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We are not living in an era of change, but a change of era.
- Pope Francis
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Welcome to the change of era at St. Paul’s Indy. I am so happy to have been called to serve alongside you for the next year as we, together, navigate the seas of change. Part of my call as your Interim Rector is to help us engage this change of era as a spiritual experience – opening ourselves to the opportunities and epiphanies that we can expect God to put in our paths. Yes, there will be uncertainty, second-guessing, regret, fear, disorientation, frustration, and anxiety. And I can pretty much guarantee there will be tears. These reactions are normal responses to significant change. The first golden rule of transition: be gentle and forgiving with yourself and each other. And, maybe even more importantly, maintain your sense of humor! Imagine what it would look like if we measured spiritual “success” by the amount of safety people feel in our presence.
To help us live into this change of era, spiritually, I want to introduce a thought framework developed by the theologian Richard Rohr. Rohr first described the concept of “Order, Disorder, Reorder” at a conference sponsored by the Center for Action and Contemplation in 2019. “Every form becomes its own new orthodoxy,” he said, “and the painful pattern of growth begins all over again.” In his presentation, Rohr described the pattern this way:
- Order: the status quo, the way things are, “the way it’s always been done”
- Disorder: usually inaugurated by some sort of crisis, death, change
- Reorder: the “new life” that results in not only enduring disorder but allowing it to transform, renew, and change us
Rohr then illustrated how the world’s great spiritualities and philosophies, including Christianity, embody and teach this pattern quite directly – each using its own vocabularies, symbols, and metaphors. We see this pattern playing out in nature all around us, and probably in our personal and professional lives as well. Each stage in the cycle has its own characteristics, dynamics, and lessons to learn.
Think Jonah and the Whale. Jonah is living his best life (order) until he defies God’s call to go to Nineveh (disorder), flees to Tarshish instead, is swallowed by a whale and inside its belly does some significant soul-searching. Then is spat up on Nineveh’s dry land (reorder) a changed and renewed person.
Think Moses and the people of Israel. The Israelites live as slaves to Pharoah (order). God raises up the reluctant prophet Moses (disorder) to challenge Pharoah, part the Red Sea, wander in the wilderness, and lead the people to the Promised Land (order).
As we near Holy Week, think about the Passion. Jesus, the wisdom teacher, travels the countryside with his disciples telling stories, healing, challenging Pharisees, and performing miracles (order). He is betrayed, crucified, died, buried, and resurrected (disorder). His story changes the hearts of the people forever, restores us to God, and sends disciples and apostles out into the world to spread the Good News (reorder).
St. Paul’s has entered a time of disorder. But fear not! It leads to renewal and transformation. Please join me for this Sunday’s Adult Forum, and we’ll go deeper.
Faithfully,
| | The Rev. Devon Anderson, Interim Rector | | |
ADULT FAITH FORUM
Rector Transition Discussion
10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Welcome to Transition! The Rev. Devon Anderson, our Interim Rector, will introduce us to a theological framework for embracing this time of significant change: theologian Richard Rohr’s idea about the cycle of order, disorder, and reorder. How we spiritually engage this time of disorder and transition will impact how we emerge from it. Come for presentation and discussion as we launch into this journey together.
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WELCOME TOUR
10:15-11 a.m., Meet in the nave (sanctuary)
If you're new to St. Paul’s Indy, have been attending for a while, or are simply interested in a tour of our spaces and how they are used, join the Rev. Jeff Bower in the nave (sanctuary) for a guided tour immediately after the 9 a.m. service.
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION SUGGESTION: Call your state representative and vote 'NO' on HB1114
As part of St. Paul's mission to strive for justice and share Christ’s love, the Advocacy, Equity & Justice team is providing regular action suggestions aligned with Episcopalian values. Input is welcome — click here to email Irma Boyett with questions or suggestions. The Advocacy, Equity & Justice team suggests contacting your state representative to ask them to vote 'No' on HB1114 which could criminalize the purchase of cars through non-profit organizations (LLCs). Many immigrants buy their cars this way. If you leave a voicemail, make sure to leave your address so your opinion is tallied. Please click here to email Amanda Collins with questions.
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CELEBRATING OUR OWN
We pray in thanksgiving for the March 25 birth of Penelope Charlotte Guyer, granddaughter of Paul and Donna Guyer.
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All are invited to journey through Holy Week with us! As we walk together through the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, we invite all to participate in worship services and formation that offer reflection, hope and renewal.
Palm Sunday Liturgy, April 13, 7:45, 9* & 11:15* a.m.
*with St. Paul's Choir; livestream is available on Facebook and YouTube
Maundy Thursday Liturgy, April 17, 6 p.m.
with St. Paul's Choir treble and teen choristers
Good Friday Liturgy, April 18, 12 p.m.
with St. Paul's Choir; nursery care is available; livestream is available on Facebook and YouTube
Holy Saturday Liturgy, April 19, 9 a.m.
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PILGRIMAGE THROUGH HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday, April 13, 10-11:30 a.m., Parish Hall
Holy Week calls us into the most sacred and intimate final stories of Jesus’ last week on earth and the core of our faith and identity as Christians. On Palm Sunday, adults and youth are invited to enter more fully into this journey through a series of prayer stations and reflective activities. Each is designed to welcome us into the imagery, narratives and liturgies of this week, especially Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, that our joy on Easter may be full and rich. Pilgrimage guides will be available anytime between 10-11:30 a.m. to orient all to the space. Click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven with questions.
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CHILDREN'S HOLY WEEK WALK
Palm Sunday, April 13, 10:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Room 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
All families with children in the home are invited to a walk through Holy Week. Kids and parents will use all of their senses to explore the days of Holy Week. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
| | EASTER DAY AND POST-EASTER OFFICE CLOSURE | | | |
EASTER EGG HUNT FOR AGES 0-18
Sunday, April 20, 10:15 a.m., St. Paul's grounds
All kids and youth (ages 0-18) are invited to join us after the 9 a.m. service for an Easter Egg Hunt!
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POST-EASTER OFFICE CLOSURE FOR REST & RENEWAL
St. Paul’s office will be closed the week following Easter, from Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24, allowing time for staff and clergy to rest and recharge. The office will reopen on Tuesday, April 29.
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CONNECTIONS YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Monday, April 7, 6:30-8 p.m., Tinker Coffee Firehouse
Young Adults with no children (who are over 18 but under 45) are invited to join for a time of building community and sharing faith stories. This new group is organically discerning together - both ministry gifts and how best to serve the Church and the world. Please click here to email Jacob Denning with questions.
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SPRING & SUMMER VOLUNTEER TEAMS NEEDED
Interested in getting involved? New opportunities are forming, including short-term teams and volunteer roles with the MLK Center! Click below to learn more. Please click here to email Laurie Pierce with interest in serving in one of these roles.
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Please click on red links for available details
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Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, RCR (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
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Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Tuesday Study Group at Broad Ripple Brewpub
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Sat., April 5, 1-3 p.m., Episcopal Women's Ministry (EWM) Spring Zoom Gathering
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Starting April 8, Mindful Yoga with Carrie spring dates
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Thur., April 10, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Lifelong Learners
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Sun., May 4, Celebrate St. Paul's: Picnic with a Purpose
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Sundays, May 4 & 11, Pasta collection in Burrows Commons for Second Helpings
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Sat., May 10, Habitat for Humanity Panel Build
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 19-21, Parish Retreat at Waycross
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