EVENTS & COMMUNITY GROUPS

11/1 - Falling Back & New Second Service Time!

On November 1, we’ll “fall back” one hour for the seasonal time change, so don’t forget to adjust your clocks!

We’re also moving our second service start time to 10:45 AM CST to allow more time between services for Journey Kids and parking turnover while giving everyone a little more time to connect and fellowship without feeling rushed. This new time isn’t just for November 1 – it will continue for following Sundays!

We’re blessed to call you family! Enjoy the autumn weather, get some extra rest, and we’ll see you Sunday, November 1, at 9:00 AM or 10:45 AM CST!

Sign ups due by 11/15!

Are you a regular attender or member of Journey Church? The Moses Basket Ministry at Journey Church would like to give you a special “First Christmas” gift if this is your baby’s first Christmas or if you have finalized your adoption this year and you are celebrating your first Christmas as a family.


Deadline: November 15, 2026


*Note..foster families who are caring for a baby and it is their very first Christmas please fill out the form.

Boxes available starting 10/11 - Please fill & return boxes by 11/8!

Join us in blessing children around the world through Operation Christmas Child! Pick up a shoebox, fill it with gifts, and help share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a child in need.

📦 Shoeboxes Available: beginning October 11
📅 Return on/before: November 8
✅ Drop off anytime during Sunday service times or during office hours once your box is filled!
Drop-Off Options:
Sundays: Bring your completed box to church, 9a & 10:30a (CST) service times

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 3:30pm (CST)
🚪 Knock on Door #2 at the Journey Kids / Upper Lobby entrance

Please make sure all shoeboxes are returned no later than November 8.

Together, we can send joy, hope, and the love of Jesus around the world!

For more information, you may visit their website at:https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Sign up by 11/29!

Do you know of a family here at Journey, or someone close to you, who has had a tough year and could use a little extra love this holiday season?

We need your help identifying those who would be blessed by receiving a holiday food basket! If you’d like to refer a family, please fill out the form below, and we’ll add their name to our list.

If you’re referring your own household, please be sure to indicate that on the form.

Your privacy matters to us! To protect the recipient family’s privacy, their contact information will only be shared with the volunteer delivering their basket. Your identity as the person making the referral will remain anonymous.

Referrals will be accepted through November 29, 2026.

10/18 - Media Team Call Out

Phew, that graphic is a doozy!
We’re looking to expand our Media Team volunteer base and build a well-rounded team of people who want to use their creative and technical gifts to serve with excellence.

If you’re passionate about taking photos for fun, professional photography, web design, marketing, graphic design, videography, video editing, short-form video/reels, social media platforms, leadership, or any of the creative and behind-the-scenes pieces that help tell the story of what God is doing at Journey and in our community… you may have just found your team!

📅 Sunday, October 18
⏰ After Second Service
📍 Fellowship Hall at Journey Church
 

Jenna deBruyn, our Media Ministry Oversight, will lead the general discussion, and Pastor Nick Bello will be there to help clarify Journey’s vision, answer questions, and provide additional insight.

If you’re interested in the Media Team and plan to attend on 10/18 after second service, please fill out our sign-up ahead of time so we know who to expect! 
Come ready to share your interests and experience, and bring, share, or email some work you’ve done in the past or are currently working on. This will help us see how your skills and creative vision align with Journey and how we can best plug you into the team.

P.S. Yes… the graphic was intentionally made to look like this. It was supposed to grab your attention. Let us know… did it work?!

10/25 - Discipleship Pathways

Ready to get plugged in at Journey?
Join us for a two-hour class where you’ll discover our values and beliefs, explore volunteer opportunities, learn about our discipleship process, and find out what it means to be in Partnership with Journey. Best of all, Regina and Matt will be there to share, answer questions, and help you connect in the meaningful ways you’re looking for.

This class is offered once per quarter. Click below to register.

Please contact Regina Smelser at nextsteps@journeychurchlaporte.com with any questions. 

Our next class will be on Sunday, October 25th from 3pm – 5pm CST, in the Fellowship Hall.

The Chosen: Season 6, Ep. 1 Premiere - Register by 11/1

We are so excited for this opportunity to bring The Chosen to our community and Journey family! The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus, seen through the eyes of those who knew Him.

Register you &/or your group by 11/1 for seats at your preferred time!

This premiere has been gifted to Journey Church as a FREE viewing experience for our congregation and community! The film officially releases on November 15 and will be available in theaters beginning then as a paid viewing experience.

