Jim McCarthy

by Jim McCarthy

It is beautiful when younger and older people come together for prayer. Mosaic Conference-Related Ministry (CRM) Indian Creek Foundation’s (Souderton, PA) December Prayer Brunch brought together more than 50 pastors, staff, residents, and friends for a morning of worship, storytelling, and purposeful prayer. Held on December 5 at CRM Living Branches Souderton Mennonite Homes, leaders from both organizations, Ed Brubaker, CEO of Living Branches, and Dr. Tim Barksdale, the new CEO of Indian Creek Foundation, joined the group, offering encouragement and gratitude for the prayerful support. 

The brunch reflected the diversity and creativity of the community. Attendees were treated to poetry and rap performed by Indian Creek employees, drumming and vocals by Makinto of CRM Amahoro International (Bombo, Uganda), and thoughtful reflections from historian John L. Ruth on faith, science, and life. A shared meal and time of conversation created space for meaningful connections across generations and roles. 

These monthly Prayer Brunches are part of a renewed emphasis on communal prayer at Indian Creek Foundation, an emphasis that reaches back to the organization’s earliest days. Founded more than 50 years ago out of local Mennonite congregations, Indian Creek was built on the conviction that spiritual care mattered as much as housing, vocation, and daily support. Helping individuals with intellectual disabilities find belonging and community was central to the mission from the beginning. 

That foundation continues to shape Indian Creek’s values today. Mennonite principles of compassion, mutual respect, and a Philosophy of Care grounded in relationships remain central to the organization’s work. Indian Creek relies on area churches and people of faith for volunteer involvement, financial support, and especially prayer. 

In September, I sensed it was time to intentionally elevate that prayer support. Retired Executive Director Joe Landis (Salford Mennonite [Harleysville, PA]) helped launch a new series of monthly Prayer Brunches designed to bring together pastors, Indian Creek staff and residents, and community members in a welcoming, church-based setting. 

The first brunch, held in September at Salford Mennonite, was a small gathering but laid the groundwork for what was to come. In October, the group grew and took on new depth as staff members and guests were invited to share their stories. 

Among them was Carol Menser, who has received support from Indian Creek in various ways since its incorporation in 1975. Menser attended the brunch with friends and shared her story of perseverance and growth, a testimony to what is possible when individuals receive consistent, compassionate support. October’s gathering also introduced Dr. Tim Barksdale to local pastors, creating space for informal connection and relationship-building. 

By November, attendance had grown to around 50 people, including additional staff members and Indian Creek residents. The atmosphere was one of encouragement and gratitude, as participants prayed together and put faces to names. 

“The Prayer Brunch was amazing,” shared Susan Guida, Director of Nursing at Indian Creek. “It was nice to socially engage with everyone in such a meaningful and purposeful way.” 

While faith-based activities have always been part of Indian Creek’s programming, their scale and visibility have shifted over the years. The monthly Prayer Brunches represent a new expression of a long-held tradition that keeps Indian Creek present in the prayers of local congregations while also building new relationships.  

“I sincerely thank Dr. Jim McCarty and Joe Landis, Founder of Indian Creek Foundation and Peaceful Living, for their vision and leadership in organizing this unifying and powerful Prayer Breakfast,” shared Tim Barksdale, CEO of Indian Creek Foundation. “Their commitment to creating deeply meaningful opportunities for individuals supported by Indian Creek Foundation to not only attend local churches, but to stand as ambassadors, offer prayers for this community, and voice their own needs. This ministry reflects the power of inclusion and mutual faith, and it strengthens the entire community.” 

Each gathering includes a devotional offered by a local pastor, followed by focused prayer. The vision for these gatherings is that individuals from Indian Creek will attend as ambassadors, representing their own needs for prayer and their concerns. We are looking for local church support and hosts as we seek God’s direction and purpose for our work. 

Indian Creek Foundation invites pastors, congregations, and community members to join this ongoing rhythm of prayer. The next Prayer Brunch will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, from 9:30–11 a.m. at Souderton Mennonite Homes (207 W. Summit Street, Souderton, PA). Margaret Zook, Director of Collaborative Ministries for Mosaic Mennonite Conference, will be the guest speaker. Please RSVP by January 5. To attend, host a future brunch, or learn more about ministry opportunities, contact Jim McCarty at jmccarty@indcreek.org.