RECTOR'S REFLECTION
Image of the Rev. John Denson, D.Min.
The Rev. John Denson
Dear friends in Christ:

Louise Penny’s novel All the Devils are Here features Armand Gamache, the Chief Inspector of the homicide division of the Sûreté du Québec. The 16th book in the Chief Inspector Gamache series is set in Paris where Armand’s family — his wife, children and grandchildren — have gathered for a family reunion. Being a detective novel, the reunion quickly becomes enmeshed in a murder investigation.

Early in the novel Armand remembers when he was nine years old standing in the garden of the Musée Rodin in Paris with his godfather, Stephen. They were looking at Rodin’s sculpture, The Burghers of Calais. Summarizing briefly: The sculpture depicts the end of the 14th century siege of Calais. King Edward III of England offered to spare the city if its leaders would surrender. Six of the burghers gave themselves up, walking out of the city with nooses around their necks, assuming they would be executed. Surprisingly, Edward spared their lives, persuaded to show mercy by Queen Phillippa who believed their deaths would be a bad omen for her unborn child. 

If I were using The Burghers of Calais in a sermon, I would likely focus on their intended sacrifice, their willingness to lay down their lives for the common good. Penny finds a different lesson. Stephen uses the sculpture to teach the following lesson to his godson.

“Life can be cruel, as you know. But it can also be kind. Filled with wonders. You need to remember that. You have your own choice to make, Armand. What’re you going to focus on? What’s unfair, or all the wonderful things that happen? Both are true, both are real. Both need to be accepted. But which carries more weight with you?” Stephen tapped the boy’s chest. “The terrible or the wonderful? The goodness or the cruelty? Your life will be decided by that choice.”

This weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Two decades is long enough for an entire generation to live without any firsthand experience of that day. No memories of watching the towers collapse or seeing the wreckage at the Pentagon or the crash of United Flight 93.

Not experiencing the 9/11 attacks directly does not mean their lives have not been impacted. The United States of the past 20 years does not feel the same as the United States in which I grew up. I believe this has less to do with the series of crises we’ve experienced — Katrina, the recession, racial injustice, the pandemic — and more to do with our choices. As a nation we’ve become more anxious, less hospitable, more cautious, less tolerant of those who differ from us.
We don’t have to live this way. As Stephen points out to Armand, we have choices. Our lives and the communities in which we live will be decided not by what happens to us but by the choices we make. Paul wrote it this way in his letter to the Romans.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. … Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another, … take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:9-10, 12-16a, 17b-18)

Yours in Christ,
Rector
WORSHIP SCHEDULE & RECTOR'S FORUM
Starting this Sunday, September 12, indoor Holy Eucharist services will be at 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m.
We will also provide a 9:15 a.m. outdoor Holy Eucharist service (weather permitting), particularly appropriate for families but open to all! The Rev. John Denson will host a Rector’s Forum this Sunday, September 12 from 10:15-11 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Join Rev. Denson for a conversation with time for questions and answers, as well as small group fellowship.
Image of Habitat for Humanity logo
OUTREACH COLLECTION
Sundays, September 12 and 19, Burrows Commons, after worship services
The Outreach Oversight Committee is collecting Target gift cards to help purchase household items for the current Habitat for Humanity build. Cards will be collected beginning this Sunday. Volunteer to collect cards by contacting Cathy Henney below.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Sunday School starts this Sunday, September 12, 10:15-11 a.m.
Sunday School will be held outside until further notice. In the event of rain, we will go back to classrooms for those that feel comfortable. Families are encouraged to volunteer for liturgical roles (readers, greeters and oblations) this fall. Learn more below by reading the Fall 2021 Family Newsletter or contact Laurie Pierce.
ST. PAUL'S CHOIR RETURNS
Sunday, September 12, 9 & 11:15 a.m. services
We welcome the return of the choir this Sunday. The choir has not sung together in live worship since March 2020 — this is a joyous occasion, indeed!

Additionally, St. Paul's Choir School will participate by displaying a booth at the 2021 Penrod Arts Fair this Saturday, September 11 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you are there! The booth can be found in Projects area A, nearest to the 42nd & Michigan Rd entrance.
WALK & PRAY
Tuesday, September 14, 8:30-9 a.m., Meet at the Monon Trail (65th & Cornell Ave)
Meet the Rev. Barbara Kempf for a 30-40 minute moderate walk in Broad Ripple with morning prayers. All are invited! The walk will be canceled if it rains. Walks will occur weekly on Tuesdays through September 28. Mask requirements will comply with the most current CDC recommendations. RSVP to the Rev. Barb Kempf below.
PINEWOOD DERBY
Sunday, September 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Courtyard
Join in the fun, open to everyone! Cub Scout Pack #73 hosts our third annual Pinewood Derby. Dust off your childhood racer, build a new car or borrow one of the extras we will have onsite. Sign up before any worship service the day of the Derby and join us at the starting line. See full details below and contact Carrie Bernhardt with questions. Interested in becoming a Cub Scout, contact Heather Morrison. 
EWM MINISTRY RETREAT - LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATIONS
Friday, September 24 - Sunday, September 26, Waycross Camp & Conference Center
The Epicopal Women's Ministry retreat, Celebrate Life! As Women of Strength, Courage and Resiliency, will be led by the Rev. Krista Cameron. Originally from the Diocese of Indianapolis, Cameron was ordained in 1995 and has spent the majority of her ordained ministry as a small church rector. During her retirement, she continues to serve in the Diocese of Rochester, New York. Register below -- registrations are accepted through TODAY, September 9. Those unable to attend in-person may join the retreat on Zoom. Join the EWM Facebook group for updates. 
SCHOOL #43 VOLUNTEERS
Weekdays, 9:40-10:10 a.m., IPS School #43
Help support Kindergarten teachers in providing students a positive, successful start to their school careers with the skills needed to become lifelong learners. Volunteers may choose the day of the week they would like to work in reading or math, and will work one on one or with small groups (up to three students). The program will include initial training and support and volunteers will begin work with students in early October. If you have questions or are interested, please contact Marge Olsen, and Janie Frazier below.