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REFLECTION FROM THE REV. JEFF BOWER

My time on sabbatical was a time of renewal, respite, and reflection. Mostly, I had time to sit with self, with God, and occasionally with others, to simply be, without always doing. It was time spent in stark contrast with how I normally spend my days, jumping from one task to another, sometimes not stopping even to take food or drink because there are so many things to accomplish. It was a time to reevaluate what is important, and who is important, and how I understand who I am and who I am called to be in this world that can be exhausting. 


Without question, my experience in Spain, walking the Camino Ignacio (The Way of Ignatius) was deeply profound in my spiritual renewal. I was in 28 cities in 31 days. Both practically and metaphorically, there was a different path before me each day as well as a good deal of mystery, not knowing with any confidence what the road ahead looked like, or what to expect on the journey. I wasn’t even sure if I could sustain the physicality of the pilgrimage of nearly 350 miles. Yet day after day, I had a real sense of peace in showing up and offering my best to the journey. Now looking back, I realize that I was not on the journey alone. You were with me. My friends and family were with me. God was with me. Being buoyed and supported by all of you and God, I was able to accomplish much more than I had ever dreamed possible. 


Some of the significant learnings from my pilgrimage were the ways in which the path before me taught me about myself, God and neighbor. I continue to come back to my learnings each day as I reengage with my work here at St. Paul’s and in general. Perhaps my musings will be useful to you. If so, you have my permission to use them and to share them. 


Musings from the Path 



  • Follow YOUR path. 
  • Stay committed to the path you have chosen. 
  • There are different paths to the same destination. 
  • We don’t have to choose the same path. 
  • Sometimes we cross paths with others. 
  • We can share the same path, even though we may be walking in different directions. 
  • We are blessed with resources for navigating the path. Use them. 
  • Listen to the path. Listen to your heart. Listen to your body. Listen to God. 
  • Sometimes the path is clear but sometimes it isn’t. 
  • Don’t be afraid to step off the path to gain a different perspective.  
  • Don’t despair if it takes longer to get to where you are going than you thought.  
  • The journey takes as long as it takes. 
  • Faith assures us that we are never alone on the paths we walk.  


Thank you for being on this path with me. I am excited to discover where it leads us together in the days ahead. 


With a grateful heart,

The Rev. Jeff Bower, Associate Rector

ON THE HORIZON :: UPDATES, SPECIAL SERVICES & EVENTS
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FALL BACK :: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, November 2 at 2 a.m.

Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night (and gain one extra hour of sleep).
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All SAINTS/ALL SOULS

All-Parish Coffee Hour

Sunday, November 2, 10:15-11 a.m., Lilly Room

Come together for fellowship, opportunities to paint your own Saint, and to learn about St. Paul's Columbarium. Festive snacks and drinks will be provided!

LITURGY FOR ALL SOULS' DAY

featuring Requiem by Herbert Howells

Sunday, November 2, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

The commemoration of All Faithful Departed gives sacred time and space to remember those who have died, and a way to pray for them. St. Paul's teen and staff singers provide the underpinning of the service featuring the soul-stirring Requiem by the 20th century British composer Herbert Howells. Also included in the service is Howells’s motet “Take him, earth, for cherishing,” composed as a response to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.

SACRED GROUND STARTS SOON!

Sunday, November 2, 12:45-2:30 p.m., Lilly Room

It’s not too late to join this year’s Sacred Ground cohort. Together, we’ll walk through chapters of America's history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class and political and regional identity. The seven-month series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. This year's Sacred Ground program kicks off with a pitch-in lunch in the St. Paul's Lilly Room to get acquainted and get a course overview. The remaining sessions will be on roughly alternate Tuesday evenings from 7:10-8:40 p.m. via Zoom, with occasional in-person gatherings to anchor our community. Click below to see all details and register. Questions, click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven.
REGISTER

VESTRY NOMINATIONS OPEN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Nominations for St. Paul's Vestry Class of 2029 will be accepted from Monday, November 3 through Friday, November 28. The Vestry works closely with the Rector to provide strategic oversight, adopt the annual budget, and offer feedback to help support St. Paul’s mission and goals. Being on the Vestry is a form of lay ministry that helps discern collectively where the parish is being called to serve. Members generally meet 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.
VESTRY DETAILS

VETERAN DETAILS ARE DUE!

