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VETERANS DAY REFLECTION:: PARISHIONER, PETE HOLTZ

Veterans Day, the day that honors the women and men who have served in our nation’s armed forces, comes 11 days after Halloween. I’m not a real fan of Halloween and I’m always happy when October 31 is over. I very much prefer All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on November 2. All Saints' Day includes those Heroes of Faith remembered on a specific day and especially those in “The Great Cloud of Witnesses” who are remembered in common.

It wasn’t until Susie and I joined this congregation that we heard the hymn “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” It is now a great favorite of mine - especially the line “One was a soldier and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast.” I like thinking that one day, with God’s help, I could be part of that cloud. When Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows speaks in person, she frequently addresses her listeners as “saints." That encourages me to think that it's possible.

My whole life, I have enjoyed listening to and telling stories. As a boy, growing up in the 1960s, I was surrounded by veterans of World War II who all seemed like giants to me. Those men had stories.

My dad flew the B-24 Liberator. Uncle Bob crewed a B-17 over Germany. Mr. Nicholson, a neighbor, piloted a C-47 that dropped paratroopers into France on D-Day and later into Holland and across the Rhine. Mr. Denhart, my scoutmaster, crewed a tank across North Africa and Italy. Mr. Howard piloted a glider into Normandy, and Mr. Oldroyd crewed a B-29 over Tokyo. Mr. Osowski fought with the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal. As I grew up, I met more veterans of WWII. My neighbor, Jim, was captured in France while an infantryman with the Army’s 103rd Infantry Division.

Only a few years ago, I met Bob McGuire. Bob shipped over to North Africa in early 1943. He was in the assault landings on Sicily, and Naples, and again at Anzio. He helped liberate Rome. Bob’s fourth assault landing was in Southern France. Shortly after entering Germany he was grievously wounded. It turned out that Bob’s childhood Sunday school teacher was an oral surgeon and it was that teacher / surgeon that rebuilt his jaw.

All the men I’ve mentioned, along with more than 99% of our WWII service men and women, are gone now. Of the 16 million men and women who served in American 1 forces during WWII, less than 30,000 are alive today. They’ve all gone to join not only “The Great Cloud of Witnesses,” but also “The Great Spirit Army” composed of all who have served and passed on.

Three of my brothers and I served in the US Army. One of my daughters served in the US Army and one of my sons served in the Air Force. One of my son-in-laws was an Army medic in Iraq and another is a fighter pilot with service in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, there are (again) about 16 million living veterans. Many served during the wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or the “Post 9-11” conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Others served in the Cold War and situations like Panama, Grenada, and at sea. These are the people that Veterans Day recognizes. Overwatched by The Great Spirit Army which they will one day join, and along with their families and fellow citizens, these soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, coast guardsmen, support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Veterans Day took the place of Armistice Day in 1954. To me, it seems rather appropriate that it follows All Saints and All Souls so closely. All three seem to suggest there are role models to follow in our attempts to live our faith and improve our world.

Pete Holtz, Parishioner

THANK YOU, ST. PAUL'S VETERANS!

In observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, we give thanks for the service and sacrifice of all veterans, and we especially honor the veterans of St. Paul’s. Click below to see details for St. Paul’s veterans made known to us.

UPDATES, SPECIAL SERVICES & EVENTS

ST. PAUL'S HIGHLIGHT

The Episcopal Church (TEC) Parochial Report

St. Paul’s has been featured in The Episcopal Church (TEC) 2024 Parochial Report under “Hope for the Future.” St. Paul’s was highlighted for our commitment to racial justice and building community, a reflection of how we engage with the broader community and live into our mission. From parishioners participating in Sacred Ground, to youth journeying alongside MLK Center in the Youth for Justice Pilgrimage, to the Racial Justice Team leading learning and initiatives — and the creation of a mentoring opportunity called “Puentes” for Latino youth in Central Indiana — St. Paul’s is helping to shape a more just and compassionate future. Click below to view the full report (St. Paul's highlight is on page 22).

VESTRY NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

Nominations for St. Paul's Vestry Class of 2029 will be accepted through Friday, November 28. The Vestry works closely with the Rector to provide strategic oversight, adopt the annual budget, and offer feedback to help support St. Paul’s mission and goals. Being on the Vestry is a form of lay ministry that helps discern collectively where the parish is being called to serve. Members generally meet on the third Tuesday of most months and serve a three-year term. Click below to read more about the functions of our Vestry and to nominate a parishioner you think would be an asset in this important role.

STREETS TO HOME INDY :: YOU Can Help in the Community!

GUEST PREACHER

On Sunday, November 9, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel, Executive Director/President of Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance, will preach at Sunday's 9 & 11:15 a.m. services and will lead the Adult Faith Forum.

"We CAN End Chronic Homelessness!"

