Monday, October 1, 2012

Mother Suzanne's Sermons are Now Posted on the Website

We're now posting Mother Suzanne's sermons on the All Saints web site. Find the most recent sermons on the front page, and we'll be storing the older ones in the archives section. We've only got two up so far, but we look forward to growing the list.

Proper XIX - Take up your cross and follow me
Mother Suzanne's first Sunday sermon at All Saints reflects on the cost of discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus.

Proper XX - Whoever wants to be great
On the relationship between prayer and being servant of all.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Parish Picnic Tomorrow, September 23

Our parish picnic is tomorrow, September 23, immediately after Mass. Our friends from Holy Life Missionary Baptist Church will be joining us. Holy Life has recently regained access to their building for worship, and we're excited to celebrate their return to their space and our period of partnership together.

Burgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided by the Parish Events Committee. Here's what you should bring:

Last name A-I: Salad
Last name J-R: Dessert
Last name S-Z: Vegetable
EVERYONE: Please bring a source of canned protein (SPAM, tuna, chicken, turkey, chili, etc) to support the food pantry at St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Bringing back the Red Letter Days

Today is Holy Cross Day, the day our church celebrates the cross itself. Celebrating the instrument of Christ's execution is a strange thing. But we do this for the same reason we call Good Friday "good". The event is simultaneously tragic and the means by which God implements the plan of salvation.

It's traditional on Holy Cross Day to bring a cross or crucifix to the service to receive a blessing. Today is also Mother Suzanne's first worship service with us. We hope you can join us at 6pm tonight.

One of the things we're doing at All Saints is bringing back the observation of the red letter days. These are the major holy days identified in the Book of Common Prayer, and are called red letter days because they used to be marked on calendars in red ink.



Some of these dates are familiar, some less so. Their role in the life of the church is twofold. First, it is an opportunity for us to pay special attention to the events in Christ's life and the role of those figures in the early church who perpetuated Jesus' message. Second - and this is a more modern development - they are a way that the life of the spirit breaks into the world, a reminder that God is calling to us not just on Sundays, but any day of the week. Or, as the Pet Shop Boys put it in their 1997 single, "Red Letter Day", "I'm always waiting...for something special, somehow new, someone saying, 'I love you'." The red letter days are just that.

So join us tonight, or, failing that, join us next Friday, September 21, at 6pm as we celebrate the life and work of St. Matthew, author of the Gospel bearing his name.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Giving Thanks for Our Affiliate Clergy


From this morning's service celebrating the ministry of our affiliate clergy:

Toward the end of his Gospel, St. John the Evangelist recounts the following exchange between Jesus and Peter:

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep."
For many years and especially the last three years, Father Tom Honderich, Father Dan Billman, and Father Michael Stichweh have embodied the Christian service Jesus lays upon Peter. As Christian people, we require spiritual sustenance in the form of regular worship and receiving Holy Communion. these three men, tirelessly and without complaint, have served at mass on Sundays and Wednesday, have faithfully preached the Gospel, and have been with many of us individually during our time of need. Truly they have fed Jesus' flock, and they are an example to us of our own calling to selfless service to God.

Now seems an appropriate time to recognize the gifts Tom, Dan and Michael have given us. We now eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new rector in a few short weeks. Tom, Dan, and Michael will then take a well-deserved break for a few months. This is not a goodbye, just an acknowledgment for a hard job well done. Let's stand up and show Tom, Dan and Michael how much we appreciate them with a round of applause.

Tom, Dan, and Michael, you have generously given this congregation great gifts of time, love, and service. We hope in some small way to repay your generosity with our gift to you. We celebrate the holy days of this church by using a special wine, Six Grapes Port. From this congregation, I present to each of you a bottle of this port. Whenever you drink it, remember the love the congregation of All Saints has for each of you.

- Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale, August 26, 2012

Prayer: Almighty God, we praise and bless you for the ministry of Father Dan, Father Tom, and Father Michael, whom you have sent in the power of the Spirit to lead our worship and to preach the Gospel in this place. We thank you that a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors, and we ask your blessing on them today and always; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, world without end. Amen.

Monday, August 6, 2012

A Letter from Mother Suzanne Wille

The letter below from Mother Suzanne Wille, who will soon be joining us as our rector, was sent to the all people on the All Saints mailing list today.


The Feast of the Transfiguration 2012


Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate the moment when Jesus revealed his divine nature to Peter, John, and James; his face shining like the sun, his clothes dazzling white, Jesus was joined by Moses and Elijah on the mountaintop, as the voice of God the Father declared, “This is my Beloved Son; listen to him.” In that moment, the earthly veil was drawn aside, allowing the disciples a glimpse of the divine. Peter declares they ought to build tents so that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah can stay put; when the Father speaks, they are terrified. 

The disciples’ reactions are understandable. It is tempting to try to domesticate our wild, surprising God, and it is understandable to feel terror when standing on holy ground, but, friends, I believe God is on the move in our lives and that we are about to enter some holy territory together. 

What All Saints has been up to and continues to live inspires me; from the moment my spouse Tracey found your profile online and told me I “had” to take a look, I knew that God was calling me to join you so that, together, we could worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and further grow your amazing tradition of radical welcome. Not only am I eager to join you, but I am also eager to share with you my love of Anglo-Catholic liturgy, experience in developing programs of Gospel-based outreach and radical welcome, and passion and skills in church growth—in numbers, in spiritual depth, and as disciples of Christ. 

