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Dear Friends in Christ,
“And be thankful,” wrote Paul to the church in Colossae. This simple sentence expresses perfectly how I feel as I write the last of my weekly reflections. I’ve written to you approximately 650 times since I began my ministry at St. Paul’s. For more than 13 years (with a few breaks here and there) I have shared my thoughts, feelings, convictions, doubts, sorrows and joys. I’ve tried my best to articulate how God intersects with our lives and how to live as disciples of Jesus in a world that is often complex and confusing.
Though I’ve written and preached about a great variety of subjects over the years, I believe there is a common theme underlying it all. This theme is best expressed in the invitation to communion I say during worship each Sunday. “The Body and Blood of Christ are not our possession. They are God’s gifts to us. All those who yearn for Jesus in their hearts are invited to participate in communion.” No obstacles, no barriers, no judgments. Only invitation and acceptance. Only grace and love.
For almost 33 years I’ve sought to create, build and sustain Christ-centered communities that are open, affirming, inclusive, loving, equitable and joyful. From Kenilworth, Illinois to Exeter, New Hampshire to Indianapolis, I hope my ministry has been defined by an open spirit of grace, radical acceptance and respect for the dignity of each person as a unique and beloved child of God.
That I’ve made mistakes along the way is an understatement. I can point to any number of times when I’ve missed the mark; moments when my own weaknesses and limitations have made me an obstacle to God’s grace. But through it all, I have sought to embody in my life and my ministry the words of Paul to the church in Colossae.
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
“And be thankful.” God has blessed me immeasurably; in ways I could not have imagined when I was ordained in 1992. Thanks be to God. And thanks to you and to all who have been a part of this wondrous journey. You are a blessing!
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min., Rector
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THIS WEEKEND: THE REV. JOHN DENSON'S OPEN HOUSE
AND LAST SUNDAY AT ST. PAUL'S
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RETIREMENT CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 1, 3-6 p.m., Parish Hall
We hope that you will attend this open house celebrating the incredible journey of the Rev. John Denson as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. John has touched so many lives with his wisdom, compassion and dedication — let’s come together to show our immense gratitude for his years of service and the positive impact he’s had on St. Paul’s Indy.
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SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE FOR JOHN:
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Write a personal note - notecards will be available at the open house. Please place messages in the box next to the notecards, which will be given to John.
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Contribute to a monetary "purse" for John. Click here to give online (indicating "in thanksgiving for the Rev. John Denson" as reason for payment). A check totaling all monetary gifts will be given to John.
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Submit a short video message to John. Click here to email videos to Meegan Kriner. All videos should be one minute or less, in vertical format (holding your phone upright like you’re taking a selfie - not sideways). There will be an opportunity to record videos in the Rudesill Library (first floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.) during the open house. Video messages will be compiled and shared with John at a later date.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 2 IS JOHN'S LAST SUNDAY AT ST. PAUL'S :: THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE 10 A.M. SERVICE THAT DAY!
There will be no 7:45, 9 or 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday. After the 10 a.m. service, parishioners are invited to stay for fellowship, light snacks and games at an All-Parish Coffee Hour (Parish Hall, March 2, 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.).
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SHROVE TUESDAY, ASH WEDNESDAY &
THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL'S
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PANCAKE SUPPER
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30-7 p.m., Parish Hall
Join us for a delicious buffet-style Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday! Donations at the door will support St. Paul’s Community Bucket, helping families with costs for summer camp, Youth Group trips and more. No RSVP needed — bring friends and neighbors! Volunteers are still needed; please sign up for a time slot below. Families with children are invited to the Lilly Room at 6:40 p.m. for an interactive station experience observing Ash Wednesday. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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BURNING OF THE PALMS
After Pancake Supper, St. Paul's parking lot
All are invited to participate in a special tradition as we prepare our hearts and minds for the Lenten season. On Shrove Tuesday, we will burn the palms from Palm Sunday 2024 to create ash for our Ash Wednesday worship. Do you have palms from past Palm Sundays in your home and wonder what to do with them? Bring them to St. Paul’s on or before Shrove Tuesday to contribute to this outdoor gathering at the conclusion of the Pancake Supper.
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ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP
March 5, 8 a.m., 12 p.m.* and 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Join us for Ash Wednesday services with the Imposition of Ashes. St. Paul's Choir will sing the evening service at 7 p.m. *If you are unavailable to attend in person, the 12 p.m. service will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
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LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP
FOR LENTEN GATHERINGS
Connect with fellow St. Paul’s friends over snacks or a meal! Join a small group of 6–12 people gathering three times during Lent (early March to mid-April) for conversation, faith-filled discussion and brief prayers — all while exploring the playful side of pilgrimage. Each group is hosted by a different St. Paul’s household at a different time/place. Click below to sign up; a physical sign up is available on the Welcome Table in Burrows Commons. Please click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven with questions.
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CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Join us for a service of Evensong. In honor of Women’s History Month, St. Paul’s Choir will feature female composers in this Evensong service. Music by Annabel Rooney, Kerensa Briggs and Ana Hernandez.
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HOLY BAPTISM
Register for April 27 baptisms
Baptisms are offered next on Sunday, April 27 at 9 a.m. Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and made members of Christ’s body, the Church. Please click below to learn more or to request to be baptized. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 3.
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Action Suggestion
As part of St. Paul's mission to strive for justice and share Christ’s love, the Advocacy, Equity & Justice team is providing regular action suggestions aligned with Episcopalian values. Input is welcome — click here to email Irma Boyett with questions or suggestions. This week's recommendation is to reach out to your state legislators about upcoming hearings on bills related to transgender students, school chaplains and immigration. Click below for all details. Click here to email Amanda Collins with questions.
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FAITH IN ACTION GRANT
APPLY BY MARCH 10
Faith in Action (FIA) is now accepting grant applications through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 10. A ministry of St. Paul’s, FIA supports projects focused on racial justice, housing, education and anti-violence efforts in Indianapolis. Nonprofits and individuals in the greater Indianapolis area are invited to apply for funding for specific projects or programs aligning with both St. Paul’s mission and FIA’s mission. Awards will be announced in early May. Click below for details and to apply. Click here to email the Rev. Beth Scriven or click here to email Wanda Riesz with questions.
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COUPLES CHECK-IN WORKSHOP
Sunday, March 9, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
CRR (second floor, Parish Ctr. bldg.)
Gain skills to improve communication and be able to recognize behaviors that increase the likelihood of marital problems in the future. Join the Wellness Team in welcoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Jill Frame & Dena Hein for a couples check-in workshop. Participants have the option to complete the Gottman Assessment to receive insight into their relationship dynamics. Couples who choose to complete the assessment, will have the opportunity to briefly discuss results with Jill or Dena prior to the workshop over zoom. Advanced sign-up by 2/28 is necessary to discuss results in advance of the workshop. The Assessment is a personalized tool with a cost associated and is not required to participate in the Couples Check-In Workshop. Click below to register:
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LIFELONG LEARNERS SPRING BLING LUNCH
Thursday, March 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Parish Hall
Lifelong Learners (formerly Lunch and Learn) invites you to a Spring Bling lunch just for fun! All are encouraged to bring a favorite item with special meaning and share with the group why it’s meaningful — whether sentimental or just for laughs. The cost of lunch is $10; click here to prepay online (indicating “Lifelong Learners Lunch” in the reason for payment field). Please click here to RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt by March 11. Click here to email Ann Hinson with questions.
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GRAB YOUR BINGO TICKETS!
Saturday, March 15, 5:30-8 p.m., Parish Hall
Join us for an ALL-AGES decades-themed Bingo bash (license #16709). Ticket prices include a Bingo card, drinks, salty snacks, a sweet treat, a chance for prizes and (optional) childcare. Dress yourself and your table in your favorite decade theme, bring your favorite appetizer/dinner food to share with your table, and compete for fantastic prizes. Proceeds support St. Paul’s Community Bucket, providing financial assistance for Children, Family and Youth Ministry Group members participating in events and programs (summer camp, retreats, trips, diocesan programs, etc.). Click below for all details and to purchase tickets. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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CONCERT :: JEAN-BAPTISTE ROBIN
Sunday, March 16, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
Join us for a free concert and reception, featuring French organist Jean-Baptiste Robin on the St. Paul’s Casavant Organ. Jean-Baptiste Robin is regarded as one of the most prominent French concert organists and composers of today. With his appointment in 2010 as Organist of the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles, he was given a place in a long line of heralded French organists, such as Couperin, Marchand and Balbastre. He also serves as Professor of Organ and Composition at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional in Versailles. This event is co-sponsored by the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
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NOTEWORTHY DATES:
(Click on red links for available details)
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Tuesdays, 12-1:15 p.m., Tuesday Study Group at Broad Ripple Brewpub
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Thur., March 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Mosaic Book Club at Fire by the Monon
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Sun, March 9, 10:15-11 a.m., Transition Forum with the Wardens
- Sun., March 9, 11:15 a.m., Sung Morning Prayer
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Saturday, April 12, Puentes: Educate to Advocate, A Symposium on Immigration
- Palm Sun., April 13 - Easter Sun., April 20, Holy Week
- Sun., May 4, Celebrate St. Paul's: Picnic with a Purpose
- Sat., May 10, Habitat for Humanity Build, St. Paul's parking lot
- Fri.-Sun., Sept. 19-21, Parish Retreat at Waycross
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