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Soon after Halloween and the 2024 elections, I unearthed my wooden Advent wreath. It sits plainly on the dining room table on a Thanksgiving-themed runner. It’s metaphorically off stage, waiting for the turn of seasons and for
Advent’s curtain to rise.
I wondered why so early a start, why so eager to get that thing out, clean off last year’s wax, and “sort of” get ready for Advent. It occurred to me that 2024 has been a five-star rollercoaster ride, and I was seeking the normal, the quiet of looking at a flame, then the being in the Advent prayers. I was ready for Advent ahead of the calendar!
I began reading Year C Advent offerings, and what did I find? I found what seemed like an eternal checklist for humanity’s troubles, and yearnings for God.
Right from the start, the readings telescope the time from our early Christian forebears to the present. The Collect for Advent 1 is a prayer asking God to give us grace to cast away the works of darkness. We ask God to give us grace in a lot of our prayers, though this year it seems like an essential first step. I need God’s grace, right here, right now, not just as a balm for my 21st century woes, but to help me step into a condition of being able to welcome a savior
into my life. At this point I can barely imagine doing anything but staring at a flame.
Psalm 25 continues the plea for help, not just for grace, but some specifics. The psalmist asks God to teach us, show us, lead us, guide us, and to especially remember that God loves us even when we go far away from God’s love.
So, make a check beside the collect, and another check beside the psalm. I’m not meditating on Jeremiah. The prophetic voice is way too heavy just now. The New Testament and Gospel selections offer help. Paul’s message is full of gratitude, joy, and hope. Paul says, “How can we thank God enough for you….?” I read those words as Advent practices. Gratitude and thankfulness, joy and hope from a relationship with God and our companions will be my lens while I look at the candle’s flame this Advent. I’ll be asking myself these questions as I read, pray, and watch. Where and when do I know gratitude, thankfulness, joy, and hope? Do I practice these things for the benefit of myself and others? Do I get it that these are necessary to receive Jesus? I will remember Luke says to be on guard lest the worries of life dissipate me. I know what that is all about! So, when I add greenery, a booklet, and light a candle, I will remember that I can expect the unexpected, and because I know how the story ends, I can claim unexpected joys during Advent.
JoAnn Giannini
St. Paul's Parishioner
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ST. PAUL'S ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
All are invited to explore the many opportunities to celebrate this holy season at St. Paul’s. From worship services to festive events, there’s something for everyone. Click here to view Advent and Christmas offerings and join us in the spirit of hope, peace, joy and love.
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THROUGH THE WEEKEND (click images for details) | |
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'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE
The seasons of Advent and Christmastide are traditionally times of thanksgiving and remembrance, and we give gifts to celebrate our lives in relationship with others. It is also a perfect time to reflect on the importance of St. Paul’s in our lives and support the mission and ministries that continue to make Christ known in our world, not just on Christmas Day, but throughout the year. There are only a few weeks left in the calendar year, but your gifts today provide for our ministry tomorrow and beyond. Won’t you 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:
• Text MYGIFT to 97000
• Give checks/cash to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208
• Make gifts online, stpaulsindy.org/give
• Automatic Debit
• Online Banking
• Stocks
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA: click here to learn more
• Planned Giving
Charitable gifts are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations: Click here to learn more.
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CHRISTMAS MUSIC & FLOWERS
Memorials due Friday, December 6
Honor or remember loved ones by sponsoring Christmas music or flowers. Names will be printed in the Christmas bulletins. A donation of $40 for music or $50 for flowers is appreciated. To contribute, please indicate names to be honored and send to Liz Hoffman by Friday, December 6 in one of the following ways:
Thank you for helping to make our Christmas celebration beautiful! Click here to email Liz Hoffman with questions.
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BULLETIN COVER KIDS' ARTWORK
Due Tuesday, December 10
Children and youth are invited to submit artwork that can be featured on our Christmas Eve 3 p.m. Children's Pageant bulletin cover, and in promotions. Artwork should in some way represent the Nativity Story. Click here to download an artwork form or pick up a printed copy in Burrows Commons. Submissions may be turned into the Church Office, Attn: Meegan Kriner, or you may scan submissions and click here to email them to Meegan Kriner.
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HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms are offered next on Sunday, January 12 at 9 a.m.
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. The deadline to register is Thursday, December 19.
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YOUR GENEROSITY SHINES BRIGHTLY!
Thank you, St. Paul’s parishioners, for your incredible generosity in donating Christmas decorations to the Coburn Center! Your kindness has made a beautiful impact, and it seems we’ve even surpassed last year’s contributions. A special shout-out to Bronwen Ferguson and Ava Collins for their dedication in collecting and delivering these donations each week. This is a wonderful example of our faith in action— thank you! Please click here to email Janie Frazier with interest in Community Engagement.
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SHARING LOVE THROUGH SERVICE
Thank you to dedicated Dayspring volunteers, John Thorpe, Ace Yakey, Jay Reece, Judy Sutton — and many others — who generously give their time each month to prepare and serve lunch to the clients at the Dayspring Center. A special shoutout to Judy Sutton for coordinating the volunteers and purchasing the food each month. Your efforts create community and share Christ’s love in meaningful ways. Thank you! Please click here to email Janie Frazier with interest in Community Engagement.
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TUESDAY STUDY GROUP
Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Broad Ripple Brewpub
Beginning December 10, the group will study How to Read the Bible and Still be a Christian. In this book, author John Dominic Crossan grapples with Scripture’s two conflicting visions of Jesus and God, one of a loving God, and one of a vengeful God, and explains how Christians can better understand these passages in a way that enriches their faith. All are invited to join for conversation, regardless of reading the book. Questions, click here to email Larry Johnson.
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LIFELONG LEARNERS
Please RSVP by December 10!
Thursday, December 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Parish Hall
The rebooted “Lunch and Learn” group - now "Lifelong Learners" - will kick off its ministry with a seasonal social hour and lunch. All are invited to celebrate the Christmas season together, get to know one another and help the steering committee with program planning for the next six months. Each attendee is asked to bring a wrapped ($10 or under) White Elephant gift to exchange, and to share one specific topic they’d like to learn about soon. Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt. The cost of lunch is $10/person – please click here to prepay online (indicating “Lifelong Learners Lunch” in the reason for payment field). Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions.
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COOKIES & CAROLING
Saturday, December 14
2-5 p.m., Parish Hall/Community locations
Join us for an afternoon of cookies and caroling! The event will kick off at St. Paul's with Christmas cookie decorating (and tasting!) before splitting into groups to spread holiday cheer through caroling at different off-site locations (Abbie Hunt Bryce Home and The Commons). Nothing more is required than to bring yourself, your family or friends and your caroling spirit — festive attire is encouraged! This event is hosted by St. Paul's Choir and Family Ministry. For planning purposes, please click here to RSVP. Please click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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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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Wed., Dec. 11, Chair Yoga, click here for details
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Tues., Dec. 24, 3 p.m., Christmas Eve Family Service & Christmas Pageant
- Tues., Dec. 24, 5 p.m., Festival of Lessons & Carols
- Tues., Dec. 24, 11 p.m., Festival Holy Eucharist
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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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Sun., Feb. 16, 2025, The Gesualdo Six Concert, click here for details and tickets
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