PASTORAL CARE REFLECTION :: THE REV. MARY SLENSKI | | |
What is Pastoral Care?
Consider a kaleidoscope. The image above was taken through a stained-glass kaleidoscope. The different sections can be thought of as the demographics and pastoral needs of a congregation. Beautiful.
Congregations change. Things happen. Each change is like a small turning of the kaleidoscope, leading to something new. Our own needs change. So, given our post-pandemic reality, a multitude of insecurities in civil life, and the congregation in ordained leadership transition, it’s worth the time to consider what pastoral care is. Through the many changes, our need for God is always there. God’s reach to us, is always there.
At the adult forum on December 14, I offered a working definition of pastoral care: Coming alongside another in a moment of need.
That morning, participants reflected on an experience of pastoral care, discerned timeless qualities of that experience, and shared those qualities with each other. Gathering that information, an image can be developed of the qualities needed for pastoral care ministry. And, yes, Rector Transition Discernment Committee members took photos of the data. What participants were willing to share with St. Paul’s clergy was passed to the clergy. Click here for a reflection guideline for your own meditation.
Let’s look to scripture next for insight into the breadth and scope of pastoral care. From the gospel of John: ‘and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. (v. 14:16 NRS). The word advocate — parakletos in the original — shows up as comforter in the KJV, as companion in the Common English Bible, and I know I’ve also seen it as Paraclete, literally, ‘one who is called alongside.’ Advocate, comforter, companion, paraclete enrich the idea of coming alongside another in a moment of need. Sometimes the Holy Spirit needs ordinary people to bear Her Presence; sometimes we need the Spirit brought to us by the ministry of another. We may or may not recognize the reach in the moment. And, sometimes, we are oblivious to the reality that we are bearers of the Spirit.
Pastoral Care is easily assumed to be the ministry of an ordained pastor. Yes, clergy are called, trained, and vowed to be pastors. Yet, all ordained ministry emerges from baptism. Priests are ordained to be icons of ministry that belongs to all the baptized. Pastoral Care is about bearing the presence of God to one another, through the chances and changes of this life. We do so as ordinary human beings, lay and ordained, who come alongside another in the name of Love incarnated, Jesus of Nazareth.
Sounds so simple. We have lots of reasonable reasons for not reaching out in our own need or to inquire about another’s need. We’re afraid, insecure, risk avoidant, and even don’t know how to do so. Some forms of pastoral care do function better when decently organized - like taking communion to homebound parishioners. These are the things that are part of highly relational ministry, as subtle and vibrant as a kaleidoscope image. God still reaches in and through that stuff. What has been your experience? What needs to be in place for you to ask for care? To come alongside another? Please click here to submit your input to the Rev. Devon Anderson.
The Rev. Mary Slenski, Guest Preacher
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Dear St. Paul’s:
Today I write to announce that the Rev. Beth Scriven has accepted a position as Canon to the Ordinary for Leadership Development in the Episcopaal Diocese of San Diego. Her last Sunday at St. Paul’s will be January 25, 2026 - during which she will preach at all three services. We will, of course, send her off in style with a celebration of her ministry between the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services, a parish blessing as part of worship, and a “purse” gift.
If you are interested in helping to organize her celebration, please click here to contact Senior Director of Operations Dan Thompson. If you'd like to contribute to a monetary "purse" for Beth, please click here to make an online donation (indicating “thanksgiving for Beth” 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 Beth” in the check memo).
Beth has served St. Paul’s tirelessly for 2 1/2 years, and I have come to know her as a very hard worker, a gifted preacher, and a supportive colleague. She has so many talents and gifts, and will be deeply missed at St. Paul’s. I have asked Beth to write a letter to accompany this announcement; please click below to read it.
Please remember that staff change is a normal part of interim times. St. Paul’s is between the “now” and the “not yet” as it searches for its next rector — and that liminal space can feel — at times — challenging, fearful, or unstable. Those feelings are normal and staff comings-and-goings is also to be expected. Please know that as we together navigate change, the staff, the Vestry, and I will do everything possible to keep the proverbial trains running on time with meaningful programming, inspirational music and worship, strong and present lay leadership, and, of course, the gift of community.
I hope you will take a moment to connect with Beth personally: to congratulate her on this exciting opportunity in her career and to tell her what her ministry has meant to you these past years. As a person who enters and leaves congregations with some regularity, I can tell you there is no more impactful gift to a clergy person than to be told how their ministry offered life, gave comfort, or inspired a deeper faith.
Epiphany blessings to each one of you!
| | | The Rev. Devon Anderson, Interim Rector | | | |
NEW MUSIC STAFF
We are excited to welcome two new staff members who will assist the music ministry at St. Paul’s. Our Interim Assistant Organist & Choir Director is Mike Powell, who has helped occasionally this past fall with rehearsals and services. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position, having worked in churches for several years as a full-time principal musician. Mike is completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the IU Jacobs School of Music in organ performance, and trained as a choir director at St. Olaf College and with Bruce Neswick at IU.
We are also thrilled to announce that St Paul’s has brought Fiona Keith on board as a part-time administrative assistant to the music ministry. Fiona is familiar with St. Paul’s, having grown up in the choir as a choral scholar, and is a frequent choir alum singer. You will likely recognize Fiona from choir, or as a cellist for many service preludes throughout the last decade.
