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In years past, Advent was a time for random acts of kindness, smiling and talking to more and different people. As the world got colder and I felt the season trying to drag me into its coldness, I fought it with brightness and joy. I was always smiling harder, and talking to more and more people trying to spread that joy almost as a sort of shield against the change of the seasons. This year, however, was suddenly much harder. I had to face one of my deepest fears, racking me with panic attacks constantly. It became a chore to drag myself to church, to try and feel connected to anything so my usual preparation waned. I would think about how our faith is all about service to others, and what good was I if I could not do that service? For me, that service was being the one to try to extend a hand to people often overlooked, and I couldn’t do that. I would think of the good samaritan and that I couldn’t be that person and that I was failing.
On the steps up to the choir loft I looked around at all the people in this community, singing with me, always in my corner and I felt a weight off my shoulders. I realized that for every person who extends a hand in the bible, there's another person that accepts that hand. Both of these people are just as important as the other, and we are both of these hands at different points in our lives. This year, my preparation for Christ's coming is in accepting that sometimes we need to be the one to accept the hand outstretched to us, and be able to accept that when the season comes, sometimes it is our own hearts that need to be changed.
Evan Law, Parishioner
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THIS WEEKEND (click images for details) | |
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A PRAYER OFFERED BY THE REV. JOHN DENSON, D.MIN.
The Rector's Forum last Sunday focused on the retirement of the Rev. John Denson, D.Min. The forum concluded with a (slightly modifed) prayer written by Thomas Merton in 1968. As we reflect on John's dedicated service and look forward to his well-deserved retirement, may all find solace and inspiration in Merton's words:
Good and Gracious God, we have no idea where we are going. We cannot see the road ahead of us. We cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do we really know ourselves, and the fact that we think we are following your will does not mean that we are actually doing so. But we believe the desire to please you does in fact please you. And we hope that we have that desire in all that we are doing. We hope we will never do anything apart from that desire. And we know that if we do this, you will lead us by the right road though we may know nothing about it. Therefore, we will trust you always though we may seem to be lost in the shadow of death. We will not fear, for you are ever with us, and you will never leave us to face our perils alone. Amen.
Click here to read John's retirement announcement.
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HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
St. Paul's will maintain regular office hours through 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 19. After closing that day, the office will remain closed through Thursday, December 26. The office will be open on Tuesday, December 31 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 for New Year's Day. Normal office hours will resume on Thursday, January 2. If there is a pastoral need, you may call the office at 317.253.1277 and press "1" to reach clergy on-call.
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REGISTER BY DECEMBER 19 FOR
HOLY BAPTISM
Please register by Thursday, December 19 for January 12 baptism. Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and made members of Christ’s body, the Church. Please click here to learn more or to request to be baptized.
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ST. PAUL'S DAY CAMP
Friday, December 20, St. Paul's Campus
Enroll your Pre-K4 to 6th-grade child(ren) in our fun-filled Day Camp! With diverse activities like Godly Play, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, team building and games, there’s something for every child. Drop-off starts at 8 a.m. and children must be picked up by 5 p.m. Snacks and lunch are provided. Cost is $25/child per day with financial aid and multi-camper discounts available. Space is limited! Click here to see more details and to register. If you have questions, please click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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GREENING OF THE CHURCH
Sunday, December 22, 10:15 a.m.
Join us after the 9 a.m. worship service for a fun-filled Christmas decorating day! We'll be decking the halls of St. Paul's with festive cheer. Please bring your creativity and holiday spirit.
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CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Tuesday, December 24, 3, 5 & 11 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25, 10 a.m.*
Sunday, December 29, 10 a.m.**
Click here for full Christmas Pageant, Festival of Lessons & Carols and Festival Choral Eucharist details.
Click here to learn more about/sign children up for a role in the 3 p.m. Christmas Eve Pageant. Walk-on roles will also be available.
*There will be no 11 a.m. worship on Christmas Day.
** There will be no 7:45, 9 or 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, December 29.
Christmas service invites are available on the welcome table in Burrows Commons. Please take them to share with family, friends and neighbors.
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'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE
The seasons of Advent and Christmastide are traditionally times of thanksgiving and remembrance; we give gifts to celebrate our lives in relationship with others. Please consider making a special gift this season to ensure our ability to live more fully into our call to be a church transforming the world around us. The following are ways to give:
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• Text MYGIFT to 97000
• Give checks/cash to St. Paul’s
• Make gifts online, stpaulsindy.org/give
• Automatic Debit
• Online Banking
• Stocks
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA
• Planned Giving
Charitable gifts are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations: Click here to learn more.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC!
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the music lover in your life? Treat them to an unforgettable evening of sublime harmony with The Gesualdo Six. Experience live this enchanting vocal ensemble that has captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy world-class vocal music in the stunning acoustics of St. Paul’s. Tickets are on sale; secure yours today. Click here to purchase tickets now.
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UPCOMING EVENTS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & MORE:
(Click on red links for details)
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Ongoing, 0provide small snacks to be eaten after the 9 a.m. service, click here to sign up
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Sun., Jan. 26, 2025, Confirmation will occur during the Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows visit to St. Paul's
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