Bring yourself, bring your friends, bring your family and come see how this story can impact those around you!

Click the button below to register for one of the two showings!

We can’t wait to experience The Chosen, Season 6: Episode 1 together!

Journey Student Ministries
- JSM -

Journey  Student  Ministries  (JSM)  is  for  all  6th – 12th  grade  students  –  no  matter  where  they  are  on  their  faith  journey.  We  believe  worship  should  be  fun  and  engaging!  JSM  gathers  weekly  for  worship,  games,  Bible  study,  and  fellowship. 

> Wednesdays, Youth Group @ 5-7p CST – Journey Church Upper Lobby

> Sundays, Bible Study @ 4-6p CST – Journey Church Navigate/JSM Room

If  you  have  any  questions,  please  contact  Kyle  Chezem  for  more  information!

kyle@journeychurchlaporte.com

11/8 - Annual Financial Meeting

Stay after second service on November 8th to hear our 2026 financial report! We believe in full transparency and want you to have the opportunity to see where things stand, ask any questions you may have, or simply stay informed about the finances of Journey.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of our staff and board members! We’d love for you to stick around, get informed, and be part of the conversation!

11/14 - Ladies Bunco

Ladies 18+, we are excited to have you join us! Unsure of how to play? No worries! We have new players and experienced players teaching one another. Are you ready to play?! Or, feel free to come hang out and watch!

RSVP below!

Watchmen Men's Ministry

Join us for the Watchmen Men’s Ministry on Saturday, November 7th from 7am – 9am CST at Journey Church. Watchmen will meet on the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. We’ll gather for breakfast and dive into the Word together.

Watchmen is a brotherhood of men committed to hearing the Word of God and responding in obedience. Rooted in Ezekiel 33:7, we believe we are called to live out God’s truth and speak it faithfully when He leads – growing deeper in our walk with God, leading our families with humility and courage, and serving our communities with Christlike love while standing accountable before God and one another.

For more information, please reach out to Zac Mann at zmann411@gmail.com

Donut Sundays!

Hi, Friends!  Journey Student Ministries hosts Donut Sundays in the Fellowship Hall on the first Sunday of every month! 🍩

Next Donut Sunday: November 1st

$2 per donut – cash only, please.

Every donut purchased (and/or donation given) directly supports biblical retreats and mission trips for our youth throughout the year. Your generosity helps fuel the next steps God has planned for our students.

Thank you for supporting JSM and investing in the next generation! 💙

11/5 & 19 - Moms on the Journey

Join us for a warm time of fellowship and connection with other moms. Whether you’re raising little ones, guiding teens, or supporting adult children, this is a space to share, pray, and walk together through every season of motherhood. Kids are welcome! RSVP to let us know how many spaces to save! 

   Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month!
   9:30am CST
   Journey Church, JSM/Navigate Room

10/29 & 11/12 - Journeymen Basketball

Calling all men! Join us (feel free to bring your boys 13 years and up) for basketball and friendly competition, or leisure hoops.
Please fill out the form so we can make sure to keep in contact for any cancellations, changes, etc.
See you there!

Location: Grace Baptist Church (2502 Monroe St, La Porte, IN 46350)
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm CST
Who: 13 years of age+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Papa John's Give Back

When you order through Papa John’s, use code JOURNEY25 to receive 25% off your order. AND help fund Journey Church’s annual grocery giveaway!

Time & Talents Survey

Take a moment to fill out the Time & Talents Survey to see where you can get plugged in at Journey! 

We can’t wait to serve along side you!

ROOTED - Fall 2026 - Register by 9/9!

Our ROOTED groups are getting ready to start!

ROOTED is a 10 week experience that provides the opportunity to connect with God and the Journey community. Whether you’ve been a Christian for a long time or new to faith in Christ, ROOTED has the potential to have a bigger impact on your spiritual growth than anything else you do this year.
Runs September 14th – November 20th, 2026.

Groups meet in person and will be led by a trained facilitator who will come alongside you throughout the 10 weeks. We will have groups meeting on different nights so please select your preference.

ROOTED is open to those 18+ whom have passed their high school graduation date. 

Register by 9/9!