Submissions are due Monday, November 3

St. Paul's veterans are encouraged to share details about their military service. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner with your name, title, location(s)/years served and a photo of yourself. If your details were submitted last year, we'll highlight your information again unless you ask us not to do so.

21.5% OF THE WAY TO OUR GOAL!

St. Paul's fundraising for Streets to Home Indy begins November 9 — and, thanks to generous early gifts, we’ve already reached more than 21% of our $25,000 goal! Here's your chance to help end homelessness in Indianapolis! Join St. Paul’s in supporting this citywide effort to help provide permanent housing and supportive services, moving our neighbors from uncertainty to stability. Rabbi Dr. Aaron Spiegel (Executive Director/President of GIMA) will preach at the 9 & 11:15 a.m. services and lead the 10:15 a.m. faith forum that day, sharing more about Streets to Home Indy. Click here to email Janie Frazier with questions.

REST IN PEACE ANNOUNCEMENT

MARILYN VARGO

We pray for the repose of the soul of Marilyn Vargo who passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. A visitation will be held at Leppert Mortuary Nora from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 2. Marilyn's funeral service will be at St. Paul's on Monday, November 3 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception in the Lilly Room. Click here to view Marilyn's obituary.

CREATING COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY DECOR FOR COBURN PLACE

Sundays, Nov. 16 & 23, Collection in Burrows Commons

Help brighten the holidays for the families at Coburn Place by donating gently used Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas decorations! Your festive items will help residents bring warmth and beauty to their apartments as they celebrate the season. This year, trees are not needed, but tree ornaments, garland, wreaths, candles, wall décor, figurines and other holiday-themed decorations are all welcome and appreciated. Let’s share the joy and light of the season with our neighbors at Coburn Place!

"CONNECTIONS" ADULT OUTING

Sunday, November 23, 2 p.m., The District Theatre

Come watch "Frozen: A Drag Parody Musical," performed by Indy Drag Theater at The District Theatre. This outing is hosted by Connections Young Adults group and is open to all adult parishioners (ages 21+). Tickets are $35. If you’d like to attend and sit together as a group, please click here to RSVP to Jacob Denning by Friday, November 7 so that he can purchase group tickets. All are welcome to purchase individual tickets but this doesn't guarantee group seating.

BREAKFAST WITH BUDDY THE ELF

Saturday, December 6, 9-10:50 a.m. or 11:10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Parish Hall (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)

Get ready to smile, sing and eat syrupy pancakes with Buddy! Two fun-filled sessions will offer the same programming and experiences — we’re simply spreading things out to make the space more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Come for a pancake and egg breakfast provided by BSA troop #73, crafts, story time with Papa Elf, books for sale with The Book Fairy, caroling with Indianapolis Men's Chorus (the louder the better!), hot chocolate, and of course — time for a high-five, selfie or to give Buddy a piece of ABC gum! Tickets are just $10/person (ages 3 & under free*). Hurry — click here to grab your tickets today. *Children under 3 still need a free ticket for accurate attendance. Help us spread the word - click here to share a flyer with friends, family and neighbors!

NOTEWORTHY DATES & INFO

Please click on red links for available details

SHARE YOUR STORY, CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY!

Every story matters — and yours can inspire others! Do you have a milestone to celebrate, an event to promote or good news to share? Let us help you spread the word. Submissions may appear in eConnections, Sunday bulletins, on social media, our website (stpaulsindy.org) or the Burrows Commons digital display. Share your news by 4 p.m. Mondays for that week’s publications (early is even better!). Space is limited, and content may be edited or adapted for the best fit. Please click here to email Meegan Kriner with questions. Click below to share your news:
SUBMIT NEWS

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church | 6050 North Meridian Street | Indianapolis, IN 46208 US

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