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Dear Friends in Christ,
After more than 13 years of writing to you each week, this is my penultimate offering. Today, I will be practical about the upcoming transition, saving my final reflections for next week.
The pastoral relationship we have shared since August 2011 will end effectively with the conclusion of worship on Sunday, March 2. Instead of splitting into three worshipping congregations that morning, we will come together for one celebration at 10 a.m. As I did on my first Sunday so many years ago, I will preside and preach. Before we exchange the Peace, we will participate in a brief ritual marking the end of our pastoral relationship. I will say a few words acknowledging that it is time for my ministry at St. Paul’s to conclude, and you will respond by accepting my decision. Then we will pray together and share communion one last time. Following the dismissal and some final mingling at coffee hour, our pastoral relationship will conclude.
Practically speaking, this means I will no longer be your priest and pastor. Although Stephanie and I will continue to live in Indianapolis for the foreseeable future, another parish in Central Indiana will become our church home (we have not yet decided which one). In order to ensure a healthy transition, I will not be involved in or comment on the search for and selection of the next rector. I will not be available to visit you in the hospital or to officiate at baptisms, weddings and funerals. If you reach out to me about a pastoral concern or an issue at St. Paul’s, my reply will be, “I am no longer the rector of the parish. Please contact the church office.”
This isn’t because I don’t care about you. I will always hold you in my heart. But it is of utmost importance that I establish clear boundaries which allow my successor to create healthy and loving pastoral relationships with you. As I said during my address at the annual meeting, just as I need to let go of you, so you need to let go of me.
This does not mean that I do not want to hear from you, though the best way will be to connect through social media. You’ll find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. When we see each other around town, I’ll joyfully listen to updates about you and your loved ones. And I’ll definitely want to show you the latest photos of our grandson (due in early May)!
Each moment of the next week and a half will be precious as we begin to say goodbye. You are a blessing.
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min., Rector
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THE REV. JOHN DENSON'S LAST WEEKEND AT ST. PAUL'S | | |
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OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 1, 3-6 p.m., Parish Hall
Get ready to celebrate the incredible journey of the Rev. John Denson as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement! We're throwing a celebration in his honor and we'd love for you to be there! John has touched so many lives with his wisdom, compassion and dedication. Let's show our immense gratitude for his years of service and the positive impact he's had on St. Paul's! Please click here to RSVP and plan to join us for an afternoon filled with joy, laughter and appreciation.
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To make John's celebration truly special, here are some ways you can express gratitude:
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Click here to share a line or two about the impact John has had on St. Paul's or you personally; help us capture the essence of John's journey which may be shared in some way at the open house.
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Write a personal note to John using the notecards on the Welcome Table in Burrows Commons. Place notes in the box (next to the notecards) that will be given to him at the open house.
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Contribute to a monetary "purse" for John. Click here to give online or place a check in the offering plate ("In thanksgiving for the Rev. John Denson" indicated as reason for payment/in check memo line). A check totaling all monetary gifts will be presented to John at the open house.
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Submit a short video message to John. Click here to email videos to Meegan Kriner. All videos should be one minute or less, in vertical format (holding your phone upright like you’re taking a selfie - not sideways). There will also be an opportunity to record videos at the celebration. Video messages will be compiled and shared with John at a later date
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JOHN'S LAST SUNDAY AT ST. PAUL'S
March 2, 10 a.m., Sanctuary
John’s last Sunday at St. Paul’s will be March 2. There will only be a 10 a.m. service that day; there will be no 7:45, 9 or 11:15 a.m. services on March 2. After John leaves St. Paul’s, parishioners are invited to stay for light snacks and games at an All-Parish Coffee Hour (Parish Hall, March 2, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.).
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"CONNECTIONS" YOUNG ADULTS
Friday, February 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tinker Coffee Co. (The Firehouse)
Connections Young Adults group will meet to begin a discussion of The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg. If you're a young adult (18–45) without children, you're invited to join! Books are still available, but whether or not you have a copy, you’re welcome to come for a relaxed time of conversation and community as faith is explored together. To request a book, RSVP, or be added to the group's email list, click here to email Jacob Denning.
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ADULT FAITH FORUM
Communicating Through Conflict
Sunday, February 23, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Join the Wellness Team in welcoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Jill Frame and Dena Hein for a discussion on how to best communicate through conflict. Learn proven techniques and common misconceptions that affect our interpretation and handling of conflicts. On March 9, a couples check-in workshop will dive deeper into communicating with significant others. Click below to learn more. Click here to email Carrie Bernhardt with questions.
