“…The most important lesson I learned was not written in a recipe but in a book by Kendall Vanderslice, By Bread Alone: A Baker’s Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God. ‘The goal [of baking] should not be mastery in and of itself, but curiosity and joy. Breadmaking, like faith, is a craft to hone over the course of a lifetime, a truth that is at once exciting and liberating.’”

“I will look forward to hearing the sounds of St. Paul’s when I return in July. Until then, know that you will be in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of countless others with the many ways you share Christ’s love, create community, and strive for justice.”

“Sabbath rest is deeper than one good night of sleep. It is the intentional setting aside of our labor and the many demands placed on us, so we can enter more fully into the generative presence of God. As Br. James Koester, SSJE reminds us, ‘“We are commanded to rest on the sabbath then, not because we are tired and overworked, although we may be, but because in keeping sabbath we discover again who God is, and what it might mean for us to participate in God’s very nature, who is a God of mercy, joy, and rest.”’

Holy Week & Easter Day Worship, “Celebrate St. Paul’s'“ invite, FJA Grant Program, Shape Note Singing, Spanish Classes and more.

“You’ll hear the mission and core values woven into the fabric of parish life in the coming months. In sermons, team meetings, ministry opportunities, and publications, we’ll focus on the statement to inspire us to become more intentional and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. For now, I invite you to spend a few minutes on your own reflecting on the statement. How do our mission and core values connect with you in your life? Inspired by them, what might Jesus be inviting you to do during the next several weeks and months?”

Holy Week and Easter Day worship, Celebrate St. Paul’s Auction, Rector’s Sabbatical, Yoga with Carrie, and more.

“How might focusing on the vow of conversion of life shape us at St. Paul’s? First, we honor tradition without being bound by it. We carry with us what strengthens us and let go of what holds us back. Second, we accept that following Jesus requires us to move toward a future we cannot clearly perceive or control. Though the limits on our control might cause anxiety, we walk forward with faith in God and each other. Third, we foster diversity in our community, seeking new leaders, new gifts, and new skills which reflect the full tapestry of God’s people.”

“…We commit to listening for Jesus’ call through scripture, tradition and reason. We seek to discern together as a community and respect the wisdom of others, committing ourselves to deep discernment before we decide. When we disagree, we lean toward each other instead of moving away, seeking consensus whenever possible and respecting our differences when we cannot. We accept mutual responsibility for the parish and contribute to the mission of St. Paul’s through our time, talent and treasure.”

“Lent is often experienced through spiritual disciplines. For example, some people set aside specific time in their day or week for intentional focus on God’s presence in their lives. This might include prayer, meditation, reading, journaling or a walk in a peaceful place. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.”

“…The church cannot make people know each other. But we can facilitate connections with Christ and each other. We already do this, of course. Plenty of people feel connected. For those of us who do, Jesus calls us to share this blessing with others by making new connections and by willingly sharing our joys and sorrows. When we do, others feel more than included. They feel loved. They know they belong.“

“…intentionality is required as we seek ways to experience eucharist together. It doesn’t need to be around a meal or take place on our campus or become complicated by guidelines and ritual. Experiencing eucharist can be as simple as the newcomer lunch or sharing coffee at The Avenue Coffeeshop in Broad Ripple or whatever other ways we create spaces to share our stories, to listen to each other and to affirm ourselves as siblings in Christ.”

“…we need to offer God’s blessing freely, abundantly, generously, and equally to all who seek the love, grace, and affirmation of God through Christ. If we can’t do this, perhaps we shouldn’t offer any blessing at all. Has the church not driven enough people away with our centuries of judgments, restrictions and exclusions?”

“I’m always interested in book recommendations, so feel free to share books you’ve enjoyed. I added several of your recommendations from July to my book list for 2024. There’s so much to read!”

“…’Life’s mysteries and miracles are ours to seize and share, beginning this year and never ending.’ … it is acceptable to set aside our to-do lists, to make time to sit, to watch, to be grateful and then to share with others all that God gives us.”

“…the birth of Jesus reminds us that God is with us in the midst of the suffering. And by “us” I mean all of us, all of humanity. God is with the innocents, suffering with them and weeping for them….This Christmas, dare to hope. It is one way we can shine the light of Christ in a dark world. “

“…Christmas celebrates the wonder of the Incarnation; of God the Creator becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14); of God arriving as an infant to live among us in both the good and the bad of our world as well as the joys and the sorrows of our lives. At its best, Christmas inspires awe that God loves us enough to dare to do such a thing. “

“Advent waiting is not an invitation to passivity (Beth spoke of this in her excellent sermon this past Sunday). Jesus tells us to “keep awake” (Mark 13:35) not so we lie hopelessly in the bed but to encourage us to step out into the dark. Why? Because one of the paradoxes of our faith is that it is from the dark that we see Christ’s light emerging. Being awake and active in the dark allows us to participate in the emerging new dawn of God’s justice, peace, grace and healing.”

“The idea that we need to “have our lives in order” just doesn’t check out with the Gospels. The story of a perfect family where everything goes right and happiness overflows is nowhere to be found. If our lives are messy, our best laid plans destroyed by the world, that’s nothing new to Jesus, the holy family, or the apostles for that matter.”

“As we wait for Jesus to come, Jesus waits, as Nouwen put it, for our “ears to hear and our eyes to see.” The intentional focus of Advent prepares us to recognize and receive the Holy One who comes in each moment of our lives, to love us, save us, call us, and equip us to be the light of Christ in the world. “

“…suffering and beauty exist at the same time. We can work to heal injustice, distress and loneliness while also giving thanks for the many ways God blesses this world in which we live. Living this way fulfills, I believe, the true spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday.”