For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. 

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation,

and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it.

1 Corinthians 3:9-10 

Dear People of St. Paul’s:

When I accepted the call to become the 20^th Rector of St. Paul’s in May 2011, I remember reflecting on these words Paul wrote so long ago to the church in Corinth. I was daunted by the task ahead. St. Paul’s foundation had been shaken by the abrupt departures of three previous rectors. The staff had been reduced significantly following the 2008 recession. The interim period had been long and there remained a feeling of uncertainty about the future.

But a shaken foundation is not a broken foundation. I was excited by the possibilities I saw in a strong, core group of parishioners who shared a deep desire to rebuild St. Paul’s into a vital, faithful, joyful community. As I look back over 13 years, I am humbled by the way God has worked through you to restore the foundation and to transform St. Paul’s into a community committed to sharing Christ’s love, creating community and striving for justice.

Following a period of prayerful discernment over the past several months, it has become clear to me that my work here is complete. It’s time for someone else to take the lead and to build on the foundation we have established. Now in my 33^rd year of full-time parish ministry, I feel called to move into the next stage of my journey with Christ.

Therefore, I have informed the wardens and vestry of my intention to retire in 2025. My last Sunday at St. Paul’s will be March 2, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.

You will, of course, have many questions about what happens next. The wardens are already in conversation with Bishop Jennifer and her staff to ensure the transition ahead will be managed faithfully and wisely. You will be in good and trustworthy hands.

Through this transition, I pray you will always remember who you are. “You are God’s field, God’s building.” This has been true through the tenures of all of my predecessors and will remain true under the leadership of my successor. As I trust God is calling me into a new stage of life, I trust God is already calling someone to be your next rector.

Fortunately, it is not yet time to say good-bye. We have Advent, Christmas and three months of Sundays to celebrate together. While Stephanie and I look forward to a new stage of life, which will include the birth of our first grandchild in May, we intend to enjoy this time with you as much as possible. You are, and always will be, an abundant blessing in our lives.

With gratitude,

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

The Rector’s Forum on Sunday, December 8, 10:15-11 a.m., in the Parish Hall will focus on John’s retirement and the upcoming transition for St. Paul’s Indy. The rector and wardens will be present to share information and answer your questions.

Dear Siblings in Christ: 

God’s love and peace be with you in this season of hope and transition.

We are grateful for John’s 13 years as rector of St. Paul’s Indy, which has been a time of fruitful ministry and careful stewardship. In our tradition, we often invoke the phrase “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:23) to recognize the faithful use of time and talent. This line forms part of a broader narrative arc in Matthew’s gospel where Jesus reminds us to actively work for the Kingdom of God. The Master in the parable is not satisfied with those who merely preserve; instead, he commends and rewards the servants who worked to multiply what they were given.

John’s ministry is similarly worthy of commendation, having blessed this parish in innumerable ways. He has been a powerful witness against hate and violence, sought to use art to promote justice and peace and experimented in new ways to share Christ’s love in our community. With his leadership, St. Paul’s has nurtured a thriving family ministry and welcomed many newcomers as members. John has guided us through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and other periods of uncertainty. More recently, he has led us in reimagining St. Paul’s as a catalyst for change, helping us to see we are not just “a community,” but rather are integrally of a broader community. In these and other ways, John has helped this parish multiply its wealth of passion, talent and resources so that we find ourselves well-positioned for the road ahead.

As John noted in his announcement, we have time over the next few months to pause for reflection and celebration of our time together. Before we embark on what the diocese calls leave-taking, we also will use this time to prepare, including selecting an interim rector with the help of the diocese, and planning the transition process we will use to call our next rector. We are happy to report some of this work has already begun, and we will share more information about the process in early January. The vestry bids your prayers and intercessions as we undertake this holy work.

In closing, we give thanks for John’s successful ministry and pray for God’s continued blessings. Please join us in our hearty congratulations to John and Stephanie as they begin this next chapter of their lives. Their presence has deeply enriched us, and we are so very grateful — St. Paul’s is immeasurably blessed for having had them here with us these last 13 years.

Let us go forth rejoicing in the power of the Spirit; thanks be to God!

 Jeff Kelsey, Senior Warden

Shane Hatchett, Junior Warden