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Associate Rector, The Rev. Jeff Bower shares the following reflection:
It was Sir Isaac Newton who said, “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” It is a quote that resonates with me as I consider the climate of our American landscape, socially, politically, geographically and practically. Erecting walls is what we do as a people. Walls define spaces. Walls are used as barriers to protect, to hold on to, to keep in place and to secure. They keep in the things that are important to us and they keep out the things that we find objectionable. In and of themselves, they are not bad, but depending on their use, they can ostracize, discriminate, objectify and nullify others. We need only look to our southern border to see the travesty of walls that get in the way of our humanity and who God has created and called us to be, people of the resurrection, people of love and people of relationships that are life-giving and sustained over time.
Puentes is a Spanish word that means bridges. Just as I resonate with Sir Isaac Newton’s statement above, I am deeply drawn to the notion of bridges as an alternative to the finality of walls and as a way forward in considering what God might be asking of us, as we continue building bridges with our Latino neighbors in the days ahead. I will even go so far as to suggest that Puentes be a name that we begin to associate with our Latino ministry initiatives, both internally and externally.
Why Puentes?
God calls us into relationships that are open, inclusive, generous, and welcoming, rooted in love for the purpose of transforming our world. We can’t do this work if we are held-up and walled-in, simply engaging in ways that are transactional and not relational. Puentes fosters an environment where bridges can be established and maintained, honoring the cultures, traditions and language of the Latino community, while exchanging our own cultural nuances. Building Puentes rooted in Christ’s love requires us to work with others, not simply to do for them.
In late fall of 2022, when I mentioned to Bishop Jennifer an interest in moving forward with a Latino ministry initiative, she cautioned me to take time and to make sure that we were doing thoughtful work internally, availing our own members opportunities to learn and be immersed in the Latino culture. This past program year has been about that, having provided several community forums and offerings of Spanish classes for nearly 40 people. We will continue these and expand to offer more opportunities in the new year.
In addition, the Puentes Youth Leadership Pilot Program was birthed in January, with 32 bilingual high school youth from eight high schools participating, learning leadership skills specific to the Latino community as they seek to advocate for the preservation of the Spanish language, culture and traditions of the Latino community. We will celebrate the conclusion of the pilot program this Sunday, May 19. A year-long program is being designed to begin in the fall of 2024. Forthcoming, there will be many opportunities for members of our congregation to be involved both as participants and as volunteers as we explore what God might be requiring of us, as we dismantle walls that separate and divide us, and reach within and without to explore the myriad of possibilities for providing new puentes in our future relationships with our Latino neighbors.
May we never forget the prophetic words of Rumi who said, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” Bridges rooted in love…Christ’s love…are bridges that will sustain the test of time…a legacy worth leaving.
Bendiciones y paz, Jeff+
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ST. PAUL'S FY2025 GIVING
Please join the Honor Roll of 146 families who have already made their estimated gift for FY2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025). Please complete your estimate of giving by May 31 by filling out a pledge card on Sunday, making your gift below or texting 2025GIFT to 97000.
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"UNITED AGAINST HATE"
Wednesday, May 29, 6-7:30 p.m., St. Philip's Episcopal Church
Join with friends from Christ Church Cathedral, St. Philip's and All Saints for "United Against Hate," a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers will present information and strategies to prevent and respond to hate crime incidents. Please click below to attend this important community presentation:
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MLK CENTER BLOCK PARTY
Friday, May 17, 4-6:30 p.m., MLK Center
All are invited to enjoy an annual community block party hosted by the MLK Center. Enjoy food, games, music, family activities and more. Click here for a shareable flyer. Questions, click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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LET THERE BE CAKE!
Sunday, May 19, after 9 a.m. service, Parish Center hallway
To thank Family Ministry volunteers and to celebrate Class of 2024 graduates made known to us, please enjoy a piece of cake and a cup of coffee with us during formation hour.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES!
Congratulations to all Class of 2024 graduates made known to us: Katerina Arenz Tucker, Elijah Bosslet, Simon Bosslet, Quindaro Cheatham, Morgan Holland-Haisten, Henry Ising, Brendan Kellogg, Hannah Kempf, Evan LaRock, Summer Law, Nancy Thoms, Emily Thorpe and Hannah Williams. Click below to view graduate details:
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THANK YOU TO FAMILY MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS!
