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FY2027 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN :: "SALT AND LIGHT"

Our FY2027 Stewardship Campaign, "Salt and Light," launched on Sunday, March 8. Jacob Denning's story below is a reminder that,

Because of its salt and light, people who once felt rejected discover a true home at St. Paul's - where they are fully welcomed, transformed by God's love, and empowered to lead and build community.

When I was 12 years old, a friend invited me to her church. They were having a youth event that promised free pizza and prizes; I couldn’t refuse. Once there, I was hooked. I started attending this church frequently, weekly services, small groups, Bible studies, volunteering and yearly mission trips. This was the first time in my life that I actually experienced God and witnessed Him interacting in my life. However, this connection I felt to God sometimes felt cut off, such as when our pastor told us that evolution was a lie, that the antichrist would show up any day now - requiring us to be prepared to become martyrs for the faith - or that being gay was a mortal sin guaranteeing a place in hell. As a closeted gay kid this was actually the hardest thing to stomach. For years I tried desperately to “pray the gay away,” but nothing would change. Even though I was scared to admit it, I eventually realized that I was who God made me and could no longer hide that, especially from my church family. I was hopeful that they would accept me; unfortunately, that was not the case and I was swiftly uninvited. I was 17 years old.

This began a 16-yearlong journey to try and find a new faith to call home. I still felt the pull of the divine toward something. If Christianity wasn’t the answer, then some other faith must be. If you name a religion, I probably tried it. I learned about every spiritual path I could and devoted myself to each one. But, despite my efforts, nothing ever felt like home. Until one day, I finally came across a word I hadn’t heard before: Episcopalianism. A church that might not chase me away with torches and pitchforks just because I was gay sounded very intriguing to me. I told myself I would never set foot in a church again, but I kept feeling a tug on my heart to keep an open mind. I read as much as I could about the Episcopal Church, as well as listened to what felt like hundreds of sermons online by Episcopal priests. I began to pray again. This prayer went something like, “Hey God, it’s me, it’s been a while.” I eventually reached a point where I knew I needed to actually go to a physical church. I went to Google and found the closest Episcopal church, St. Paul’s.

I was still incredibly nervous, but I worked up the courage to send the church an email on Easter Sunday 2024. I explained my interest as well as my hesitation. I said I was a gay man who had been turned away before and would like to speak to someone about my concerns before I attend a service. The next day, I received a reply from Father Jeff Bower saying he’d be happy to meet over coffee sometime. Later that week we met at Tinker Coffee. I explained myself, shared my story and, after about an hour of great conversation, he assured me I had nothing to worry about. I resolved to attend the following 9 a.m. Sunday service.

Sunday finally came. I followed along, kneeling and crossing myself with the group. I tried to sing the hymns lower than my neighbors so they wouldn’t notice that I was tone deaf. I also experienced something phenomenal that I can’t quite put into words as I partook in the Eucharist; almost like I was with God face to face, reunited after a long time apart. When the service was over, I chatted with Jeff and other parishioners. Everyone was so warm. When they found out I had a husband, they didn’t recoil in disgust but smiled and wondered when they would get to meet him. In that moment, I realized God never abandoned me and that I was hurt long ago by misguided people, not God. I felt like I finally found home. Now, I’m a member of the Vestry and lead Connections, a small group for childless 20, 30, and 40-year-old folks looking for community. St Paul’s has helped me blossom in ways I never thought were possible and I think about how grateful I am for that every single day.

Jacob Denning, parishioner & Vestry member

HOLY WEEK

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP AT ST. PAUL'S

Please walk with us during Holy Week! Come for services that offer reflection, hope, and renewal. We hope to see you! Click below to see service descriptions and details:

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

A HISTORIC MOMENT IN CANTERBURY

On March 25, the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows joined church leaders in Canterbury for the ceremonial installation of Sarah Mullally — a historic and hope-filled moment for the Church. Please click below for a video with Bishop Jennifer in a conversation with Episcopal News Service on the significance of Archbishop Mullally’s installation and what it means for the future of the Anglican Communion:

ST. PAUL'S YOUTH JOIN DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Diocesan youth, including several from St. Paul’s Indy, gathered at Waycross for the first-ever Diocesan Youth Confirmation Retreat. Youth from six congregations came together for a meaningful weekend of learning, prayer, and community-building. Through shared worship, conversation, and reflection on their gifts and calling, participants explored what it means to live out their faith in today’s world. We’re grateful for the ways our young people continue to grow, and for opportunities like this to connect across the wider diocese. Click here to read the full article from Diocesen Youth Minister, Heather Campbell.

PASSIONTIDE MEDITATION CONCERT

Palm Sunday, March 29

4 p.m., sanctuary

Join us for a concert of ancient and modern music sung by St. Paul’s Staff Singers and teen choristers. They will perform Thomas Tallis’s “Lamentations” and Pulitzer Prize-winner, Caroline Shaw's “To the Hands." Paired together, the Tallis and Shaw works create an arc of past to present, spanning a wealth of expression and emotion as we enter Holy Week. All are welcome and admission is free!

SENDING DEVON OFF WITH GRATITUDE

The Rev. Devon Anderson's last Sunday at St. Paul's is April 5. Please click below to make an online contribution to a monetary "purse" for Devon. Also, please take time to write a personal note to Devon using the notecards on the west window table in Burrows Commons. Place completed notes in the box next to the notecards. All will be delivered to her.

RSVP FOR TGIF ANNUAL EASTER GATHERING

Sunday, April 5, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Home of Bev Ruebeck (RSVP for address)

Easter Day is just over two weeks away — that means that the TGIF Annual Easter gathering is coming up quickly! TGIF sponsors this potluck, but extends an invite to all adults who are home alone on Easter Day afternoon to join. Please click here to RSVP to Alan Davis by Palm Sunday, March 29, also indicating what you plan to bring to share with the group.

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.)
• 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.)
• Thur., April 9, Mosaic Book Club, 7-8:30 p.m., Fire by the Monon
• Sun., April 12, 4 p.m., Ronen Chamber Ensemble "Americana" Concert, sanctuary
• Sat., April 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Green Team Wildflower Walk, Marott Woods
• Sat., April 18, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Educate to Advocate Symposium 2.0, Parish Hall
• Sun., April 19, 5:30 p.m., Sphere Born "Celebration of American Choral Music" Concert supporting Streets to Home Indy, Sanctuary
• Tues., April 21 - Sunday, May 17, Family Choir
• Sun., April 26, 3-5 p.m., Paul Guyer Piano Recital, Sanctuary
• Fri., May 15 – Sun., May 17, Men’s Weekend, Waycross Camp & Conference Center
• Sun., July 5 - Fri., July 10, Diocesan Youth Mission Trip to Detroit, MI

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Every one of us carries a story of how this community has touched lives. Maybe it was a warm welcome on a rainy Sunday that first brought you through our doors, a moment of profound grace that convinced you to stay, or the joy of witnessing a loved one find their spiritual home here. We want to hear those "God moments" — the ways St. Paul’s has shaped your life for the better.

Whether you are celebrating a personal milestone, sharing good news, or reflecting on why this parish matters to you, your voice helps us all see how the Spirit is moving among us. Your stories may be shared in eConnections, our Sunday bulletins, on social media, or in Burrows Commons to inspire others. Click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Ready to share? Click below to submit your story!

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY (CYF) NEWSLETTER

To stay current on Children, Youth & Family Ministry news and offerings, including Confirmation, youth mission trips, and more, please click here to view the most recent monthly newsletter, or click below to sign up to receive future Children, Youth & Family monthly newsletters:

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