|
Dear Friends in Christ,
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:16-18)
These few verses from Matthew’s gospel, especially the quote from the prophet Jeremiah, have been echoing in my mind for over a week. They are appointed in the lectionary only for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28). I wonder if they are excluded from the Sunday lectionary because the image of innocent children being slaughtered is considered too uncomfortable and violent for worship.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack by Hamas we cannot turn our eyes away from the slaughter. On October 7 Hamas orchestrated an attack that killed, wounded, and took hostage young and old, affluent and poor, military personnel and civilians. The one thing the victims had in common was being Jewish. The attack has been described as a pogrom and the worst day for Judaism since the Holocaust.
But it is not only Jewish lives that have been lost. Innocent Palestinians — most of them Muslim though some could be Christian — have also been killed or forced to flee their homes. On Tuesday more tragedy struck in Gaza when hundreds were killed by an explosion at the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. As of the time I’m writing, it is unclear who is responsible.
Over the past few days, I’ve heard a yearning for moral clarity. From parishioners of St. Paul’s who want to know where I stand. From a local rabbi encouraging Christian clergy not to retreat into moral equivalence. Columnists and commentators in myriad news organizations have focused on moral questions.
I wonder if moral clarity, especially if by clarity we mean certainty, is possible. Can we support Israel by condemning the actions of Hamas and lament the growing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza? Can we support our Jewish and Muslim neighbors? Can we renounce the evil that is made manifest in acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia? Can we hope that terrorist organizations will be defeated and yearn for peace?
I don’t know if we can find moral clarity. But as a starting point, I’ll suggest we allow our words and actions in the coming weeks to be guided by some of the questions from our Baptismal Covenant (pp. 304-305 in the Prayer Book). Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
And while we ask these questions, we can also join the countless Rachels who now weep for their children. Instead of judgment, shall we lift our voices in prayerful lament? Even in lament, we do not need to be without hope. As the prophet Jeremiah writes, God hears Rachel’s lament and promises that her children “shall come back from the land of the enemy; there is hope for your future, says the Lord: your children shall come back to their own country.” (Jeremiah 31:16-17)
Let it be so, O God. Let it be so.
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John. Denson, D.Min., Rector
| |
|
ADULT FAITH FORUM
FJA Grant Winner, Israel Solomon
Sunday, October 22, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Faith, Justice & The Arts (FJA) grant winner, Israel Solomon will share details about his painting series, "Christ Like," to be displayed at The Harrison Center starting on Friday, November 3. Solomon's FJA grant allowed him to create "Christ Like" after envisioning it for several years. "Christ Like" involves the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how the story coincides with past and modern martyrdom of Black people in American Society. Look forward to some sneak peeks at the forum.
| |
|
ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE
Sunday, October 22, 10:15-11 a.m., Room 207 (second floor, Parish Center Building)
Parishioner and facilitator, Andrew Stacy, invites fellow members of St. Paul’s for the first in a bi-monthly series of lay-led dialogues concerning social justice in action. All will discuss systems of oppression and movements for liberation utilizing history, philosophy and theology. Anyone who has been yearning to take an active role in changing our world for the better, your insights and opinions are needed! Questions, email Andrew Stacy.
| |
|
ST. PAUL'S/EPISCOPAL CHURCH 101
Sunday, October 22, 10:20-11 a.m., CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building)
Join the Rev. John Denson and the Rev. Jeff Bower as they provide a very brief overview of St. Paul's history, an overview of St. Paul's relationship with the Diocese of Indianapolis, and touch on our place in the wider Episcopal Church. Learn a little about our identity and our faith tradition.
| |
|
REIMAGINING PROCESS LISTENING SESSION
Sunday, October 22, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building)
The Reimagining Team has been meeting to discern who we are as God’s people and who God is calling us to be in the future. To share an update on the process, and to hear your thoughts and ideas, the Reimagining Team is holding listening sessions. Please consider participating in one. RSVP for an upcoming Zoom session if that is more convenient. Click below to see all dates/times:
| |
CHORAL MATTINS
Sunday, October 22, 11:15 a.m.
Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong. St. Paul’s Choir sings responses, canticles, the psalm and anthem. Featuring music by François Couperin, Kenneth Leighton, Charles V. Stanford, George Dyson, John Ireland and James MacMillan. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.
| |
SACRED GROUND
Sunday, October 22, 12:30-2 p.m. (pitch-in); 2-3:30 p.m. (optional film), Lilly Room. Join us for a pitch-in lunch with an optional documentary viewing afterwards. Sacred Ground will meet in hybrid format October-May 2024, most sessions taking place via Zoom on alternating Mondays. There will be occasional in-person sessions to anchor our community.
Sacred Ground is an Episcopal dialogue series on race, grounded in faith and open to all. Together all will explore America’s history of race and racism, including the particular American histories of Black, Indigenous, Latino and Asian/Pacific American communities as they intersect with European American histories, our own family stories, economic class and political and regional identity.
