Dear Friends in Christ,
Every Monday I receive an email from the Episcopal Church Foundation titled “Ministry Tip of the Week.” I confess that at best I glance at these emails. Too often I ignore them completely. The tip on July 10, however, caught my attention: “Get closer to God by learning to rest and waste time.”
I know exactly why I noticed it. Last week I was in my “week before vacation” mode. This, of course, meant attempting to cross as many things off of my to-do list as possible, getting through as many emails in my inbox as possible and meeting with as many people as possible. It’s always a rush and a bit intense.
I found Alan Bentrup’s advice in his article, “Learning to Waste Time” helpful, though I would categorize his suggestions as “life tips” and not simply “ministry tips.” What he shared isn’t new to me, but it can easily be forgotten in the fullness of life. Here is his advice (in italics) with my practical suggestions.
- Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God." Taking the time to be still, to meditate on God's word, and to pray is important, even if only for a few minutes each day. In these moments of “wasted time” we can gain clarity, find inspiration, and deepen our relationship with God.
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Looking for tools to help you find stillness? Check out Forward Movement, an Episcopal resource which offers scripture reflections and forms for daily prayer. If you’d prefer meditation, check out Calm. If meditation is new for you, Calm offers tutorials to get you started. Of course, both Forward Movement and Calm offer apps for your devices.
- Slowing down invites us to invest in relationships, to “waste time” by engaging in meaningful conversations, and to be present for those we care about.
- One of the things I so admire about my wife is the way she intentionally connects with friends and family. It might be a phone call, a walk, getting together for coffee, or meeting for dinner. There usually isn’t an agenda, only a desire to connect. Being present with others is what makes the difference.
- One of the most well-known teachings about rest and “wasting time” comes from the Sabbath. In the book of Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to set aside one day a week for rest and worship. This sacred day was not meant for productivity but rather for rejuvenation, reflection, and restoration of our true selves. By “wasting time” and observing Sabbath, we remember that the world doesn’t revolve around us.
- Sabbath is not about going to church. It’s about giving yourself time for rest and renewal. Admittedly, setting aside an entire day each week is probably too much for most of us. But how about a morning, afternoon, or evening? Or an hour? Thirty minutes? My Sabbath is Friday. It’s not an entire day of rest. But I do intentionally make time to read, bake and nap, activities I find renewing.
This week and next I’m on vacation, enjoying some extended Sabbath rest. In whatever way is possible, I pray you have found or will find the Sabbath rest you need.
Your Friend in Christ,
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GREEN TEAM BOOK DISCUSSION ON SUNDAY
Sundays, July 23 and August 6, 9-10 a.m., Roberts Library
Join the Green Team for a discussion about The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times. Authors Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams focus 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.
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CELEBRATE THE REV. BARBARA KEMPF
Sunday, July 30, 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 and congratulate her on her new ministry with The Episcopal Church. 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.
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TUESDAY STUDY GROUP
Beginning July 25, the group will study No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler. At age 35, Bowler believed that life was a series of unlimited choices until discovering that she had cancer. She shares her search for a way forward and her finding that we are as fragile as the day we were born. All are invited, regardless of reading the book. Questions, email Larry Johnson.
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SUMMER FESTIVAL & BACKPACK BLESSING
Sunday, August 6, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Plan to attend our Summer Festival 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.
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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 in the lawn for an unforgettable experience at the ballpark. Click below to reserve seats and pay later.
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THANK YOU, YOUTH LEADER TINA WEIGEL
As Tina’s six-month contract comes to an end, we are grateful for the period of discernment her involvement in family ministry has provided. Tina’s love for God and serving the church was clear in her interactions and her devotion to the role. Tina works full-time as a teacher in Wayne Township; as the new school year begins, please join us in praying for Tina and her students.
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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:
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SERVE ON 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:
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HELP AT THE MLK CENTER
There are 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.
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HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Morning Light is seeking volunteers to provide compassionate and contemplative care to terminally ill residents of limited means. Those interested in supporting this important ministry are encouraged to attend a training session. Questions, or to register, email Brittany Babbitt or the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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