As the Sunday School year comes to a close, we thank all those who have taught and nurtured the children and youth of St. Paul's. Click below to view Family Ministry volunteers. We also thank the many, many people who cooked and delivered food in the Meal Train Ministry; we served seven families this past year. Gratitude to the many parishioners who contributed to small snacks on Sunday mornings; they were a hit! The partnership with MLK Center is getting stronger; more relationships are forming - all thanks to many parishioners who have participated in a MLK tour, volunteered at a festival or block party and shown up and participated in summer cooking club! Lastly, gratitude to the many parishioners who shopped for items, decorated and prepped food for events and helped clean up. These big parties couldn't be held without you! Interested in helping for the 2024-2025 program year? Click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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PENTECOST POETRY SLAM
Sunday, May 19, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
For the last Sunday of the program year, bring your coffee and cake and enjoy a Pentecost poetry slam! You can bring your favorite Pentecost-themed poem to read, or just come to hear what others share. Relatable themes might include the Holy Spirit, surprising experiences of God/love/joy, flame/fire, passionate inspiration, dreams and visions, the winds of change, holy chaos, understanding across difference and more! Questions, click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven.
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SACRED HARMONIES CONCERT
Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
The high school division of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, along with mentors from the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, present "The Soul of Misa Criolla." The concert will feature the Argentinian folk mass "Misa Criolla" by Ariel Ramirez, as well as pieces from Brazil and Columbia. Advance tickets ($14/ea) are available online below through 5 p.m. today, May 16. Tickets are $16/ea at the door. Ages 5 and under are free. Questions, click here to email Amy Hughley.
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SUMMER WORSHIP/FELLOWSHIP REMINDER
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 26, worship at 8:30 & 10 a.m.
During the summer, our Sunday schedule changes to allow all to gather in worship and enjoy fellowship. Our nursery is open for infants to 3-year-olds during the 10 a.m. service. Enjoy Summer Fellowship* in the Courtyard (weather-permitting)/Burrows Commons with coffee, light refreshments and outdoor children activities immediately following the 10 a.m. service.
*Summer Fellowship begins June 2, 2024.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Tending to our mental well-being benefits our overall wellness and quality of life. St. Paul's Wellness Team offers the list below of local and national mental health resources, providing both information and potential care. The Wellness Team is grateful to those who contributed to the creation of this list. Questions, click here to email Carrie Bernhardt.
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BROAD RIPPLE DUCK RACE & 5K
Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Broad Ripple Village
Join us for the "Greatest Spectacle in Rubber Duck (and Human) Racing." This year's festival will include a 5K fun run through the Village, starting at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., visit the St. Paul's tent and other community sponsors for free children's activities on the Rainbow Bridge (Guilford Ave north of Westfield Blvd). At 12:30 p.m., 3,000 rubber ducks will be launched down the canal to race to the finish line near College Ave. Funding BRVA, ducks may be purchased from Village vendors, or at the race from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Each duck purchased gets a chance to win gift cards from Broad Ripple merchants. Click here for all details.
For interested runners: we have two free (first come, first served) entries to the 5K on June 1. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner by Friday, May 17 at 12 p.m. if you desire entries to participate!
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FAMILY MINISTRY CAR WASH
Sunday, June 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Paul's
Bring your car (nice and dirty) to church on Sunday, June 2 or Sunday, August 4. Family Ministry will be getting wet and soapy to raise money to put in the Community (Scholarship) Bucket. These funds will help kids go to summer camp, families go on the Parish Retreat, teens go on service learning trips and more. Questions, click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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INDY PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE
Saturday, June 8
The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is going BIG with Pride this year. St. Paul's is hosting a float decorating party and lock-in for diocesan youth. Beth Scriven is helping to create an interactive and engaging festival booth. More volunteers are needed! This is a great family activity for all ages. New this year, transportation from St. Paul's is an option for volunteers registering to march in the parade. Register below to receive details. Click here to purchase Pride t-shirts. Questions, click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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SUMMER OF SERVICE
There are many opportunities this summer to build community by volunteering: the MLK Block Party, the second annual MLK Cooking Club at St. Paul’s and more. Please click below to see ways you can be involved - lots of volunteers are needed. Questions, please click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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SAVE THESE DATES FOR SUMMER (& BEYOND)
Sunday, August 18, "Mess Fest" Summer Celebration & Backpack Blessing
Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, Waycross All-Parish Weekend
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