MirrorIndy’s Grassroots Journalism

Betty Brandt • October 1, 2025

The Future of Local News Is Us

The Indianapolis Star and other legacy newspapers’ decision to cover fewer local government meetings and events has created a news vacuum in Indianapolis and other metropolitan areas. A number of online not-for-profit news organizations have stepped up to fill that void, and MirrorIndy (mirrorindy.org) is among them.


On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, a group of concerned citizens gathered to hear Ariana Beedie, MirrorIndy’s Community Journalism Director, share how the outlet seeks to provide “community-based journalism that informs and empowers Indianapolis residents to shape our city for the better.” MirrorIndy publishes daily news about government, education, health, neighborhoods, and arts and culture.


Ariana also leads MirrorIndy’s unique Documenters program, in which ordinary citizens with no journalism background receive training in note-taking and photographing government meetings. The goal is to capture what happens at local public meetings across all nine townships of Marion County and create a public record of each. Documenters learn new skills, gain an inside look at how decisions are made in local government, help hold elected officials accountable, and get paid for their work. Some reports are published, and all are fact-checked and archived as part of the city’s public record.


For example, if you want to know what happened at the Lawrence Township School Board meeting on September 29, 2025, MirrorIndy’s resources can help you find out. If you want to know how much money the city has budgeted for road maintenance, you can check the minutes of the September 25, 2025, Indianapolis Department of Public Works meeting. Documenters attended both meetings and filed reports. So far, 350 people have been trained as Documenters—and you can become one, too. To learn more and sign up for training, visit: https://indianapolis-in.documenters.org.


The September 30 gathering was sponsored by Shalom Zone, a coalition of progressive northside churches including The Garden, Metanoia UCC, Allisonville Christian, Cross and Crown Lutheran, First Friends Meeting, and St. Pius X.

Surviving the Desert

By Matthew Vire • February 17, 2026
The Garden welcomes Josh Riddick for a message on justice, faith, and how Jesus’ desert journey offers courage and clarity for our moment.

A Sacred Romance

By Rev. Richard Brendan • February 9, 2026
To Be Known, Chosen, and Loved

Never Again

February 3, 2026
A powerful call to action from a local vigil: “Never Again” is now. Stand up for dignity, justice, and immigrant rights in Indianapolis.

Revisioning Christianity: A Universal Christ?

February 2, 2026
With The Universal Christ , Richard Rohr presents a vision of Christ not as a figure confined to Jesus alone or to Christianity, but as the eternal, cosmic presence of God permeating all creation from the beginning. Rohr distinguishes between Jesus (the historical person) and Christ (the divine reality revealed through Jesus). He argues that Jesus is the “first incarnation,” present in every person, place, and particle of the universe. Drawing on Scripture—especially John 1, Colossians 1, and Paul—along with early Christian mystics and contemporary science, Rohr reframes salvation. Rather than describing it as rescue from a fallen world, he presents salvation as awakening to the divine presence already within and among us. This universal, incarnational vision invites a way of life grounded in compassion, solidarity with suffering, and participation in the healing and transformation of the whole world. Rohr’s approach also offers a theological grounding that aligns with The Garden’s emphasis on finding the sacred in the ordinary and celebrating a universal spiritual nature. Come explore this with us Sunday at The Garden.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

By Betty Brandt • February 2, 2026
A stirring reflection on the Black National Anthem’s enduring message of hope, unity, and the pursuit of freedom—honoring Black History Month through song and story.

A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Life and Vision

By Betty Brandt • January 29, 2026
Reflections on a community celebration honoring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., with powerful storytelling, music, and recognition of local justice work, hosted by northside Indianapolis Shalom Zone churches.

Go Nowhere With Me

By Betty Brandt • January 29, 2026
A gentle reflection on the spiritual practice of stillness—inviting readers to pause, notice, and embrace the quiet beauty of going nowhere during Lent.

Hello, Sun in My Face

By Betty Brandt • January 27, 2026
Learning to Greet the Day With Wonder

Been There, Done That

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • January 27, 2026
As February 2nd approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on Groundhog Day—a moment filled with anticipation and hope. Just like that furry little creature who predicts the end of winter, we often face our own shadows and uncertainties. Are you tired of the cold and darkness, yearning for the warmth of spring? Maybe you’ve felt stuck in a season that just won’t seem to shift, repeating the same patterns and wondering when change will come. This Sunday, we’ll explore how to step forth in faith amidst life's challenges, seeking light and renewal even when the world feels overwhelming. Come as you are, and let’s lean into transformation together. Don't miss this opportunity to gather in community and discover ways to embrace hope and resilience! See you there!

Stop, Drop, Enroll

By Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes • January 20, 2026
In elementary school, we learn the life-saving phrase “stop, drop, and roll.” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that can literally save lives. This phrase resonates with me when I reflect on Jesus’ call to his first disciples. He calls these fishermen right in the midst of their daily routines to stop everything and embark on a mission that would transform their lives forever. This Sunday, let’s take a moment to pause and consider what could happen if we were to stop, drop our distractions, and enroll in the invitation to live our best lives. Join us as we explore how answering this call can ignite a profound change within us!