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"Your presence, words and thoughtfulness towards our children and youth matters. It really matters."
Dear St. Paul's Family & Friends,
We are excited to share a special reflection from Laurie Pierce, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry. Last weekend, Laurie led a meaningful All-Parish retreat at Waycross that brought together the St. Paul's community in a powerful way. In Laurie's reflection below, she expresses her deep gratitude to everyone at St. Paul’s for their ongoing support and shares how this experience has helped to shape and inspire her ministry.
Laurie's words are a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of faith, connection and fellowship. We hope you’ll take a moment to read and reflect on the blessings we continue to share as a church family.
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"Aleea is my oldest kiddo. She has always struggled with social anxiety. Whenever she was hurt as a baby, she would freeze - not cry. This inward holding of emotion has continued throughout her life. We spent years looking for the right counselor for her. She doesn’t stand in front of people; she doesn’t sing; she doesn’t like to be the center of attention, even on her birthday. When she unexpectedly had to change classrooms because her teacher left, the new teacher thought she had speech problems because she did not say a word. Even at church in her Godly Play room, the adult volunteer said she rarely spoke during her first year in the class.
YET on the All-Parish Retreat this past weekend, Aleea asked for her "Gollywop" small group to perform in the Skit Night twice. She wanted to perform an "improv" skit. When her group was called up again, the two other kids quickly chickened out. I watched from the sidelines and wondered what she would do without peer support, standing in front of everyone. The gracious, loving adults in her group came to the front again, all unsure what they were about to do, but they supported her just the same. The adults made the skit happen, saying things like “So Aleea, how do we do an improv skit?...Is this how it works for your math test too?” Aleea’s words were minimal, but she stood there and carried through her idea with adults she had just started interacting with that day. This moment, this transformation of my child, the ability for her to stand, to lead and to be supported by those around her was a gift to her and to me I can hardly put into words. She found safety in her church community and in that safety she got to experiment with her ideas. Thank you, adults in "Gollywop." Thank you, participants of the audience. Thank you, participants of other small groups on the retreat, who provided that safety and space for other kids. And thank you to all adults of this community who make a point to say “Great job reading today!” and “I love seeing you serve at the altar; you’re doing a great job.” Or “You’re back! I’ve missed see you.” Your presence, words and thoughtfulness towards our children and youth matters. It really matters. After being here for three years and attending the All-Parish Retreat Skit Night for two previous years, Aleea found a new pieces of herself – strength, bravery, leadership. And God said “It was good.”
*Please continue to relate to Aleea as you normally would. She still would not enjoy being the center of attention because I'm sharing this story. I did ask her permission. She asked to read it. I was nervous because I thought she'd be embarrassed and say 'no.' Instead, she read through it - while I nervously held my breath and she said "Ok! You just misspelled a word."'
Laurie Pierce, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry
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DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ST. PAUL'S EXPERIENCE TO SHARE?
As we continue to celebrate the spirit and community that make St. Paul’s such a special place, we want to hear from YOU! Parishioners are invited to share stories or reflections about what makes St. Paul’s meaningful to you. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a personal testimony or something you appreciate about our church family, we’d love to hear it. Your stories will help us celebrate the heart of our community and may be highlighted in future newsletters, social media or during upcoming services. Please click here to email your stories to Meegan Kriner or drop a note at the church office. Please feel free to include photos as well! Together, let’s continue to build and share the love that makes St. Paul’s home.
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ST. PAUL'S 101
Sunday, September 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
CRR (second floor, Parish Center bldg.)
If you are curious about St. Paul’s history and want to know a bit more about how it fits into the Diocese of Indianapolis, the wider Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, now is the time to learn! Join the Rev. John Denson and the Rev. Jeff Bower for a discussion about who St. Paul’s is and an overview on its various relationships.
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INVESTITURE WATCH PARTY
Saturday, November 2
9:30 a.m. prelude with "roll call" of dioceses
11 a.m. Investiture Service begins
St. Paul's Indy, Parish Hall
Join with others from the Diocese of Indianapolis to view the livestream of the Celebration of New Ministry and Investiture of the Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe as Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. For planning purposes, please click here to RSVP. Please click here for a shareable invite. See all details below:
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FALL FORMATION :: ELECTION SERIES
Sunday, September 29, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Creating Community & Living the Baptismal Covenant panel
Join as a panel of St. Paul’s laypeople share how they live out their baptismal promises in the community outside the church. How do we find our way and make loving choices as disciples of Christ, in the middle of a tense and uncertain election season? This is the first of a four-part series exploring this question during Formation Hour. Please click below for upcoming events in this series. Questions, click here to email Brandon Lowe.
