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ASSOCIATE RECTOR REFLECTION
“But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. The gifts he gave were… to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7, 12)
There’s a picture from last Sunday’s 9 a.m. service emblazoned in my mind now: an image of four backs, as the Gospel procession returned to the altar. I can see the basics, of course: Audrey H. carrying the cross, flanked by Becky S. and Shane H. with torches, followed by Barb P. bearing the Gospel book, and finally me bringing up the rear.
But in my heart there is so much more to this image. In the blink of an eye, on Sunday, my heart saw several things at once:
- I recalled the tiny glances and nods between Shane and Audrey from a few minutes earlier, as our head acolyte and newest crucifer checked in subtly about what came next.
- I saw from their body language how comfortable Becky, Shane, and Barb were being led by a younger, less experienced acolyte, and how much respect they had for her.
- I saw how ably and intentionally Audrey performed her ministry, and hoped she could tell how much trust we had in her.
- I remembered my own first years as a young teen crucifer, and how often adults in the congregation told me it was well and good for a small girl to get to do that, they supposed, but really they thought it just “looked better” to have a taller boy lead with the cross. I felt a fervent hope that Audrey and her peers might never hear those voices from our church.
- I saw how natural this moment of shared, intergenerational ministry has become for us at St. Paul’s.
In that one flash, I realized what a valuable role each one of us in that group had to play. Yes, most importantly, we had a shared ministry to lead God’s people in worship. But even among the five of us, every person had a specific role in leading each other mutually.
This is not a snapshot captured to hold outside of the rest of what we do as a church. This was a glimpse that captured in one instant who we are and what it means to be the church. Every one of us had something to offer, and something to learn from each other. There was no longer adult and child, male and female, paid and unpaid — we were all equally necessary, equally equipped, to build up the household of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Rev. Beth Scriven, Associate Rector
| | SHARING CHRIST'S LOVE :: UPDATES & SPECIAL SERVICES | | |
GODSPEED, DR. JACOB TAYLOR
Sunday, September 28, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Assistant Organist & Associate Director of Music Dr. Jacob Taylor's last day at St. Paul’s is September 28. Please plan to celebrate Jacob over cake and coffee on Sunday, between the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services. If you'd like to contribute to a monetary "purse" for Jacob, please click here to give online (indicating “thanksgiving for Jacob” in the reason for payment field). You may also place a check in the offering plate Sunday or mail one to the office (indicating “thanksgiving for Jacob” in the check memo).
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SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ST. PAUL'S
St. Paul's is looking for our next Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry — a full-time role at the heart of parish life, guiding faith formation and building connections across generations. Great leaders often come through personal networks, so we invite you to think of someone amazing in your circle — or someone they might know — please share this opportunity! Click here for job details and click here for a shareable flyer.
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PET BLESSING
Sunday, October 5, 9 a.m. service.
All are invited to bring (well-behaved) pets to the 9 a.m. service on October 5 for a shortened Holy Eucharist service — neighbors and family are welcome to bring their pets as well! Please plan to have pets on leashes or in travel carriers. If you have an unruly/anxious pet, or one who has recently passed, please bring a memento or picture to share their story. Pets will be blessed in the courtyard after the conclusion of the service. Afterwards, please plan to stay for an all "Paws and Claws" themed coffee hour sponsored by the Intergen team. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and there will be pet-centric activities!
BLANKET/TOWEL DRIVE
Time to clean out your linen closets! The Intergen Team will be collecting used blankets and towels to donate to the Indy Humane Society. Gently used and freshly laundered, these items will help keep pets warm and comfortable! Please drop them off in Burrows Commons anytime from Pet Blessing Sunday through October 26.
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REGISTER FOR HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms are offered next on Sunday, November 2 at 9 a.m. Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and made members of Christ’s body, the Church. Please click below to learn more or to request to be baptized. The deadline to register for November 2 baptism is Thursday, October 9.
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RONEN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Sunday, September 28, 4-5:30 p.m., Sanctuary
The spirit of Brahms hovers over Ronen Chamber Ensemble's first concert of their 2025-26 season, a program flanked by two of the German icon’s chamber masterpieces: the first violin sonata, in an arrangement for flute and piano, and the so-called “Werther” piano quartet, a tragic piece rooted in the composer’s youthful love for a married woman (any guesses?). The trio for oboe, horn and piano by Brahms’s friend Heinrich von Herzogenberg, featuring Ronen co-artistic director Jennifer Christen, rounds out the evening.
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TUESDAY STUDY GROUP
Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Broad Ripple Brewpub
Starting September 30, the Tuesday Study Group will be studying the book "Christ and the Council." How do Christians discern truth? Church conflicts are nothing new, but few were as pivotal as the Council of Nicaea. There, the early church affirmed the full divinity of Jesus Christ and denounced dissenters as heretics — a decision that shaped Christian doctrine, history and the growing divide between East and West. All are invited to join the conversation, regardless of reading the book. Click here to email Larry Johnson with questions.
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CONNECTIONS YOUNG ADULTS
Friday, October 3, 6-8 p.m., Byrne’s Pizza
Connections is a group for childless folks in their 20s, 30s and 40s interested in finding community and exploring faith — newcomers are welcome! Please plan to meet up for food and fellowship. Click here to email Jacob Denning with questions.
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LIFELONG LEARNERS
Thursday, October 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Parish Hall
Indiana is alive with birdlife — learn more at “Migration & Backyard Bird Identification" (sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited). Join for lunch, fellowship and a presentation led by Aidan Rominger, Staff Naturalist at Wild Birds Unlimited and Head Ornithologist at Eagle Creek Ornithology Center. Gain practical tips for identifying the most common backyard birds, with clear explanations of family groups, field marks, calls and behaviors. 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, October 3. Future Lifelong Learners luncheons will occur on November 13 and December 11 – stay tuned for details. Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions.
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Please click on red links for available details
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Ongoing, Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
- Sunday Small Snacks after 9 a.m. worship
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Mondays, Swashbuckling & Beginning Fencing classes with Drew Tharp, Rm. 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
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Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, Roberts Library (first floor, Church bldg.)
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Tuesdays, 6 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga, Rm. 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
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Wednesdays, Oct. 1-29, Chair Yoga, Room 213 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
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Thur., Oct. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., Mosaic Book Club, Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
- Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Women's Bible Study, Rm. 207 (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
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Sun., Oct. 19, 4-5:30 p.m., Mark Carpenter Piano Recital, Sanctuary
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Sun., Oct. 26, 4 p.m., Choral Spookensong, Sanctuary
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Sat., Dec. 6, 9 or 11:10 a.m., Breakfast with Buddy the Elf, Parish Hall
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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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