Dear Friends in Christ,

As we commemorated the life of Herman of Alaska during the Holy Eucharist on Wednesday (he was a 19^th century Russian Orthodox monk and missionary), we read Luke 9:46-48. In this brief story, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. Jesus responds by inviting a little child to sit by his side. He then says, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”

This week, Jesus’ words break my heart. I keep thinking about the three dozen premature babies in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza who struggle to live because there is no power for their incubators. Who, beyond the ill-equipped doctors and nurses who toil to care for them, will ensure that these infants have a chance to survive? Who, beyond the families that wait helplessly for their loved ones to return, will ensure the elderly Israelis held hostage by Hamas are not forgotten? Will these most vulnerable humans be nothing but pawns in a tragic power struggle?

I have too many questions and no good answers. So, I offer this prayer of lament from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Sometimes all we can do is entrust our broken hearts and our fragile hope to the hands of God.

O God of life and love and peace,

We witness the violence and injustice in your Holy Land

And our hearts break.

Our hearts break for the people of Israel—

For the victims of violent attacks by Hamas

For those who live with fear and insecurity

For those who suffer from the inter-generational trauma of violence.

Our hearts break for Palestinians—

For the victims of violent attacks by the Israeli military

For those being denied water, electricity and medical care

For those who are refugees, long displaced from their homes.

We especially pray—

That weapons of war be laid down

That walls of separation be dismantled

That prisoners be released

That demonizing of “the other” cease

That political leaders seek the good of all people in Palestine and Israel.

O God, whose heart breaks for the world,

May your justice dwell in the land

May your righteousness abide in fruitful fields

May the effect of righteousness be quietness and trust forever

May the effect of justice be peace—enduring peace.

Amen

Your Friend in Christ,

The Rev. John. Denson, D.Min., Rector

HAPPENING SUNDAY

ADULT FAITH FORUM

10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Conversation with the Reimaging Team, Part I

How do we continue to be a vital, faithful church moving into the future while also honoring the traditions that support our life as a Christian community? Join the conversation with the Reimagining Team during the forum today and on November 26 as we discern together who God is calling St. Paul’s to be. Updates will be provided from the listening sessions and the process moving forward.

USHER PLANNING MEETING

10:15 a.m., CRR (second floor, Parish Center Building)

All current ushers, and anyone interested in becoming an usher, are invited to attend a planning meeting to discuss the opportunities to serve during Advent and in 2024. Questions, please email Jeff Kelsey.

INSTRUCTED EUCHARIST

10:20-11 a.m., meet in Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Are you curious about our liturgical celebrations each Sunday? Join the Rev. Jeff Bower for a guided experience through the eucharist (Holy Communion). This instructed eucharist is designed to give space and pause for your questions and to give meaning to our weekly celebration. Whether you are new or need a refresher, you are welcome. Questions, email Jeff Bower.

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE

10:15-11 a.m., Room 207 (second floor, Parish Center Building)

Anyone who has been yearning to take an active role in changing our world for the better, your insights and opinions are needed! Andrew Stacy invites fellow members of St. Paul’s for a bi-monthly series of lay-led dialogues concerning social justice in action. Questions, email Andrew Stacy. 

PHOTO DIRECTORY PICTURES

10:15-11:15 a.m., Burrows Commons

Parishioner and professional photographer, Ed Stewart will be available today to take family or individual photos that will be uploaded to the St. Paul's directory for you. If you are interested, please click below to reserve a five-minute time slot. Space-allowing, walk-ins will be welcome. If you already have a photo you would like to use for the St. Paul’s directory, please email your desired photo to Tana Hunnicutt, or log into your Realm account and upload it there. Questions, email the Rev. Beth Scriven.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

Next week, the St. Paul's office will be open on Tuesday, November 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Wednesday, November 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The office will be closed after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22 and will be closed on Thursday, November 23. If there is a pastoral need outside of those hours, you may call the office at 317.253.1277 and press "1" to reach clergy on-call. The office will reopen on Tuesday, November 28.

