Dear Friends,
For about 20 years, whenever I read something that catches my attention, I write it down in a journal. The journals I’ve filled through the years aren’t catalogued or indexed. There is no order to them other than the chronology of my reading. The random nature of the journals makes finding a specific quote on a particular theme virtually impossible.
For this reason, I go to the journals less to find specific quotes than to find a treasure that sparks my imagination. Often, though certainly not always, I will discover a quote that seems just right for the moment. I don’t know if this is the work of the Holy Spirit or just dumb luck. Whichever it is, I’ll take it.
Flipping through one of the journals today as I sought inspiration, I found a page with two quotes on humility that seemed particularly pertinent during this week of the midterm elections.
From the 19th century British preacher Charles Spurgeon: “Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself.”
From the mid-20th century Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple: “Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.”
How do these definitions stand up in 21st century America? They seem only to point out the lack of humility in society. Politically, we live in a never-ending election cycle in which many politicians do nothing but think about and promote themselves. Religiously, too many self-proclaimed people of faith make sure the rest of us see just how righteous they are. Social media and smartphones, so dominant in our lives, invite us not only to think about ourselves but also to tell everyone else what we think about ourselves.
If I go any further on this theme, I’ll dive into a pit of cynicism and grumpiness. Which, as I think about it, is often just another way of thinking about myself instead of others.
What gives me hope? The many people of genuine humility I meet day in and day out, those who remind me that generalizations about society often don’t fit the particular people who walk through this life with me. Perhaps it’s one of the best arguments for the importance of participating in an authentically accepting and loving church community. A diverse faith community that cares for and about the world, encourages me to focus not solely on my life but on the lives of others. Paradoxically, when I discover the freedom of not thinking about myself at all, I experience the fullness of life God intends for all of us.
Your friend in Christ,
Rector
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UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE VESTRY
The Vestry is tasked with strategic oversight and communication toward objectives and goals in support of St. Paul’s mission. Members serve a three-year term and meet for several hours on the third Tuesday of most months. Click below to read more about the functions of our Vestry and to nominate someone you think would be an asset in this important role. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, December 2.
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THANK YOU ST. PAUL'S VETERANS
We are grateful to St. Paul's veterans and thank all veterans for their service.
In honor of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, we recognize below the current St. Paul's veterans made known to us.
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ADULT FAITH FORUM
Sunday, November 13, 10:15-11a, Parish Hall
Is it Time to Rethink Thanksgiving? Join the Rev. Barbara Kempf for a conversation about a few of the myths and traditions surrounding our Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Drawing on resources provided by the United Thank Offering (UTO) and the Episcopal Church, Barb will provide some “food for thought” as we reflect on a few ways we have historically celebrated the day. Given our country’s history and mistreatment of Native Americans, what traditions do we personally want to continue and what might we change as we look toward this national holiday? Please join us as we begin our conversation. Resources for prayer and further study will also be available.
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CHORAL MATTINS & EVENSONG
Choral Mattins: Sunday, November 13, 11:15a, Sanctuary
Enjoy this special morning version of Evensong, featuring music by Charles Stanford, William Walton, Margaret Burk and Healey Willan.
Choral Evensong and post-Evensong Recital: Sunday, November 13, 4p, Sanctuary
Join us for a service of Evensong featuring music by Margaret Burk, Edward Naylor, Gustav Holst and Paul Carr and stay for a post-Evensong recital by organist, Owen Tellinghuisen.
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FAMILY MINISTRY PICNIC - NEW LOCATION!
Sunday, November 13, 5-7p, Parish Center and Courtyard
Join St. Paul's Family Ministry for a potluck feast with indoor yard games, pool, air hockey, Pop-A-Shot and a fire and S’mores in the courtyard. We’ll also enjoy parent and kid kickball at 5 p.m., playground time and indoor pumpkin crafts. Friends and neighbors are welcome! Please see below for ways you may help or what you can bring. The picnic location has changed from Ft. Harrison State Park to St. Paul’s due to the arrival of winter weather.
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TGIF Event - Film Screening: Friday, November 18, 6p, Parish Hall
Join TGIF in watching the film, The Masterpiece. This short documentary by Marc Bessiake focuses on Indianapolis local, Milton Keys as he navigates life as a producer, music teacher and preacher living with cerebral palsy. Bessiake is a St. Paul’s Faith, Justice & the Arts grant recipient and used those funds for the creation of this film. Both Bessiake and Keys will be special guests at this screening. Pizza will be provided as the main dish for this event; all are invited to bring a side salad, an appetizer or dessert, along with a beverage of their choice. Please RSVP to Alan Davis by 3 p.m. on Monday, November 14 if you plan to attend.
Adult Faith Forum: Sunday, November 20, 10:15, Parish Hall
All are invited to attend as Marc Bessiake and Milton Keys present a Q&A forum highlighting their film.
Watch a preview below and plan to join for both the November 18 screening and November 20 forum as you are able.
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ST. PAUL'S OUTREACH RECEIVES AWARD
Learn more below about how St. Paul's is strengthening partnerships and impacting our community.
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LGBTQ FAITH FRIENDSGIVING
Thursday, November 17, 6:30-8:30p, Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Center)
Celebrate our annual Friendsgiving by bringing a covered dish (vegetable, dessert, appetizer, favorite side dish) to share with the group. Meat, soft drinks and table service will be provided. We will discuss/decide upon a holiday service project; your input is important. All persons (18+) identifying as LGBTQ+ are invited to attend. Please RSVP below to Jeff Bower if you plan to attend.
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COFFEE HOUR & ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday, November 27, 10:15-11a, Parish Hall
Enjoy light refreshments while making an Advent Wreath. For those making wreaths, we ask for donations (candles $5 and wreath bases $10). Please bring clippers and wreath bases from home or use what we have available. If able, please bring wreath greenery from home to share!
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GIVING & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
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MINISTRY PARTNER THANKSGIVING MEALS
Sundays, November 13 & 20, 7:45a-12p, drop off food in Burrows Commons
Monday, November 21, volunteers needed to deliver food items
The Outreach Oversight Committee is launching a Thanksgiving initiative to support 100 families through our ministry partners including the Damien Center. With a stretch goal of 125 families, Outreach will provide turkeys for each family; help is needed to provide the other items. Families may also make monetary donations to support this effort by texting tday to 97000 or making a donation here. Questions, email Catherine Henney or the Rev Patrick Burke. Details below:
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NURSERY VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Who loves to hold babies and play with young children?
Volunteers are needed to sub in the nursery from 9-10 a.m. on Sundays when two other nursery staff aren’t available. Requirements are that you love playing with and caring for ages 0-3; are age 18+; a background check has been completed; and Safe Church, Safe Community training has been completed (previously known as Safeguarding God’s Children). Each helper will serve once every six weeks, depending on the number of volunteers. Questions, contact Laurie Pierce.
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SUNDAY MORNING SMALL SNACKS
Help provide snacks between the 9 a.m. service and Sunday School/Adult Formation
Adults have been spotted strolling into Adult Ed with multiple cookies and kids cite “the snacks” as their favorite part of church. Let’s keep it going! Please see details and sign up below to provide small snacks for ONE Sunday. Store-bought is encouraged; homemade is always loved, your choice.
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