Dear Friends in Christ,
Professional road cycling includes three Grand Tours: the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. These three-week races, the only tours in professional cycling that exceed 14 days, follow the same pattern with daily stages offering different challenges. Flat stages favor sprinters. Mountain stages favor climbers. Individual and team time trials favor altogether different skill sets.
The Tour de France is the oldest and most prestigious of the Grand Tours, taking place annually during the month of July. I pay close attention each year, though sitting in front of my television for several hours in the morning is almost never an option. I watch when I can and content myself with viewing the summary videos at the end of the day.
The joy of watching the Tour, which includes marvelous views of France, is the opportunity to witness the varied experiences of the race. The moment when a breakaway works and an unexpected rider wins a stage. The pure adrenaline of a sprint finish. The utter disappointment experienced by those who crash and must abandon the Tour. The jockeying for position in the peloton. The teamwork required to make it possible to ride a bike for 2,000 miles over three weeks with only two days of rest.
At this point I could offer trite spiritual “wisdom” based on the Grand Tours. You know, something like, “Jesus called a group of disciples to follow him because he knew we needed a team.” Or “The Christian life is like a mountain stage in the Tour de France. We must ride together to get to the top.”
True? Sure. Lame? Definitely!
So, let me instead quote the one passage of the Bible that always comes to mind as I watch the Tour de France. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
The Grand Tours are as much about perseverance as anything else, which is not a quality we as a society generally value. We want quick and easy satisfaction. We want the red light to change to green quickly. We want our wireless connections to be fast. In our spiritual lives we expect the same from God. We want a quick answer to our prayers and an easy road to joy and peace.
But that is not the life God promises us. God invites us to take a road that includes suffering and struggle as well as joy and celebration. Sometimes the road is easy. Other times it requires more of us than we think it’s possible to give.
But when perseverance is required, we need not lose heart. Why? Because we do not journey alone. Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith, leads the way, so that we, with him, will find the joy that God sets before us.
Your Friend in Christ,
|
|
NEWCOMER GUIDED TOUR
Sunday, July 16, 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m., meet in nave (sanctuary)
If you are curious about St. Paul's places and spaces, join the Rev. Jeff Bower immediately after the 10 a.m. service for a guided tour.
|
|
SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION
Sundays, July 23 and August 6, 9-10 a.m., Roberts Library
Read and discuss with the Green Team, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. In a dialogue between the two authors, the book focuses on Jane's "Four Reasons for Hope" in the face of climate change. Goodall shares stories about the amazing efforts of individuals and groups who have joined her in helping to build a better world. Questions, please email Robyn or Ted Gibboney.
|
|
THE REV. BARBARA KEMPF'S MINISTRY CELEBRATION
Sunday, July 30, immediately following the 10 a.m. service, St. Paul's Courtyard
Join us for a celebration of the Rev. Barb Kempf's ministry at St. Paul's. Should you wish to make a monetary gift to Barb, you may do so online below or by check (mail to the Church office or place in the offering plate on Sunday — memo: "In thanksgiving for the Rev. Barb Kempf"). St. Paul's will present Barb with a check totaling the donations at the July 30 celebration.
|
|
SUMMER FESTIVAL & BACKPACK BLESSING
Sunday, August 6, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Plan to attend and invite friends to join you! All students are invited to bring backpacks to the 10 a.m. service for a blessing. Festival fun begins at 11:30 a.m. with carnival games & prizes, henna body art, exotic animal exhibit, water bounce house & inflatable waterslide, touch-a-truck experience, cornhole tournament, hot dog roast, fresh popcorn, popsicles, giant bubbles, music, a food truck and more! All festival offerings at this community event are FREE except for items sold at the food truck. Sign up below for an event reminder and be entered into a drawing to win one of three $20 Graeter's Ice Cream gift cards.
|
|
INDIANS GAME
Don't miss out on the chance to catch the Indians in action next month! We're excited to offer a discounted group seating option for the upcoming game. Gather your friends, family or colleagues and plan to sit together for an unforgettable experience at the ballpark. Click below to reserve seats and pay later.
|
|
IMC, OTHERS UTILIZE SPACE AT ST. PAUL’S
Did you know there are a variety of groups/businesses making good use of our space when it would not otherwise be occupied? Indianapolis Men’s Chorus recently signed an agreement to rent the Parish Hall as a rehearsal space, for use once or twice a week over the next year. Yoga with Carrie offers slow flow classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Indianapolis Christian Tabernacle holds worship at St. Paul's on Sunday afternoons. The Parish Hall kitchen is regularly occupied by Three Brothers Cheesecakes, Damien Center and the MLK Center’s summer camp – which also enjoys the Youth Lounge and playground. Do you know of someone needing a space, small or large, that may be interested in St. Paul’s? Inquiries can be submitted using the form below:
|
|
REGISTER BY JULY 20 FOR HOLY BAPTISM
Register for August 13 baptisms before the Thursday, July 20 deadline.
Baptisms are offered on Sunday, August 13. Please click below to learn more or to request to be baptized.
|
|
SHARING INFO & GOOD NEWS
Do you have an announcement you'd like to share?
Has something lovely happened that we should celebrate? Please use our submission form below to share details for eConnections, bulletin announcements and/or on our website. Newsletter submissions are due by end of day Monday for inclusion in the upcoming Thursday issue.
|
|
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Morning Light operates a hospice home that supports terminally ill residents of limited means to live with dignity in their final chapter. Morning Light is seeking volunteers to provide compassionate and contemplative care. Those interested are welcome to attend an upcoming training session: Wednesday, July 19 (3:30-5 p.m.) or Saturday, August 26 (10-11:30 a.m.). Questions, or to register, email Brittany Babbitt or the Rev. Patrick Burke.
|
|
SERVE AT THE MLK CENTER
There are multiple summer service opportunities available with the MLK Center. Serving two-three times in any role is a great way to form relationships with others from our community. Click below to see all opportunities. Questions, email Laurie Pierce.
|
|
JOIN A PARISH TEAM!
Laurie Pierce is seeking volunteers. Males, introverts, those without children in the home, and those not sure what they believe in/think they have nothing to offer, are encouraged to serve on teams. If you love this community, kids, events, bringing people together, our worship, or mentoring, please click below to learn more about the teams being formed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|