Image of Laurie Pierce and family
Image of Laurie Pierce child
FAMILY NEWSLETTER
Fall 2021
Hello families,

I am so grateful to be amongst such a robust, active community at St. Paul’s. My family and I have been settling in easily to life in Indianapolis…like maybe too easily. House — check, jobs — check, schools — check, pediatrician — check, neighborhood friends — check. Oh right, cue head lice and literally prying my child from the car in the drop-off line at school this morning.

I’d love to meet with you and your family at a park or for ice cream sometime. It helps me get to know you all when meeting in smaller group settings. Please reach out if you’d like that.

A little background on my family — my husband, Adam, is a priest at Trinity Episcopal. My kids, Aleea (6), Hazel (4) and Lucas (2), will be splitting their time here and there with their nanny, Priscilla.

There are lots of updates in this newsletter and plenty of opportunities to sign-up for involvement! Please come serve and be a part of community again in ways you are most comfortable.

I hope the start of the school year has been a welcomed transition for your family. Please know that I’m lifting all the parents, youth and children in prayer for the start of a new school year, for the difficulties and anxiety COVID continues to cause, and for the overall health and wellbeing of each of you. May you know you’re not walking this alone.

Peace,
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry
FALL SERVICE SCHEDULE
Starting September 12, we will have four worship services! We will return to normal, indoor 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m. services, along with a new outdoor service happening at 9:15 a.m. in the courtyard. The outdoor service is meant for those who would feel more comfortable outdoors, as well as providing overflow space for the 9 a.m. service (while there are still capacity limits). This service will end when the weather gets too cold or the capacity limit inside increases, whichever comes first. You’re welcome to bring a blanket for kids, grab a chair (which we’ll provide) and enjoy allowing kids to be kids in this open-air space.

Because of the 9:15 a.m. service, we will not be offering Children’s Chapel. However, there will be a variety of tools, inside and outside, for children to choose from to keep their hands busy and ears open.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School begins September 12 and will be held entirely outdoors. If there is rain, those comfortable will move indoors into classrooms. We will rotate between traditional Sunday School divided by age groups, to a Family Unit Spirituality activity, to a parish-wide coffee hour. The new addition of Family Unit Spirituality helps us in multiple ways.

  1. Sunday school teachers have less on their plate. (We need more teachers! If interested, please contact me).
  2. Students are divided by age grouped classes only twice per month — creating less risk.
  3. If I, as a Children’s Director, can’t find time to do spiritual practices with my kids at home, I’m guessing you can’t either.

This gives us all the time and space to take a breath together, be with family and talk about where you see God. Additionally, the parish-wide coffee hour helps us to connect as one church family, know each other and spend time supporting each other around coffee and snacks!

While your kids are in Sunday school classes, parents are encouraged to join the Adult Forum in the Parish Hall. The chapel is a great place to quietly sit or read. The courtyard will also be open for parents to be together for rest and support.

If you haven't already, please register your kids for Sunday School or sign up to assist with Sunday School below.
NURSERY
It is my hope to have the nursery open again soon. When that happens, it will be available Sundays from 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. for ages 0-3. Please watch announcements for updates.
WAYCROSS GRANTS
Summer Camp is often a transformative and life-changing experience. St. Paul’s has a deep interest in facilitating these pivotal moments for young people in the Christian camp setting of Waycross. The fall 2021 and spring 2022 grants each fund 50% of the cost to attend Waycross Summer Camp in 2022. Families are welcome to utilize both grant terms to fund 100% of the cost. The grant application is below; questions, contact me.
SERVICE ROLES
There are numerous ways for your family to be involved this fall. Please sign-up below for the following roles:

  • Child and youth readers (indoors at 9 a.m.)
  • Family readers for Gospel and Prayers of the People (outdoors at 9:15 a.m.)
  • Youth Acolytes - contact Pamela Smith
  • Family Greeters (indoors at 9 a.m.)
  • Family Oblations (bring up the bread and wine indoors at 9 a.m.)
  • Pass around the offering plate (outside at 9:15 a.m.)
  • Sunday School teachers and assistants 
SHARING YOUR STORY
Have you ever wanted to share a story of faith or a time you experienced God? We are asking adults and youth interested in sharing five minute reflections of faith, journey or insights from the gospel reading to speak at the outdoor (9:15 a.m.) service. Children are also welcome to sign up with parents for a family share. Sign up below.
FORT BEN DAY
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 24, 4-7 p.m. for a Family Ministry fall gathering at Fort Harrison State Park. Enjoy food, crafts, games and togetherness.
HALLOWEEN
We will absolutely be doing something special for church which falls on Halloween this year. Be on the lookout — details to come. Kids and adults, start planning those costumes!