In many ways this is a return for me. When I left IU Bloomington with a master’s degree in 1996, I never imagined that I would return to Indiana, at least not until your search committee and vestry bowled me over with their warmth, faithfulness, and honesty. All that you have done and are doing made me believe that All Saints is a parish where I would “fit” as a priest; my sense was confirmed in the last half hour of our two-day interview. As the last dinner was ending, one of the search committee members looked at me earnestly and said, “I have one more question.” I held my breath because I could tell it was important, and I hoped to have enough brain power left to answer well. He then asked, “Do you think you could love us?” Tears filled my eyes, the molecules in the room shifted, the faces around the table shone like the sun, and I was standing on holy ground. I took a deep breath and answered: “Yes.”

We are entering holy ground, friends, as we get to know one another while we worship and pray, serve and play together. I dream that we will grow in many ways together—that more people will join us, we will deepen in our relationship with God, and we will engage with the neighborhood and the city as a holy place of hope and welcome. But before any of that, during all of it, my greatest hope is that we allow ourselves to be transformed by our wild God, that we allow ourselves to shine like the sun, and that we love God and one another. 

I can hardly wait until we get started together in September!

Faithfully, Mother Suzanne+

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Results from the All Saints Yard Sale





Saturday's yard sale was a big success. We raised approximately $1200, which will be divided among the Parish Events Committee, the Dayspring Center, the Tinker Street Initiative, and Holy Life Missionary Baptist Church (the congregation worshipping in our parish hall while they recover from the recent fire).

Thanks to all the volunteers who came out on Saturday and to the donors who provided inventory. And special thanks to our fearless coordinators, Patricia Griffin and Lance Ratliff.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Amy Bailey Preaches on the Beheading of John the Baptist

Yesterday Amy Bailey did a wonderful job taking the story of the beheading of John the Baptist and finding the resurrection narrative in it. If you missed it, or just wanted to read it again, Amy has graciously allowed us to reproduce her sermon below.

The readings for this Sunday were: Amos 7:7-15, Ps. 85:8-13, Eph. 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29


A few weeks ago I got an e-mail from Mark and Father Tom inviting me to choose one of several available Sundays in the preaching rotation here at All Saints. They knew I was looking forward to an opportunity to preach, and I have been, and so I chose this Sunday, and then I looked up the Gospel reading for today, and realized that it was about a Baptist preacher who preached an unwelcome message and was subsequently imprisoned and (gulp) beheaded. 



This story of a birthday dinner party for the rich, famous and powerful, featuring entertainment by the host’s “princess” of a daughter, concluding with a vengeance plot against the personal enemy of the host’s wife – sound like nothing so much as an episode of 21st century reality TV. The marriage of Herod and Herodias, his half-brother’s wife, comes to you courtesy of Jerry Springer. Herodias’ plan to do away with the man who dissed her husband is straight out of “Real Housewives of Ancient Galilee.” And the lurid finish to the evening (and to John the Baptist), following on the heels of some delightful choreography by the house’s young daughter, may be the next episode of “Dance Moms.”

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Fun things to do at General Convention

So General Convention, the triennial gathering of the entire Episcopal Church is in town. Preliminary work is already under way, but things really get going Thursday, July 5, and run through July 12. Most events take place at the convention center or the JW Marriott. What's an All Saints member without an official role to do?
  • Worship. Starting Thursday, there will be a community mass every day at 9:30am in the JW Marriott. On July 12, mass will be at 11:30. Note that on Sunday All Saints will cancel its 10am mass; we encourage you to go to the General Convention mass instead. You do not need to register as a visitor to attend any worship service.
  • Celebrate: The mass on Sunday, July 8 is a huge festive gathering. We are excited that All Saints will be participating as a host to the delegations from our diocesan partners, Bor and Brasilia, thanks to a grant from the All Saints endowment. Contact Patricia Griffin for details on how to be seated with our guests at the Sunday mass. Also, at the Indiana Day celebration at Victory Field immediately following the mass, stop by the hospitality suite for our guests between 3-5pm. All Saints is sponsoring refreshments for the reception.
  • Observe the legislative sessions. All sessions of the House of Deputies and most sessions of the House of Bishops are open to visitors. You can find the legislative calendar on the General Convention website.
  • Check out the exhibit hall. Exhibitors from dozens of organizations within the Episcopal Church and other religious organizations will be at the convention. Our own Brother Francis Jonathan Bullock and his compatriots will be there -- stop by and say hi!
  • A daypass for visitors costs $20. But volunteers get in free on the day of their shift. Volunteering is a great way to meet others in the diocese and around the country. Volunteer here.
There are some unofficial events worth mentioning. This is by no means an exhaustive list. You do not need to register as a visitor to attend any of these events.
  • Solidarity rally and march with Hyatt workers. The Hyatt and other hotels in Indianapolis routinely hire temporary workers to clean rooms to avoid paying benefits. But maids who work as temporary workers are then blacklisted by the Hyatt as ineligible to be hired on full time. Whatever the human resources merits of the policy, the policy violates Christian ethics. The rally will begin on the steps of the State House on Thursday, July 5 at 4pm, and will march to the Hyatt from there. The rally will conclude at 6pm. E-mail Dianne Aid at sanmateo921@yahoo.com for more information.
  •  Acts 8 Gathering for Prayer and Action. Bloggers Susan Brown Snook, Scott Gunn, and Tom Ferguson are hosting a visioning gathering for anyone who cares to attend. The budget and church structure are very hot topics at this year's convention. This gets into very wonky territory. But these folks are trying to do some visioning for what the future structure of the church might look like, understanding that how a church spends its money tells you a lot about its theology. Young people are especially encouraged to attend. Thursday, July 5 at 9:30pm. Capitol II Room at the Westin.
  • Integrity Reception and Mass. For many participants at General Convention, the Integrity mass is one of the most inspiring and memorable events. Bishop Mary Glasspool will preside; Bishop Gene Robinson will preach. Monday, July 9 at 8:30pm, Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center. The mass will be preceded by a reception honoring Louie Crew, Integrity's founder, starting at 7pm, outside the Sagamore Ballroom.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Upcoming Service Cancellations

Due to the Independence Day holiday, there will be no 6:00 mass on Wednesday, July 4. Have a safe and happy holiday!