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SYMBOLS OF OUR SANCTUARY
Sunday, February 23, 10:25 a.m., meet at the altar rail
Have you ever wondered about the symbols embedded in the art and architecture of our worship space? Join the Rev. Beth Scriven for a short pilgrimage through our very own sanctuary, discovering signs and symbols of God’s sacred story throughout our sacred space. We’ll begin with a few key symbols people often inquire about and end with a chance for you to wonder about other images noticed.
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SUNG MORNING PRAYER
Sunday, February 23, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
The morning companion to St. Paul's popular Choral Evensong service is Sung Morning Prayer, offered on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. The service contains choral canticles, responses, and psalms, with congregational hymns. Music by Ned Rorem and William Walton.
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THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL
Choral Evensong
Sunday, February 23, 4 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral
Join us for a special Choral Evensong featuring treble and teen choristers from St. Paul’s, Trinity Episcopal and Christ Church Cathedral, alongside staff section leaders. Guest conductor Scott Hanoian (Director of Music and Organist, Christ Church, Grosse Pointe, MI) will lead this festival weekend of music-making, culminating in a beautiful service at Christ Church Cathedral. Click here for details.
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CENTERING PRAYER
Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m.
RCR (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
Led by parishioner Jan Johnson, “Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer in which we experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God, and a discipline to foster that relationship.” (Contemplative Outreach) Questions, click here to email Jan Johnson
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RICHARD ROHR MEN'S GROUP
Thursday, February 27, 7-8:15 p.m.
Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
Men are invited to join a journey of transformation through Christian spirituality, inspired by the teachings of Fr. Richard Rohr. This group typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, fostering a space for deep listening without judgment. Please click here to email George Slenski with questions, or call 937.241.5556.
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Action Suggestion
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. This week's recommendation is to sign up for the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance's (GIMA) newsletter. This newsletter provides action alerts on state legislation and updates on a variety of bills — with a particular focus on fair, affordable housing and ending Indy's eviction crisis. Click below to sign up. Click here to email Amanda Collins with questions.
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LENTEN GATHERINGS
Get to know fellow St. Paul’s friends with some snacks or supper. Join a group of 6-12 people meeting three times during Lent (early March to mid-April) for conversation, faith-related discussion and short prayers, all exploring the playful side of pilgrimage! Each group is hosted by a different St. Paul’s household at a different time/place. Click below to sign up; a physical sign up is also available on the Welcome Table in Burrows Commons. Please click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven with questions.
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PANCAKE SUPPER
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30-7 p.m., Parish Hall
Enjoy a delicious Shrove Tuesday buffet-style Pancake Supper! Voluntary donations at the door will support the St. Paul's Community Bucket, providing funds that families may apply towards events with a cost (summer camp, Youth Group trips and events, etc.). Volunteers are needed and various timeslots are available. Please click below to view slots and sign up to help. No RSVPs are needed — bring your friends and neighbors. Children and families are also invited to gather in the Lilly Room that evening at 6:40 p.m. for an interactive station experience in observance of Ash Wednesday. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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BINGO
Saturday, March 15, 5:30-8 p.m., Parish Hall
Join us for an ALL-AGES decades-themed Bingo bash (license #16709). Ticket prices include a Bingo card, drinks, salty snacks, a sweet treat, a chance for prizes and (optional) childcare. Dress yourself and your table in your favorite decade theme, bring your favorite appetizer/dinner food to share with your table, and compete for fantastic prizes. Proceeds support St. Paul’s Community Bucket, providing financial assistance for Children, Family and Youth Ministry Group members participating in events and programs (summer camp, retreats, trips, diocesan programs, etc.). Click below for all details and to purchase tickets. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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CONCERT :: JEAN-BAPTISTE ROBIN
Sunday, March 16, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Join us for a free concert and reception, featuring French organist Jean-Baptiste Robin on the St. Paul’s Casavant Organ. Jean-Baptiste Robin is regarded as one of the most prominent French concert organists and composers of today. With his appointment in 2010 as Organist of the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles, he was given a place in a long line of heralded French organists, such as Couperin, Marchand and Balbastre. He also serves as Professor of Organ and Composition at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional in Versailles. This event is co-sponsored by the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
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NOTEWORTHY DATES:
(Click on red links for available details)
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Through Feb. 28, Scouts Crew Car Wash Fundraiser
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Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Tuesday Study Group at Broad Ripple Brewpub
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Sun., March 9, 4 p.m., Choral Evensong
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Mon., March 10, 11:59 p.m., FIA Grant Application Deadline
- Saturday, April 12, Puentes Cultural Fair
- Sun., May 4, Celebrate St. Paul's: Picnic with a Purpose
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 19-21, Parish Retreat at Waycross
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