Click here for a mobile-friendly view.

MESSAGE FROM SENIOR WARDEN SHANE HATCHETT

Teach me to live, that I may dread

The grave as little as my bed, […]

O may I now on you repose,

And may kind sleep my eyelids close,

Sleep that may me more vigorous make

To serve my God when I awake.

All praise to God, sustaining us,

Redeeming and transfiguring us,

Thanksgiving in eternity,

All praise, belovèd Trinity.

(A New Zealand Prayer Book 1988, p. 175)

Happy Eastertide! Yes, that’s right – we don’t just celebrate the miracle of Easter on one Sunday (also known in some traditions as the Feast of the Resurrection or Pascha). The 50 days following Easter mark a shift in our worship calendar. We don’t say the Confession at celebrations of the eucharist, the Paschal candle remains out and is lit at every service, and many of our Sunday lections replace the Hebrew testament (aka “Old Testament” – an epithet I’ve come to shy away from) reading with portions of the Acts of the Apostles. These are just a few of the changes that we see – I wonder what else you’ll notice now that I’ve pointed it out.

We’re in this unique space until the Day of Pentecost, when we’re reminded that Holy Spirit is an essential aspect of our living, enduring faith. The reminder that, though Christ is no longer with us in physical form, He lives on in us by our faithful attention to the Church (and, thus, God’s glory) and in our commitment to lifting one another up in love and respect.

What I find captivating about the hymn I shared above from New Zealand’s night prayer is how it seems to encompass so much of our fears and bind them up with these big, mind-shattering phenomena — and all to ask that God give us strength to wake tomorrow with eagerness and zeal. From death and dread to the tender embrace of Christ’s love, through whom we share in these great mysteries and thus are changed, renewed.

As I write this, I’m in the thick of Holy Week and availing myself of all the wonderful offerings our dedicated clergy, staff, and lay leaders have made possible. From Lenten gatherings, provocative choral meditations, inspired creations of art depicting the stations of the cross to the ancient chanting of psalms and antiphons as we extinguish candles to signify Christ’s light leaving this world, the washing of feet, and altar of repose with vigil. It strikes me that though we may undertake these actions year after year, it’s not the same: we come each Holy Week as a changed people. Yet the God of love we encounter year after year, Holy Week after Holy Week is ceaseless and unchanging. How have you grown or changed this past year? What did you bring to Holy Week that had a profound impact on your experience? Where did you feel God’s presence?

I initially intended to write this reflection to ensure folks had a sense of what to expect in the coming weeks and months — to reassure you that your Vestry is working diligently to keep us moving forward, building on Devon’s successes. I’ve decided, however, to leave it here — to invite you into hope and reflection, to let this gift given us by Devon take root and blossom. There will be time later to talk about operations, but as Christ noted, he is only with us a little while longer (Matt. 26:11), so let’s keep our focus for now on what truly matters.

More to come, but until then — the wisdom of God, the love of God, and the grace of God strengthen us to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Warmly,

Shane Hatchett

Senior Warden and Parishioner

PLEASE MAKE FY2027 PLEDGES BY APRIL 19!

St. Paul’s FY2027 Stewardship Campaign, "Salt and Light," launched on Sunday, March 8. We're so very grateful to those who have pledged toward our $950,000 goal for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). We're more than 48% of the way there!*

Please make your FY2027 stewardship pledge by Sunday, April 19. Click below or text FY2027 to 97000 to make your pledge now.

*To-date totals and names will be shared next week after St. Paul's office reopens.

BRACKET CHAMPION CROWNED!

Congratulations to parishioner Gary Lowe, winner of the inaugural Larry Krauser Memorial Bracket Challenge! Gary blew away the competition with an impressive 135 points — the next closest bracket came in at just 92!

For his victory, Gary earned some small prizes to be mailed to his home ('don't wan't to ruin the surprise) and — of course — bragging rights.

Thanks to all who joined in the fun!

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

FAMILY MINISTRY REMINDER - GAME SHOW MOM'S NIGHT

Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Game Show Battle Rooms

Family Ministry moms are reminded to come out tomorrow evening for game show fun! Tickets are $35/ea (plus tax) and available at the door; beverages are available for purchase. Click here to learn more about the venue and click here to email Kate Pola with questions.

ADULT FAITH FORUM

Deep Dive into Budget & Finance

Sunday, April 12, 10:15-11 a.m., Lilly Room

Join St. Paul’s Senior Director of Operations Dan Thompson and Treasurer Pam Douglas for a deep dive into St.Paul’s budget and finances. They will discuss year-to-date numbers, the FY2027 budget, endowment values and draw, and the debt plan. There will be time for questions and fellowship.

RONEN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: “AMERICANA” CONCERT

Sunday, April 12, 4 p.m., sanctuary

The 250th anniversary of our nation is celebrated in Ronen Chamber Ensemble’s season finale concert, to be held at St. Paul’s. This concert will include two trios for flute, oboe, and piano by American composers (Alyssa Morris’s “Coastal Kaleidoscope;” a new Ronen commission piece from John Berners, professor of composition at the University of Indianapolis; and Antonín Dvořák’s “American Quartet,” composed while he was living in the United States). Admission is free. Click here to learn more.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

ALL-PARISH DINNER

Wednesday, April 15, 5:30-7 p.m., Lilly Room

Join us for an evening of good food, warm company, and meaningful connection—no RSVP needed! Parishioners George Slenski and Michael Zierdt will be preparing a delicious spaghetti dinner, generously sponsored by Jan and Bryan Johnson. Want to help keep these gatherings going this fall? You can! Click here to email Dan Thompson about becoming a “dinner patron” and supporting future meals that bring our community together.