VESTRY NOMINATIONS DUE ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

Click below to submit Vestry nominations through Friday, December 1. The Vestry is tasked with strategic oversight and communication toward objectives and goals in support of St. Paul’s mission. Members meet for several hours on the third Tuesday of most months and serve a three-year term. Click below to read more about the functions of our Vestry.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND FLOWER MEMORIALS

Memorials due by Friday, December 1

Thank or honor loved ones by sponsoring music or flowers for Christmas Eve. Names will be printed in Christmas Eve bulletins. Donations of $40/music and $50/flowers are appreciated. Click here to email Meegan Kriner for music; click here to email Liz Hoffman for flowers; click below to submit payment online and provide names to be printed, or text SPONSOR to 97000:

COOKIES AND CAROLING - ALL-PARISH EVENT

Saturday, December 2, 3-5 p.m. (St. Paul's, Abbie Hunt Bryce Home, American Village)

All ages are invited! We will start our time together by decorating (and eating) Christmas cookies. Then, all will break into smaller groups to carol at the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home and American Village. You only need to bring yourself, your family, your church friend and your caroling voice! Please click below and let us know if you plan to join.

CREATE ADVENT WREATHS AT ALL-PARISH COFFEE HOUR DECEMBER 3!

On Sunday, December 3, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

All are invited to join us for light refreshments and Advent Wreath crafting. For those making wreaths, we ask for donations for candles ($5) and wreath bases ($10); please do bring clippers. If able, please bring wreath greenery from your yard to share and drop off in the Parish Hall before the 9 a.m. service. 

SUBMIT CHRISTMAS BULLETIN COVER ARTWORK

Due by Tuesday, December 5

Children and youth are invited to submit artwork that can be featured on our Christmas Eve bulletin cover and in promotions. Artwork should in some way represent the Nativity Story. Download an artwork form below or pick up a printed copy in Burrows Commons. Submissions may be turned into the Church Office, or you may scan submissions and click here to email Meegan Kriner.

NEW YORK POLYPHONY TICKETS

Saturday, February 17, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Purchase the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers - tickets to the New York Polyphony concert! Praised for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” New York Polyphony is one of the foremost vocal chamber ensembles active today. Tickets are $25/each (cash/check) or $25.75 (credit card). Click below to purchase now.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Stay informed about news and events in our Diocese. Please click here to read the most recent news from the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.

GET INVOLVED, STAY INVOLVED

The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis is committed to welcoming and protecting all people who participate in activities in its parishes and at events sponsored by the diocese. Download the Diocesan Safe Church policy here.

OUTREACH OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE PROJECTS

Christmas Families:

Starting Sunday, November 19, before and after the 9 & 11:15 a.m. services, Burrows Commons

Outreach is sponsoring kindergarten students from School #43, and their siblings, this Christmas. Parents of 60+ children will be provided with a $100 gift card to help with Christmas needs. Please help to reach this goal by donating online below, texting SCHOOL43 to 97000 or in person to Outreach committee members in Burrows Commons. Any amount is much appreciated!

Holiday Decor Collection for Survivors at Coburn Place:

Sundays, November 19 & 26, before and after the 9 & 11:15 a.m. services, Burrows Commons

Outreach is collecting secondhand winter holiday decorations for Coburn Place clients to "shop" (for free) at their annual Holiday Bazaar. All gently used winter holiday decor (Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah) is appreciated.

Questions, click here to email Cathy Henney.

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 snacks for ONE Sunday. Store-bought is encouraged; homemade is always loved, your choice.

HELP WITH A MEAL TRAIN!

"Meal Train" allows volunteers to sign up to bring food to someone needing support. The Meal Train Ministry would love to have you on the team. Email notifications arrive when there is a new meal train, and you may view details and decide if the dates listed will work for you to deliver a homemade or store-bought hot meal. Email Laurie Pierce if you would like to be added to the team. Please let Clergy or Laurie know if there is someone in our church community that could benefit from a Meal Train. 

MLK CENTER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

The partnership between MLK Center and St. Paul's is starting to take off — we need YOU to make this relationship sustainable! Sign up below to help with a Holiday Celebration on December 15 from 4-5 p.m. If you would like to help deliver food from the MLK Center to School #43 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., or have general questions, click here to email Laurie.