Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week the clergy of the diocese gathered with Bishop Jennifer, our first opportunity to do so since her return from sabbatical. At one point, she reflected on “all the things” that we clergy need to do and for which we hold responsibility. We care for people and buildings. We lead worship and meetings. We manage budgets and programs. We meet with people early in the morning and in the evening, at the coffee shop and at the hospital, in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

My intent in sharing this is not to solicit sympathy. The clergy of St. Paul’s are fortunate to have colleagues — lay and ordained — so that none of us need to do “all the things.” Yes, the work of parish priests is somewhat unique. But the experience of holding responsibility for “all the things” is something most of us have in common.

I talk with people all the time for whom life is full, busy, and, often, exhausting. They are trying to keep up with responsibilities at work and at home. They are raising children or caring for aging parents or spouses. During their precious free time they are volunteering at church or for another community organization. They respond to global crises by making donations. When crises happen at home, they often respond quietly, not wanting to burden others with their struggles. They are anxious about the division in our nation, the impact of climate change, or their job security in a changing world.

And because I’m a priest and so many of my conversations are with church people, they are trying to follow Jesus, to be faithful people, to make the world a better place. Which sometimes creates feelings of great satisfaction and at other times feelings of discouragement when their efforts feel too small in a world with such immense challenges.

“Am I doing enough?” seems to be, if not a universal question, at least a question many ask. They want to know that what they do at work, at home, in school, in our neighborhoods, at church, and in the community is transformative. That they are making a positive difference. Sometimes their efforts feel like ripples in a pond when they yearn for waves of change. 

One of the characters in Fredrik Backman’s novel, Anxious People, is a young police officer whose deceased mother was a priest. In the midst of a crisis in which he wonders whether or not his efforts make any difference, he recalls something she said to him. “We can’t change the world, and a lot of the time we can’t even change people. No more than one bit at a time. So we do what we can to help whenever we get the chance, sweetheart. We save those we can. We do our best. Then we try to find a way to convince ourselves that that will have to be enough. So we can live with our failures without drowning.”

Jesus didn’t call any of us, including clergy, to save the world. Salvation is a divine responsibility. Instead, Jesus calls us to let our light shine, to love God and our neighbor, to forgive those who trespass against us, to hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus knows we will sometimes fail to live up to our own expectations. But perfection is not required for disciples. We do our best. And we trust that with God’s help our best will be enough. 

Your Friend in Christ,

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

ADULT FAITH FORUM

Sunday, September 24, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino Ministry Taskforce will present on the emerging Latino Community in Indianapolis and the opportunities to partner with them in the days ahead. Brandon Fitzsimmons (Executive Director of the Coalition for our Immigrant Neighbors), Eli Chavez (Office of Minority Health for the Indiana Dept. of Health), Jesus Revulcaba (Teacher/Professor of Spanish: Speedway High School and IUPUI) and the Rev. Jeff Bower will comprise our panel, introducing the work of the taskforce to date. Tasty treats honoring the culture of the Latino Community will be offered as refreshments. This is the first of several forums that will be led by the Latino Ministry Taskforce in the coming months.

CHORAL MATTINS

Sunday, September 24, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong. St. Paul’s Choir sings responses, canticles, the psalm and anthem. Featuring music of Richard Shephard, Bruce Neswick, John Ireland and Paul Mealor. Communion from the reserved sacrament will be available.

RICHARD ROHR MEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m., Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Center Building)

Join with men seeking life-changing spirituality and honoring the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity, based on contemplative practices as taught by Fr. Richard Rohr. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month. Questions, email George Slenski.

CIVICS, CIVILITY AND CONSENSUS SESSIONS

Saturdays, October 7 and November 4, 9-11 a.m., Roberts Library

Healthy communities depend upon an informed citizenry with knowledge of governance and that demonstrate the ability to create trusted space for important conversations. These sessions use a curriculum developed by Women4Change and are funded by St. Paul's Outreach Oversight Committee. The curriculum has been disseminated to individuals and organizations in Indianapolis and facilitators Katherine Tyler Scott and Kate Appel are making it available to St. Paul's congregants, especially encouraging those with leadership responsibilities to participate. Being equipped with skills of managing differences in a respectful and constructive manner strengthens our capacity to live up to our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity and worth of every human being. Attendance at both sessions is necessary; a small fee to cover materials and refreshments will be assessed. Questions, email Katherine Tyler Scott or Kate Appel. Please register by October 1 by emailing Tana Hunnicutt.

