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Dear Friends in Christ,


After a long and arduous campaign, we now know who the next President of the United States will be. Although reactions to the election vary depending on who people voted for, most of my conversations today have been with people feeling deep anxiety about the next four years.


When I’m feeling anxious and uncertain, I often find it helpful to remind myself of what I can count on. Today the old evangelical hymn, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine” keeps going through my head. So, where can we find “blessed assurance” in the midst of uncertainty? 


First, Jesus is still with us. At the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells the disciples “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (28:20) Jesus’ presence is not dependent on who wins elections. This is true when life is good, and we don’t feel like we need Jesus. It’s also true when life is challenging, and we feel as if Jesus is absent. Jesus is with us today as he was yesterday and will be tomorrow. Here is a prayer to remind us of God’s continual presence.


Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Second, our vocation as Christians remains the same. Whenever we renew our Baptismal Covenant, we commit, with God’s help, to a vocation of service. We promise to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,” to “persevere in resisting evil,” to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ,” to “seek and serve Christ in all persons,” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” This is the life to which we are called at all times and especially in difficult times. Here is a prayer we can pray to remind us of our call to serve.


Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Third, our mission as a parish continues. “Inspired by sacred worship and Jesus’ call to love our neighbor, St. Paul’s welcomes and serves all with a commitment to justice, inclusion and generous hospitality.” This is who we are. This is what we do. We are a people committed to sharing Christ’s love, creating community and striving for justice. People need Jesus’ compassion today. We are the people called to share it.


This Sunday we will gather for worship as we always do. We will pray, sing and share communion together. Both in person and via the livestream, we will form ourselves together as a community of faith, hope and love. Then we will go forth to be Christ’s light in the world. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)


Your Friend in Christ,


The Rev. John Denson, D.Min.

Rector

THIS WEEKEND

RECTOR'S FORUM

Sunday, November 10, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Join the Rev. John Denson, D.Min. for a reflection on where we find ourselves after the election and what loving God and our neighbor looks like from here.

PRACTICES OF PRAYER: LABYRINTH

Sunday, November 10, 10:15-11 a.m.

Room 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Labyrinths are one of our most ancient forms of movement prayer. As we walk a labyrinth, we make space for our anxieties to unfold along the path, and for God to meet us where we are. Join Hope Moran, certified Veriditas labyrinth facilitator, to explore a bit of labyrinth history, talk about uses of the labyrinth and have time to walk St. Paul’s new portable labyrinth. Hope has led over 50 labyrinth walks — walked another 60 herself with the goal of walking at least one in each state — and attended many workshops and read many resources on this ancient pathway. Please click here for details about monthly "Lunch & A Labyrinth" events led by Hope.

SUNG MORNING PRAYER

11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

Enjoy the morning version of Choral Evensong. St. Paul’s Choir sings responses, canticles, the psalm and anthem. Featuring music by Margaret Burk, Herbert Sumsion, Frank Boles and more. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.

CHORAL EVENSONG

4 p.m., Sanctuary

Enjoy the music of David Hogan, Kenneth Leighton, Charles Wood and more. This service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.

SHARING CHRIST'S LOVE

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR VESTRY

Nominations for St. Paul's Vestry Class of 2028 will be accepted through Friday, November 29. The Vestry is tasked with strategic oversight and communication toward objectives and goals in support of St. Paul’s mission. Members meet on the third Tuesday of most months and serve a three-year term. Click below to read more about the functions of our Vestry and to nominate someone you think would be an asset in this important role. 
VESTRY DETAILS

THANK YOU, ST. PAUL'S VETERANS

We are grateful to St. Paul's veterans and thank all veterans for their service. In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, we recognize current St. Paul's veterans made known to us. Please click below for details.
ST. PAUL'S VETERANS

COLLECTING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS FOR COBURN PLACE

Sundays, November 17 & 24, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Burrows Commons

St. Paul’s Community Engagement Team is helping Coburn Place make the holidays brighter for their families! Gently used Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah decorations are being collected and delivered to Coburn so families there may choose no-cost decor to create joyful, festive spaces. Please consider donating items, such as tree skirts, stockings, holiday linens, door and table decor, figurines, ornaments and more.Let's spread some holiday cheer! Please click here to email Janie Frazier or click here to email Bronwen Ferguson with questions.

NEED A HAND AT HOME (OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT DOES)?

Sunday, November 24

12-1 p.m., Parish Hall (potluck lunch for volunteers)

1-3 p.m. (service in the community)

Do you need help with yardwork or household tasks? If so, we have small groups of volunteers — adults, teens and kids — who would love to help on November 24 from 1-3 p.m. Please click here to email Tana Hunnicutt if you'd like to request a team to assist! All volunteers will join together for a potluck lunch at noon, after which small groups will be formed to head out and serve our community. This all-parish event welcomes all ages! Please RSVP below and include your potluck dish. We’ll send a reminder closer to the date. Please click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
RSVP

CREATING COMMUNITY

CHAIR YOGA WORKSHOP

Wednesdays, November 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.

KPOP INDIANA BAZAAR

Saturday, November 16, 1-5 p.m., Parish Hall

Kpop Indiana invites all to its first holiday bazaar. Come enjoy a day of unique shopping, featuring Kpop music and merchandise. Available items include handcrafted and home baked goods featuring KPop groups and Korean culture. Click here to email Jo Taylor with questions.

A BACH HARVEST

Cantatas & Courtly Dances

Sunday, November 17, 4-6 p.m., Sanctuary

Led by the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra’s (IBO) world class concertmaster, Adriane Post and St. Paul's Director of Music, Brad Hughley, there is much to savor - sample a plentiful harvest of Bach’s glorious music! General admission tickets are $30/each (senior and student rates available). All tickets are sold by IBO; a 20% discount will be offered to St. Paul's parishioners using the code STPAUL at checkout. Click the button below to purchase tickets now:
TICKETS

ST. PAUL'S MUSIC PRESENTS:

THE GESUALDO SIX IN CONCERT

Sunday, February 16, 4 p.m. Sanctuary

St. Paul's Music is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for a breathtaking performance by The Gesualdo Six, one of the world’s premier vocal ensembles, coming to St. Paul’s on February 16. Known for their rich, emotive sound and unparalleled precision, this UK-based group will present a program that spans Renaissance polyphony to contemporary choral works — an unforgettable evening for music lovers of all kinds. Join us for this rare opportunity to experience The Gesualdo Six’s mesmerizing harmonies live in the intimate, acoustically rich setting of St. Paul’s. Secure your tickets soon — this event is likely to sell out quickly! Tickets are $30 (check/cash sales, available to purchase during St. Paul’s office hours, Tuesday-Thursday, 9a - 4p or day of show) or $31.20 (credit card sales, including processing fees). Click below to purchase tickets now.
TICKETS

CELEBRATING OUR OWN

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to ALL St. Paul’s volunteers who generously share their time and energy! To highlight a few, thank you to Cathy Henney and Barb MacDougall, who organized a delightful ring toss game for students at the MLK Center's Fall Festival; Larry Krauser, George Slenski and Janie Frazier, who extended a warm welcome to participants at the School #43 information fair — your kindness and dedication shine through. Also, thanks to Fred Rice, Jill Pinch, Scott Redmon, Bill Cummings, Frank Hartman and George Slenski, who worked on the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build at Second Presbyterian, helping to build stronger communities. Thank you all for living out our mission of sharing Christ's love, creating community and striving for justice!


UPCOMING EVENTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & MORE:

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