Click the link below to see all details and register. Questions, email the Rev. Beth Scriven.
| |
|
BSA TROOP #73/#173
CHRISTMAS WREATH ORDERS
Sunday, October 22, 9:30-11 a.m., Parish Center Hallway
BSA troops will be taking orders for Christmas wreaths and sprays to be delivered to St. Paul’s before Thanksgiving. Questions, email Sandy Walters.
| |
|
ST. PAUL'S COLUMBARIUM REMEMBRANCES
During the November 5 All Saints' All-Parish Coffee Hour, the St. Paul's Intergenerational Team wishes to honor those who were part of the St. Paul's community and interred at St. Paul's. If you are a family member or know someone who is interred in the St. Paul's Columbarium, please email Ryan Wilhite to share stories about them - especially their relationship to the St. Paul's community. All stories should be shared by Wednesday, November 1.
| |
|
A WALK HOME
HOW TO ACCOMPANY THE DYING
Wednesday, November 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Abbie Hunt Bryce Home
All are invited to attend a training, hosted by Morning Light in partnership with St Paul's Supervised Ministry intern, Tyne Parlett (who is a certified death doula). Training will provide lay people with the skills to sit beside those who are actively dying. Participate in this informative and trauma-informed event that is sure to provide confidence and skills to all who hope to serve others at the end of life. Click here to register. Questions, email Tyne Parlett.
| |
|
TUESDAY STUDY GROUP
Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Broad Ripple Brewpub
The group is now studying How We Learn to be Brave. The decisive moments in life are those pivotal points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde teaches us to respond with clarity and grace, even in the toughest times. Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. All are welcome to join the conversation, regardless of reading the book. Questions, email Larry Johnson.
| |
|
INTERESTED IN LEARNING SPANISH?
After introducing the work of the Latino Ministry Taskforce, several people have expressed interest in learning to speak Spanish. Perhaps you have never thought about it or think you don't have the ability to learn another language but if you have the desire, you have the ability. Maybe you won't be fluent - a few words, sentences or expressions have the potential to open you to entirely new people, their culture and traditions. If learning Spanish is of interest you, please email the Rev. Jeff Bower or complete the sign-up sheet in Burrows Commons. After interest is gauged, times and dates will be determined. Muchas gracias!
| |
|
ST. PAUL'S WELLNESS TEAM
The St Paul’s Wellness Team would like your input.
Mental health and well-being greatly influence the quality of our everyday life. The newly formed Wellness Team is interested in discovering ways to best support the well-being of parishioners of all ages. Let us know which mental health and wellness topics are of interest to you. Click here to complete a brief survey. Email Carrie Bernhardt if you are interested in joining or have questions.
| |
|
PURCHASE TRIVIA NIGHT TICKETS!
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m., Parish Hall
St. Paul's Choir is hosting a trivia night to raise funds for their pilgrimage to England's Ely Cathedral next summer. Please help build spirit while enjoying some fun! Tickets are $30/each or $225 for a team of eight and include a freshly cooked dinner. Local beer and wine will be available for purchase; please bring cash for adult beverages and trivia mulligans. Purchase tickets online below, in-person from choir members, or at the door that evening. Questions, email Bill Cummings.
| | | |  | |
|
TGIF GATHERING
Friday, November 3, 6 p.m., Parish Hall
All will watch A Bottle in the Gaza Sea, an independent film screened at the 2012 Heartland Film Festival about a girl living in Jerusalem who writes a letter expressing her refusal to accept that only hatred can exist between Israelis and Palestinians. She places the letter in a bottle, and it is found in the sea by a young Palestinian – sparking a long-distance friendship between the two. The film doesn't take an ideological position on the conflict, but approaches it from a perspective shared by many who are personally affected by it. View the film trailer here. Adults 21+ are invited to join - the film will start at 6:30 p.m. Please bring your favorite pot of chili or a side to share, along with your beverage of choice. Click here to RSVP to Alan Davis no later than Thursday, November 2.
| |
|
ALL SOULS' WORSHIP :: REQUIEM by Cristóbal de Morales
Sunday, November 5, 11:15, Sanctuary
St Paul’s Choir section leaders, with the teens of the choir, will provide music for the parish’s commemoration of All Faithful Departed, using as its basis the hauntingly beautiful Requiem by Spanish Renaissance composer Cristóbal de Morales. The quiet and soothing harmonies provide a prayerful meditation of all those whom we love but see no longer. During the liturgy we will remember those killed, wounded, searching for loved ones, and struggling with grief and fear due to conflicts around the world. We will also pray for those from St. Paul’s who have died during the past year and for loved ones you have lost, whether recently or in the past. If, during the service, you would like us to mention the name of a loved one who has died, please email the name to Meegan Kriner by Monday, October 30.
| |
|
MEAL TRAIN MINISTRY TEAM
"Meal Train" is a site where volunteers sign up to bring food to someone in need of support. The Meal Train Ministry Team would love to have you on the team. Email notifications arrive when there is a new meal train, and you may view details and decide if the dates listed will work for you to deliver a homemade or store-bought hot meal.
Delivering meals not only meets a physical need for someone within our church community, but it also provides emotional and mental support. Bill Johnston was a recipient of a meal train over the summer and said, “The meals have been super helpful, and I have appreciated each one of them. The kindness and care that they provide from each deliverer has been such a super emotional uplift. I’d say that those mental boosts are as important or more than the physical meals.”
Email Laurie Pierce if you would like to be added to the team. Please let Clergy or Laurie know if there is someone in our church community that could benefit from a Meal Train.
| | | | |
