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Dear Friends in Christ,
There is abundant evidence to suggest we live in an age of social isolation and despair. For example, according to the Surgeon General’s 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, “about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And that was before the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Then there is the overwhelming response this week to a post on Elmo’s X account. Yes, that’s right. Elmo, the sweet little red monster on Sesame Street. According to The New York Times, Elmo asked what seemed to be an innocuous question. “How is everybody doing?” Thousands replied by sharing their despair, anxiety and loneliness.
We’re not immune from this experience at St. Paul’s. During the reimagining process listening sessions in the fall, many people spoke of their experience of isolation and their yearning for connection. While no one sounded a note of despair, many spoke about their desire for community and more authentic relationships.
“Shared joy is double joy. Shared sorrow is half sorrow.” I came upon this old Swedish proverb a few weeks ago in a column by David French, an attorney and Evangelical Christian who writes for The New York Times. In the column he reflects on the emotional support he and his wife received following her cancer diagnosis. Because of their strong web of relationships, they have not experienced isolation or overwhelming despair despite the seriousness of their situation. They know they are not alone.
“The key word in the Swedish proverb is ‘shared,’” French writes. “You don’t just tell me the reason for your sorrow or joy, and I don’t just listen. The word ‘shared’ implies participation. When you share a meal, you are not merely one of two people eating. You are eating together. And so it should be with sorrow and joy. In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul tells believers to ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.’”
St. Paul’s is a large, well-resourced church. This allows us to support a large choir and vibrant family ministry, to provide programming for our seniors, and to make a meaningful difference in the world around us. But offering programs is not the same as facilitating connections and fostering relationships. Creating a community requires something else.
“There is no national five-point plan for friendship,” French writes. “It’s not a problem susceptible to political or cultural fixes from the top down. Instead, it’s a problem that demands individual action motivated by individual conviction, perhaps led by the very people who know what it means to feel the double joy and half sorrow that sharing makes possible. Those of us who have been blessed in this way must bless others in return.”
I agree that individual action and conviction make all the difference. The church cannot make people know each other. But we can facilitate connections with Christ and each other. We already do this, of course. Plenty of people feel connected. For those of us who do, Jesus calls us to share this blessing with others by making new connections and by willingly sharing our joys and sorrows. When we do, others feel more than included. They feel loved. They know they belong.
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min., Rector
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2023 ANNUAL REPORT, BALLOT AND VOTING
If you have not yet voted, please do so now. Your participation is needed to approve minutes from last year's Annual Meeting, the four candidates on our 2027 Vestry slate and the Diocesan Convention delegates. All members age 16+ who have contributed to St. Paul's are eligible to vote. Voting closes TODAY, Thursday, February 1 at 5 p.m.
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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. 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) and to follow along with Listening Bingo during the meeting. Childcare and snacks will be available (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 this Sunday. If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting in-person, a livestream will be available via YouTube after 10:40 a.m. Click here to attend virtually.
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GREEN TEAM MEETING
Sunday, February 4, 12:30-2 p.m., Roberts Library (first floor, Church building)
All are invited to assist in the planning of environmental projects benefiting St. Paul’s, its parish family and the community. The Green Team meets on the first Sunday of each month. Questions, click here to email Mark Carpenter.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPCOMING EVENTS | |
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GRIEF TALKS
Saturday, February 3, 3-5 p.m., via Zoom
Join a virtual, shared concept conversation about grief. Grief Talks is the 2024 group meeting place for everyone and anyone struggling with having lost someone, facing curiosity around death and 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. Click here for the zoom link to join. If you have questions or accessibility needs, click here to email Tyne Parlett.
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ADULT FAITH FORUM :: LENT 101
Sunday, February 11, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Join the Rev. Beth Scriven for the first of three Lenten-based forums. This conversation will discuss Lenten practices - why we do them, how we choose them and how to make them stick. Click here to see upcoming forum details.
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CHORAL MATTINS
Sunday, February 11, 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 Kenneth Leighton, George Thalben-Ball, John Ireland and Healey Willan. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.
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CHORAL EVENSONG AND POST-EVENSONG RECITAL
Sunday, February 11, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Join us for a service of Evensong. Featuring music by Thomas Tallis, Kenneth Leighton, Gerre Hancock, Bruce Neswick, Herbert Howells and more. This service represents one day out of the week of Choral Evensongs that St. Paul’s Choir will sing at Ely Cathedral, July 15-21, 2024. Your gracious presence is part of the St. Paul's Choir pilgrimage.
Plan to stay for a post-Evensong recital by organist, Emily Ballentine Erb, from 5-5:20 p.m.
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PANCAKE SUPPER
Tuesday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Join us on Shrove Tuesday for a buffet-style Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall – no RSVPs needed and friends and neighbors are welcome. Voluntary donations will be accepted at the door in support of the St. Paul's Youth Group trip to Cincinnati. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to sign up below - there are a variety of timeslots and ways to help. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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BURNING OF THE PALMS
Shrove Tuesday, February 13, approximately 7 p.m.
St. Paul's parking lot
All are invited to participate in a special tradition as we prepare our hearts and minds for the Lenten season. On Shrove Tuesday, we will burn the palms from Palm Sunday 2023 to create ash for our Ash Wednesday worship. Do you have palms from past Palm Sundays in your home and wonder what to do with them? Bring them to St. Paul’s on or before February 13 to contribute to this outdoor gathering at the conclusion of the Pancake Supper.
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CAMINO 101
Thursday, February 15, open house 5-8 p.m., program at 6 p.m., Parish Hall
Hoosiers on the Camino, a chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, is sponsoring an open house and program about walking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Parishioners Dave and Jan Carlson and George Slenski are members of the local Indianapolis chapter and all have experience walking the Camino. Camino 101 is for those who may wonder what it is, or may consider walking this sacred pilgrimage in the future. Questions, click here to email Jan Carlson.
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NEW YORK POLYPHONY CONCERT
Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Dive into a world of timeless melodies and mesmerizing vocal prowess with New York Polyphony, the acclaimed vocal chamber ensemble. Grab your tickets today and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of transcendent music. Tickets are $25/each (cash/check) or $25.75 (credit card). Proceeds from this concert will fund the St. Paul's Choir 2024 pilgrimage to Ely Cathedral. Questions, click here to email Meegan Kriner. Click below to purchase tickets now:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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