Sunday, November 9, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Homelessness doesn’t have to be common or normal. We’ve created systems that make it ordinary. As people of conscience, we can create new systems that make it rare and infrequent. Led by Rabbi Aaron Spiegel, join for this forum to learn more about Streets to Home Indy and ways you can help! Click here to read Rabbi Spiegel's biography.

FUNDRAISER KICKOFF

We are building momentum - help us cross the finish line! St. Paul’s Streets to Home Indy fundraising kicks off November 9. Thanks to generous early gifts, we’ve raised over 25% of our $25,000 goal! That means YOU can make a real difference. Please join us in this citywide effort to end homelessness in Indianapolis by providing permanent housing and supportive services, helping neighbors move from uncertainty to stability.

CHORAL EVENSONG

& Post-Evensong Recital

Sunday, November 9, 4 p.m.

Join us for Choral Evensong, featuring music by John Joubert, T. Tertius Noble, Annabel Rooney and featuring Benjamin Britten’s festival cantata “Rejoice in the Lamb.” Stay afterward for a post-Evensong organ recital by Hyeyeon Ahn, who is pursuing a Performer Diploma in Organ Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

CREATING COMMUNITY

BUILDING HOPE TOGETHER

Thank you to the wonderful St. Paul’s Indy volunteers who joined the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Multifaith Panel Build on Friday, October 31, at Second Presbyterian Church. Working side by side with volunteers from other faith communities, our group helped construct wall panels that will soon become part of a home for a local family. The day was filled with energy and a shared sense of purpose — a true reflection of what it means to live out our faith through service. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time and effort to help build not just walls, but hope.

ST. PAUL'S GARDENS FEED OUR NEIGHBORS

The vegetable gardens at St. Paul's, on the west side of our campus, made a meaningful impact — providing over 230 pounds of fresh produce to the Boulevard Place Food Pantry this year! Thank you to everyone who helped to plant, tend, harvest and deliver this beautiful bounty. Your hands and hearts have nourished our neighbors in need! If you’d like to join the garden team next season, click here to email George Slenski — new volunteers are always welcome!

GATHER DECORATIONS FOR COBURN PLACE RESIDENTS!

Sundays, Nov. 16 & 23, Collection in Burrows Commons

Help brighten the holidays for the families at Coburn Place by donating gently used Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas decorations! Your festive items will help residents bring warmth and beauty to their apartments as they celebrate the season. This year, trees are not needed, but tree ornaments, garland, wreaths, candles, wall décor, figurines and other holiday-themed decorations are all welcome and appreciated. Let’s share the joy and light of the season with our neighbors at Coburn Place!

RSVP BY TOMORROW FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS LUNCH

“Battlefields and Playgrounds”

Thursday, November 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Parish Hall

Join for lunch, fellowship and a presentation led by parishioners Larry Johnson and Alice Roettger, remembering the anniversary of the end of World War II. The cost of lunch is $10. Click here to pay online (indicating “Lifelong Learners” in the reason for payment field). Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicut. The deadline to RSVP is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 7. The next Lifelong Learners luncheon will occur on December 11 – stay tuned for details. Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions. 

RSVP BY TOMORROW FOR "CONNECTIONS" OUTING

Sunday, November 23, 2 p.m., The District Theatre

Come watch "Frozen: A Drag Parody Musical," performed by Indy Drag Theater at The District Theatre. This outing is hosted by Connections Young Adults group and is open to all adult parishioners (ages 21+). Tickets are $35. If you’d like to attend and sit together as a group, please click here to RSVP to Jacob Denning by Friday, November 7 so that he can purchase group tickets. All are welcome to purchase individual tickets but this doesn't guarantee group seating.

NOTEWORTHY DATES & INFO

Please click on red links for available details

• Ongoing, Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
• Sunday Small Snacks after 9 a.m. worship
• Mondays, Swashbuckling & Beginning Fencing classes with Drew Tharp, 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, Nov. 5-Dec. 17, 10 a.m., Chair Yoga, Yoga Rm. (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Grandmother's Group, 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.)
• Nov. 6-16, Spirit & Place Festival, various locations
• Sun., Nov. 16, Holy Conversation, 11:15 a.m., Parish Hall
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30-7 p.m., Parish Dinner, Lilly Room
• Sun., Nov. 30, 9 & 11:15 a.m., Advent Lessons & Carols, Sanctuary
• Sundays, Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14 & 21, Alternative Gift Market, Burrows Commons
• Sun., Nov. 30, 10:15-11 a.m., Advent Wreath Making All-Parish Coffee Hour, Parish Hall
• Fri, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m., TGIF Gathering, RESCHEDULED FROM OCT. 24
• Sat., Dec. 6, 9-10:50 a.m. or 11:10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Breakfast with Buddy the Elf
• Sun., Dec. 7, 12:15-2 p.m., Lilly Room, Newcomers Lunch

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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