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.

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.

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.

CHILDREN'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.

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.