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Dear Friends in Christ,
Back in July I shared my reading list from the first half of 2023. As we launch into a new year, I’ll share what I read during the second half. Looking back over the past six months, I notice my reading focused primarily on history, including a hefty trilogy of historical fiction.
One note of explanation: The book about Hitler was written in 1941 by Stephanie’s maternal grandfather’s first cousin, a Pulitzer Prize winning foreign correspondent. My mother-in-law passed along a first edition printing of the book. It’s a fascinating read since it was written before Pearl Harbor and the entrance of the United States in World War II. It offers a glimpse of how history could have turned out differently.
Memoir
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Chita: A Memoir by Chita Rivera
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All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
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Dirt by Bill Buford
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Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming
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Pageboy by Elliot Page
Biography
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Catching the Wind: Edward Kennedy and the Liberal Hour 1932-1975 by Neal Gabler
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The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
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Benjamin Harrison (The American Presidents Series) by Charles W. Calhoun
Nonfiction
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Is Tomorrow Hitler’s? by H.R. Knickerbocker
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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yoval Noah Haran
Essays
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These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
Fiction
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Fall of Giants (book one of the Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett
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Winter of the World (book 2 of The Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett
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Edge of Eternity (book 3 of The Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett
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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
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A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny
Full confession: I have not finished Edge of Eternity. The Century Trilogy totals about 3,000 pages. I put the book down with 500 pages to go several weeks ago and haven’t returned to it, which tells me I may be done with the 20th century! I’m inclined (by putting it on this list) to call it complete.
I’m always interested in book recommendations, so feel free to share books you’ve enjoyed. I added several of your recommendations from July to my book list for 2024. There’s so much to read!
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min., Rector
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ADULT FAITH FORUM
10:15-11 a.m.
Parish Hall
Family Ministry Coordinator, Charity Malone will be making the connection between St. Paul's and the MLK Center. Introducing the MLK Center's Nonviolence Training, Charity will speak about the road to the "Beloved Community," the four roles to building the Beloved Community and how everyone plays their part. There will be time for questions.
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CHORAL MATTINS
11:15 a.m.
Sanctuary
Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong. St. Paul’s Choir sings responses, canticles, the psalm and anthem. Featuring music by Dieterich Buxtehude, Richard Shephard, Highmore Skeats, Herbert Sumsion and Undine Smith Moore. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.
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MEET THE VESTRY SLATE
The St. Paul’s Vestry Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the four candidates on this year’s slate: David Carlson, Jeff Kelsey, Fred Rice and Delicia Sanyon. View applications for each candidate below. Click here to submit additional nominations for the Vestry Class of 2027, now through Wednesday, January 17. The election of the Vestry Class of 2027 will be held electronically during the week prior to the Annual Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, February 4.
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SUPERHERO PARTY & PARENTS GROUP
Friday, January 19, 6-8 p.m.
Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Center Building) :: Kids Party
Roberts Library (first floor, Church Building) :: Parents Group
With the goal of creating Beloved Community amongst St. Paul's kids and parents, all are invited to parallel gatherings:
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Kids Superhero Party You do not need to bring anything with your child. There is no cost. Friends are welcome. Suggested dress code is superhero costumes. We will have a pizza dinner and play superhero games together. Click here to learn more.
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Parents Group Parents and caretakers are asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share with the group if able. This is an informal time to get to know other parents at St. Paul's.
Questions, click here to email Laurie Pierce. Please RSVP below for planning purposes:
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TGIF EVENT :: TALK WITH DEATH DOULA, TYNE PARLETT
Friday, January 19, 6 p.m.
Parish Hall
Adults 21+ are invited to gather for a potluck dinner and conversation with Tyne Parlett, a certified death doula, interning at St Paul's for their Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) degrees. They will be sparking a discussion about death, including how and when to talk about it. Tyne will also have a few pointers and recommended books for all to peruse. Please plan to bring a dish to share and beverage of your choice. Click below to RSVP to Alan Davis no later than Wednesday, January 17.
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MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP
Sunday, January 21, 10-11 a.m.
CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building)
Make time for mindfulness this year! St. Paul's Wellness team invites all to a workshop to discover the meaning of mindfulness and how to incorporate moments of mindfulness throughout your day. Email Carrie Bernhardt to RSVP below (not required, but appreciated for planning):
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NEWCOMERS LUNCHEON
Sunday, January 21, 12:30-2 p.m.
Lilly Room (first floor, Church building)
If you are new to St. Paul's, or have been attending for some time, you are invited to join staff and clergy for an informal time of gathering and to share a lite meal. Children and teens are encouraged to attend with parents; materials will be provided to engage them throughout the lunch. Nursery care is also available if requested. Please RSVP below or call the church office at 317.253.1277.
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FAMILY MINISTRY
Please read about all of the events and news for Family Ministry and Youth Ministry in the January newsletter links below. There are lots of events to sign up for and many ways to get involved. The Youth Group is going on a trip to Cincinnati over Presidents Day weekend — part pilgrimage, part service and fun. St. Paul's Pancake Supper (February 13, details coming soon) and Bingo Night (March 8, details coming soon) will support this trip. If you're not on Family Ministry and Youth Ministry email lists and would like to be, click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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RECTOR'S FORUM
Sunday, January 28, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
This month’s Rector’s Forum will cover a variety of topics to help you prepare for the Annual Meeting on February 4, including the annual financial overview, a summary of our relationship with The Avenue Foundation, and a report on the Rector’s plans for his sabbatical in the spring.
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ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, February 4, 10:15-11:45 a.m., Parish Hall
All adults and youth are encouraged to attend the St. Paul's Annual Meeting after the 9 a.m. service and participate in conversation with our Rector, leadership and fellow parishioners. Youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join us during the meeting (Youth Lounge will be closed). Childcare and snacks will be available for ages infant-5 (in the nursery) and ages kindergarten-grade 5 may enjoy a Kids party (in the Lilly Room). There will be no 11:15 a.m. service offered that day.
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RACIAL JUSTICE SERIES AT ST. TIMOTHY'S AND VIA ZOOM
Wednesdays, January 17-March 6, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Timothy's
The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis' Racial Justice and Education Team, in cooperation with St. Timothy's, is sponsoring a seven-week (no meeting on Ash Wednesday) "Slavery in the Bible" study. Dr. Sandie Gravett will present cultural background on select scripture readings with facilitated discussion and St. Timothy's Bible Study leader, Tim Kramer, will facilitate weekly discussions. Attend in-person or online via zoom. There is no fee to participate. Click here to email Tim Kramer to register by January 17 or ask questions.
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ST. RICHARD'S PADDINGTON PAR-TEA
Saturday, January 27, 9:30-11 a.m.
St. Richard's
Families and their best bears are invited to St. Richard's Episcopal School for a memorable morning. Enjoy crafts, "vet" visits, pictures with Paddington, a par-tea and more while discovering what St. Richard's has to offer young children. Activities are designed for children ages 2 1/2 to 6 years old. Click here to RSVP.
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GET INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED | |
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MEAL TRAIN
"Meal Train" allows volunteers to support others by bringing food. The Meal Train Ministry would love to have you on the team. Email notifications arrive when there is a new meal train, and you may view details and decide if the dates listed will work for you to deliver a homemade or store-bought hot meal. Email Laurie Pierce if you would like to be added to the team. Please let Clergy or Laurie know if there is someone in our church community that could benefit from a Meal Train.
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MLK CENTER
Help to nurture the relationship between MLK Center and St. Paul's. There are various activities and events where our partnership and support is requested by MLK. If you'd like to be on the team asked to volunteer when these events pop up, please click here to email Laurie.
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