Dear Friends in Christ,
During the Wednesday Eucharist this week we commemorated the life of Irenaeus, one of the early defenders of Christian orthodoxy in the second century. In the first lesson we read these words from the apostle Paul. “Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.” (2 Timothy 2:22-25a)
Listening to the lesson I wondered if our world today is really that different from Paul’s world in the first century. “Stupid and senseless controversies” that “breed quarrels” seem to dominate our age, often distracting us from the real challenges we face as a society.
One of these challenges is the focus of the Surgeon General’s 2023 report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. Dr. Vivek Murthy describes what he discovered as he traveled around the nation. “People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant. Even when they couldn’t put their finger on the word ‘lonely,’ time and time again, people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, ‘I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,’ or ‘if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.’ It was a lightbulb moment for me: social disconnection was far more common than I had realized.”
According to the report, even before the COVID-19 pandemic about one-in-two adults in the United States reported experiencing loneliness (rates for young adults are even higher). In 2016, only 30% of adults felt they could reliably trust other Americans (compared to 45% in 1972). In 2018, only 16% of Americans reported feeling very attached to their local community. These examples barely scratch the surface but perhaps they are enough to make the point. Creating opportunities for social connection is imperative not only for the health of individuals but also for the well-being of society.
In response to this epidemic, Paul’s prescription for healing division in the community may not seem so naive. Pursuing “righteousness, faith, love, and peace” and behaving “kindly to everyone” will not in and of themselves transform the world. But they can create social connections that break down the walls that so often divide and isolate us.
The Surgeon General’s report makes similar suggestions. Community-based organizations such as St. Paul’s can “create opportunities and spaces for inclusive social connection” and “foster a culture of connection in the broader community.” Individuals can “seek out opportunities to serve and support others,” “actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences,” and “reflect the core values of connection in how [we] approach others in conversation and through the actions we take.”
Irenaeus wrote that “the glory of God is a human being fully alive.” Which is why it is imperative for us as Christians to create community, foster relationships, and build bridges which connect the diversity of God’s people. We are fully alive only in relationship. We reflect God’s glory best when we do so together.
Your Friend in Christ,
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PLEASE MAKE YOUR GIFTS BY TOMORROW, JUNE 30, 2023
Thank you to all who have helped to provide the financial resources that allow us to continue to live more fully into our mission, vision and purposes. View the 240 households that have submitted estimates of giving here. Every gift matters. Make gifts electronically below, text MYGIFT to 97000 or mail a check. All gifts are tax deductible, in accordance with IRS guidelines.
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NO SUMMER FELLOWSHIP OR NURSERY THIS WEEKEND
There will be no Summer Sunday celebration following the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, July 2.
Join us again on Sunday, July 9 for refreshments, casual conversation and outdoor children's activities immediately after the 10 a.m. service. Have a safe holiday weekend! Our staffed nursery will be closed on Sunday, July 2 but is open for infants to 3-year-olds from 9:45 - 11:30 a.m. on most Sunday mornings.
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PAULI MURRAY CELEBRATION
A Legacy of Justice, Identity & Poetry
Friday, June 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Ujamaa Community Book Store (inside Flanner House)
Join us in celebrating the feast of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray with a night of poetry and food at Ujamaa Community Book Store on Friday, June 30. This event will feature local poets and live poetry, a food truck from The Jollof Buka and antique typewriters to write your own poetry through Antiquated Arts.
To commemorate the feast, a diocesan service will be celebrated on Saturday, July 1 at All Saints. Refreshments will be available that day at 5:30 p.m. followed by the service at 6 p.m. Questions, email the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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YOGA WITH CARRIE :: SUMMER SEASON
Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m., Parish Hall; Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Parish Center Room 213
"Summer reminds us of the joy that can be found through inaction. Yoga invites us to settle into these moments with a calm body and soul." Join us for summer season classes, starting Tuesday, July 6. Classes are $12/ea or $50/package of five. Click below for more information and to see the full schedule. Questions, email Carrie Bernhardt.
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SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION
Sundays, July 9 & 23, August 6, 9-10 a.m., Roberts Library
Read and discuss with the Green Team, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. In a dialogue between the two authors, the book focuses on Jane's "Four Reasons for Hope" in the face of climate change. Goodall shares stories about the amazing efforts of individuals and groups who have joined her in helping to build a better world. Questions, please email Robyn or Ted Gibboney.
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NEWCOMER EVENTS
Sundays, July 16 and August 13, 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. (immediately following the 10 a.m. service)
Guided Tour on July 16, Meet in the nave (sanctuary)
If you are curious about St. Paul's places and spaces, join the Rev. Jeff Bower for a guided tour.
St. Paul's/Episcopal Church 101 on August 13, Meet in the CRR (Community Resource Room)
Join the Rev. John Denson and the Rev. Jeff Bower in the CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building) to explore a brief history of St. Paul's, our life in the Diocese of Indianapolis and our relationship with the Episcopal Church.
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HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms will be administered on Sunday, August 13
Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and made members of Christ’s body, the Church. Interested in baptism, please click below to learn more or to request to be baptized. The deadline to register for August 13 baptisms is Thursday, July 20.
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CELEBRATE THE REV. BARBARA KEMPF'S MINISTRY AT ST. PAUL'S
Sunday, July 30, immediately following the 10 a.m. service, join us in the St. Paul's Courtyard for a celebration of the Rev. Barb Kempf's ministry at St. Paul's.
Should you wish to make a monetary gift to Barb, you may do so online below or by check (mailed to the Church Office or placed in the offering plate on Sunday — memo: "In thanksgiving for the Rev. Barb Kempf"). St. Paul's will present Barb with a check totaling the donations at the July 30 celebration.
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UPCOMING ALL-PARISH EVENTS
Sunday, August 6, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Backpack Blessing & Summer Festival
Thursday, September 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Choir School Open House
Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1, Waycross Camp & Conference Center All-Parish Weekend
Parents: For a list of upcoming family ministry-specific events, click here.
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HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Morning Light operates a hospice home that supports terminally ill residents of limited means to live with dignity in their final chapter. Morning Light is seeking volunteers to provide compassionate and contemplative care. Those interested are welcome to attend any of the next three training sessions: Wednesday, July 19 (3:30-5 p.m.) or Saturday, August 26 (10-11:30 a.m.). Questions, or to register, email Brittany Babbitt or the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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SERVE THE MLK CENTER
Summer service opportunities with MLK Center are available.
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MLK Cooking Club Summer Camp, Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., St. Paul's Parish Hall & Kitchen :: Help to facilitate 50 kids from the MLK Center learning to follow recipes and prepare foods at a summer camp held in our kitchen. Donations for food items, shoppers, adult facilitators and kid participants are all needed.
Serving two-three times in either of these roles is a great way to be in relationship with others from our community! Questions, email Laurie Pierce. See all details below:
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JOIN A PARISH TEAM!
Want to feel more connected at St. Paul's and work on a shared project with 5-6 others? Laurie Pierce is seeking males, introverts, those without children in the home, and those not sure what they believe in/think they have nothing to offer, to serve on teams. If you love this community, kids, events, bringing people together, our worship, or mentoring, please click below to learn more about the teams being formed:
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