Roots of Life church members share views in casual setting
By Mark Ambrogi
Teri Ditslear has dubbed the weekly religious discussion as 111.
That would be 1 beer, 1 question, 1 hour, a session held most Tuesdays at Syd’s in Noblesville.
“This group is designed to engage is a worldly setting and not be intimidating,” said Ditslear, pastor of Roots of Life Community, a Lutheran church. “A lot of people don’t want to go in a church because they think of those people are judgmental.”
Ditslear, the wife of Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear, usually comes up with a question or leans on a book she has called “If … Questions for the Soul” if they get stuck.
Ditslear usually has three questions set for the discussion if needed. But there has been one question that has really grabbed attention in the first few months of the group’s meetings.
“The largest gathering we had was about ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and if you can be a Christian and watch or read it,” Ditslear said. “Four people from the bar wanted to get in on the conversation. So we had standing room only. So I guess I’m going to have to come up with more provocative topics. It was a really great conversation. There was one woman who came as a guest of someone and she was saying I would never read any trash like that. Then there was another point of view is how can you say something bad about something if you haven’t read it.”
Noblesville resident Marsha Bragg is one of the 111 regulars.
“I find it freeing to be able to talk about life’s issues and to learn what other people think and why they believe the way they believe,” Bragg said. “I can’t say one question that struck me more than all the other ones. They all have something that brings up a thought that I haven’t had.”
Amy Graham, Noblesville, embraces the Roots of Life concept. The members often meet at a restaurant, a park or the Ditslears’ home.
“It’s church but it’s more of a real life experience and getting to know everyone on a different level,” Graham said.
Ditslear said the 111 group tends to attract more women. Her husband comes when it doesn’t conflict with council meetings.
“John belongs to a men’s bible study group we offer,” Ditslear said. “I think women are freer with their thoughts and feelings and men are more closed.”
Mayor Ditslear said his bible study does tend to be more business like, pointing out his group studied religions of the world for several weeks.
“This (111) is a little more open,” he said. “We (bible group members) try to relate history, whether it be religion or the bible, to everyday life.”
Judi Johnson, Noblesville’s director of economic development, said what she likes about Roots of Life is the openness.
“I feel it’s time for church to be everywhere with open arms,” Johnson said. “I know our church’s mantra is ‘all are welcome.’ I feel I have freedom to speak and what I speak is not judged. There is a lot of controversial things in the world right now and getting together and talking about all those things should be safe.”
The Roots of Life has a service each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Logan St. Sanctuary, 1274 Logan St., Noblesville.
Food for thought
Here are some questions Ditslear has used in 111 discussions:
1) Why don’t people go to church anymore?
2) It is not doubt that is toxic to faith, it is silence. Do you agree?
3) What does baptism mean to you?
4) What is your definition of Hell?
5) What is your definition of Heaven?
6) How can you forgive an enemy?
7) Why do bad things happen to good people?
8) If you could plan your death date, when would it be and what would your funeral look like?
9) Do you believe in the afterlife?
10) Who is someone who has influenced your life for the better?
