Dear Friends in Christ,
In November 1988, Stephanie and I drove to Chicago to visit Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, then located in Evanston. The guest housing was full, creating a dilemma for a young couple living on low entry-level salaries. Fortunately, we had a local connection with a guest room, Frank and Phoebe Griswold. Frank had previously served as the rector of St. Martin’s in Philadelphia, Stephanie’s parish for many years (and eventually mine though I arrived after Frank and Phoebe had moved).
In 1988, most people referred to Frank as Bishop Griswold. I doubt other postulants for holy orders called him by his first name or stayed in his guest room. But at the time, he was not my bishop and the relationship felt more personal than professional. When Stephanie wanted to know what it would be like to be a priest’s wife, she went to see Phoebe. When we invited Frank and Phoebe to dinner in our seminary apartment, they came. When we attended a diocesan dinner for new clergy and spouses, Frank sat next to Stephanie and delightfully identified himself as her rector. One of the great joys of my ministry is that Frank ordained me to the priesthood on December 19, 1992.
Years later, on November 2, 2003, Frank made a trip to New Hampshire where I was serving as the rector of Christ Church in Exeter. He was not there to see Stephanie and me but to preside at the ordination of Gene Robinson to be the Bishop of New Hampshire.
If you were involved at St. Paul’s or another Episcopal parish 20 years ago you will likely recall the controversy around Gene Robinson’s ordination. He was the first openly gay, partnered bishop in the Episcopal Church. His elevation to the episcopacy was a catalyst for years of strife in the Anglican Communion.
While the Presiding Bishop traditionally serves as the chief consecrator at the ordination of bishops, the Prayer Book does allow for another bishop to be appointed in the Presiding Bishop’s place. Given the controversy, it would have been easy to stand in the middle, to refuse to take sides, to delegate the responsibility to someone else.
But Frank Griswold showed up. By acting as chief consecrator he lived the promise we make in our Baptismal Covenant to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.” He showed us — in the words of his predecessor the Rt. Rev. Edmond Browning — what it means to be a church in which “there will be no outcasts.” After hearing objections from dissenters during the ordination service and before stating he would proceed with the consecration, Bishop Griswold said, “We’re learning to live the mystery of communion at a deeper level.”
Twenty years later in 2023 we’re still learning the mystery of communion. But thanks to Frank, and so many others, look how far we’ve come.
The Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III died on March 5 at the age of 85. Well done, good and faithful servant. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Your Friend in Christ,
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UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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REMINDER TO "SPRING FORWARD"
Be certain to turn your clocks forward one hour this Saturday before bedtime.
Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m.
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RECTOR'S FORUM
Sunday, March 12, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Join the Rev. John Denson, D.Min. for a conversation with time for questions and fellowship.
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CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER CLASS
Sundays, March 12, 19; April 16, 23; May 7, 14, 10:15-11 a.m.
Room 207 (second floor, Parish Center Building)
Parishioner Jeff Wise will lead classes on Contemplative Prayer this spring. Contemplative prayer has been described by Richard Rohr as “the way we work out the experiences which words elude, how we learn from them, and bravely allow ourselves to be transformed by them, even when our normal modes of thinking cannot make sense of them.” This is a practice of being present in the moment and allowing our mind, heart, soul and senses to be open and receptive to the moment just as it is. Questions, email Jeff Wise.
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SACRED HARP PASSIONTIDE SERVICE
Sunday, March 12, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
St. Paul’s Choir will sing original versions of tunes from Sacred Harp and other collections, as well as anthem arrangements by American composers. Started in New England singing schools as a way to teach music theory, shape-note singing eventually wove into the heart of Appalachia and Southern states where the tradition of singing "fa-so-la” melodies in three or four parts still endures. Sacred Harp is the name of the most popular publication in the shape-note style, and as the preface explains, King David may have played on the harp, but the instrument we were all given at birth – the human voice – is the sacred harp. Length: approx. 60 min.
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THE AVENUE COFFEEHOUSE AND CAFÉ IS OPEN
The Avenue Foundation (TAF) founder, Eric LeSure has officially opened The Avenue Coffeehouse & Café at 6283 N College Ave in Broad Ripple. All proceeds support TAF, which seeks to build racial and economic equity, and empower the Black community in Central Indiana to create generational wealth. Learn more by visiting their pages on Facebook, Instagram or at theavenuecoffee.com.
