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PARISHIONER REFLECTION :: BARB MACDOUGALL

Mission in Mombasa founding partners, Matheka & Ria Munyasya

Barb MacDougall helping with household chores in the original orphanage.

Children at the Dickson Comprehensive School are fed a nourishing meal daily.

Ria inviting children to the school in this impoverished village.

MISSION IN MOMBASA

When I was invited to share my thoughts on what inspires me and my faith, I had an immediate response. For the past 15 years, the ministry here at St Paul’s that I am most passionate about is “Mission in Mombasa,” (MiM).

In 2007, the Rector’s Book Club read - and was inspired by - the book "The End of Poverty" by Dr. Jeffrey Sachs. At that time, every parish was urged by the national church to find and support a global ministry aimed at reaching the Millennium Development Goals. For the next 18-24 months, a team of interested parishioners searched for a project. The final three organizations made presentations, and the one chosen is a ministry in Mombasa, Kenya.

A small group of us traveled to Mombasa in 2010 to meet the founders and experience their work in person. At that time, the two principal arms of their mission were an orphanage and an older boys’ center, each housing children who simply had no other place to be due to the AIDS crisis in Kenya, which had wiped out a huge part of the adult population. Ria (a nurse) and Matheka Munyasya (an Evangelical minister) felt called by God to help the large number of homeless children around them. In 2013, a group of 10 parishioners traveled there, and St. Paul’s has sponsored Ria and Matheka to visit us three different times, most recently in 2023.

Their ministry has now grown to include several foster homes for the younger children, following best practices of a more family-like setting instead of one large group housed together, the Onesimus Good News Boy’s Centre for teenage boys, a Montessori-type school located in a grim slum area which has grown from a preschool to now educate nearly 300 children in preschool through grade 8, and emergency housing for children in immediate need.

The children in residence with the program have safe shelter, food, clothing, medical care, education, and a caring Christian environment. Kenya has not yet developed a social safety net for these children. I have seen the alternative conditions they would have and can state with confidence that our MiM motto, “Changing futures, saving lives” is absolutely accurate. 

This ministry has my whole heart! Ria and Matheka continue to be a huge inspiration to me as I see and experience what two people, acting on their faith and call from God, have manifested in the world. As I am fond of telling anyone who will listen, as long as I have breath I will support their work.

Most of what we can do to help them here in Indianapolis is raise awareness and funds.

We currently have 27 sponsors supporting the housing and/or education of 36 children, 

and six of our sponsors are not members of St. Paul’s! I would be elated to speak with anyone who has interest in supporting this ministry (click here to email me).

Barb MacDougall, Parishioner

VOTING IS OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 27 AT 5 P.M.

Voting to approve minutes from last year's Annual Meeting, the four candidates on the 2029 Vestry slate, and Diocesan Convention delegates is open from January 18 - January 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. Click here to get to know the nominees. Participation is needed - all members (age 16+) who have contributed to St. Paul's are eligible to vote. Please click the button below to cast your vote:

STAFF UPDATE

STACY HENNESSY

Parishioner Stacy Hennessy will serve as St. Paul’s Interim Children, Youth, & Family (CYF) Program Coordinator and will be the primary liaison between Family & Youth Ministry team leaders and staff. She will coordinate logistics for programs and events - supporting communications and basic administrative needs, assisting with volunteer onboarding and scheduling, and helping to ensure classrooms are consistently staffed. We are grateful for Stacy’s willingness to support our youth, families, volunteers, and staff during this important season of ministry. Please click here to email Stacy and click here to learn more about Stacy and see other Children, Youth & Family updates.

THIS WEEKEND

CELEBRATION FOR BETH

Sunday, January 25, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Please plan to join us in celebrating the Rev. Beth Scriven on her last Sunday at St. Paul’s. We’ll honor her ministry with an all-parish celebration and a blessing during worship. If you'd like to contribute to a monetary "purse" for Beth, please click here to make an online donation (indicating “thanksgiving for Beth” in the reason for payment field), or place a check in the offering plate/mail to the office (indicating “thanksgiving for Beth” in the memo).

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, February 1, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall

Adults and youth are encouraged to attend St. Paul’s Annual Meeting following the 10 a.m. service* for conversation with our leadership, staff, and fellow parishioners. Childcare will be provided for infants–age 4 in the nursery and for ages 5–12 in the Youth Lounge. *Please note: on February 1, there will be one service only at 10 a.m. (no 7:45, 9, or 11:15 a.m. services). We hope you’ll plan to be there and take part in this important gathering of our parish community.

NEW OPPORTUNITY :: MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

In December 2025, St. Paul's was invited to participate in the Mental Health Initiative through the Center for Congregations. This program is designed to help parishes navigate the spaces between mental health and spiritual wellness, understanding that there is an important relationship. Members of the core team, including Mary Ann Drake, Barb Pierce, George Slenski, and Jeff Bower will work closely with the Center for Congregations over the next nine months to develop a plan specific to the needs of our parish. The grant program permits an application for up to $40K in funding support. Your help is imperative as we develop programs and resources that are specific to our needs at St. Paul's. Please click below and take a few moments to complete an anonymous survey by February 15, providing answers that will enable us to create the best possible program for St. Paul's. Please click here to email Jeff Bower with questions, or talk to him in person.

INDIANAPOLIS BAROQUE ORCHESTRA (IBO) CONCERT

Incomprehensible Light: Bach and the Prophet Simeon

Sunday, February 1, 4 p.m.,* Sanctuary

*Pre-concert chat at 3 p.m.

