RECTOR'S REFLECTION
Dear Friends in Christ,

Did you know William Temple, Archbishop of York from 1929-1942 and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-1944, preached at St. Paul’s in the late 1930s? According to our parish history, written by Alice Roettger and Joe Thompson, we were one of only five churches in which he preached during his second visit to the United States.

I have found no record of the text of his sermon. But I hope he mentioned what Oxford Reference calls his personal dictum: “The Church exists primarily for the sake of those who are still outside it.” He appears to have shared this motto many times in various forms, another being “The Church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members.”

Based on three decades of ordained experience, I’d say more often than not the church forgets this truth. As we approach the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church meeting in Baltimore next month, the latest kerfuffle is about communion. Who is eligible to receive the Body and Blood of Christ? One side, represented by a recent open letter written by scholars from several of our Episcopal seminaries, advocates for the traditional and canonical practice restricting communion to the baptized. A second open letter responding to the first, signed by clergy, laity and academics, advocates for the removal of the canonical requirement, thus opening the reception of communion to those who are not yet baptized.

My point in bringing this up is not to dive into the debate. My concern is the debate itself. I take the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion seriously. But I wonder, is this debate really where the focus of the church needs to be right now?

We live in a time in which fewer and fewer people engage in organized religion. There are now predictions about the death of The Episcopal Church because of the rapidly decreasing numbers of people who attend and participate in our congregations. A recent survey sponsored by The Episcopal Church, Jesus in America, makes clear that non-Christians have very low opinions of us. We’re seen as hypocritical, judgmental, self-righteous, arrogant, unforgiving and selfish. I imagine a debate about who is eligible to receive communion only reinforces these perceptions.

Thirty-six years ago, I left the Southern Baptist Convention because of people demanding and enforcing theological and organizational purity. I learned then that insistence on purity ultimately leads us away from the core practices of the faith to which Jesus called us: radical hospitality, sacrificial love, servanthood, striving for justice. “God loves you, no exceptions,” we like to say in The Episcopal Church. Yet when our practices become too restrictive and pure, they communicate exactly the opposite.  

If Easter had been one week earlier this year, our opening collect for this coming Sunday would have been the prayer appointed for Proper 6. It’s an outstanding prayer, reminding us for whom the church exists. Since it will be Trinity Sunday, and we won’t pray it, I’ll share it here. I suspect William Temple would approve.

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion: for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
Your Friend in Christ,
Rector
OUTREACH GRANTS AWARDED
The Outreach Grant Committee convened on May 26, 2022. The primary work of the committee was to approve grant awards for the last part of FY2022. The committee received seven grant applications and awarded $66,000 to the following four organizations: BU Wellness, $34,400; Damien Center/Damien Cares, $12,000; Coburn Place, $12,000; Indy Learning Team, $7,600. Read the full report below:
AWAKENING STEWARDSHIP
St. Paul's continues to work to create a culture of generosity and we give thanks for all who join in the work of providing the financial resources that allow us to continue to live more fully into our mission, vision and purposes. View the 230 households and 19 youth that have submitted estimates of giving here. As FY2022 draws to a close, you are invited to support our end-of-year financial push, helping position us for our continued work in FY2023. If you have already satisfied your estimate of giving for 2022, would you please consider an additional gift? If you are behind on your estimate of giving, don't despair, please do your best and give what you can. Every gift matters and God can and does bless all that you give. Make your gifts electronically below, text MYGIFT to 97000 or mail a check. All gifts are tax deductible, in accordance with IRS guidelines.
WEDNESDAY WORSHIP AND SUMMER SUNDAYS
Wednesdays through August 31, 11 a.m., St. Paul's Chapel
Worship with us on Wednesday mornings this summer. Holy Eucharist and Healing will be offered in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
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Sundays through August 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Paul's Courtyard and Burrows Commons
Stay for refreshments, casual conversation and outdoor children's activities immediately after the 10 a.m. service this summer (no fellowship on July 3 or September 4). Thank you to our June 12 refreshment host, TGIF.
INDY PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Massachusetts Avenue
The Diocese of Indianapolis will march in the parade (Mass Avenue) and will host a booth in the festival afterwards (Military Park). Support this annual event by attending! Visit below if you're interested in helping or if you're already volunteering/marching and need further details.
DINING OUT FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
Thursday, June 16, Various Indianapolis Restaurants
Dine at one of over 70 restaurants next Thursday and they will generously donate a portion of their sales to support programs and services offered by the Damien Center. Help to support local, raise awareness and end HIV. See below for a list of participating restaurants and more info. Questions, contact John David Patrick.
SAVE THESE SUMMER DATES - DETAILS COMING
Sunday, August 21, St. Paul's lawn, Backpack Blessing
Friday, August 26, Victory Field, Faith & Fellowship Night
Sunday, August 28, Parish Hall, Safeguarding God's Children in-person Praesidium Training
Friday, September 30-Sunday, October 2, Waycross Camp & Conference Center, Family Ministry Waycross Retreat