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IPS #43 SNACK COLLECTION
Sundays, March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, Burrows Commons
School #43 has asked us to provide students with snacks prior to and during their upcoming state testing. There are about 200 students and all nutritional snacks and water are greatly appreciated! Please look for a drop off box in Burrows Commons. Snacks will be collected and delivered weekly, prior to their testing window. Thanks for all that you do to support the students at School #43! Questions, email Janie Frazier.
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HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Morning Light, which operates a hospice home that supports terminally ill residents of limited means to live with dignity in their final chapter, is seeking volunteers to provide compassionate and contemplative care. Those interested are welcome to attend a training session on March 15. Questions, or to register, email the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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LGBTQ FAITH GATHERING
Thursday, March 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Center Building)
All LGBTQ+ adults are invited to come together for a check-in. The recent legislative actions, the implications of these laws for our wider community, and how we respond as people of faith will be considered. Please bring your favorite snack to share with all and plan to enjoy food and drink together. Questions, or to RSVP, email the Rev. Jeff Bower.
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WILDERNESS WORSHIP
Join the Rev. Patrick Burke for an outdoor prayer service with Eucharist including a warm fire, hot cocoa and fellowship. All are welcome! Questions, email the Rev. Patrick Burke.
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BINGO + TACOS
Saturday, March 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
All are invited to come for Bingo, prizes and an all-you-can-eat taco bar! This all-ages community event is hosted by St. Paul’s Youth Group, and will be emceed by parishioner Drew Tharp. Dinner, and optional childcare for ages six and younger, is included with your ticket. Small additional games will also be available; bring cash with you if you wish to play these. Cost is $10/admit one, $20/admit two or $25/admit family. All proceeds will go to the MLK Center. Purchase tickets below:
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NEWCOMER SCHEDULE :: EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sundays, March 19 and April 2, 16 & 23
March 19 :: History of the Book of Common Prayer, 10:15-11 a.m.
Join us in the Parish Hall after the 9 a.m. service for this Adult Faith Forum.
March 19 :: Newcomers Luncheon, 12:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to join us in the Lilly Room for a luncheon following the 11:15 a.m. service. RSVP by emailing Tana Hunnicutt no later than March 16.
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SPECIAL MUSIC & FLOWERS FOR EASTER DAY
Sponsoring music or flowers for Easter Day is a great way to honor loved ones. Sign up online below, or contact (for music) Meegan Kriner or (for flowers) Tana Hunnicutt. Payments must be received by Monday, March 20 for names to appear in Easter Day service bulletins. Donations of $40/music and $50/flowers appreciated.
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DAYSPRING COLLECTION
Burrows Commons
Dayspring Center provides emergency shelter, clothing and three nourishing meals per day for homeless families with children in central Indiana. Non-perishable food items, household items and in-kind contributions (details here) are appreciated at all times. Questions, email Cathy Henney. See a specific list below of items that are needed now. Drop off on any Sunday and a volunteer from St. Paul's will deliver donations when the box is full.
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HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms will next be administered on April 16 and May 28, 2023
The deadline to register for April 16 baptisms is Thursday, March 23. If you or your child are interested in baptism, please visit below for more info and to request to be baptized on either of these dates.
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EPISCOPAL WOMEN'S MINISTRY SPRING GATHERING
Saturday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. (EST), Online offering
Bishop Cate Waynick will speak at "Rest and Self-Care: God's Sabbath Gift to Us." The gathering will focus on sabbath living and prioritizing time for God, for rest and for self-care. Registrants will receive a preparation welcome packet with both serious and playful resources. All are welcome to participate and registration is free. See details and register below:
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MEN'S WEEKEND RETREAT AT WAYCROSS
All men are invited to "Growing our Relationship with God." All will focus on fellowship, sharing stories and learning new spiritual practices. Several sessions will be led by a retreat leader and Spiritual Director, Dan Hoffman. There will be time for hiking, reading, relaxation, conversation and reflection. Also enjoy opportunities for community prayer, music, spiritual reflection, labyrinth walking and a fire circle at night. Rates range from $170-$280 dependent upon accommodation preferences. Questions, email George Slenski. Learn more and register below:
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CRAINE HOUSE THIRD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Gather a group of four best friends or colleagues and have fun playing golf while raising money for Craine House. The cost is $2,000/foursome and $500 sponsorships are available. Enjoy 18 holes of golf (lunch and drinks provided) with prizes for the lowest score, par-3's and the longest drive. Thanks to all for supporting Craine House! Questions or to sign up, email Scott Redmon or call 203.482.6491.
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