MISSION IN MOMBASA IS GRATEFUL

In their September newsletter, Mission in Mombasa expressed their gratitude to St. Paul's and Barb MacDougall for their visit to St. Paul's last May. Ria and Matheka Munyasya, and their daughter Prisca, are grateful to St. Paul's for giving their children a better future in Kenya. To read the newsletter in full, click here.

RENTABLE SPACES AT ST. PAUL’S

Do you know of someone needing a space, small or large, that may be interested in St. Paul’s? BU Wellness will utilize the Parish Hall for an upcoming Family Dinner Series and Indianapolis Men’s Chorus rents the Parish Hall as a rehearsal space. Yoga with Carrie offers classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Indianapolis Christian Tabernacle holds worship at St. Paul's on Sunday afternoons. If you know of businesses that could use our space when it would not otherwise be occupied, inquiries can be submitted using the form below:

ST. PAUL'S CHOIR TRIVIA NIGHT

Friday, October 27, 7 p.m., Parish Hall

St. Paul's Choir will be singing in residence at Ely Cathedral in England next summer and is holding a trivia night to raise funds for this pilgrimage. All are invited to come build spirit and enjoy the fun! Tickets are $30/each or $225 for a team of eight. The price includes a freshly cooked dinner and local beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased from choir members or at the door that evening. Get yours before they sell out and vie for the championship trophy! Questions, email Bill Cummings.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION REGISTRATION

The 186th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis will be held November 10-11, 2023, at St. Paul's. Everyone in the diocese is invited to participate in convention. This year's theme will be Rest & Liberation. Events on Friday will begin with a book signing at 12 p.m. with this year's keynote speaker, Cole Arthur Riley. Workshop details are available here and will be part of the registration process. Click below for details and registration on the Diocesan Convention website:

CONVENTION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

St. Paul’s is proud to be hosting the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis Convention Friday, November 10-Saturday November 11. We are looking for proud, enthusiastic volunteers to help us greet people and direct visitors on Friday from 11:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Volunteers are not required to work a full shift, even a few hours of your time would be much appreciated. If you would like to help, please email Dan Thompson.

HELP WITH HABITAT INTERFAITH BUILD

Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Second Presbyterian Church

There are three slots remaining for volunteers willing to come together at Second Presbyterian Church to make an impact on the lives of Habitat for Humanity homebuyers and their families. Habitat provides the opportunity for people, who otherwise couldn't, to become homeowners. Volunteers ages 16+ are invited to help with this "panel build," where the walls of houses are assembled prior to delivery to the home site. No prior experience is necessary. If you are willing to lend a hand to future homeowners who will appreciate it so much, please click below to register. Questions, email Bill Cummings.

SCHOOL #43 VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Tuesday, October 3 & Wednesday, October 4

12-1:30 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m., School #43

Are you interested in making a difference in the life of an IPS School #43 child? The opportunity is here, School #43 is ready for volunteers! ALL volunteers need to attend an initial training meeting that describes what and how instruction should look during the core parts of the school day. Volunteers will have the opportunity to choose to work in a small group setting, supporting reading or math instruction (times TBD), or during success time from 3-3:30 p.m. Background check requirements will be provided at the meeting. To RSVP for a meeting time, or for more information, email Janie Frazier.

VOLUNTEER AT MLK FALL FESTIVAL

Friday, October 6, 3:30-6:30 p.m., MLK Center

Let's keep building relationships at the MLK Community Center. Sign up to volunteer at the Fall Festival! If volunteer spots fill, show up anyway and help where needed. We always have room for people ready to make new friends in the community. Click below to sign up. Questions, email Laurie Pierce.

GREEN TEAM

The Green Team thanks all for supporting the community garden! This year, approximately 100 lbs. of produce was delivered to the Boulevard Place Food Pantry, our neighbors helped with harvesting and with watering and we were able to provide fresh produce to folks on Sundays. Email George Slenski if you would like to help plant the garden next year.

SMALL SNACK VOLUNTEERS

Everyone likes a small snack after the 9 a.m. service. Children usually cite "the snacks" as their favorite part of church; adults have been caught sneaking into Adult formation with multiple cookies! The perfect time for a light snack is 10 a.m. Let's keep it going. Can you please pick ONE Sunday this year to bring the snacks? Sign up below with a partner or by yourself and see suggestions for what and how much to bring. Questions, email Laurie Pierce.