All Saints will cancel its 10am mass on Sunday, July 8. Please attend mass at the General Convention instead. It is located at the JW Marriott at 9:30am. Members are encouraged to carpool - arrive at All Saints by 8:30 on Sunday morning and we'll arrange rides down.

The 8am mass on Sunday will proceed as usual.

All Saints Calls Mother Suzanne Wille as Rector

A joint message from the Vestry and the Search Committee: Earlier this month, after a year of deliberation, the Search Committee unanimously recommended to the Vestry a candidate for our open rector position. The Vestry voted unanimously to issue a call.  We are pleased, proud and excited to announce that the Reverend E. Suzanne Wille (pronounced 'Willy') has accepted the call and will become the next Rector of All Saints.

Mother Suzanne was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Raldolph-Macon Woman's College in 1992.  She received a Master of Arts in English degree from Indiana University in 1996.  She taught English in a Catholic high school for girls in Chicago for ten years before discerning her call to the ordained ministry. She received her Master of Divinity degree and the E. William Muehl Prize in Preaching from the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University in 2009. While a seminarian intern at St. Paul’s, Norwalk, famous for its “smells and bells” and its theology of Radical Welcome, she came to love Anglo-Catholic liturgy, to long for worship that was timeless, steeped in beauty and mystery. Mother Suzanne is currently serving as an Interim Pastor at Christ Church in Warwick, New York.  

When we met Mother Suzanne, we had the opportunity to share a Solemn Mass with her as Presider and Preacher.  The Search Committee and Vestry were all impressed with her attention to the liturgy and her preaching, and we are confident that you will be as well.  She subscribes to the progressive Anglo-Catholicism that we try to exercise at All Saints.  She is passionate about social justice, outreach and stewardship. Mother Suzanne enjoys knitting, running, and reading novels (often Victorian or 20th century British).  

Mother Suzanne and Tracey Lemon, her partner of twelve years, were married in New York state earlier this year.  They will be relocating to Indianapolis later this summer, and Mother Suzanne will assume her duties as Rector on or about September 12.  Her first mass will be a celebration of the Feast of the Holy Cross on Friday, September 14 at 6pm, and her first Sunday mass will be on Sunday, September 16 at 10am.  

Saturday, June 30, 2012

A Prayer for Rain

Despite the occasional thunderstorm, much of Indiana remains in drought. Page 828 of the Book of Common Prayer includes a prayer for rain:
O God, heavenly Father, who by your Son Jesus Christ has promised to all those who seek your kingdom and it's righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: send us, we entreat you, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and your honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today's Psalm for Morning Prayer illustrates God's practice of desertification and renewal.
The Lord changed the rivers into deserts, and water-springs into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into salt flats, because of the wickedness of those who dwell there. He changed deserts into pools of water and dry land into water-springs. He settled the hungry there, and they founded a city to dwell in. Ps. 107:33-36
We interpret weather patterns as a message from God at our peril. But we see here a promise of water for those who thirst. A spiritual interpretation may be easier to swallow than a literal one. Still, we say that God can do "infinitely more than we can ask or imagine" (Eph. 3:20). We could do worse than to ask and imagine rain.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

All Saints Responds to Neighborhood Fire

Last night a massive fire destroyed the development under construction near the corner of 16th and College, two blocks from our church. We are grateful that no one was injured, and our church building was never in danger.

Unfortunately Mt. Helm Missionary Baptist Church at 1602 North College was not so fortunate. While the extent of damage to their building is still unclear, they will not be able to use it for worship tomorrow. All Saints will be opening our Parish Hall to their congregation for worship this Sunday at 12:30. Please offer a warm welcome to our neighbors as they come together to worship God during a difficult time.

Friday, June 15, 2012

General Convention Update

General Convention is coming up, and the coordinating team for the diocese welcomes your participation. Also, All Saints will have a special schedule on Sunday, July 8. Our 8am mass will proceed as usual, but we will cancel the 10am mass. Join the whole Episcopal Church for worship at 9:30 at the JW Marriott downtown instead.

GENERAL CONVENTION---ALMOST HERE!With a frantic mix of excitement, stress, and anticipation in the air, look out! The 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the US is almost here. On-site preparations begin on Sunday, July 1, with the first "official" day of convention Thursday, July 5. Several preliminary meetings/sessions and the exhibit hall will gear up early that week. Here's a quick round-up about what we still need, what you can do, and what you might need to know.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER!More convention volunteers are still needed and volunteering is FUN! It takes about 1,000 local volunteers to make convention happen.  Click here to volunteer.
JOIN IN our diocesan special event at Victory Field on Sunday, July 8, noon to 4 p.m. "Step Up to the Plate for Partnerships: The Indianapolis Experience" will have four stages of entertainment and over 75 different things to see and do. It is one-third of a mile of fun as we welcome the church, world, and Hoosier community. We have raised nearly $80,000 from sponsors (and more in in-kind donations) to put on this event and it will operate on faith with a generosity model. Games, food, music, and attractions are free---guests will simply be invited to respond with freewill gifts to Bor, Brasilia, and Haiti. For more information---including a complete schedule of entertainment---go to www.stepupindianapolis.com


What do we still need? Volunteers for the event (lots of jobs to choose from), prizes for games (homemade items such as jams, jellies, breads, tomatoes from your garden, bazaar-type items, etc; items for silent auction. arts and crafts persons willing to set up and sell their wares (no cost for set up or percentage of sales), and much more! If you can't be with us, please pray that this event will be a blessing to all and bring in many gifts for Bor, Brasilia, and Haiti. Contact kathycopas@aol.com
or 502-345-6406.