Co-led by IBO concertmaster Adriane Post and St. Paul’s Director of Music Brad Hughley, this concert centers on Bach cantatas written for the Feast of the Presentation, including "Ich habe genug" (BWV 82) and "Mit Fried und Freud" (BWV 125), inspired by Simeon’s Nunc dimittis. The program also features Bach’s Concerto in C minor for oboe and violin (BWV 1060R). The concert includes Jesse Blumberg, baritone; Priscilla Herreid, oboe; additional soloists; and the choristers of St. Paul’s Choir. Tickets are on sale below through IBO; St. Paul’s parishioners may use code IBOSTPAULS26 for 20% off.

LENTEN GATHERINGS

Want to get to know fellow St. Paul’s friends, maybe with some snacks or supper? Join a group of ~6-12 people meeting three times during Lent (mid-February to late March) for conversation, faith-related discussion, and short prayers, all exploring how our past, present, and future can help us to go deeper in community and in faith. Each group is hosted by a different St. Paul’s household at a different time/place. See details and sign up below or on Sunday in Burrows Commons. Please click here to email Stacy Hennessy with questions.

LIFELONG LEARNERS LUNCH

Indiana Avenue Jazz

Thursday, February 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Parish Hall

Join Lifelong Learners for an engaging midday gathering featuring author and presenter Aleta Hodge who will share stories about Indiana Avenue Jazz. Enjoy lunch, fellowship, and a lively presentation with vintage photos and music clips — finger snapping and toe tapping encouraged! Two of Aleta’s books, "Indiana Avenue – Life & Musical Journey from 1915 to 2015" and "The Robust Life & Music of Noble Sissle, Sr.," will be available for purchase, with a book signing following the presentation. Lunch is $10; click here to pay online (indicate “Lifelong Learners”). Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 6. Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions.

ICE SKATING FOR ALL AGES!

Tuesday, February 3, 6-7 p.m., Holliday Park Ice Rink

Join St. Paul's Connections and Intergen teams for a night of frosty fun at the Holliday Park Ice Rink. This event is designed for everyone — from our youngest members to our most seasoned skaters. For just $5, skates (and aids) will be provided - and the ice - you just bring the smiles! The concession stand will be open for snacks. Spaces are limited to keep the rink comfortable for everyone. Please click here to email Leah Ehlhardt with questions. Ensure your spot - click below to purchase tickets today:

PANCAKE SUPPER/PARISH DINNER

Tuesday, February 17, 5:30-7 p.m., Parish Hall

Flapjack flippin' (and a flapjack race) will occur again on Shrove Tuesday! Because it's the third Tuesday of the month, the pancake supper will be merged with the February all-parish dinner. The menu will include a special offering or two from Chef Jeff, sponsored by dinner patron Judy Sutton. Bring your family and your appetite (in your best Mardi Gras fashions - though there will be more on hand in case you're fresh out of New Orleans garb at home). In a new feature this year, the youth group will put on a play based on the children's story, "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" (a heartwarming Valentine story). If you would be willing to help with decorations, the dinner, or the production of the play, please click here to email Bill Cummings. All youth are encouraged to take part as actors, set builders, or both! Youth may email Bill (link above) with times during the week when they would be willing to help build items for the stage and rehearse.

FAITH IN ACTION UPDATE :: STREETS TO HOME

On January 11, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel met with members of our local faith communities to share a progress report on the Streets to Home Initiative. Click below to read this Faith in Action update shared by Janie Frazier.

LARRY KRAUSER FUNERAL RECORDING

An unexpected internet outage prevented the livestream option for Larry Krauser's January 17 funeral. Please find a recording of Larry's full service below for viewing/downloading.

NOTEWORTHY DATES & INFO

Please click on red links for available details

• Ongoing, Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
• Sunday Small Snacks after 9 a.m. worship (scroll to bottom for recent dates)
• Mondays, 6-7 p.m., Fencing Classes, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Mon., Jan 26, 7-8:30 p.m., Sacred Ground Alumni Mtg., CRR (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, Roberts Library (first floor, Church bldg.)
• Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Chair Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grandmothers, Rm. 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study, Rm. 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Sun., Feb. 8, 4 p.m., Choral Evensong
• Fri., Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m., TGIF Gathering, Parish Hall
• Tues., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Shrove Tuesday service following pancake parish dinner
• Wed., Feb. 18, 12 & 7 p.m., Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes services
• Sun., March 1, 4 p.m., Mozart Requiem St. Paul's Choir & Orchestra Concert, Sanctuary
• Fri., March 13 - Sun., March 15, Diocesan Youth Confirmation Retreat / see options for Confirmation preparation
• Sun., April 26, 2 p.m., Paul Guyer Piano Recital, Sanctuary
• Sun., July 5 - Fri., July 10, Diocesan Youth Mission Trip to Detroit, MI

SHARE YOUR STORY AND SPECIAL ST. PAUL'S MOMENTS!

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, promoting an event, or sharing good news, we’d love to help spread the word. Submissions may appear in eConnections, Sunday bulletins, social media, our website, or the Burrows Commons digital display. Please send items by 4 p.m. on Mondays for inclusion that week (earlier is always appreciated). Space is limited, and content may be edited for clarity and fit. Click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Ready to share? Click below to submit your news!

SHARE YOUR IMAGES

If you’re at St. Paul’s Indy during worship, special events, or offsite at St. Paul’s–sponsored community gatherings, please use this folder to share your photos. We can’t be everywhere at once, and your images help us capture a fuller, more beautiful picture of all that’s happening across our community.

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