Mike and Fiona are fantastic, competent, and extraordinary people, and they will make a vibrant and positive impact on our worship and ministry to the parish.
Please watch for more details in next week’s eConnections.
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Brad Hughley, Organist & Director of Music
| | | ANNOUNCING THE CLASS OF 2029 VESTRY SLATE | | With gratitude for their willingness to serve, the Nominating Committee of St. Paul’s Vestry is pleased to share this year’s Vestry slate: Rick Bernhardt, Leah Ehlhardt, John Thorpe, and Emily Wilhite. We invite you to click below to prayerfully get to know each nominee. Voting will open on January 18, 2026. | | JOYFULLY SHARING GOOD NEWS | | |
STREETS TO HOME INDY UPDATE
St. Paul’s Community Engagement team extends a heartfelt thank you to our parishioners for helping us meet — and exceed — our $25,000 donation match goal in support of the Streets to Home Indy initiative! Parishioners stepped up and donated $30,546 to meet the need of the most vulnerable among us. Due to this generosity, St. Paul’s donated a total of $55,546 to Streets to Home! Currently, 87 people have been housed with 100% of them being connected to supportive services. This number reflects 92% of those living in encampments who said "yes" to housing, and I00% of those people remain housed. Thank you so much for taking the time to see Christ in those among us!
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CELEBRATING NEW LIFE!
Congratulations to new parents, Ashley Jenkins and Chris Sanders on the December 24 birth of their son, Parke "Bud" Jenkins Sanders!
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EPIPHANY LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, January 11, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
St. Paul’s Choir sings a reflective candlelit service of scripture and song, reaching beyond the Nativity story to the Flight into Egypt, the appearance of the Magi, and Jesus being presented in the Temple. Epiphany celebrates the appearance of God’s glory in the world through the birth of Jesus, our Emmanuel (“God with us”), and the revelation of the incarnation. The Greek word epiphany means literally “sudden appearance” and refers above all to the manifestation of God.
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CHALKING THE DOOR
Blessing Homes for Epiphany
Sunday, January 11 after the 9 & 11:15 a.m. services
This Sunday, join in the centuries-old practice of “Chalking the door.” Celebrate and mark the occasion of the Epiphany, when God was revealed to the Magi in the Christ Child, and remember that God reveals Christ’s presence to us today as well. In "Chalking the door" (using blessed chalk), people mark the doorpost of their home with an inscription signifying the new year and asking for God’s blessing upon that home. Click here to read more about this tradition that we invite you to join in with us! Some church members have already signed up to bless one another’s homes in groups; even if you aren’t signed up for a group, you can still participate. Come by the table in Burrows Commons on Sunday to learn more and pick up a kit with chalk and prayers. You can use it to bless your own home, or you can find a friend (from St. Paul’s or elsewhere) and use the kit to bless each other’s homes. Please click here to email Leah Ehlhardt or click here to email Beth Scriven with questions.
| | TRY SOMETHING NEW IN THE NEW YEAR! | | |
NEW FENCING CLASSES NEXT WEEK!
Starting Monday, January 12, 6-7 p.m.
Yoga Room (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
Try a new workout for your New Year's resolution — learn to fence! Adult/Teen (Ages 13+) fencing classes teach the basics of fencing for all three weapons: foil, epee and saber. The cost is $150 and includes all required fencing equipment. The class is six weeks long, for one hour per week. Please click below to see more details and enroll. Click here to email Drew Tharp with questions.
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PARISH DINNER NEXT WEEK
Wednesday, January 14, 5:30–7 p.m., Lilly Room
All parishioners are warmly invited to an evening of delicious food, fellowship and community. Enjoy an Italian-themed menu — or you're welcome to bring your own dish! No RSVPs are required. We are grateful to Barb Pierce & Jim Cruise for sponsoring this dinner. Would you consider becoming a dinner patron to help fund a future parish dinner? Click here to email the Rev. Devon Anderson with your desire to help.
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YOGA WITH CARRIE
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Slow Flow Yoga
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Chair Yoga
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Slow Flow Yoga
All classes held in Yoga Room
(second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
'Looking to add more movement and mindfulness to your week? Carrie Bernhardt invites you to try something new this year! With classes offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, there’s something for everyone — from chair yoga to gentle slow flow. These all-levels classes welcome every body and every experience level, offering a supportive space to move, breathe and reconnect. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat, come explore what feels good and boost your movement in the year ahead. Click below to learn more and find a class.
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Please click on red links for available details
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Ongoing, Community Engagement Volunteer Opportunities
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Sunday Small Snacks after 9 a.m. worship (scroll to bottom for recent dates)
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Tuesdays, 6-6:45 p.m., Centering Prayer, Roberts Library (first floor, Church 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.)
- Sun., Jan. 18, 11:15 a.m., Sung Morning Prayer, Sanctuary
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SHARE YOUR STORY — HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW!
Our life together is shaped by the stories we share. Just as many parishioners have been doing, we invite you to join in! Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, promoting an event, or passing along good news, your story can uplift and connect our community. We’d love to help you spread the word. Submissions may appear in eConnections, Sunday bulletins, on social media, our website, or on the Burrows Commons digital display. Please send your news by 4 p.m. on Mondays for inclusion in that week’s publications (earlier is always appreciated!). Space is limited, and content may be edited or adapted for clarity and fit. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Ready to share? Click below to submit your news!
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