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REFLECTION FROM THE REV. DEVON ANDERSON ON "SPIRITUAL PRACTICE IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE"

The greatest and most important problems of life are fundamentally unsolvable. They can never be solved, but only outgrown. (Carl Jung)

In honor of our upcoming feast days of All Saints and All Souls, I am offering a mini retreat on November 1: Spiritual Practice in the Second Half of Life: An Introduction to Contemplation. It was Carl Jung who first put forth that there are at least two major tasks to human life. The first task is to build a strong “container” or identity; the second is to find the contents that the container was meant to hold. 

In the first half of life, we build our vessel. We focus on surviving successfully by establishing an identity, a home, relationships, community, security, and building a proper container for our life. This first half of life focuses on questions like “What makes me significant?” “How can I support myself?” and “Who will go with me?” Or, as one theologian said, it’s about the “big three: identity, security, and sexuality and gender.” In the first half of life, success, security and containment — “looking good” to ourselves and others — are almost the only questions. We grasp, in this time, at various certitudes, constants, and insurance policies. 

As Jung and others have pointed out, we all walk our own journeys. The first half of life work, building the vessel, is healthy and progressive. We see its real necessity but also we eventually realize its limitations. At some point the first container must, and does, fail us — when we realize it’s not enough, or it doesn’t offer the meaning we crave, or connect us to the Great Mystery, or stunts our growth, or compromises our ability to change. 

So, having finished the first life task, even partially, we go searching for the purpose, the connection, the divinity that fills our life vessels with meaning. This is the work of the second half of life - for those of us brave enough to wade into those waters. Far too many people just keep doing repair work on the container itself and never “throw their nets into the deep” (John 21:6) to bring in the huge catch that awaits. 

What does it look like to strike out into the rough and ready waters of the second half of life? How do we choose it, live into it, free ourselves enough to explore its bounty without being afraid? The richness and depth of second-half-of-life spirituality is bottomless. In our time together we will explore its bounty through the contemplative life, looking at ideas like non-dual consciousness, letting go, engaged contemplation, non-reactivity, and Jesus as Wisdom Teacher. 

Toward the end of the mini retreat, we’ll do some talking about the spiritual practice of preparing for end-of-life, for a “good death,” as part of second-half-of-life spiritual work. 

Our time together is intended to be a short, invitational introduction to a particular kind of Christian practice and perspective. I will provide lots of resources for those participants who wish to dip their toe into the deep, and wade in further.  

The Rev. Devon Anderson, Interim Rector

SPIRITUALITY IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE MINI RETREAT

Saturday, November 1

8:30 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. retreat

Lilly Room (first floor, Church bldg.)

Join the Rev. Devon Anderson, Brad Hughley and other guest stars for a mini retreat the day before All Saints’ Sunday, to explore what a deep and growing spiritual life can look like in the second half of life. We will learn, share, sing and eat. Please click here to RSVP or call Tana Hunnicutt at 317.253.1277 by Wednesday, October 29.

THIS WEEKEND

"SPOOKENSONG" CHORAL EVENSONG

Sunday, October 26, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

Bring your friends and family, wear your Halloween costumes, and enjoy an unforgettable night of chills, laughs and incredible music! Treble and teen singers of St. Paul’s will combine with the staff singers of Trinity Episcopal Church and Christ Church Cathedral in a service of Choral Evensong, including singers in costumes, dark and stormy to lighthearted music, and Pumpkin Carols. Plan to stay for a reception afterwards. Spookensong will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.

SHARING CHRIST'S LOVE :: UPDATES & SPECIAL SERVICES

LITURGY FOR ALL SOULS' DAY

featuring Requiem by Herbert Howells

Please submit names of departed loved ones by October 27 for All Faithful Departed Service*

Sunday, November 2, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

The commemoration of All Faithful Departed gives sacred time and space to remember those who have died, and a way to pray and remember them. St. Paul's staff and teen singers provide the underpinning of the service featuring the soul-stirring Requiem by the 20th century British composer Herbert Howells. Also included in the service is Howells’s motet “Take him, earth, for cherishing,” composed as a response to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. We will also pray for those from St. Paul’s who have died during the past year and for loved ones you have lost, whether recently or in the past. *If, during the service, you would like us to mention the name of a loved one who has died, please email the name to Meegan Kriner. 