9/13 - First Step

Every Journey begins with a first step! This one hour class will allow you to meet the pastors and to hear about the vision and mission of Journey Church while we get to know you better, too. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall after the 10:30am service. Lunch will be provided. Children are welcome to join their parents. If you have any questions please email Regina – nextsteps@journeychurchlaporte.com

9/11 - Worship by the Water

Join us for our rescheduled Worship in the Park on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM CDT / 7:00 PM EDT at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park for an incredible evening of worship!

Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or simply enjoy sitting in the grass as we gather together to lift up the name of Jesus.

No agenda. No sermon. Just worshiping the King of Kings.

Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who would love to spend an evening praising God. Our prayer is to fill the park with voices united in worship as we celebrate His goodness together.

ASL interpretation will be available at the front left of the stage. Spanish will also be incorporated into a few of the songs selected by our Worship Team.

We can’t wait to worship with you!

📍 Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater at Fox Park
Truesdell Ave, La Porte, IN 46350

📅 Friday, September 11, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM CDT / 7:00 PM EDT

8/19 - GriefShare Begins

Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. Join us this fall for GriefShare, a 13-week Christ-centered support group hosted by Rachel Hall (

(a Journey Board Member, fellow Journey family member), and Janet Oman (a Journey Board Member, Worship Team Member, and fellow Journey family member) at the La Porte County Library. Whether your loss is recent or years ago, GriefShare offers practical guidance, encouragement, and support in a caring environment alongside others who understand the journey of grief. Find hope, healing, and help for the road ahead.

Register below to secure your seat at the table.

5/15- Friday Night Worship - The DoorKeepers

We are so excited to host The DoorKeepers for an evening of worship, praise, and community!
Feel free to let us know you’re coming, or simply show up – bring a friend, your family, come solo, come with a group; anyone is welcome!

Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (CST)
Location: Journey Church Sanctuary (6006 N Fail Rd, LaPorte IN 46350)

This is a local, open-to-all gathering centered on worship and connection; no matter where you’re coming from, you belong here.

5/16 - Ladies Bunco

Ladies 18+, we are excited to have you join us! Unsure of how to play? No worries! We have new players and experienced players teaching one another. Are you ready to play?! Or, feel free to come hang out and watch!

Italian Dinner & Dessert provided for this month’s Bunco meet up! Gluten free options will be available.

Please RSVP below.

3/17 - Forged Together Marriage Ministry: Vertical Marriage 6-Week Study BEGINS!

We are excited to begin this 6-week study of Vertical Marriage together as couples pursuing stronger, Christ-centered marriages. This study challenges us to focus first on our relationship with God and allow that vertical relationship to transform the way we love and serve our spouse.

Our group will meet Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 PM (CST) beginning March 17 in the Chapel at Journey Church.

We will be using workbooks and a video series to embark on this 6-week study, cost is $20 per couple for materials.

6/14 - First Step

Every Journey begins with a first step! 
This one hour class will allow you to meet the pastors and to hear about the vision and mission of Journey Church while we get to know you better, too. 
We will meet in the Fellowship Hall after the 10:30am service. 

Lunch will be provided. Children are welcome to join their parents. If you have any questions please email Regina – nextsteps@journeychurchlaporte.com

Sign Ups Open 5/17-5/31

Join us for Discovering Proverbs, a month-long Discover Series meeting every Tuesday evening this June.

Meeting Dates: 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30
 
This is a great opportunity to experience a small sample of our year-long discipleship groups while gaining practical, everyday wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
All you need is a Bible and a highlighter!

Registration: May 17 – May 31
Spots are limited to the first 15 registrations.
If additional interest arises, a second group will be added later the same evening.
Questions? Contact Regina: nextsteps@journeychurchlaporte.com

4/12 - Baptism Sunday!

We’re so excited that you’re ready to take this next step in your faith! Baptism is a beautiful act of obedience and a public declaration of your new life in Christ.

Baptisms will take place on Sunday, April 12th after both services at Journey Church in the Fellowship Hall.

Please fill out the form below so we can prepare your certificate and baptism shirt. If you decide to step up that day, we will also have extra shirts available and can put your certificate together afterward.

4/12 - Baptism Sunday

We’re so excited that you’re ready to take this next step of faith through baptism! Baptism is a beautiful act of obedience that publicly declares your new life in Christ. As Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
 
Please fill out the form below, and someone from our team will be in touch with you soon!
 
Baptisms will take place on Sunday, April 12th after BOTH SERVICES at Journey Church in the FELLOWSHIP HALL. We can’t wait to celebrate this life-changing moment with you!