum@tabpres.org, for more information.
Lead
Tab’s programs can always use good leaders, to serve on organizing teams or oversight committees. If you feel this is your gift, contact Paula Daum, 923-5458, ext 104, paula.daum@tabpres.org for more information.
Give
Tab’s people are generous, but there is always more than can be done if more resources are available. To contribute to Tab’s Community Ministries, write a check to Tab with the words “Community Ministries” in the memo line and place it in the offering plate or mail it to Tab; use the gold envelopes in the pews; or pledging members may use the dedicated “Tab Community Ministries” envelope in your offering envelope packet (included with the envelopes for the month of February).