SACRED GROUND KICKOFF

Sacred Ground is back, and we’d love to have you along for the journey! Sacred Ground is a seven-month Episcopal dialogue series on race, grounded in faith and open to all. Together we will explore America’s history of race and racism, including the particular American histories of Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American communities as they intersect with European American histories, our own family stories, economic class, and political and regional identity. This year’s Sacred Ground circle will again meet in a hybrid format: most sessions will take place on Zoom on Sunday evenings from 7-8:35 p.m., roughly twice a month, with occasional in-person sessions to anchor our community. The program kicks off on Sunday, November 2, 12:45-2:30 p.m., with a pitch-in lunch in the Lilly Room to get acquainted and for an overview of the course. Click below to see all details and register. Questions, click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

In observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11, we invite St. Paul’s veterans to share details about their military service. No later than Monday, November 3, please click here to email Meegan Kriner with your name, title, location(s)/years served and a photo of yourself. If you submitted your details last year, we'll highlight your information again unless you ask us not to do so.

ST. PAUL'S JOINS STREETS TO HOME

Fundraising begins November 9 and, thanks to generous donors, we're already 13% of the way toward our goal!

'Tired of asking, “What can I do to make things better”? Here’s your chance — help end homelessness in Indianapolis. Team with Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP), Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance (GIMA), and other public/private partners, to support the Streets to Home Indy initiative. St. Paul’s Community Engagement is committing $25,000 to Streets to Home and inviting the congregation to match that gift with an additional $25,000; we’re already 13% of the way there! This is an opportunity to put our mission into action. Together, we can help move our neighbors from uncertainty to stability through permanent housing and the services needed to remain housed. Questions, please click here to email Janie Frazier. On Sunday, November 9, St. Paul's welcomes Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel (Executive Director/President of GIMA) to preach at the 9 & 11:15 a.m. services and lead the 10:15 a.m. faith forum that day, sharing more about Streets to Home Indy. Click here for forum details.

CREATING COMMUNITY

"CONNECTIONS" GATHERING

Sunday, November 2, 6-8 p.m., Home of Jacob Denning

"Connections" is a group for childless folks in their 20s, 30s & 40s who are interested in finding community and exploring faith. Join the next meeting at parishioner Jacob Denning's home for a movie night, watching the animated classic "Coco," a perfect choice as we remember deceased loved ones during this All Souls season. To RSVP and receive the address, please click here to email Jacob Denning.

TREAT YOUR PARISH FAMILY TO DINNER!

St. Paul’s will continue to enjoy its monthly all-parish dinner (third Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Lilly Room) through the program year. Our own Chef Jeff (Eastman) is kindly making the dinners at a greatly reduced cost (just ingredients). Each dinner costs about $350. The Rev. Devon Anderson is covering the expenses through the end of the year. Might there be a few parishioner households who would like to be a Parish Dinner Patron? Treat your parish to dinner! If you are interested, please click here to email Devon. 

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. 

BREAKFAST WITH BUDDY THE ELF

Saturday, December 6, 9-10:50 a.m. or 11:10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Parish Hall (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Get ready to smile, sing and eat syrupy pancakes with Buddy! Two fun-filled sessions will offer the same programming and experiences — we’re simply spreading things out to make the space more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Come for a pancake and egg breakfast provided by BSA troop #73, crafts, story time with Papa Elf, books for sale with The Book Fairy, caroling with Indianapolis Men's Chorus (the louder the better!), hot chocolate, and of course — time for a high-five, selfie or to give Buddy a piece of ABC gum! Tickets are just $10/person (ages 3 & under free*). Hurry — click here to grab your tickets today. *Children under 3 still need a free ticket for accurate attendance. Help us spread the word - click here to share a flyer with friends, family and neighbors!

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, Oct. 1-29, 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.)
• Thur., Nov. 6, 7-8:30 p.m., Mosaic Book Club, Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
• Fri., Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m., Habitat for Humanity Multifaith Build, Second Presbyterian
• Nov. 6-16, 2025, Spirit & Place Festival, various locations
• Sun., Nov. 9, 4 p.m., Choral Evensong, Sanctuary
• Sundays, Nov. 10; Dec. 7, 14 & 21, Alternative Gift Market, Burrows Commons
• Sundays, Nov. 16 & 23, Coburn Place Holiday Decoration & Ornament Collection, Burrows Commons
• Sun., Nov. 23, 2 p.m., "Connections" outing to "Frozen, A Drag Parody Musical"
• Fri, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m., TGIF Gathering RESCHEDULED FROM OCT. 24

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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