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ASSOCIATE RECTOR REFLECTION

The first Thanksgiving dates to the early 1600s, though there is some confusion as to the exact day of the first Thanksgiving, generally associated with the early settlers (pilgrims who had come to the New Land). In any regard, it was important — both secularly and religiously — as a day that was set apart, and historically, it has become a day for giving thanks for the bounty of the harvest of the preceding year.  

Today, while there are many who observe it as a religious holiday, the secular aspects of the day (football games, early shopping, the release of new blockbuster films, parties, the lighting of Christmas trees) all play a part in lessening the religious aspects of the holiday and push us full throttle into preparing for Christmas.  

Food, family and fellowship are part of the rich traditions that we embrace in our American society, even amid a time in our country when extreme positions raise their ugly heads on multiple fronts (politically, socially, morally and religiously). On Thanksgiving we are called to pause and give thanks. 

Thanksgiving for me is a day of both celebration and remembrance and with it my thoughts are mixed, bittersweet emotions surface of both joy and sadness. I look around the table and give thanks for all those gathered but also am acutely aware of those whom I see no longer — those who have shaped me and have accompanied me in life, who now rest in peace.   

This Thanksgiving, I would like to suggest that we try to reclaim a bit of the holiness of this day for ourselves, for our families who gather around us, and for the benefit of our broken world. Let us remember the blessings of our lives and those who have been intimately woven into the fabric of our being, who have shepherded us and loved us along the way. And let us never forget our privilege and the responsibility that we have in living as holy and sanctified people of God on this most holy day we call Thanksgiving. 

Paul writes in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:18), “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thanksgiving should not be “just another festive day in all of our lives.” Thanksgiving should be woven into our identity — not something that we do, but in essence, who we are, a Thanksgiving People, holy and beloved of God, equipped to bless and care for our world. 

Prayer for Thanksgiving from The Book of Common Prayer: 

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

The Rev. Jeff Bower, Associate Rector

ANNOUNCEMENTS & SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS/NO WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

There will be no worship today, Wednesday, November 26.

St. Paul's office will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, November 26-27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. As always, if there is a pastoral need, you may call the office at 317.253.1277 and press "1" to reach clergy on-call. The office will reopen on Tuesday, December 2.

VESTRY NOMINATIONS DUE FRIDAY!

St. Paul's is accepting nominations for the Vestry Class of 2029 through November 28. If you know someone whose gifts would serve this ministry well, please click below to submit your nomination:

ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS

Sunday, November 30, 9 & 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

Join us in celebrating the beginning of Advent. St Paul’s Choir will highlight the stories, carols and hymns for the Advent season. Music includes compositions by Paul Manz, Frank Boles, Joel Martinson, George Guest, Judith Weir, John Scott and Johann Sebastian Bach. 

ADVENT WREATH MAKING ALL-PARISH COFFEE HOUR

Sunday, November 30, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Enjoy seasonal refreshments and crafting Advent wreaths at the all-parish coffee hour. Donations are appreciated for candles and wreath bases. **If you are able to do so, please bring greenery from your yard to share (which may be dropped off in the Parish Hall before the 9 a.m. service).

TUESDAY STUDY GROUP

Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Broad Ripple Brewpub

Tuesday Study Group is now studying the book "The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning." Join as all explore Catherine Meeks’s newest book together. All are invited to come, regardless of reading the book. Click here to email Larry Johnson with questions.

RSVP FOR NEWCOMERS LUNCH

Sunday, December 7, 12:15-2 p.m., Lilly Room

(first floor, Church building)

If you’re new to St. Paul’s, we’d love to get to know you! Join clergy, staff and the Welcome Ministry Team for an informal luncheon. Share a meal, enjoy good conversation, and hear stories about life at St. Paul’s during this chance to connect. Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt or call 317.253.1277 by December 1 for planning purposes.

SHARE YOUR VOICE!

Your participation in the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT) is essential in helping us better understand who we are as a community and what you hope for St. Paul’s future. The Rector Search Discernment Committee will rely on this input as they seek our next settled rector. Using the link below, please take a few moments to complete the CAT by Monday, December 15, so our search reflects the wisdom and hopes of the entire congregation.

MOSAIC BOOK CLUB

Thursday, December 4

Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

History and science fiction meet in December’s Mosaic Book Club read, "Kindred." All are welcome to join the Mosaic reading group, regardless of reading the book. Click here to email Susie Holtz with questions, or text her at 317.370.4262.

TGIF GATHERING

Friday, December 5, 6 p.m., Lilly Room 

Adults 21+ are invited to join for a chili potluck! Bring your favorite chili, or a side dish, to share — along with a favorite beverage. Sample chilies while watching videos on the negative effects of consuming ultra-processed foods. Please click here to email your RSVP to Alan Davis by December 3.

LIFELONG LEARNERS LUNCH

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

All are invited to celebrate the Christmas season and enjoy lunch together. Attendees are asked to bring a wrapped ($10 or under) White Elephant gift to exchange. Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt by Friday, December 5. The cost of lunch is $10/person – please click here to prepay online (indicating “Lifelong Learners Lunch” in the reason for payment field). Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions.

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, Beginning Fencing classes, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, Roberts Library (first floor, Church bldg.)
• Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Wednesdays, to Dec. 17, 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.)
• Sat., Dec. 6, 9-10:50 a.m. or 11:10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Breakfast with Buddy the Elf, St. Paul's
• Sun., Dec. 7, 3-6 p.m., Broad Ripple Lights Up, Guilford Ave. between Westfield & BR Ave.
• Fri., Dec. 12, 12 p.m., Catherine M. Waynick Celebration of Life, St. Paul's Sanctuary
• Sun., Dec. 14, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Puentes Pulsera & Bolsita Sale, Burrows Commons
• Thur., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., St. Paul's Choir School Recital, Sanctuary
• Fri., Dec. 19 - Sun., Dec. 21, IMC Holiday Show at Warren Performing Art Center
• Wednesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Services at 3, 5 & 11 p.m.
• Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 25, Christian Nationalism in America Diocesan Formation, online

SHARE YOUR STORY, CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY!

Every story matters — and yours can inspire others! Do you have a milestone to celebrate, an event to promote or good news to share? Let us help you spread the word. Submissions may appear in eConnections, Sunday bulletins, on social media, our website (stpaulsindy.org) or the Burrows Commons digital display. Share your news by 4 p.m. Mondays for that week’s publications (early is even better!). Space is limited, and content may be edited or adapted for the best fit. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Click below to share your news:

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