PLEASE RSVP FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS LUNCH

Thursday, April 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Parish Hall

A day in the life of a church musician: why we sing what we sing in church

Ever wonder how the music we sing in church is chosen — or what a church musician’s week really looks like? Join St. Paul’s Organist & Director of Music Brad Hughley for a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a church musician and the thoughtful decisions behind our songs. Enjoy lunch, fellowship, and an engaging presentation. The cost of lunch is $10. Click here to pay now (indicating “Lifelong Learners” in the reason for payment field). Please click here to email Tana Hunnicutt with your RSVP by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 13. 

GREEN TEAM INVITES ALL TO A WILDFLOWER WALK

Saturday, April 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Marott Woods Nature Preserve

Join St. Paul’s Green Team for a peaceful morning among the flowers, across from Park Tudor School. The Green Team plans to bring doughnuts and coffee, and to meet at the park at 10 a.m. This should be an easy walk for most. Please click here to email George Slenski if you plan to attend, or to ask questions.

"EDUCATE TO ADVOCATE" IMMIGRATION SYMPOSIUM

Saturday, April 18, 12:30 – 3 p.m.

Parish Hall

You’re invited to join for an afternoon of community, conversation, and action as we bring together local organizations, speakers, and advocates to support and uplift immigrant communities. Angelin Fisher (immigration attorney) will be the keynote speaker, and collaborative agencies will include Indiana AID, Exodus Refugee, The Immigrant Welcome Center, La Plaza, Mujeres Conectadas, Puentes Youth Cohort, The Pulsera Project, and Bethany Christian Services. There will also be a facilitated panel discussion featuring these collaborative agencies. Click here to email the Rev. Jeff Bower with questions. Although not required, RSVPs are helpful for planning; click here to RSVP.

SPHERE BORN “AMERICA 250: A CELEBRATION OF AMERICAN CHORAL MUSIC” CONCERT SUPPORTING STREETS TO HOME INDY

Sunday, April 19, 5:30 p.m., sanctuary

Indianapolis’ newest choral ensemble of professional singers celebrates the 250th anniversary of our country, featuring American choral music from the 18th century to present day. All are invited to this concert held at St. Paul’s. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Streets to Home Indy. Tickets are on sale through Sphere Born - click below to purchase now:

DO YOU LOVE TO SING?

Director of Music Brad Hughley and Assistant Organist & Choir Director Mike Powell are excited to invite you to a new choir experience designed for anyone who’s thought, “I’d love to sing... but I’m not sure I can commit every week.” Beginning April 21, St. Paul’s will launch a short-term Family Choir, open to all ages and levels of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned singer, someone who enjoys music from the pew, or just curious, this will be a relaxing and welcoming way to try singing simple anthems, service music, and hymns. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. through May 12, and the group will sing on Sunday, May 17 at the 9 a.m. worship service — joining St. Paul’s Choir for one anthem and offering another with just Family Choir singers. Click here to email Brad or click here to email Mike with questions. Consider giving this a try — you might just discover something you love! Click below to register:

STAY ALERT :: PHISHING EMAILS CIRCULATING

Unfortunately, we've been alerted to a current round of fraudulent emails appearing to come from St. Paul’s staff. These “phishing” messages appear to be from familiar names but come from suspicious email addresses, often asking for urgent help, personal information, or access to St. Paul's directory. Please continue to exercise caution:

• Double-check the sender’s full “from” email address
• Be wary of unexpected or urgent requests
• Do not click links or reply if something seems off

If you receive a suspicious message, please report it as spam and block the sender through your email provider. When in doubt, contact the church office directly to verify. Click here to learn more.

NOTEWORTHY DATES & INFO

Please click on red links for available details

• Ongoing, Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
• Sunday Small Snacks after 9 a.m. worship (scroll to bottom for recent dates)
• Mondays, 6-7 p.m., Fencing Classes, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, Roberts Library (first floor, Church bldg.)
• Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Chair Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grandmothers, Rm. 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study, Rm. 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Sun., April 26, Paul Guyer Piano Recital Unfortunately, this event has been canceled
• Sun., April 19, 10:15-11 a.m., Wardens Forum, LIlly Room (first floor, Church bldg.)
• Sun., April 26, 10:15-11 a.m., Adult Faith Forum with author Diana Ensign
• Fri., May 15 – Sun., May 17, Men’s Weekend, Waycross Camp & Conference Center
• Sat., June 13, Indy Pride Parade & Festival
• Sun., July 5 - Fri., July 10, Diocesan Youth Mission Trip to Detroit, MI

SHARE YOUR STORIES

We love hearing the ways St. Paul’s has shaped your life for the better

Whether you're celebrating a personal milestone, sharing good news, or reflecting on why this parish matters to you, your voice helps us to connect as a community. Your stories may be shared in eConnections, our Sunday bulletins, on social media, or on the welcome screen in Burrows Commons. Click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Ready to share? Click below to submit your story!

Follow us:

Tell your friends: