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Dear Friends in Christ,
In 2010 St. Paul’s created a photo directory to help the new rector get to know parishioners more easily. I spent a lot of time leafing through it when I arrived in 2011 and began to put faces and names together. I hadn’t looked at it in years (photo directories quickly become obsolete) until a couple of weeks ago when a clergy colleague in the diocese gave me a copy he found in his office. What a trip down memory lane!
As I looked at the pictures, I felt a wave of nostalgia. Children who are now teenagers and young adults. Former clergy and staff members who have retired, left for other employment, or now serve in other parishes. Innocent faces who did not yet know the struggles and loss they would experience in the future. And everyone looked so much younger!
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, nostalgia is “a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition.” Nostalgia invites us to wear rose-colored glasses which filter out the difficulties and injustices of the past. It tempts us to yearn for an idyllic time that never existed.
What did I see without the rose-colored glasses? I saw the faces of so many parishioners who have died over the past 14 years. So many faithful children of God who served the church with grace and commitment. Former vestry members and wardens who sat with me through countless meetings. People I visited in the hospital, anointed as they were dying, and officiated at their funerals. People who met me for coffee, dropped by the church office, or waited in line after worship to speak with me in Burrows Commons.
Looking at the pictures, I experienced grief for the people we have lost. But even more powerfully, I felt a deep gratitude for the saints of St. Paul’s who offered their time, talent, and treasure with faith and dedication. In so many ways, they made the St. Paul’s of 2024 possible. We wouldn’t be who we are without those who held the parish together through a succession of unfortunate rector departures. The pictures reminded me who set the altar, sang the anthems, taught the Sunday School classes and reached out in the name of Christ to make the world more holy and just.
Looking back can be a good thing as long as we avoid the trap of nostalgia. We stand on a foundation and tradition of the past to remain unchanged but to strengthen us to respond to Jesus’ call to live faithfully in the present. The St. Paul’s of 2024 is not the St. Paul’s of 2010 just as the St. Paul’s of 2038 will not be the St. Paul’s of 2024. The choices we make today need to reflect who we are and what we value. If we are faithful in our mission, we will make Christ known today and create a solid foundation for the next generation.
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min.
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MINISTRY FAIR ON SUNDAY
Sunday, September 8, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Courtyard/Parish Hall
Enjoy light refreshments while discovering what fellow parishioners love about participating in different programs and committees. Take the opportunity to ask volunteer and staff leaders the questions you have always wondered about ministries. There will be over 40 ministries featured, highlighting community service, justice efforts, worship roles, formation for all ages and fellowship in groups of all sizes.
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KIDS/YOUTH WORSHIP ROLE TRAINING ON SUNDAY
Sunday, September 8, 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lilly Rm. (first floor, church bldg.) and courtyard
Ages 7+ will have lunch together, explore worship roles (ushering, Children’s Chapel assisting, managing worship tools and more) and then enjoy ice cream in the courtyard. Kids under 6 may join nursery staff (playground, nursery and Youth Lounge). Adults may participate in the Ministry Fair. Click here to email Laurie Pierce with questions.
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CHOIR SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, September 12, 5:30 p.m.
Choir Room (second floor, church bldg.)
Anyone interested in St. Paul's Choir School or ABC Choir is invited to attend the Choir School Open House. Ages 7-18 may participate in choir rehearsal and ages 4-7 are welcome to participate in ABC Choir. Both groups are invited to enjoy a free dinner with the choristers afterwards. Get an overview of the choir program and ask questions. Family and friends are welcome! To help with planning, please click here to RSVP to Jacob Taylor.
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FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 15, worship at 7:45, 9 & 11:15 a.m.
We will continue to offer Wednesday Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. but will return to having three in-person Sunday services, with 9 and 11:15 a.m. services being livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Formation hour opportunities for every age will resume from 10:15-11 a.m. and will occur most Sundays each month (Sunday School, Rector’s/Adult Forums, upstairs offerings and more). Please plan to join us for the first Rector's Forum on September 15, where John will share reflections and pictures from his sabbatical.
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WELCOME TOUR
Sunday, September 22, 10:15-11 a.m., meet in the church
All are invited, whether you are new or have been attending for years and are curious about the spaces and places that we call St. Paul's. Join the Rev. Jeff Bower for a tour of our facilities and learn how we are using our spaces to be Church in this new day. Please meet in the sanctuary immediately following the 9 a.m. service.
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DEEP DIVE FAITH EXPLORATION FOR ADULTS & YOUTH
Starting Sunday, October 6, 6-8 p.m., Lilly Room (first floor, church bldg.)
Do you want to explore your faith and spirituality with other inquiring minds? Are you curious about how the Episcopal Church does things? Are you considering confirmation, reception or baptism? Do you want to get to know other St. Paul’s folks better? Join for Deep Dive Faith Exploration this fall!
Youth and adult participants will meet together over supper on October 6 to start our journeys. Each group will then meet separately several times this fall, closing with another joint gathering in January. Click below to learn more about Adult and Youth Confirmation and Deep Dive Faith Exploration sign up:
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PET BLESSING AT ST. PAUL'S
Sunday, October 6, 9 a.m. service
In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, we invite you and your (well-behaved) pets to church for a shortened Holy Eucharist service - neighbors and family are welcome to bring their pets also. Afterwards, plan to stay for All-Parish Coffee Hour in the courtyard with treats provided by the Intergen Team and a special visit by IndyHumane.
- Non-aggressive dogs are welcome on leashes; other animals need to be in travel carriers.
- If your animal isn't suited to coming to church, bring a picture; we'll bless their image!
- Children are welcome to bring their stuffed animals for a blessing.
- We will also say a prayer for pets we have loved and see no longer.
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¡APRENDE ESPAÑOL!
Wednesdays, September 18 - November 6
6-7 p.m. (beginning); 7-8 p.m. (intermediate)
Community Resource Room
(second floor, Parish Center bldg.)
St. Paul’s will offer Spanish classes (both beginning and intermediate) with resident member, Profesora Cindy Seley. All are welcome - those new to the Spanish language or seasoned speakers. The cost for this eight-week course is $65 and class size is limited. All fees are due prior to/on the first day of class. Pay by check, cash or electronically. Please use the link below to register and pay. Click here to email the Rev. Jeff Bower with questions.
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REGISTER FOR RETREAT BY SEPT. 9
Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22
Waycross Camp & Conference Center
Join us for All-Parish Retreat at Waycross! Programming is designed for all ages/interests, and all activities are participation-optional. Whether you're looking to engage in experiences or simply unwind in nature, this retreat offers a variety of opportunities for both. Click below for details and to register:
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DIOCESAN CONVENTION
Friday, November 8 - Saturday, November 9
CRG Event Center (Plainfield)
- Registration is $85 for adults through September 30 & $125 for adults from October 1-25.
- Online registration closes on October 25.
Registration fees include full access to all programming, workshops and convention materials, the banquet Friday night and lunch on Saturday.
Click below for all details and to register:
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GET OUT THE VOTE VOLUNTEERS
Tuesday, September 10, 1-4 p.m., Parish Hall
Volunteers are needed to write postcards to be mailed to registered voters, encouraging them to vote in the coming election (no political messaging). Women4ChangeIN will provide the postcards and mailing lists. All are encouraged to bring postcard stamps or donate to defray that expense, but that is not required. Your presence is appreciated for the amount of time you can contribute. For planning purposes (no commitment necessary), please click here to email Barb MacDougall if you plan to attend.
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UPCOMING:
- Sunday, September 29, St. Paul's 101
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Sunday, October 13, Sacred Ground kickoff lunch
- Saturday, November 2, Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe's Installation Service
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Sunday, November 3, 9 a.m., Holy Baptism
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Monday, November 4, St. Paul's Day Camp
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Sunday, January 26, 2025, Confirmation will occur during the Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows visit to St. Paul's.
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