TOP QUESTIONS ABOUT CONVENTION
Where is the free parking for volunteers?Park in the lot at Lucas Oil Stadium and bring your ticket to volunteer check-in in the convention center for validation.
What if I want to stay overnight?Special rates ($69-$89) have been negotiated with both the Marriott and LaQuinta hotels at 21st and Shadeland. Contact the properties directly and let them know you are attending the Episcopal Church convention.
Where should I park on Sunday for the 9:30 a.m. worship at the JW Marriott and the diocesan festivities at Victory Field?You're on your own. Here are a few suggestions. If you arrive early, there is lots of free parking all over downtown Indianapolis. You may be able to get a free spot in the small parking lot at Victory Field. There is also nearby White River State Park, where rates start at $3 and go up to no more than $12. The JW Marriott has the closest parking but is twice as expensive (maybe carpool and share with your friends?).
What else is the diocese doing for convention?We'll be running a hospitality center in the exhibit hall. Please stop by to visit and/or volunteer to help us meet guests from all over the church and world. To volunteer for this convention activity, contact kathycopas@aol.com or 502-345-6406.
What if I can't be at convention but would like to follow the action. What opportunities are there?The diocesan website will link you to a convention media hub. There, you can watch the live action from the House of Bishops and House of Deputies, news conferences, and worship experiences, as well as participate in blogs, tweets, and Facebook posts on all of the action.

C
HILDREN'S PROGRAM AT GENERAL CONVENTIONThe Children's Program at General Convention is going to be an excellent program of formation and adventure!

Please get the word out that our diocesan children are welcome to participate. However, they must register to do so. Children of volunteers may attend the program at no cost the days the person is volunteering, but one might consider sending their child ($65 per day) on other days as well! To register your child, go to this link, or find more information here.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

All Saints Mini Golf Outing - June 16

Do you know which All Saints parishioner has mad skills shooting golf balls through windmills? Join fellow All Saints members for a mini golf outing on Saturday, June 16 at 5:30pm at Pirates Cove Miniature golf at 96th and Keystone.

Your registration fee is covered, so you can play for free. But the event is a fundraiser for our neighbors at the Dayspring Center. Additional donations at the door to help put homeless families on a path to permanent housing are most welcome.

There are signup sheets in the back of the church and the parish hall, or e-mail the parish office to sign up.

Evensong & Benediction on June 10



This Sunday, June 10, is the Feast of Corpus Christi. On that day we give special thanks for the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Lord. On Sunday afternoon, at 4:00PM, we will offer Evensong and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Liturgy will take 45 minutes or so. Benediction is most appropriate on Corpus Christi, since it gives us time to contemplate the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. In fact, Benediction may be the only liturgy in the Church that includes a period of silent adoration. Please plan to attend.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Back by Popular Demand: Special Summer Mass Schedule

Looking to beat the heat on Sunday mornings? Beginning June 17, we will have two masses on Sundays - a low mass at 8am and and solemn high mass at 10 am. The special schedule will run through September 23. Our Wednesday 6pm low mass will continue as usual. Thanks to our affiliate clergy for making this possible!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Schedule of Holy Week Services


Holy Week Services
Holy Week, the  most important period in the Christian Year, is fast approaching. Please plan to be with your All Saints family as we commemorate Our Lord's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Palm Sunday
Liturgy of the Palms and Solemn HIgh Mass with the Reading of the Passion of Our Lord
Sunday, April 1
10:00 AM
Maundy Thursday
Solemn High Mass with Foot Washing, Agape Meal, and Stripping of the Altar
Thursday, April 5
6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 6
12:00 Noon
Good Friday
Solemn Liturgy with the Passion of Our Lord, the Solemn Collects, Veneration of the Cross, and Mass of the Pre-Sanctified
Friday, April 6
6:30 PM
The Great Vigil of Easter
Solemn Liturgy with the Kindling of the New Fire, the Exsultet, the Liturgy of the Word, Holy Baptism, and the First Mass of Easter
Saturday, April 7
9:00 PM
Easter Sunday
Solemn High Mass
Sunday, April 8
10:00 AM

Easter Flowers & Memorials


If you are able to assist with the purchase of lilies  to adorn the church at Easter, please drop a check in the offering plate with the notation 'Easter Flowers'.  You may also mail a check to the office to the attention of the Treasurer.  Please list your thanksgivings or memorials on a separate piece of paper.

During the Canon of the Mass at the Great Vigil, we will keep our tradition of reciting the names of departed family and friends.  There will be inserts in the Sunday bulletin to list the persons you want to include.  You may also mail your list of names to the office to Mark Gastineau's attention.  All names must be submitted by April 4.  No offering is necessary, but if you choose to make one, it will be used to help pay for the Easter Flowers.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Lori Honer Returns to All Saints March 11

Our much-missed Lori Honer, who left us to pursue a PhD in cello performance in Cincinnati, returns to All Saints this Sunday as part of the Arts at All Saints concert series. Lori's cello recital will also feature Therese Sutula on piano.

