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Dear Friends in Christ,


“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” As a child, did you say this when someone teased you, insulted you or called you names? As you said it, you knew it wasn’t true, right? Because the words did hurt.


Words have power. They have the power to lift up or push down, to encourage or discourage, to include or exclude. Words can inspire us to love or to hate, to work for justice or to turn a blind eye to injustice. They can fill us with hope or fear, with courage or despair.


“In the beginning was the Word,” we read in the prologue to John’s gospel, “and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) What words did Jesus, the Word, use to teach and inspire us? Here are some examples.


“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:3-9)


“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44)


Asked to name the greatest commandment, Jesus said, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28b-31)


At the conclusion of the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said, “Who do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” [The lawyer] said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)


In the parable of the Last Judgment, Jesus said, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”  (Matthew 25:37-40)


Elections are about far more than policy. We elect leaders who will speak to us and for us. Their words have power. As you prepare to vote, listen to the words the candidates use. Do their words inspire hope or fear? Do they respect the dignity of every human being? Do they motivate you to act in positive or negative ways? Do they reflect your values as a person of faith? Which candidates inspire you to act with mercy and justice? Who portrays a stranger as a neighbor instead of an enemy? Who invites you to envision a better and more compassionate world?


Your Friend in Christ,


The Rev. John Denson, D.Min.

Rector

NEXT SUNDAY

ADULT FAITH FORUM

Ofrendas & Altars - Los Santos & The Saints

October 27, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Join us for an exciting day of celebration in honor of Dia de Muertos and All Saints' Day. We will discuss the theological significance and cultural nuances of Latino and Western traditions around both days. We will also explore the importance of how we think about our spaces and places, at home and at church, and the people who occupy those same spaces — those whom we see, and those who now remain with us solely in our hearts and minds. Special tasty treats will be offered by the Puentes Leadership Team. Questions, click here to email the Rev. Jeff Bower.

PRACTICES OF PRAYER :: PRAISE!

October 27, 10:15-11 a.m.

CRR (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

What does it mean to praise God? What are we praising God for? How do we know? Join parishioner, Frances Barrow to explore praise and adoration as an outgrowth of how we see God and what God is like, leading us to how we love God and know that God loves us.

SPOOKENSONG AT TRINITY

October 27, 4-5 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church

Gather with the costumed choristers of Trinity, St. Paul's and Christ Church Cathedral for the most thrilling evensong of the year! In the glow of carved jack-o’-lanterns, we'll celebrate the spirit of All Hallows Eve with spine-chilling readings and hauntingly beautiful music, including the iconic Toccata in D Minor by J.S. Bach. The whole family is invited to come in costume for this fun-filled and slightly spooky event. Click here for all details.

SHARING CHRIST'S LOVE

NATIONAL ESTATE PLANNING AWARENESS WEEK

October 21-27, 2024 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. St. Paul's has recently partnered with FreeWill, providing access to an online estate planning tool that can assist in creating your will for free. More than one million people have already used this tool to pass down their cherished values and we invite you to prayerfully consider doing the same. Through FreeWill, you can choose to leave a gift to St. Paul's, securing our ministries and programming for future generations. FreeWill flyers with more details are available on the Welcome Table in Burrows Commons, or you may click below to learn more and create your will now.
FREEWILL

NEW LOOK FOR ONLINE GIVING

St. Paul's is pleased to announce new and improved giving pages!

New pages are now live under the "give" tab of the stpaulsindy.org website. Nothing about our online giving has changed except the look of the pages. Click below to see the new look. Questions, please click here to email Dan Thompson.
ST. PAUL'S GIVING

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Sunday, November 3

Please join us in contributing towards a special collection for Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief fund. As we celebrate the feasts of All Saints' and All Souls' - with the new waters of baptism and prayers for those we love but see no longer - we will remember also the saints who are working to rebuild what the waters of Helene and Milton have destroyed, and those souls who died in these recent storms. All undesignated funds received in the offering plate on November 3 will go towards Episcopal Relief & Development’s excellent work in this area. Click below to donate online:
HURRICANE RELIEF

ALL SOULS' WORSHIP

Requiem by Gabriel Fauré

Sunday, November 3, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

St Paul’s Choir will provide music for the parish’s commemoration of All Faithful Departed, using as its basis the hauntingly beautiful Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. The quiet and soothing harmonies provide a prayerful meditation of all those whom we love but see no longer. If, during the service, you would like us to mention the name of a loved one who has died, please click here to email the name to Kai Armstrong by Monday, October 28. 

STRIVING FOR JUSTICE

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY OF SACRED GROUND

First meeting Monday, November 18, 7-8:30 p.m.

Room 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Those having completed the Sacred Ground curriculum are committed to continually learning and sustaining constructive ways of seeing and engaging with diverse people and ideas. Increasing understanding and equipping ourselves to live into our beliefs and values is more achievable when there is a network that supports the goals set for ourselves. To support this process, quarterly in-person meetings will be hosted by Alan Davis and Katherine Tyler Scott for past Sacred Ground attendees wishing to continue this journey together. Please click here to email Alan Davis or click here to email Katherine Tyler Scott to sign up by November 11.

CREATING COMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS YOUNG ADULT GATHERING

Friday, October 25, 6-8 p.m.

Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Young adults (up to 45 years old, without children) are invited to join "Connections," a new group at St. Paul's. This group will often gather around food to share faith stories, build community, plan special events and explore opportunities for community service. To RSVP or for more details, please click here to email Jacob Denning. 

TGIF GATHERING

Friday, November 1, 6 p.m., Parish Hall

Adults 21+ are invited! St. Paul's Green Team will present the film, Common Ground. Sobering yet hopeful, Common Ground exposes the toxic interconnections of American farming policy, politics and health, by sharing stories of destruction and healing across the United States and beyond. The film explores how people from different walks of life, political backgrounds and places share one thing in common – the very soil beneath their feet. The evening will begin with a potluck dinner, followed by the film and a discussion. Please bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage. Click here to RSVP to Alan Davis by October 31.

CHAIR YOGA WORKSHOP

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20, 27 and December 4 & 11

9-10 a.m., Room 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Parishioner, Carrie Bernardt will lead six sessions of Chair Yoga where all may explore the beneficial practice of yoga with the added support of a chair. Poses have been adapted to offer levels of flexibility to safely engage, strengthen and lengthen muscles. Participate in all six classes or come as you are able. Classes are $12/single session or $60/six session workshop. Click here to learn more or pay for classes in advance. Questions, click here to email Carrie Bernhardt.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

Submissions due Monday, November 4

In observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, we request that our veterans share details about their military service. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner with your name, title, location(s)/years served and a photo of yourself. If you submitted your details last year, we'll highlight your information again unless you ask us not to do so.


UPCOMING EVENTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & MORE:

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