RECTOR'S REFLECTION
Dear Friends in Christ,

Although the sermon was preached 25 years ago, I still remember it. More specifically, I remember the story the preacher told the group of ecumenical clergy gathered for a preaching conference. I’ve long since forgotten both the name of the conference leader who preached the sermon and much of what he said. But his story still sits firmly in my memory. 

The story was about his late wife’s diagnosis of stage four cancer a few years earlier. As she began her treatments, they fully understood the prognosis. Wanting to find peace in the midst of their anxiety, they decided to pray through the psalms, reading one each night before going to bed.

For the most part, they found this practice comforting. Until they got to Psalm 88. As she lay on the bed and he knelt beside it, he suggested they skip it, that they move directly to Psalm 89. But she insisted. She needed to stay faithful to the ritual. He begged her to move on. Again, she insisted.

Why did he want to skip it? Because Psalm 88 is brutally honest about the suffering of life and the reality of death. It is a full-throated lament. “For I am full of trouble; my life is at the brink of the grave,” the psalmist writes (v. 3).

Many psalms are in the form of a lament, shaking their fists at God for a world that is too often unjust and unfair. “O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; by night as well, but I find no rest,” we read in Psalm 22:2. These psalms always provide some hope, some note of grace. “I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; you were my God when I was still in my mother’s womb,” the psalmist writes in Psalm 22:10.

In contrast, Psalm 88 struggles to find any grace in the midst of suffering. “My friend and my neighbor you have put away from me, and darkness is my only companion,” the psalm concludes (v. 19).

I’m thinking of Psalm 88 because it is appointed for Morning Prayer on Friday this week. I know my first reaction will be to skip it. It is the only psalm appointed for the morning, which means it will be read in isolation, as was the case during the nightly ritual the pastor and his wife practiced. There is no balance, nothing to offset the unflinching encounter with the reality of suffering and death.

Yet twenty-five years later, I still remember the conclusion of the sermon. The pastor’s wife insisted on reading the psalm for two reasons. Firstly, she did not want to pretend as if everything would work out for the best. She needed to acknowledge her suffering, to announce her anger at this injustice, to rail against a God who created a world in which people die.

Secondly, she understood they were not reading Psalm 88 in isolation. She knew the next night they would read Psalm 89 and lift their voices in praise. “Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing; from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.” (v. 1)

One day we lament; another day we praise. The only way I know to live in this paradox is to trust that on the worst of days and the best of days, and the days that fall somewhere in between, God is always present. Whatever today is for you, I pray you will experience a moment of God’s abiding presence, or will be able, at least, to trust God is holding you. 

Your Friend in Christ,
Rector
MAKE YOUR GIFTS BY FY2022 END - JUNE 30, 2022
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 to 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 EUCHARIST 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 19 refreshment host, St. Paul's Change Ringers.
DINING OUT FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
TODAY, Thursday, June 16, Various Indianapolis Restaurants
Dine at one of over 70 restaurants anytime today 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.
BECOME A STORYTELLER
Sharing our story is one of the most important things we’re doing at church and as a community. As a Sunday School teacher, you do just that with Godly Play stories (used for ages 3-10). Serve as a storyteller with small wooden pieces to help you. Watch one story here. All are invited — male or female, old or young, extrovert or introvert — to consider becoming a storyteller. All you need is love for our stories and our children, a willingness to learn the script and the commitment to show up bi-monthly; online Godly Play training is available for those interested. Read more about the Sunday School Main Teacher roles here, in addition to other opportunities to serve. Watch a thank you message here from our Youth, extending their gratitude to group leaders. Questions, contact Laurie Pierce.
SUMMER BOOK GROUP
Sundays, June 26, July 10, 24 & 31 & August 14, 8:45-9:45 a.m., Parish Hall
Author Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In her book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants (which may be purchased here), she brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific — and as sacred as it is historical. Contact George Slenski below with interest in participating in the book club, meeting bi-weekly between 8:30 and 10 a.m. services in the Parish Hall (or outdoors, weather-allowing).
FIONA KEITH SENIOR RECITAL - RESCHEDULED DATE
Monday, June 27, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul's Sanctuary
All are invited to a cello recital given by high school graduate and St. Paul’s Choir chorister, Fiona Keith, who joined the choir at age six and has been a Choral Scholar ever since. Her cello lessons have a longer history, beginning at age four! The recital celebrates Fiona’s recent graduation from Herron High School as she anticipates beginning college at Hanover College this fall. This program will feature music by J.S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, William Henry Squire, Camille Saint-Saëns and George Frideric Handel. Guest musicians will include Brad Hughley, piano; Kathryn Hershberger, viola; and Yoonhae Swanson, cello. 
VICTORY FIELD FAITH & FELLOWSHIP NIGHT
Friday, August 26, gates open at 6 p.m. (game starts at 7:05 p.m.), Victory Field
Sit with other St. Paul's friends in reserved seats (section 208) right behind home plate! Enjoy a pregame Q&A segment with Indians players who will share stories about their faith. Watch the Indianapolis Indians play against the Rochester, New York Red Wings. Reserve tickets now and pay later (details below in reservation link). The deadline to pay for a discounted seat in this grouping is Wednesday, August 10. Family, friends and neighbors are welcome to join us! Questions, contact Meegan Kriner.
SUMMER: SPECIAL DATES - DETAILS COMING
Sunday, August 21, St. Paul's lawn, Backpack Blessing
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