Dear Friends,
As my family gathered at Crown Hill for my mother’s interment this past weekend, I added a prayer to the Committal service that is not in The Book of Common Prayer.
We seem to give her back to you, O God, who gave her first to us. Yet as you did not lose her in giving, so we do not lose her by her return. Not as the world gives, do you give, O Lover of souls. What you give, you do not take away. For what is yours is ours also if we are yours. And life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Lift us up, O God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to yourself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our beloved who are with you. And while your Son prepares a place for us, prepare us for that blessed place, that where they are and you are, we too may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This image of a horizon reminds me that death, by the grace of God, is not an ending but a liminal space, a transitional state of being between our earthly existence and our full union with God. This, I believe, is what Paul means when he writes in the eighth chapter of his letter to the Romans “that neither death, nor life … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Roman 8:38-39) Both the living and the dead reside together in the same liminal space.
Which is what we mean when we say we are surrounded and supported by the communion of saints. While Halloween may have dominated the cultural consciousness this week, in the church the focus has been on All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). These feast days are so important in the life of the church we commemorate them twice. This Sunday, November 6 we will celebrate All Saints’ during the 9 a.m. service and All Souls’ during the 11:15 a.m. service.
These two holy days remind us that the faithful departed — whether canonized saints or ordinary people like you and me — form “the company of heaven” which upholds us, supports us, stands with us, and, if we believe the words we pray in the Eucharistic prayer, lifts voices with us as we sing out “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.”
Whether someone you love died recently or many years ago. Whether today you are anticipating the death of a loved one or you are feeling your own mortality. Look to the horizon. Set yourself intentionally in the liminal space which already flows around you. Remember that you and all those you love are linked forever by the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Your friend in Christ,
Rector
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UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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ST. PAUL'S OUTREACH RECEIVES AWARD
The Damien Center honored St. Paul's with a special award!
Learn more below about how St. Paul's is impacting our community and strengthening partnerships.
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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 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 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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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, November 6 at 2a
Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night (and gain one extra hour of sleep).
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RECTOR'S FORUM
Sunday, November 6, 10:15-11a, Parish Hall
Join the Rev. John Denson, D.Min. for a conversation with time for questions and fellowship.
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REQUIEM by Maurice Duruflé
Sunday, November 6, 11:15a worship service, Sanctuary
St. Paul’s Choir joins organist, Dr. Jacob Taylor and chamber orchestra to present a service for the departed, using as its foundation the exquisite Requiem by Maurice Duruflé. During the liturgy we will remember the many victims of COVID-19 and those lost in the continuing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. We will also pray for those from St. Paul’s who have died during the past year and for loved ones that were made known to us.
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HONORING OUR VETERANS
Submissions due Monday, November 7
Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. Our veterans are encouraged to share information about their military service — title, location(s) and years served, etc. — as well as a photo. Please email your info to Meegan Kriner below. Submit your details last year? We'll highlight your info again unless you ask us not to do so.
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ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 8 is Election Day - The Episcopal Church encourages all to vote faithfully!
Below are links to Advocacy Resources and the Vote Faithfully Election Toolkit to support our communities in preparing for this important day in the life of our nation.
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LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, November 9, 11:30a - 1p, Parish Hall
Please RSVP to Tana below or call 317.253.1277 by Friday, November 4. Join us to learn the benefits of regular movement and mindfulness in this chair yoga flow intro with parishioner, Carrie Bernhardt. Lunch is $5. Questions, contact the Rev. Barbara Kempf.
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CHORAL MATTINS AND EVENSONG
Choral Mattins :: Sunday, November 13, 11:15a, Sanctuary
Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong, with sung responses, canticles, psalms and an anthem. Featuring music by Charles Stanford, William Walton, Margaret Burk and Healey Willan.
Choral Evensong and Post-Evensong Recital :: Sunday, November 13, 4p, Sanctuary
St. Paul's sings a service of Evensong featuring music by Margaret Burk, E. W. Naylor, Gustav Holst and Paul Carr. Stay for a post-Evensong recital by organist, Owen Tellinghuisen.
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FORT BEN PICNIC
Join St. Paul's Family Ministry for a giant potluck picnic with yard games, kickball, playground time, pumpkin crafts and more. Friends and neighbors are welcome! There is a $7/car entrance fee for admission to the park. Please sign up below and indicate ways your family is able to help.
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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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GIVING & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
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THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR MINISTRY PARTNERS
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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HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to offer light refreshments following funerals at St. Paul’s.
Hospitality Coordinators and committee members are needed to help arrange for cookies or fruit (St. Paul’s provides beverages, dishes and napkins). If you have questions, or to sign up to participate as a coordinator or committee member, please click below to contact Tana Hunnicutt.
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