Program

Pieces en Concert - F. Couperin
Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Minor - C. Debussy
Sonata for Cello and Piano in A Major - C. Franck

The concert is at 4pm on Sunday, March 11. Admission is free and a light reception will follow.

Southern Indiana Tornado Relief - How to Help

From Kathy Copas, Diocesan Communications Director --

PRAY for those who have been affected by the unprecedented 49-mile stretch of tornado storms across our diocese and those who are helping with clean up and relief. There is still a surreal quality about this crisis for most. There will be enormous emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs for a long time to come as these communities work to achieve what one victim termed "a new normal." .

GIVE money. Relief agencies are basically overwhelmed right now with "stuff." It is mostly being trucked and warehoused in nearby communities because the affected areas have nowhere to store it. These items and more will be needed as the rebuilding stage of this crisis gears up. But, for now, think $$$ instead of things like bleach and bedding. Many persons were uninsured, underinsured, or renting without home content protection. Many lost both their homes and vehicles. Many of those who are insured are facing very large insurance deductible expenses. And, there are still far too many medical and burial costs continuing to add up.

The Rev. Jeff Bower, from St. John's Speedway, has suggested a wonderful themed activity to help raise funds this weekend, as we change our clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

1. CHANGE your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
2. Offer your loose CHANGE from pocket or purse to help tornado victims
3. CHANGE their lives!

You can donate to our diocesan Southern Indiana Tornado Relief Fund, either by sending a check to the diocesan office marked for this fund OR donating electronically via our diocesan website homepage www.indydio.org. Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is in contact with us daily and is presently collecting gifts for the multi-state area hit by Friday's tornadoes. You can connect with their donation options by going to www.er-d.org.

STAY INVOLVED. Join our Facebook community conversations on how our diocesan tornado relief fund should best be used. Share your ideas. Get the fastest updates, photos, and video from those at work in the field. Learn about real-time requests for help and opportunities to get involved. Help us to stay in this crisis for the long haul, long after it has disappeared from the front page of the newspaper and CNN. In reality, that's when the help will REALLY be needed. Southern Indiana Hoosiers are resilient people… and we're already seeing small glimpses of Southern Indiana rising once more.

Questions or ideas? Contact Kathy Copas, 502-345-6406

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

12 Lenten Gifts Back to our Building

The 12 disciples worked to help build Gods kingdom with Jesus, let us all work as disciples within our committees or as small groups, to build and maintain his kingdom here at 16th and Central.

Some of these tasks have already been adopted, but not all, and some need more participants. What can you do? For more information, contact the person identified on the task, or contact Jim Tomlinson.


1. Parish Hall Front entry- paint, clean windows and doors, possible stair tread replacement. (adopted-by Jim T, Rose, Ginger, Tim J. and Tim B.)

2. Parish Hall back entry- stairwell cabinets and parish hall closets- general sweep, windows, dust ledges, light switches, organize shelves.

3. Upstairs in Parish Hall/Library- clean light switches, sweep, dust mini-blinds, windows, straighten books up. Spot clean marks on the walls. Need to replace the broken blind in Library. Replace dimmer switches in Library.

4. Kitchen and storage closet- good scrub all over, walls, sink, floor, fridge. shelves. and organize. (adopted- See Josh to help)

5. Bathrooms- (All 4 of them), clean touch up paint, a general good scrubbing all over. (adopted- Knitting committee)

6. Downstairs in Parish Hall- light switches, spot clean the marks on walls, class rooms, dusted, swept, blinds cleaned, windows, counter tops, shelves and cabinet fronts.

7. Sanctuary and Narthex (general clean up)- sweep under pews, dust convectors, windows, aisles, chapels, dust light globes along aisles, dust canopy over pulpit, etc.

8. Sanctuary upgrades - Touch up the floor where old font was, clean stone window ledges. (adopted-Fr. Tom, Linda, Freida and Liz)

9. Choir loft- organize, sweep, dust, floors side walls and pipes (adopted-Mason/Choir)

10. Yard and grounds- general trash clean up, rake flower beds, possible mulch on North side of sanctuary, sweep curb sidewalks, wash breezeway windows. (adopted- see John Phillips/Garden Club)

11. Scrape and paint small iron sign out front. (adopted- See Elizabeth and Michael)

12. Archival papers need taken to diocese storage (see Tanya) (adopted- Fr. Tom)




Monday, February 20, 2012

Lenten Series: The Pause that Refreshes


The season of Lent is approaching.  It is an opportunity to put normal business aside and reflect in the moment.  To that end, the education committee offers “the pause that refreshes”, four Sundays where Tanya will lead a Lenten mini retreat. We will learn how to live with the reality of the moment; dissuade fear, energize creativity and move ahead with purpose. At each session there will be a brief commentary, a time of silence, a guided meditation, and a quiet prayer.

When: An option for those who are interested after some fellowship time in the Parish during the coffee hour
Where: The Mary Chapel
How Long: 30 Minutes
What will occur: 4 approaches to focus, motivation and aiming attention to the present moment


1.       For now I see through a glass darkly but then Face to Face. 1 Corinthians 13 -February 26
My inside, listen to me, the greatest spirit ,the teacher, is near, Wake up, wake up!Run to his feet—He is standing close to your head right now.You have slept for millions and millions of years.Why not wake up this morning?
                -Kabir: translated by Robert Bly

Jesus said come and see, listen to me. We see but we are scantily aware of seeing the relationship between our capacity to see and what is available to be seen. We believe that what we see at face value is the whole truth. So we see some things but at the same time we may not see what is most important and relevant in our unfolding lives. In this first session, we will learn some ways to give ourselves the time, space, and energy to really see, to really hear the voice within and receive as much information as we need.

2.       The Role of Scaffolding with Jesus- March 4
If I have been able to see further, it was only because I sat on the shoulder of giants. -Isaac Newton

In Coming to our Senses, Jan Kabat-Zinn states “One manifestation of dis-ease, increasingly prevalent in this era, is attention deficit disorder A.D.D. for short.  A.D.D. is a serious dis-regulation in the process of attention itself. It appears to be a wide spread and growing affliction.” Meditation has everything to do with learning to center oneself and to pay attention to the moment. It would seem that we have A.D.D. not only in the obvious ways but it is transferring into our spiritual lives as well. More and more we feel isolated and longing to be a part of a community.  We want to feel valid and to be a living part of our culture.  We hunger to be perceived in this way, but mostly we are not.  Often money is not the most important issue but rather validation.  For Christians and many other spiritual seekers, Jesus provides scaffolding, a framework, to give us the strength to go within and ascertain our totality.

3.       How can we have not known better? -March 11
“Make no mistake about it, if any of you think of yourselves as wise, you must learn to be ignorant first and then you can become wise.” -1 Corinthians 3:18

This session will dedicate itself to what really is forgiveness, understanding not being able to forget, the power of taking a risk again, how to  accepting vulnerability and for applauding courage. The effect of not knowing better can lead us to guilt, depression and lack of self worth, all of which are counter to the gospel we so believe.  We will learn some ways to begin a discipline that will move us from that stance in life by accessing the power within.

4.       Awake- Be Alert- And Act -March 18
How can one understand that part of us which does the understanding?

The genius of faking it until you make it-- How long it takes to develop a love of being quiet, actively listening and where to find support in continuing your endeavors of the last four weeks. It is a life time process, and it is never too late to begin putting together contemplation and acting on it. We will fine tune this process we share with one another and form a personal mandate to move ahead.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Zimri the Steward, the Kohathites, and Reflections on Caring


Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale's remarks from the 2012 Annual Meeting.

I have recently been making a habit of being chided by Diocesan staff. Which is not to say I haven’t deserved it.

First it was in conversations with Canon Kissinger, who has been guiding us through the transition and search process. She corrects me every time I say something about hiring a rector. We don’t “hire” a rector, we “call” one. I’m getting better at that.

Then, a few weeks ago, when the Bishop visited us, I issued the standard “The Lord be with you!” to quiet the room. Whereupon Bishop Cate informed me of her new rule that while it is acceptable to use this holy greeting to quiet a room, one must subsequently pray. For why else have we invoked our Lord, using the subjunctive mood, no less? The Bishop taught the lesson by forcing your Senior Warden into awkward extemporaneous prayer.

And then it was again with Bishop Cate, when she visited with the vestry just the other week. There, she corrected me after I referred to our successful stewardship campaign. She interrupted me, not unkindly, and said I really should be referring to our “pledge campaign”. Stewardship is much bigger than financial support, and we abuse the term if we simply use it as a euphemism for the examination of our bank accounts.

These three lessons have in common the set-apart nature of the church. Our activities – the need to engage staff, to raise revenue, to get people to just be quiet – mirror our day-to-day lives in the secular world. But our choice of words and actions in the context of the church reminds us that our purpose is different.

We “call” a rector because we are not simply hiring a pair of competent hands to transform bread and wine. We call because we are asking someone to enter into relationship with us.

We pray after we invite God to be with us because the appropriate attitude toward our creator and redeemer is humble prayer. If “The Lord be with you!” has an advantage in getting a room to be still, let the room at least be still for a moment longer to know the Lord is God.

And when we talk about stewardship, let’s treat everyone like grownups and say what we mean. If we need to talk about money, let’s talk about money. Stewardship is bigger than money, and I was going to talk today about all the ways people at All Saints have been inspiring stewards this year – but I need to tell you, our biblical support on this term is questionable. We all know the parables that refer to the stewards – there’s the one that has the stewards who multiply the money the houseowner leaves them in his absence, and there’s the one with the unfaithful steward who somehow wins Jesus’ praise. Titus talks a little about stewardship, but it’s only in reference to the responsibilities of bishops. Elsewhere, we’ve got Joseph’s steward tricking his brothers by stuffing their bags with precious goods and accusing them of theft. And in 1 Kings, a steward named Zimri gets the king drunk, murders him, and takes the throne for himself. He reigned for seven days, was besieged, and killed himself by burning his citadel down. Are you inspired yet?

Anyone who spends enough time talking with me about the church will at some point get me going on church words and my campaign against them as unwelcoming to an unchurched culture. Stewardship is one of those words. It’s not only unused outside the church, but it has a checkered pedigree. How about “caretaking” instead. It has a similar meaning and a better scriptural reputation to boot. Hear the words of Jeremiah:
Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: "You have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, says the LORD.
So I’m not going to talk about stewardship. I’m going to talk about caretaking. Nearly everyone in this room has been doing it.

Take the outreach committee, who this year has cared for our community by managing collections for the Damien Center, Horizon House, and other ministries, and in cooperation with the greeters has made sure that our gifts are brought to the altar to be blessed before going out to the community. They also stepped into the breach in an emergency situation for the Dayspring Center. Dayspring lost $100,000 in funding due to state budget cuts. The outreach committee chose to donate part of the proceeds of the yard sale to Dayspring to do our part to plug the gap, as well as engaging with a new partner in ministry, Miracle Place. A group will also be meeting later this week to evaluate possible new partnerships with IYG.

The greeting committee has taken care of newcomers and longtime parishioners alike by providing a friendly welcome at our doors on Sundays. The parish events committee has taken care of us by marshalling resources to help us celebrate together. I would be remiss if I didn’t note the many volunteers who bring refreshments for us at coffee hour each week.

The Journey in Faith program, put together by our education committee along with many members of this parish, clergy and lay, as well as other members of the community, has been a huge success. It was originally envisioned as a program for the many newcomers to this parish over the past year, but turned out to have much broader appeal, with many longtime parishioners staying as well. It reminds us that our faith requires repeated feeding, both in the sacraments and in engaging our minds. It’s also an example of how this parish comes together around a project, with more than a dozen people involved.

Mason and the choir have done outstanding work enriching our worship through music. I couldn’t be here for Christmas, but I have heard nothing but good things about the Bach Cantata on Christmas eve. And in his report from the music ministry, Mason informs us that the choir will be starting a recording project this year.

The Sunday School teachers have cared for our children through engaging them in Godly play, as well as teaching them about the importance of caring for others. This year for their Christmas outreach project, the Sunday School went shopping at Kroger to buy personal hygiene items for the clients of the Damien Center.

A little more scripture – I want to tell you about the Kohathites. Remember the Kohathites? You’d be forgiven for missing them because in the dozen or so times they show up in the Bible, we’re mainly told where they’re living or who they’re begetting. But in Numbers we learn that in the distribution of offerings that are brought to Moses as he finishes building the tabernacle, that “Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to the Levites. Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the Gershonites…and four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the Mararites…but to the Kohathites he gave none, because they were charged with the care of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulders.”

We are indebted to the Kohathites of All Saints, the altar guild and the acolytes, who care for our holy things. Our altar guild mostly works in the background, but our worship on Sundays and Wednesdays couldn’t happen without their care. Our nineteen (19!) acolytes contribute to the reverent atmosphere of worship through their faithful service.

I have two groups of parish leaders to offer special thanks to. First, the vestry. I may be the one who stands up and talks all the time, but let there be no mistake: Helene Russell, Ann O’Bryan, Robb Biddinger, Rose Lane, Brad King, Mark Gastineau, Shelley Stewart, and Jim Tomlinson do all the work. I want to offer particular thanks to Robb Biddinger, who in his last two years as junior warden has done an outstanding job caring for our beautiful old building and all her aches and pains.

Second, the Search Committee. By necessity due to the confidentiality of their work, this group has to work quietly. But since forming in April, the search committee has been working very hard. I know the process seems slow at times, but there are particular steps that it is required they go through. Additionally, remember that the six people on the search committee are given particular trust on the part of this parish. The charge to Linda Ferreira, Don Bryant, Kevin Morgan, Katie Day, Brad King, Helene Russell, and John Phillips is to bring a single name to the vestry. They are exercising due care in association with that responsibility. Their thoughtfulness comes through in the parish profile they published to tell our story to prospective candidates.

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone in this room for your patience. In this interim period, we have all been working hard. Many of us are tired. But the high level of engagement of members of this parish should give any new rector confidence that lay leadership in this place is strong.

I want to take you back to Jeremiah for a moment – “I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, says the LORD”. We’re in the Old Testament here, but the imagery recalls the person of Jesus, our good shepherd. Here on earth, we, the church, are Christ’s body. Jesus is our shepherd, but we too are called to be shepherds through caring for each other and the community around us.

Let’s connect this scripture to our vision statement:

I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more. We believe that something special happens to us through our worship of God. In his comments in the parish profile reflecting on our ministry of providing funerals for AIDS victims rejected by other churches, Dave Kubley reflects that “our beautiful liturgy can be such a comfort to grieving people.” And they shall fear no more.

Nor [shall they] be dismayed. We believe in building upon our extraordinary history as a beacon for social concerns. We care for the people in our community in many ways, large and small. We look for the needs in the community around us to turn dismay to hope.

Neither shall any be missing, says the Lord. We believe in welcoming all people, without exception. All Saints has a gift of gathering up the missing into Christ’s love through our unconditional welcome into our doors.

In these ways we are caretakers of the legacy handed down to us by decades of parishioners before us, caretakers of the needs the community presents to us today, caretakers of each other, and caretakers of faith in Christ’s love passed down through generations. In these ways we are the body of Christ at the corner of 16th and Central. I am grateful to each of you for your role in that. Rector or no rector, this is what we do.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Stewardship Committee Update

This year, the stewardship committee, composed of Rose Lane, Steve Little, and Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale, focused on our centennial celebration, by asking people who have been members of the parish for more than 25 years and less than 5 years to share their stories about what All Saints means to them.

Our pledge campaign raised approximately just over $166,000 from 81 people. We are grateful to an anonymous donor who matched every first-time pledger's pledge by an additional $200, increasing our total by $2,000.

The Bishop has challenged us to think more broadly about stewardship throughout the year, rather than simply focusing on the pledge campaign in the Fall. Finding ways to do this is one of our goals for 2012.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Treasurer's Report


Because of a seven-month hiatus in rector support expenses after Fr. Steve retired, 2010 income exceeded expenses by $32,474.49.  Previous careful management had resulted in a 2010 beginning Operating Fund balance of $26,494.69, so that All Saints entered 2011 with an operating fund surplus of $58,969.18.  However, income for 2011 was projected to lag expenses by $20,869, and the Vestry was forced to approve a deficit budget for the year.  This deficit budget was thought to be reasonable in the short term because of the operating fund surplus.  By the end of the year, careful  monitoring of expenses had reduced the actual deficit to $8,428.80, and the Operating Fund still contained $50,540.38.

Income from member pledges during 2011 was $151,650, ninety percent of the amount pledged and two percent below the national average pledge fulfillment of 92%.  Non-pledged gifts provided an additional $18,440 income.  For the first time in at least two decades, All Saints did not request financial support from the Diocese.  Your Vestry and Treasurer are strongly committed to maintaining financial independence in the future, and this very desirable condition will depend on our prayerfully considered monetary gifts.

In 2011, All Saints received 86 pledges totaling $168,352.  For 2012, there are five fewer
pledges, and the pledged total is down to $166,297.  It is interesting that the six highest pledges (7%
of those pledging) account for 30% of total pledged income.

The balance sheet shows total assets of $519,311.02.  The majority of this, $350,984.28, resides in the Endowment Fund, and strict guidelines followed by the Endowment Fund Committee govern use of this money.  The Cornerstone Capital Raising Fund contains $70,941.  Note that the $91,332.62 in the Cornerstone brokerage asset account does not match this balance.   Cornerstone projects have been funded from the CS Capital Fund Rasing Fund rather than from the brokerage asset account, which explains the difference.  The brokerage account exists to receive gifts of stock, and the proceeds from sale of the stock have been left in the brokerage asset account to garner interest not available in our checking or savings accounts.  Unfortunately, this strategy has been ineffective in the current financial environment.  Note that the Major Building Repair Fund is different  from  the  Cornerstone Fund and exists for the purpose of paying for costly, unanticipated failures of our physical plant.  Many of our members contribute to this fund above and beyond their regular pledge gifts.  Finally, there is a Routine Building Repairs expense line item in the operating account for small regularly-occurring repairs.

The budget for 2012 is in balance but is tight.  In a major cost-cutting measure, the position of Administrative Assistant had to be eliminated.   Until our income improves,  the office will be staffed by volunteers.


Our finances continue to be tight.  Many of us in the congregation are beginning to set for ourselves
the goal of giving a percentage of our annual income to All Saints.  Mission oriented giving will allow the
Vestry to aim our budget toward accomplishment of our vision rather than merely paying our basic bills

Report from the Search Committee


MEMBERSHIP: DON BRYANT, KATIE DAY, LINDA FERREIRA, BRAD KING, KEVIN MORGAN, AND JOHN PHILLIPS, HELENE RUSSELL

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
  • Designed and wrote portfolio for candidates
  • Designed and wrote parish profile after gathering information and goals from the congregation, from parish records, and from community records, from the vestry and from the diocese. We are delighted to “go live” in December, meaning we are now accepting applications from candidates until February 1, 2012. We invite anyone to make recommendations by filling out a nomination form that you can secure at the meeting, in thesanctuary, or on our website on the last page of the parish profile.
  • The search committee wants to give special thanks to Kevin Morgan, our tireless editor, and to Tim Jensen and Susan Thompson for the incredible gift of their photography, and to Paul Greatbatch for preparing the profile for our website.

CHALLENGES:
  • Our financial limits as a parish have been a challenge. Before the profile could “go live”, the diocese believed we needed to have a balanced budget and a way to help a candidate with a move. The committee, finance, vestry,and two of the canons worked hard on the 2012 budget so that All Saints will be appealing to good candidates. This was hard work and sometimes frustrating but the outcome has been valuable.
  • The search committee wants to give a special thanks to stewardship for their effective campaign and to all of you who have supported the parish in this time of transition.

GOALS FOR 2012:
  • Interview in February
  • Select a rector 
  • Provide a parish welcome for the rector and family
  • Help the rector get settled in the community and in the parish.
Nominations and applications will be accepted until February 1, 2012.  The committee will not receive any names until the diocese completes its initial vetting.  The diocese will then forward the applications of all the candidates remaining in the pool. We will never know the names of candidates who were eliminated. We will let the congregation know when we have received applications.  We will keep you posted on the process but from the time we receive applications  until the vestry confirms our selection, we will not be able to answer questions about the candidates.  

Report from the Endowment Committee


The Episcopal Church of All Saints has an Endowment Fund that has reached $375,000.  These donations are from estate planning gifts and bequeathments to the church. Any bequeathments from a will that is not otherwise designated for a particular fund, (e.g., organ fund, building fund) is then placed in the All Saints Endowment Fund. The Vestry approved the The Episcopal Church of All Saints Endowment  Fund Agreement on Dec. 12, 2010. This document establishes guidelines for the management of the Endowment Fund. The Diocese of Indianapolis manages and administers the  fund (which also includes other  churches in the diocese.)  Financial reports on our portion come from the Diocese to the church treasurer.

The All Saints Endowment Committee will oversee the Endowment Fund.
There are three parishioners on the committee. The agreement mandates that about half of the dividends and interest accrued for the previous year be dispersed during the current year for religious, charitable, and educational activities of the Church.    The principle will remain intact until it reaches $500,000.

The Endowment Committee met  November 22, 2011 and made the decision to distribute $6,000  from 2010 Endowment Fund earnings .   After serious consideration, we granted $4,556.98 to the Centennial Committee to publish and print  "A Perpetual Witness" and distribute copies to the Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, local media, neighborhood churches, and All Saints parishioners. We also granted $1,443.02 to the Search Committee for costs incurred for printing educational materials and  brochures in the search process for a rector. No other committees submitted grant requests.

At the beginning of 2012, we will determine the amount of the earnings from  2011 investments that will be available for distribution.

- submitted by Freida Thompson