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About Downey
Downey Avenue Christian Church (often referred to simply as Downey) is an open-minded, intergenerational congregation with a shared commitment to work for social justice, care for creation, and to welcome a rich diversity of God's people into beloved community.
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Downey is a community of people who are knowingly embraced by God's love, and so we seek to share that love wherever we go and with everyone we meet. Our shared mission is to be “Transformed by God’s radical love to build a welcoming church, a just community, and a sustainable world.”
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Serving the Irvington community since the church's founding in 1875, Downey has continually found new ways to witness for social justice and compassion in this community and around the world. Historically, the membership of Downey have been active in the ongoing work of peace, justice, and reconciliation - and that gospel through-line is as strong now as it has ever been. Today, the people of Downey Avenue Christian Church continue these historical commitments, still deeply rooted in gospel good news and unafraid to offer such beautiful grace to all people, all the time.
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As a leading progressive congregation in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, we welcome people of all beliefs and backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or theological understandings — focusing instead on what brings us together, the infinite love of God for all people. Open hearts and minds are strong hearts and minds.
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Meet the Staff
Melody brings her ministry beyond the pulpit—whether marching in the Pride Parade, guiding youth on service trips, or engaging in global programs for justice and peace. Rooted in community at every level, she preaches what she lives: love, forgiveness, justice, peace, and joy.
Melody earned her Master of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion, was ordained with Metropolitan Community Churches in 2013 and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2019, and has served at Downey since 2017—first as associate pastor and now as Senior Pastor.
Rev. Melody Merida
Senior Pastor
Our new Minister of Faith Formation is Brady Briggs!
Brady joined Downey just under two years ago and is currently serving as a Deacon. From 2020-2023, Brady served as the Next Generation Director at First United Methodist Church of Phoenix. He coordinated all programming for children ages infant through high school. He also served two years as the Children's Minister Coordinator for pre-K through 5th grade at First United Methodist Church of Phoenix.​ Brady began his position as Minister of Faith Formation on August 3rd. He is excited to deepen discipleship, empower volunteers, and bridge faith and action with Downey's young people and intergenerational groups.
Brady Briggs
Minister of Faith Formation
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David, a lifelong Indianapolis resident, has dedicated over 40 years to music education, direction, composition, and performance. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, piano, and voice from Butler University. His career includes serving as Music Director at Hope United Presbyterian Church (1993–2010), directing choirs at the middle and high school levels, and leading as a principal and administrator with Indianapolis Public Schools, including at the Mary Nicholson Visual and Performing Arts Academy. Most recently, he retired as IPS’s Fine Arts Instructional Coach (June 2023). David has been part of music ministry at Downey since 2010 and enjoys performing locally with Audio Diner and Der Polkatz.
Dave Newman
Director of Music
Our new Director of Communications is Kari Burns!
Kari is the Director of Communications at Downey Avenue Christian Church, where she helps share the church’s message of inclusion, service, and faith with the congregation and community. With more than 15 years of experience in visual communication, strategic messaging, and nonprofit leadership, she brings both creativity and strategy to her work. A former AmeriCorps volunteer, Kari holds a BFA in Visual Communication and an MS in Nonprofit Leadership. She is passionate about using storytelling to strengthen connections and invite others into meaningful community.
Kari Burns
Director of Communications
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Front Desk Volunteers
David Paredes
Sabina Oxlaj
Cindy Payne
Pat Witthaus, Jack Rutledge, Susan Collins
Custodian
Nursery Attendant
Nursery Attendant
Parking Info
Main Parking Lot
Where Hibben Ave
meets South Downey Ave
Handicapped Lot
On Hibben Ave, on south side of church building. There are 6 spots in this lot, for need-based uses.
Street Parking
There is limited street parking throughout the neighborhood, especially on Julian Ave on north side of the building. However, in respect of our neighbors, we encourage use of the parking lots.
Downey Avenue Christian Church
111 S. Downey Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-359-5304
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