Dear Friends in Christ,
Transition continues to be the theme for the month of August at St. Paul’s. This time, fortunately, I’m sharing with you only the good news that someone new will soon be arriving. With timing it seems only God can work out, our need for clergy and a skilled priest’s availability coincided at the same moment. I’m pleased to announce the Rev. Beth Scriven will join the staff in September.
Before introducing Beth, let me briefly share our plan for moving forward. After conversation with the wardens and during the vestry meeting this week, we have decided for now not to fill both of the open clergy positions. This could change, of course (I’m learning anew these days that what I think will happen is not necessarily what will happen!). But as St. Paul’s continues through this period of reimagining our post-pandemic mission and vision, it seems wise to make “for now” decisions and not “forever” decisions. (Nothing is forever, of course, but I’m sure you know what I mean.)
Beth will join the staff in an intentional two-year position to walk with us through this period of discernment. She will share fully in the pastoral, liturgical and sacramental ministries of the clergy while focusing primarily on adult formation and outreach/justice ministries. Her role will not be to do this work on our behalf but to invite and equip members of the parish to grow in their faith and to share Jesus’ love in the world. We will benefit not only from Beth’s experience in interim ministry but also from the joy and energy she brings to her vocation.
The Rev. Beth Scriven has spent her entire adult life ministering in congregations, camps and campus ministries around the Midwest. Since graduating from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 2007, she has served as an interim rector in Ypsilanti, MI; a vicar in Brownsburg, IN; a college chaplain in St. Louis, MO; and an associate rector in Ann Arbor, MI. In each setting, the heart of her ministry has been to accompany individuals and groups through discerning who God is inviting them to be as disciples of Jesus called to love and serve a hurting world.
As an Ohio native, Beth comes by her fondness for the Great Lakes/Midwest region honestly. (She did try out New England and Germany during her four years at Smith College but landed right back here afterward.) She grew up deeply engaged in church, Girl Scout camp, public education and the Cleveland tradition of loyalty to local teams no matter the heartbreak. In her life outside church, she loves cooking for people; listening to the Indigo Girls; reading Madeleine L'Engle and N.K. Jemisin stories; repeatedly watching Heartstopper, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The West Wing; cuddling her cat SamSaki; and laughing at anything and everything.
Beth’s first Sunday will be September 10. In the meantime, if you have any questions for me, please be in touch.
Your Friend in Christ,
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Please welcome Associate Rector,
the Rev. Beth Scriven
Beth’s first Sunday at St. Paul's will be September 10
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KIDS WORSHIP ROLE TRAINING/ICE CREAM PARTY
Sunday, August 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lilly Room
Ages 7-teens are invited to explore acolyting, reading, ushering, greeting, live streaming, children’s chapel assisting and worship tools managing. Lunch and an ice cream party are included! Participation in the training is a chance to explore; it does not commit kids to any role. Parents may connect separately from their kids; nursery staff is available for ages 0-6.
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CHOIR SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, September 14, 5:30 p.m., second floor, Church Building
Come to the Choir Room in the Church building for an overview of the St. Paul's Choir School program. Ages 7+ may participate in rehearsal and younger children are welcome to observe. Youth (ages 4+) may enjoy free dinner with the choristers afterwards. This is open to the public — family/friends are welcome! Please RSVP to Brad Hughley so that we can plan accordingly.
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NEWCOMER EVENT :: TOUR AND LUNCHEON
Sunday, September 17, 10:20-11 a.m. (tour); 12:30-1:30 (luncheon)
If you are new to St. Paul's, or have been attending for a while, join us for a tour. Learn more about how the spaces and places we call St. Paul's are utilized. Please join Jeff Bower for a guided tour. Plan to meet in the nave (back of the sanctuary) immediately following the 9 a.m. service.
Following the 11:15 a.m. service that day, Newcomers are encouraged and welcome to join staff and clergy for an informal time of gathering and to share a lite meal from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Please make reservations by emailing Tana Hunnicutt, or call the church office at 317.253.1277.
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WOMEN'S SELF-CARE WEEKEND AT EWM 2023 FALL RETREAT
Be with Episcopal Women's Ministries (EWM) and enjoy a weekend of self-care this fall! Attendees will relax at Waycross while participating in various activities such as hiking, sharing new books, learning and sharing a craft or just taking time to rest and disconnect. Email Lisa Matucheski to learn more.
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ALL PARISH RETREAT
Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1
This retreat is for YOU; the purpose of this weekend is to bring all people together. Enjoy a variety of experiences, similar to a conference. Programming is designed with every age in mind, and everything is participation optional. Located in scenic Brown County, Waycross Episcopal Camp is a year-round retreat center. NEW this year, lodging is self-selected and first come, first serve. You will receive a link to choose your room accommodations after submitting your registration and payment. Click link below for details and registration:
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2023 DIOCESAN CONVENTION PREVIEW
November 10-11, 2023, at St. Paul's Indianapolis
Everyone in the diocese is invited to participate in convention. This year's theme will be Rest & Liberation and features keynote speaker Cole Arthur Riley. Workshops will be announced on the Diocese of Indianapolis website and will be part of the registration process. A preliminary schedule is available on the diocesan convention webpage. Click below to view more details shared by the Diocese of Indianapolis.
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GREEN TEAM
The Green Team has delivered over 50 pounds of produce to Boulevard Place Food Pantry. Green Team volunteers are responsible for the amazing garden on the west lawn of our campus - corn is almost ready! Meetings are typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Please consider joining - all are invited!
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Ages 12+ are welcome to sign up below to serve meals to the summer camp/afterschool program any weekday. This is a very easy volunteer role providing an opportunity for St. Paul's people to show up and continue to build relationships with kids and staff at the MLK Center. Interested in volunteering in other ways at MLK, like picking up food from around town or reading with kids, email Leintz Belony. Questions, email Laurie Pierce.
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SERVE ON A PARISH TEAM!
Laurie Pierce is seeking volunteers to work on shared projects with others. Males, introverts, those without children in the home, and those not sure what they believe in/think they have nothing to offer, are encouraged to serve on teams. If you love this community, kids, events, bringing people together, our worship, or mentoring, please click below to learn more about the teams being formed:
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