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MOSAIC BOOK CLUB INVITE
Thursday, October 3, 6:30-8 p.m., Fire by the Monon
Mosaic Book Club invites parishioners and family members to dine together while striving to better understand the world through reading fiction/nonfiction books written by authors of color. Exposure to new perspectives helps us to be more aware of the diverse identities in our society, fosters inclusiveness and generates empathy for others' stories. At the organizational meeting on October 3, the group will eat, decide on book club structure and choose and discuss books for subsequent sessions. Please bring suggestions for future reads! Click here to email Susie Holtz your RSVP or to ask questions or text 317.370.4262.
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SWING YOUR HAMMER!
Friday, November 1
8:30-11:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Second Presbyterian Church
Join with congregations from different churches, mosques, synagogues and temples to strengthen relationships while building affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. This multifaith build embodies Habitat’s mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. We hope for a strong turnout from St. Paul's as we assist new homeowners who are paying their own mortgage and constructing their own homes but need our help building the walls. A Habitat panel build is a masterpiece of coordination and a really nice way to spend a morning; please consider what a great program it is and help if you can. No experience or equipment is necessary and tools are provided! Click here to email Bill Cummings with questions.
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RONEN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Sunday, September 29, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Please join us for the first concert of the 2024-25 season. The Ronen Chamber Ensemble will perform a tribute to Gabriel Fauré upon the 100th anniversary of his death. Music will include pieces by members of Fauré's musical circle and compositional descendants. Admission is free.
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ST. PAUL'S PET BLESSING
Sunday, October 6, 9 a.m. service
We invite you and your (well-behaved) pets to church for a shortened Holy Eucharist service - neighbors and family are welcome to bring their pets also. Afterwards, plan to stay for All-Parish Coffee Hour in the courtyard with treats provided by the Intergen Team and a special visit by IndyHumane. Click on the link below for all details.
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LIFELONG LEARNERS
Thursday, October 17, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Plans are underway to reboot the former “Lunch and Learn” group, aimed at - but not restricted to - St. Paul's more senior parishioners. Please join us for an inaugural event and planning session to enjoy lunch together and share ideas on how this group would best function going forward. Please click here to RSVP and mention any dietary restrictions.
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MLK FALL FESTIVAL :: HELP NEEDED!
Friday, October 18, 4-6 p.m., MLK Center Indy
Four volunteers are needed to support the MLK Center with their Fall Festival. Volunteers will set up, facilitate and tear down a carnival-style game. Please consider supporting this event! Please click here to email Janie Frazier if you are available to assist.
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ST. PAUL'S DAY CAMP REGISTRATION
Monday, November 4, 2024, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
St. Paul’s campus
St. Paul’s invites you to enroll your Pre-K 4 to sixth-grade child(ren) in one or all of our Day Camp sessions! With flexible dates and diverse programming (to include Godly Play, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, team building, games and more), there’s something for every child to enjoy. Camp programming is planned from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with drop-off starting at 8 a.m. and pick-up by 5 p.m. Snacks and lunch are provided. Cost is $25/child per day with financial aid and multi-camper discounts available. Space is limited to 30/students per day. Click below to see more details and to register. If you have questions, please click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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SMALL SNACKS NEEDED
Everyone likes a small snack after the 9 a.m. service. Children usually cite "the snacks" as their favorite part of church; adults have been caught sneaking into Adult Formation with multiple cookies! The perfect time for a light snack is 10 a.m. Let's keep it going. Can you please pick ONE Sunday this year to bring the snacks? Sign up below and see suggestions for what and how much to bring. Questions, click here to email Laurie Pierce.
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UPCOMING:
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Monday, September 30, last day for Diocesan Convention early bird registration
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Friday, October 4, 6 p.m., TGIF Gathering, click here to RSVP to Alan Davis by October 3
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Sunday, October 6, 6-8 p.m., Deep Dive Faith Exploration starts
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Sunday, October 13, 12:30-2 p.m., Sacred Ground kickoff lunch
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Sunday, November 3, 9 a.m., Holy Baptism - register by October 10
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Sunday, January 26, 2025, Confirmation will occur during the Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows visit to St. Paul's
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