SHARE:  

RECTOR'S REFLECTION

Dear Friends in Christ,


This past Sunday about 25 people gathered in the Lilly Room for a newcomer lunch. Other than a few members of the staff, everyone else was new to St. Paul’s. The longest someone has been active is about 18 months; the shortest about two weeks.


As the lunch started, we were a group of people with one thing in common: St. Paul’s. By the end of the lunch, we were transformed into a community, siblings in Christ. How did this happen? Not through any elaborate ritual or intensive orientation process. We shared a meal. We introduced ourselves. And Jesus showed up.


As the Rector of St. Paul’s, I had the privilege of introducing myself last. This gave me the opportunity to listen to each person’s story. No one spoke for more than three to four minutes, most for far less time. But as each person shared something about themselves, we discovered connections, common backgrounds and shared experiences. We realized we had far more in common than simply showing up at St. Paul’s.


Most moving for me was the way each person’s story was affirmed by the rest of the group. More than one person shared the pain of being rejected by the church of their birth and the joy of finding a church that accepts them. Others talked about their continued searching for a church in which they will find a God who loves them as they are. Our youngest participant, seven years old if I’m remembering correctly, felt affirmed by being included in the meal and invited to introduce herself to a room full of adults instead of silenced or exiled to another room for childcare.


When it was my turn to speak, I reflected on our experience as a form of eucharist. No, our lunch was not the formal sacrament of the Holy Eucharist which we celebrate in the church. But it was holy. We didn’t need the ritual, the vestments, the music, the altar and the bread and wine to make eucharist together. We gathered around a table, shared a meal, experienced transformation and Jesus showed up.


One of the clear and consistent messages to emerge from the reimagining listening sessions in the fall was the deep desire to be connected, to participate in a community in which we know others and are known by others. We want to be in relationship with each other and with Christ.


For this to happen in a parish the size of St. Paul’s, intentionality is required as we seek ways to experience eucharist together. It doesn’t need to be around a meal or take place on our campus or become complicated by guidelines and ritual. Experiencing eucharist can be as simple as the newcomer lunch or sharing coffee at The Avenue Coffeeshop in Broad Ripple or whatever other ways we create spaces to share our stories, to listen to each other and to affirm ourselves as siblings in Christ.


When we do this, God in Christ shows up. “For where two or three are gathered in my name,” Jesus said, “I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)


Your Friend in Christ,

The Rev. John Denson, D.Min.Rector

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023 BALLOT AND VOTING

Voting is now open to approve minutes from last year's Annual Meeting, the four candidates on our 2027 Vestry slate and the Diocesan Convention delegates. Your participation is needed all members 16 years of age and older who have contributed to St. Paul's are eligible to vote. All votes must be submitted no later than Thursday, February 1 at 5 p.m.

VOTE NOW

RECENT PHISHING ATTEMPTS

Malicious individuals have been impersonating clergy/staff and sending phishing texts/emails to members of St. Paul's. The perpetrators behind these communications are using the trusted name of St. Paul's clergy/staff to mislead you into revealing sensitive information, such as financial details or personal data, which can be used for fraudulent activities. We want to ensure that you are well-informed and protected from these fraudulent attempts. Click here to read important guidelines to protect yourself against phishing attempts.

GRIEF TALKS

Saturday, February 3, 3-5 p.m., via Zoom

Join a virtual, facilitated open group conversation about grief with topics building on shared concepts. Participation is not necessary for each to gain insight and share experiences. Grief Talks is the 2024 group meeting place for everyone and anyone struggling with grief: those who have lost someone, those who are facing their curiosity around death, those who are caretakers and those who want to learn more about supporting people in their end of life. This group is open to all and supports the diversity of the larger community - navigating grief that is individual, collective and global at this time we are in. Click here for the zoom link to join. If you have questions or accessibility needs, click here to email Tyne Parlett.

ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, February 4, 10:15-11:45 a.m., Parish Hall

All adults and youth are encouraged to attend the St. Paul's Annual Meeting after the 9 a.m. service and participate in conversation with our Rector, leadership and fellow parishioners. Youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join us during the meeting (Youth Lounge will be closed). Childcare and snacks will be available for ages infant-5 (in the nursery) and ages kindergarten-grade 5 may enjoy a Kids party (in the Lilly Room). There will be no 11:15 a.m. service offered that day.

PANCAKE SUPPER

Tuesday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Parish Hall

All are invited to join us on Shrove Tuesday for a buffet-style Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall – friends and neighbors are welcome (no RSVPs needed). Voluntary donations will be accepted at the door, all funds supporting the St. Paul's Youth Group trip to Cincinnati in February. Plan to stay afterwards for burning of the palms at 7 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to sign up to help where they can. There are a variety of timeslots and ways to help. This is a great opportunity to get to know others at St. Paul’s by working on a small team. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions. Sign up below to help:

SIGN UP

LENTEN GATHERINGS

Want to get to know fellow St. Paul’s friends, maybe with some snacks or supper? Join a group of approximately 6-12 people, meeting three times (mid-February to the end of March) for conversation, a faith-related discussion and short prayers with Lenten themes. Every group will be hosted by a different St. Paul’s household at a different time and place. See details and sign up below. Questions, click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven.

SIGN UP

LENTEN WALKERS

Thursdays, starting February 15, 8-8:45 a.m.

Join others for a morning stroll, walking in the neighborhoods adjacent to St. Paul's. Enjoy some exercise and fellowship together during the season of Lent as a start. Plan to meet on St. Paul's circle drive, unless there is inclement weather (under 25 degrees or an ice event has occurred). Questions, click here to email Sarah Flynn Klein.

HAPPENING SUNDAY

RECTOR'S FORUM

Sunday, January 28, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

This month’s Rector’s Forum will cover a variety of topics to help you prepare for the Annual Meeting on February 4, including the annual financial overview, a summary of our relationship with The Avenue Foundation, and a report on the Rector’s plans for his sabbatical in the spring. Click here to see upcoming Adult Faith Forums.

CHORAL MATTINS

11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong. St. Paul’s Choir sings responses, canticles, the psalm and anthem. Featuring music by Richard Shephard, Gerre Hancock, George Dyson, Charles V. Stanford and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.

GET INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED

The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is committed to welcoming and protecting all people who participate in activities in its parishes and at events sponsored by the diocese. Download the Diocesan Safe Church policy here.

KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY

Kairos is an ecumenical Christian prison ministry, helping to transform the lives of inmates. A team has been working for one year towards effecting positive change in those housed at Heritage Trail Correctional Facility. The next visit to Heritage Trail is planned for April 26-28. Questions, or to express interest in joining, please email George Slenski, george@slenski.net.

MLK LAY CLERGY GROUP

Is God calling you? The MLK Lay Clergy group is meeting with community partners to address the issue of the Indianapolis housing crisis, which has resulted in evictions and higher crime rates. Help is needed in providing support/options for those affected by the housing crisis and working to influence the housing legislation to make changes. The MLK Lay Clergy group and community partners plan to focus on providing approved families with unrestricted funding for rent/utilities, landlord resources, financial literacy partners and household item donations. Questions or to become involved, click here to email Janie Frazier. For a full MLK Lay Clergy Group update, click here.

SCHOOL #43 TUTORS

If you are interested in joining a group of St. Paul’s volunteer tutors at School #43, please click here to email Janie Frazier. Janie will coordinate the completion of an IPS background check and schedule training. For a full School #43 update, click here.

AFGHAN REFUGEE SUPPORT

St. Paul’s Outreach has been working with Trinity Episcopal Church since last August to bring 15 members of an Afghan family to the United States. Trinity has matched a $5,000 commitment from St. Paul’s Outreach for relocation and housing expenses. Outreach is working to raise half of their donation ($2,500) with your generosity. Please learn more and help support this Afghan family by clicking the link below. Questions, or to express interest in joining the relocation team, click here to email George Slenski.

SUPPORT

Follow us:

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube

Tell your friends: