Abundant Lite

June 4, 2009

The Abundant Lite Trinity Sunday June 4, 2009 For Sunday June 7th From The Rector Who will go for US? This is Trinity Sunday weekend. It is always the Sunday after Pentecost. It reminds us of a central belief of Christianity - 1 God in 3 persons. I won't try to do a heavy explanation of this core belief, but I will reflect briefly on it in relation to the reading from Isaiah. God exists in community. God created humankind in community. God calls the community of faith to service. "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?" This line gets us thinking about God existing in community. It is not enough to build our belief on, but already being Christian, it might pop up when we read the Hebrew Scriptures. It is reminiscent of the passage in Genesis when God creates them male and female in our image. John's gospel is very clear that Jesus is part of a community that connects him to the God who sent him, the believers who were given to him, and the Spirit who would continue that connection when he was physically out of the picture. As a result of all this, I am convinced that God does not deal with life or with us in isolation. That is, I don't believe that my primary connection with God is as the individual Andrew Green alone. I believe that the connection is with Andrew Green as part of the community of faith. It is more a matter of balance. The story of salvation is not primarily about God building a relationship with me, but with a community of which I am a part. I can see my individual story within that overarching story. In the same way, I am nervous about so articulating the persons of the Trinity individually, that they lose the context of their divine community. This weekend, join us as we praise the paradoxical mystery of God's Divine Community and support one another in our equally paradoxical Faith Community. Fr. Andrew Support Those in Need through The Bishop's Pentecost Appeal. Featured Scripture Isaiah 6:1-8 (NRSV) In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. "The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!" Abundant Appreciation! Appreciation Luncheon This Sunday! This past Sunday our month long celebration of lay ministries came to its finale' in a wonderful luncheon that was filled with good food, good fun, and excellent fellowship! A very special thank you goes out to the Abundant Living Action Team (ALAT), who sponsored the event, as well as to those wonderful souls who volunteered their time in talent to support the event---John Hampson, Ronn Ellenich, Taylor Baird, Roger Allen for serving and clean up, and Mike Carson and Ron Stiegerwalt for set-up, and also Ron Shepherd who supplied the sound. This celebratory luncheon recognized that all that we do  to serve Christ through our common mission at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert is made possible by everyone bringing their gifts of time, talent and treasure to the table. Thanks to ALAT - Gene Walker, Jan Heller, Jim Franklin, Ray & Cheryl Kelley, Bob Yeargan, and Mother Stephanie. In the coming weeks you will recieve a call from ALAT to confirm your information. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Upcoming Meetings June 8th at 6 pm at Sandy Allen's Daughters of the King June 10th at 1:30 pm in the Library Caring Ministry June 10th at 3 pm in the Library ALAT Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. This Service will end for the summer on June 17th. Rest In Peace Peggy Wilczak died this past week. Her funeral will be Friday, June 26 at 10 am ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall Saturday, June 13, 7 PM --West Side Story N.Y.Times: "cinema masterpiece" West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno and many more. Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Summer Sundays @ 9:15 Teach Us To Pray: A Six-Week Study on the Lord's Prayer Taking the Lord's Prayer clause by clause, Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie examines how this prayer - given by Jesus in response to a request from his disciples for guidance on how to pray - contains the very essence of Christian teaching. The series begins Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel in the Parish Hall.  Bring your Bibles!   Looking For Some Help Specific Ministries Need Ministers Coffee Hour Fun - Ray and Cheryl Kelley have gathered a group who want to take our Coffee Hour Fellowship to a new level. My Favorite Dish is the theme for hosts of our 8 and 10:30 Coffee Hours. If you want to join in the hosting fun, more information is available here. Communications and PR - One of the goals that our Vestry has adopted is to improve our internal and external communications at St. Paul in the Desert. Members who have experience in developing communication strategies are needed. Please reply here. There is need for people who will help develop the plan and be done, as well as people who are interested in implementing the plan. Divine Diners Summer Pot-Luck Celebration Saturday, June 6th at 6 pm Please join us for the kick-off planning pot-luck dinner of the 2009-10 Divine Diners Season: Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Roger Allen and Taylor Baird, 861 E. Granvia Valmonte in Palm Springs. (One block south of Ruth Hardy Park) Bring: 1. Your favorite dish. 2. Several dates (September 2009 thru early 2010) that you will be willing to host your Divine Diners Group (8 people) at your home, in a park, at a restaurant, a clubhouse or wherever. The event may be dinner, brunch, or whatever. All events are pot-luck or "dutch." Singles, those with a small home or for any other reason, who would like to pair-up with another member of Divine Diners are welcome to do so. Call Taylor or Roger now at 760-832-8154 to acknowledge your intended participation at the Summer Celebration and throughout the 2009-10 Divine Diners Year. Vestry Goals From May Vestry Retreat On May 1-3 all members of the Vestry and our staff clergy had a retreat facilitated by Suzanne Foucault. We met in Ontario, CA and worked at building relationships, learning about the nuts and bolts of Vestry Leadership, and establishing goals for the parish. It was a time of work, play, and prayer. Here are the 5 Goals we will be organizing our work around: Assess long term maintenance and repair of capital facilities and projected costs, over next 30 years Develop a five-year plan for financing annual operations    Develop a program to increase the number of families with special emphasis on gay families with children Develop a comprehensive, effective communication plan resulting in a well-informed leadership, congregation, and community Develop a better system for identifying and connecting with guests and visitors Response to the Supreme Court's Decision Profound Disappointment May Become Call to Change After my own reading, listening to some talking heads, and personal reflection, Tuesday's decision to validate the process for putting Proposition 8 on the ballot was expected, but nevertheless profoundly disappointing to me. For many Gay and Lesbian people across the state and nation, as well as in our own parish the news was received as another sign of their status as second class citizens. I do not believe that this is the last word on the subject and I believe that a word of hope is needed. For me the bottom line is that Gay and Lesbian couples should have the same fundamental rights as "traditional" couples. This includes all the rights that come with marriage, including the right to describe themselves as MARRIED. My commitment to Civil Rights is not in conflict with my Christian Faith, but springs from my faith. When we rehearse our Baptismal Vows and promise to strive for justice and peace with all people and respect the dignity of every human being, I have learned to see the faces of all our people, not one group or another. When I promise to seek and serve Christ in others, I have learned to look to those who have been left on the margins. Our Mission Statement describes St. Paul's as a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community. None of these thoughts should be a surprise to anyone in the parish. The care we offer to all people in our parish is not new. We have been blessing relationships for years and inviting all couples to strive for the holiness that comes from a vital relationship with Christ. Some believe that we go too far, and some not far enough. We can never out-do God in blessing one another. God gave Jesus as ultimate blessing. When we lift Jesus up, others are drawn to him and to us. How can we not bless with our prayer and encouragement, those whom God has blessed with the gift of Jesus? How can we not stand up for those whose fundamental rights are denied? I look forward to and will work tirelessly for a time when the civil rights of Gay and Lesbian people are secured and their access to all of the church's sacraments is not restricted by anything but God's invitation.   Faithfully, Andrew Green Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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May 28, 2009

The Abundant Lite The Day of Pentecost May 28, 2009 For Sunday May 31st From The Rector The Feast of God's Spirit The day of Pentecost is a celebration of God's Spirit taking hold of the early disciples and beginning to build the heavenly community on earth. It was the first step in expanding circles of God's welcoming invitation to ALL. As you heard in my sermon a few weeks ago, the Pentecost experience of Jewish pilgrims to Jerusalem - from virtually everywhere -  was followed by the pentecost of Samaria, the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch, and the Gentile pentecost experienced by the family of Cornelius. Could it be any clearer that God's Spirit is seeking to invite and engage an ever widening community of faith? The reading that I have featured for this week views this process from the perspective of our hope and longing for our fulfillment in God's redemption. It is not a hope that we have alone, but it is evidently the hope of all creation. God's Holy Spirit is our help, support and sign of God's promise. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. The Spirit helps us to extend the arc of our hope when we are discouraged. Brokenness and fear are replaced with reconciliation and hope. The Genesis story of the tower of Babel begins this process and the story of Pentecost shows its fulfillment. The multiplicity of languages that divided humankind as they sought to blaze their own trail to God's realm, became the vehicle of grace when all those pilgrims heard the wonderful deeds of God in their own native tongue. The unity we cannot achieve through our own striving becomes a gift at God's invitation. Those we have previously marked as outsiders, strangers, or even enemies are revealed to be the beloved of God - as are we. Join us this weekend, as in our worship we celebrate the multiplicity of calling and ministry, and unite in one communion with Christ - all made possible by the Holy Spirit we share. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture Romans 8:22-27 (NRSV) We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Celebrate the Abundant Life! Appreciation Luncheon This Sunday! This Sunday will mark the culmination of our month long celebration of all of you who give so generously of your time and talent to the Abundant Life we are so blessed to share at St. Paul in the Desert. Our ability to offer ministry and mission to God's people grows exponentially when we all bring our gifts and skills to the table.   Everyone is invited!  We hope to see the whole "family" at the celebration.  It will be a relaxing afternoon of food, fellowship and fun-and all of you are the special guests! Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Looking For Some Help Specific Ministries Need Ministers Coffee Hour Fun - Ray and Cheryl Kelley have gathered a group who want to take our Coffee Hour Fellowship to a new level. My Favorite Dish is the theme for hosts of our 8 and 10:30 Coffee Hours. If you want to join in the hosting fun, more information is available here. Communications and PR - One of the goals that our Vestry has adopted is to improve our internal and external communications at St. Paul in the Desert. Members who have experience in developing communication strategies are needed. Please reply here. There is need for people who will help develop the plan and be done, as well as people who are interested in implementing the plan. Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Ingathering of Gifts Profiles Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Children's Choir Sings Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story." Saturday, June 13, 7 PM --West Side Story N.Y.Times: "cinema masterpiece" West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno and many more. Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Upcoming Funerals Christopher Glaize Friday, May 29 at 11 am Edmund Lormar, Jr. Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 am John Prince Services pending Summer Sundays @ 9:15 Teach Us To Pray: A Six-Week Study on the Lord's Prayer Taking the Lord's Prayer clause by clause, Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie examines how this prayer - given by Jesus in response to a request from his disciples for guidance on how to pray - contains the very essence of Christian teaching. The series begins Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel in the Parish Hall.  Bring your Bibles!   Divine Diners Summer Pot-Luck Celebration Saturday, June 6th at 6 pm Please join us for the kick-off planning pot-luck dinner of the 2009-10 Divine Diners Season: Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Roger Allen and Taylor Baird, 861 E. Granvia Valmonte in Palm Springs. (One block south of Ruth Hardy Park) Bring: 1. Your favorite dish. 2. Several dates (September 2009 thru early 2010) that you will be willing to host your Divine Diners Group (8 people) at your home, in a park, at a restaurant, a clubhouse or wherever. The event may be dinner, brunch, or whatever. All events are pot-luck or "dutch." Singles, those with a small home or for any other reason, who would like to pair-up with another member of Divine Diners are welcome to do so. Call Taylor or Roger now at 760-832-8154 to acknowledge your intended participation at the Summer Celebration and throughout the 2009-10 Divine Diners Year. Vestry Goals From May Vestry Retreat On May 1-3 all members of the Vestry and our staff clergy had a retreat facilitated by Suzanne Foucault. We met in Ontario, CA and worked at building relationships, learning about the nuts and bolts of Vestry Leadership, and establishing goals for the parish. It was a time of work, play, and prayer. Here are the 5 Goals we will be organizing our work around: Assess long term maintenance and repair of capital facilities and projected costs, over next 30 years Develop a five-year plan for financing annual operations    Develop a program to increase the number of families with special emphasis on gay families with children Develop a comprehensive, effective communication plan resulting in a well-informed leadership, congregation, and community Develop a better system for identifying and connecting with guests and visitors Response to the Supreme Court's Decision Profound Disappointment May Become Call to Change After my own reading, listening to some talking heads, and personal reflection, Tuesday's decision to validate the process for putting Proposition 8 on the ballot was expected, but nevertheless profoundly disappointing to me. For many Gay and Lesbian people across the state and nation, as well as in our own parish the news was received as another sign of their status as second class citizens. I do not believe that this is the last word on the subject and I believe that a word of hope is needed. For me the bottom line is that Gay and Lesbian couples should have the same fundamental rights as "traditional" couples. This includes all the rights that come with marriage, including the right to describe themselves as MARRIED. My commitment to Civil Rights is not in conflict with my Christian Faith, but springs from my faith. When we rehearse our Baptismal Vows and promise to strive for justice and peace with all people and respect the dignity of every human being, I have learned to see the faces of all our people, not one group or another. When I promise to seek and serve Christ in others, I have learned to look to those who have been left on the margins. Our Mission Statement describes St. Paul's as a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community. None of these thoughts should be a surprise to anyone in the parish. The care we offer to all people in our parish is not new. We have been blessing relationships for years and inviting all couples to strive for the holiness that comes from a vital relationship with Christ. Some believe that we go too far, and some not far enough. We can never out-do God in blessing one another. God gave Jesus as ultimate blessing. When we lift Jesus up, others are drawn to him and to us. How can we not bless with our prayer and encouragement, those whom God has blessed with the gift of Jesus? How can we not stand up for those whose fundamental rights are denied? I look forward to and will work tirelessly for a time when the civil rights of Gay and Lesbian people are secured and their access to all of the church's sacraments is not restricted by anything but God's invitation.   Faithfully, Andrew Green Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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May 21, 2009

The Abundant Lite Easter VII May 21, 2009 For Sunday May 24th From The Rector The Church's First Selection Process How do we select leaders in the church? There are many ways that are used to select leaders, lay and ordained. Those who are ordained generally have a more formal process, but there is a process for all. In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles for this Sunday, the 11 who have been sent out by Jesus (=Apostles) need to complete their leadership team by replacing Judas. It is a simple process, they identify those who knew Jesus and who are known by the other leaders. Two are qualified and they draw lots for the selection. From this point on selection processes will become, on the whole, more complicated. However, the 2 issues in this selection still apply. People who are chosen should be followers of Jesus, they should know Jesus, and they should be known by the community of faith. This is not perfect, and the scriptures talk of leaders who do more harm for the community of faith than good. However, the knowing and being known are a good rule of thumb. When someone is experienced to be a faithful follower and a natural leader they are often encouraged to discern new leadership opportunities, lay or ordained. When someone comes from outside our community, they need time to know us and we need time to experience them as people of faith and people in community as a part of discerning leadership. We try hard not to be too quick. Sometimes we err on the side of being too slow. As we celebrate the abundance of ministry that is being offered to God and people in our community, it is good to remember that leadership in the church has always had a broad base. St. Paul in the Desert is a community of people in ministry, with a variety of gifted leaders. We are not a collection of attenders who simply hire the Ministers. Sunday by Sunday we praise God in our worship, and lift up any and all ministry that serves God, the church, and the people of our wider community. As we do this we are constantly becoming aware of more - more that is needed, more that is being done, and more that could be done. People are regularly called to ministry and leadership as we gather to celebrate God's abundance. Join us. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 (NRSV) In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. Abundant Living: Ministry Breaks Out! Spotlight on Lay Leadership This Sunday we will be blessed to hear from the third of 3 members who give generously of their time and talent to support and grow our worship, our fellowship, and our common life. This Weekend's Lay Leader Spotlight falls on Joan Dillingham. Joan has been a member of St. Paul's for 9 years. She is most visible as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV). She has also offered her gifts as a facilitator for Adult Formation and she is active with the Nursing Home Ministry, ECW and Tuesday Night Bible Studies. These 3 are only a small representation of the abundant ministries offered by members of our Parish. Save the Date! May 31st. Lay Ministry Appreciation Celebration. Food, Fellowship and recognitions after the 10:30 service. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Tuesday Night Bible Study Concludes 1 & 2 Samuel Finished! The intrepid Tuesday Night Bible Studies participants just concluded a rollicking 13 week romp through the books of First and Second Samuel.  In addition to an engaging exploration of Scripture, all of those who took the journey made new friends and deepened their appreciation of the amazing people we have in this family of faith.  Way to go.  Congratulations to all of you! Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Ministry Witness - Joan Dillingham Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story." Saturday, June 13, 7 PM --West Side Story N.Y.Times: "cinema masterpiece" West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno and many more. Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Upcoming Funerals F. Thomas Kieley, Jr Sat. May 23 at 10 am Led by the Rev. Stephanie Parker & the Rev. Ken McCullen, Palm Springs Presbyterian Church Christopher Glaize Tentatively May 29 at 11 am Edmund Lormar, Jr. Sat. May 30 at 10:30 am John Prince Services pending Summer Sundays @ 9:15 Teach Us To Pray: A Six-Week Study on the Lord's Prayer Taking the Lord's Prayer clause by clause, Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie examines how this prayer - given by Jesus in response to a request from his disciples for guidance on how to pray - contains the very essence of Christian teaching. The series begins Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel in the Parish Hall.  Bring your Bibles!   Divine Diners Summer Pot-Luck Celebration Saturday, June 6th at 6 pm Please join us for the kick-off planning pot-luck dinner of the 2009-10 Divine Diners Season: Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Roger Allen and Taylor Baird, 861 E. Granvia Valmonte in Palm Springs. (One block south of Ruth Hardy Park) Bring: 1. Your favorite dish. 2. Several dates (September 2009 thru early 2010) that you will be willing to host your Divine Diners Group (8 people) at your home, in a park, at a restaurant, a clubhouse or wherever. The event may be dinner, brunch, or whatever. All events are pot-luck or "dutch." Singles, those with a small home or for any other reason, who would like to pair-up with another member of Divine Diners are welcome to do so. Call Taylor or Roger now at 760-832-8154 to acknowledge your intended participation at the Summer Celebration and throughout the 2009-10 Divine Diners Year. Important News! Parish Quarterly Finance Report A Quarterly Report of Parish Income and Expenses was mailed last week to all members. You can read the letter and the summary report here. General Convention is Coming The 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will convene in Anaheim for 10 days in July. Fr. Andrew is one of four clergy who, along with 4 Lay Persons, are deputies for the convention. You can learn about the convention here. (Check p.13 to find the difference between a delegate and a deputy.) Fr. Andrew will serve on the Prayerbook, Liturgy, and Music Committee. You can read more about the work on tap for Committee 13 here. Finally, we will be engaging in our work together with a view towards building community around our personal stories and experience. You can learn more about the Public Narrative Project here. In the weeks ahead there will be opportunities to learn about the work of the General Convention. Fr. Fred Myers New Vicar of St. Anthony's Desert Hot Springs Welcome him at 10 am June 7 Fr. Fred Myers has been a staple part of our parish for the last 6 years. Fr. Fred is the new Vicar of St. Anthony's in Desert Hot Springs. His first Sunday, as Vicar, will be June 7th. It would be great to have members of St. Paul in the Desert join with the people of St. Anthony's on that first Sunday. The church is near the corner of Mountain View and 20th, south of Dillon Rd and east of Gene Autry/Palm. Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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May 14, 2009

From:	Fr. Andrew Green <stpaulsepiscopal@dc.rr.com>
Subject:	News from St. Paul in the Desert
Reply:	stpaulsepiscopal@dc.rr.com

The Abundant Lite Easter VI May 14, 2009 For Sunday May 17th From The Rector What is Jesus' Command? Last week, we reflected on abiding. In my sermon I reflected on Abiding, Ablating, and Abounding. All this from the 8 verses of John's Gospel that precede this Sunday's Gospel. I was constrained in my reflections because there was 1 word missing. The word was missing from our Gospel selection, but not from the reading from 1st John. That word is love. We were told that we would abide with Jesus if we obeyed his command. This week we receive that command. We are to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Jesus makes love simple - and costly. We are more comfortable with complexity and the freedom from cost that comes from ambiguity. Jesus asks us to act in ways that honor the essential dignity of others, even if it means putting aside our preferences and our prejudices. For Jesus it meant putting aside his divine perks in favor of enabling reconciliation between God and all that was created - humanity included. This work of loving one another can be challenging, at least from my perspective. A friend, the Very Rev. Nicholas Knisley reflected recently (on facebook) that differences appear larger as we get closer to one another. The apparent differences make abiding in love even more important. Join us in worship this weekend as we encourage one another to abide with Christ through loving. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 15:9-17 (NRSV) Jesus said to his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another." Abundant Living: Ministry Breaks Out! Spotlight on Lay Leadership For the next 2 Sundays we will be blessed to hear from members who give generously of their time and talent to support and grow our worship, our fellowship, and our common life. This Weekend's Lay Leader Spotlight falls on John Hampson. John has been a member of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert for 27 years. John is involved in many ministries around the church, including: name tags, sound technician, worship coordinator, acolyte and vestry, just to name a few! Thank you John Hampson. Next week the Spotlight will be on Joan Dillingham. These 3 are only a small representation of the abundant ministries offered by members of our Parish. Save the Date! May 31st. Lay Ministry Appreciation Celebration. Food, Fellowship and recognitions after the 10:30 service. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Ministry Witness - John Hampson Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story." Saturday, June 13, 7 PM --West Side Story N.Y.Times: "cinema masterpiece" West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno and many more. Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Upcoming Funerals F. Thomas Kieley, Jr Sat. May 23 at 10 am Led by the Rev. Ken McCullen, Palm Springs Presbyterian Church Edmund Lormar, Jr. Sat. May 30 at 10:30 am St. Paul's a Polling Place All Day Tuesday May 19 The entryway to the church will serve as a polling place for next week's election. Using the church frees some public schools from service and conflict as polling places. Important News! Parish Quarterly Finance Report A Quarterly Report of Parish Income and Expenses was mailed last week to all members. You can read the letter and the summary report here. General Convention is Coming The 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will convene in Anaheim for 10 days in July. Fr. Andrew is one of four clergy who, along with 4 Lay Persons, are deputies for the convention. You can learn about the convention here. (Check p.13 to find the difference between a delegate and a deputy.) Fr. Andrew will serve on the Prayerbook, Liturgy, and Music Committee. You can read more about the work on tap for Committee 13 here. Finally, we will be engaging in our work together with a view towards building community around our personal stories and experience. You can learn more about the Public Narrative Project here. In the weeks ahead there will be opportunities to learn about the work of the General Convention. Summer Sundays @ 9:15 Teach Us To Pray: A Six-Week Study on the Lord's Prayer Taking the Lord's Prayer clause by clause, Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie examines how this prayer - given by Jesus in response to a request from his disciples for guidance on how to pray - contains the very essence of Christian teaching. The series begins Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel in the Parish Hall.  Bring your Bibles!   Fr. Fred Myers New Vicar of St. Anthony's Desert Hot Springs Beginning June 7 Fr. Fred Myers has been a staple part of our parish for the last 6 years. He has led worship, preached, and taught occasionally. He has also provided the leadership of our Nursing Home Eucharists and been the receptionist and made our worship booklets. You may wonder why you have not seen him every week. He has often been the Supply Priest at churches in the Diocese. This week Fr. Fred was invited to be the Vicar of St. Anthony's in Desert Hot Springs and he accepted. His first Sunday will be June 7th. This allows Fred to resume an important part of his vocation, leading a congregation. It will also lead to his departure from his weekday responsibilities at St. Paul in the Desert. This transition may take a little longer and Fred may supply for us on Saturday's from time to time. We wish Fred and his partner Ed all of God's blessings as they embark on this new adventure. Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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May 7, 2009

The Abundant Lite Easter V May 7, 2009 For Sunday May 10th From The Rector To Abide or Not to Abide Abide is a bit of an old fashioned word. I most often think of the hymn, Abide With Me, that is often used at funerals. Don't get me wrong. I want to abide with God in the hereafter. However, I think Jesus is much more interested in how abiding makes us fruitful disciples - now. We abide with Christ when we obey Christ. We abide in Jesus when we do what Jesus asked us to do. What must we do? What command must we obey? In a word, Love. Today's gospel selection does not mention the word, but it is all about love. The first connection to love is the structure that Jesus lifts up. He does not offer us a ladder of authority, but an organic connection as vine and branches. In human relationships that can only be accomplished by loving care towards one another. The second is when he refers his commands and words. These refer specifically to his new commandment that we should love one another as he as loved us. Love is about our behavior towards one another, not our feelings. When we attend to one another in our prayers or in listening - we love. When we make way for one another - we love. When we gently and clearly speak up for who we are - we love. When we fill the Well in the Desert  and SOS baskets - we love. When we watch over those who are sick or in need - we love. When we speak up for those who have no one else - we love. This is just a tiny list. It is not intended to be complete or represent a particular agenda. It is about spurring us think of ways that Jesus has loved and we might love. Join us in worship this weekend and we spur one another to abide with Christ through loving. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 15:1-8 (NRSV) Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples." Abundant Living: Ministry Breaks Out! Spotlight on Lay Leadership For the next 3 Sundays we will be blessed to hear from members who give generously of their time and talent to support and grow our worship, our fellowship, and our common life. This Weekend's Lay Leader Spotlight falls on Mike Carson. Mike and his partner Ron have been members of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert for about 5 years.  Mike serves on the vestry as Junior Warden. He is the "Party Czar" and fulfills a number of other roles and needs of our parish. Thank you, Mike Carlson. Next week the Spotlight will be on John Hampson, and the following week it will be on Joan Dillingham. These 3 are only a small representation of the abundant ministries offered by members of our Parish. Save the Date! May 31st. Lay Ministry Appreciation Celebration. Food, Fellowship and recognitions after the 10:30 service. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Fair Trade Day Learning Creation Stewardship This Saturday is World Fair Trade Day. At. St. Paul's we are working to use Fair Trade Coffee in our fellowship. You can learn more here. Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Ministry Witness - Mike Carson Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall   SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 PM -- Music and Lyrics PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "The two generate more heart than they do heat, but that's the point. You want to see them together not just because they're adorable, but because you believe that their characters can take each other to a place neither could get to on their own."   SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story." Saturday, June 13, 7 PM --West Side Story N.Y.Times: "cinema masterpiece" West Side Story (1961) starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno and many more. Winner of 10 Academy Awards. Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Upcoming Funerals Robert Philippsen Sat. May 9 at 10 am F. Thomas Kieley, Jr Sat. May 23 at 10 am Led by Dr. Bill Johnson, Palm Springs Presbyterian Church Edmund Lormar, Jr. Sat. May 30 at 10:30 am Bp. Mathes Town Hall Tonite at St. Paul's 7 pm Bp. Mathes will offer a brief Bible Study, a presentation, and respond to your questions. Tonight at 7 pm in the Church. Fr. Fred Myers New Vicar of St. Anthony's Desert Hot Springs Beginning June 7 Fr. Fred Myers has been a staple part of our parish for the last 6 years. He has led worship, preached, and taught occasionally. He has also provided the leadership of our Nursing Home Eucharists and been the receptionist and made our worship booklets. You may wonder why you have not seen him every week. He has often been the Supply Priest at churches in the Diocese. This week Fr. Fred was invited to be the Vicar of St. Anthony's in Desert Hot Springs and he accepted. His first Sunday will be June 7th. This allows Fred to resume an important part of his vocation, leading a congregation. It will also lead to his departure from his weekday responsibilities at St. Paul in the Desert. This transition may take a little longer and Fred may supply for us on Saturday's from time to time. We wish Fred and his partner Ed all of God's blessings as they embark on this new adventure.   Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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April 30, 2009

The Abundant Lite Easter IV April 30, 2009 For Sunday May 3rd From The Rector Do We Have Other Sheep? This is Good Shepherd Sunday. We read one of several passages from the Gospels which depict Jesus as the Good Shepherd. It is interesting that the earliest of representations we have of Jesus, depict him with a lamb around his neck. Either he is rescuing the lamb or he is bringing the lamb home. In the passage that we read, Jesus says that he has other sheep to whom he must go, sheep that are not of this flock. They are not of the same flock, but he tells us they will respond to his voice. He will bring them in and make the many flocks, one. I see this as an opportunity for us followers of Jesus. He was often looking after those who were not part of the the flock. We should be doing something like that, too. If we would be good shepherds. As Christians, we should have friends who are not Christian, not church people. (I don't mean find likely candidates for church invites.) We should know folks who are not part of the flock. It may be that they will recognize Jesus voice in our sincere compassion. We may hear it in theirs. I am writing this from Gene Camp, a Metropolitan Water District Outpost above Parker dam on the Colorado River. I am hear at the invitation of some members of the Desert Water Agency Board who are also members of the parish. I am learning about how the Colorado River affects our lives in the Coachella Valley. I am meeting and eating with sheep from several other flocks. I am listening for the voice of Jesus out in another Desert. I invite sheep from all flocks to join St. Paul's in joyful worship this weekend. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 10:11-18 (NRSV) Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away-- and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father." Abundant Living: Open House - Great Time! Our House -- Your House -- God's House Many of our worshipers participated in this inaugural event for our focus on the stewardship of ministries. Thanks to Cheryl and Ray Kelley for leading the Open House and thanks to all the ministry leaders who provided snack tid-bits and ministry witnesses. More people saw more parts of our campus than they knew were there. Many people saw how God's abundance is reflected in the many ministries that were represented. It was an amazing scene of fellowship! And there's more!  Don't forget to save the date for Pentecost on May 31st as well.  We will celebrate our ministries and recognize all of you who make them happen. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs New Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. Camp Stevens Sunday May 3 On May 3 we will recognize the gift of Camp Stevens to our diocese and parish. It is 256 acres of live oak with a staff that feels like family. There are programs for children and adults. Schedules are available at the church entry and in the parish hall. A special offering will be received for the work of Camp Stevens. Read More> SOS Returns! May 8 Hap Blaisdell and Mark Calkins (co-chairmen of the 2009 SOS program at St. Paul in the Desert) are happy to announce that St. Paul's will begin hosting the Services and Overnight Shelter (SOS) group Friday evening, May 8th.  The 2009 program is expected to continue every Friday evening until the end of November.  We can expect to host overnight each Friday evening up to 25 homeless guests who are participants in this well-organized outreach program.  Our team of volunteers from St. Paul's will set up, provide and serve food and have the opportunity to interact with these guests.  A sign-up schedule will be posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall starting 4/26.        There will be a meeting of interested volunteers in the Parish Hall at 9:15 on Sunday 5/3.  Please join us if you are interested and learn what's planned for the homeless in our area...and how you can help.  We really want your input and your participation.  If you have any questions, e-mail Hap at HapBl@aol.com or phone 323-5726. Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Luncheon May 6 at 12 noon The Episcopal Church Women and Daughters of the King are joining together to present a deeply moving Easter Reader's Theatre called, The Gathered Women, on Wednesday, May 6th at noon. We will meet in the parish hall for salad lunch, the reading will follow. All are invited to hear how the women who followed Jesus felt the day before the Resurrection. The business meeting is at 11:00 a.m. ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall   SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 PM -- Music and Lyrics PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "The two generate more heart than they do heat, but that's the point. You want to see them together not just because they're adorable, but because you believe that their characters can take each other to a place neither could get to on their own."   SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story."   Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Also Movie Night June 13th, title to-be-announced Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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April 23, 2009

The Abundant Lite Easter III April 23, 2009 For Sunday April 26th From The Rector We Will Be Like Him During the season of Easter this year, we are reading from the 1st Letter of John. It is an amazing, sometimes confusing, short letter. It has a theme that should be familiar to us: God loves us. I believe that we cannot remind ourselves of this too much. Either we need the reminder or someone we meet will need it. It is a constant truth and it is the base from which all other interactions with start. God loves us. When we need support, it start with God's love. When we need correction, it starts with God's love. As God's children, we will share with Christ in that intimate connection with God. Like Christ, we will see all the fullness of God's glory. God, in Christ, loves us into a place where we will see and participate in all that God has to reveal to the world. We will be the ultimate insiders. Remember, there is room for everyone who loves to be an insider, it is the ultimate in inclusion. Join us this weekend as we celebrate God's Abundant love through, word, prayer, song, Communion, and a progressive fellowship experience. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture 1 John 3:1-7 (NRSV) See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Abundant Living: Progressive Coffee Hour Our House -- Your House -- God's House OPEN HOUSE On April 26th everyone will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our wonderful programs and the amazing people who make them happen.  Our "Open House" event will feature a progressive coffee hour (new goodies at every stop) and the chance to learn more about the many wonderful ministry activities that happen here every week.  This will also be an excellent opportunity to think about where you might go deeper into our Abundant Life by joining one of our exciting ministries! And there's more!  Don't forget to save the date for Pentecost on May 31st as well.  We will celebrate our ministries and recognize all of you who make them happen. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs New Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Funeral Notices Rita Davis will be buried at St. Paul's on Friday, April 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Progressive Coffee Hour Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Progressive Coffee Hour Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. Camp Stevens Sunday May 3 On May 3 we will recognize the gift of Camp Stevens to our diocese and parish. It is 256 acres of live oak with a staff that feels like family. There are programs for children and adults. Schedules are available at the church entry and in the parish hall. A special offering will be received for the work of Camp Stevens. Read More> UTO Spring Ingathering Giving Thanks for God's Blessings $1,114.00 received last weekend! These funds are used for the work of the church within and beyond our diocese. Find out more about the United Thank Offering. Dining Out For Life Eat Well - Support the Desert AIDS Project On April 30th, across the nation, people will be dining out to support AIDS organizations. Fr. Andrew will be an Ambassador for Dinner at Citron in the Viceroy Hotel. (320 4117) 1/3 of your dinner tab will be given to the Desert AIDS Project to help their clients. There are almost 20 valley restaurants participating. Reservations are a must. Invite a group of friends for lunch or dinner, knowing that you are making a difference. Details and Restaurants Thanks From Mother Stephanie Support Around Maxie's Death was Heartwarming Mother Stephanie is still grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Maxie, but the prayers and support of the Parish mean a lot. Maxie was a constant and faithful companion for 13 years, through seminary and 2 parishes. Stephanie thanks everyone for the incredible level of care and love she has received. SOS Returns! May 8 Hap Blaisdell and Mark Calkins (co-chairmen of the 2009 SOS program at St. Paul in the Desert) are happy to announce that St. Paul's will begin hosting the Services and Overnight Shelter (SOS) group Friday evening, May 8th.  The 2009 program is expected to continue every Friday evening until the end of November.  We can expect to host overnight each Friday evening up to 25 homeless guests who are participants in this well-organized outreach program.  Our team of volunteers from St. Paul's will set up, provide and serve food and have the opportunity to interact with these guests.  A sign-up schedule will be posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall starting 4/26.        There will be a meeting of interested volunteers in the Parish Hall at 9:15 on Sunday 5/3.  Please join us if you are interested and learn what's planned for the homeless in our area...and how you can help.  We really want your input and your participation.  If you have any questions, e-mail Hap at HapBl@aol.com or phone 323-5726. Br. Thomas Van Etten Takes Vows The Community of the Gospel Brother Thomas Van Etten, CTG, a parishioner at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, made his profession of vows as a full member of the Community of the Gospel on April 15 in Appleton, WI. The Community of the Gospel is a non-residential, dispersed Christian Community formed under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, whose members apply basic monastic principles to everyday living.  Brother Thomas, as he is now officially known, made his profession of vows before the altar at All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton during the Community's Spring Convocation.  The Community's Chaplain, the Rev. Patrick T. Twomey, presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by other CTG members, including Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie (also a member of St. Paul's).   The CTG is open to any person over the age of 21, single or partnered, who is a communicant member of the Episcopal Church. Members live and work in various parts of the country. The Community's mother house is located in the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. Congratulations, Brother Thomas! ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall   SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 PM -- Music and Lyrics PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "The two generate more heart than they do heat, but that's the point. You want to see them together not just because they're adorable, but because you believe that their characters can take each other to a place neither could get to on their own."   SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story."   Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Also Movie Night June 13th, title to-be-announced Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

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April 16, 2009

The Abundant Lite Easter II April 16, 2009 For Sunday April 19th From The Rector Get Ready to Go! Standing by the Risen Jesus is demanding. First, he does not respect their fear. Second, he insists on inspiring them. Third, he has work for them to do. Three days of down time is enough. Now it is time for them to get a move on. The disciples don't know what to make of the Risen Jesus. His interaction with them on the evening after his resurrection is different than before. Before, he was telling them about the Holy Spirit, how they would do greater things than he, how his purpose for them was to incorporate them as friends and give them Abundant Life. On this night he tuns the ministry over to them. No more pep talks. They are now sent, just as he was sent. They are sent with his spirit. He breathed his life into them. They are no longer simply Peter and James and John, and the others. They are now the Body of Christ.  (You might also connect this with Ezek. 37:1-14 - The Valley of Dry Bones.) If you look at the last paragraph of this week's Gospel, you will see the purpose for the writing of the Gospel of John. It was organized, the selections were chosen from many and written so that the reader would believe, and believing would experience God's Abundant Life. Could it be that the disciples (and we) are filled with Jesus' life and spirit to go and be living Gospels? I think so. If true, how does that change your life? Join us in joyful worship as we explore and practice being living Gospels. It is time to get a move on. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 20:19-31 (NRSV) When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Our Bishop Blogs New Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Baptism of Charlie Hinkelman Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections. Bishop Mathes Blogs Follow his Musing as he Wanders Bp. Mathes has begun his own blog, that is a weB LOG. It is like a journal of his ministry, interactions, and reflections as he travels about being a bishop in the church. You are invited to listen in and always to pray for him and the diocese. His first blog yesterday was about Grace Church, San Marcos choosing to use Easter Flowers to help homeless teens. Read how ministry, collaboration and Abundant Life nourish one another in our wonderful diocese. Read More> UTO Ingathering April 18-19 Giving Thanks for God's Blessings These funds are used for the work of the church within and beyond our diocese. Find out more about the United Thank Offering. Dining Out For Life Eat Well - Support the Desert AIDS Project On April 30th, across the nation, people will be dining out to support AIDS organizations. Fr. Andrew will be an Ambassador for Dinner at Citron in the Viceroy Hotel. (320 4117) 1/3 of your dinner tab will be given to the Desert AIDS Project to help their clients. There are almost 20 valley restaurants participating. Reservations are a must. Invite a group of friends for lunch or dinner, knowing that you are making a difference. Details and Restaurants SOS Returns! May 8 Hap Blaisdell and Mark Calkins (co-chairmen of the 2009 SOS program at St. Paul in the Desert) are happy to announce that St. Paul's will begin hosting the Services and Overnight Shelter (SOS) group Friday evening, May 8th.  The 2009 program is expected to continue every Friday evening until the end of November.  We can expect to host overnight each Friday evening up to 25 homeless guests who are participants in this well-organized outreach program.  Our team of volunteers from St. Paul's will set up, provide and serve food and have the opportunity to interact with these guests.  A sign-up schedule will be posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall starting 4/26.        There will be a meeting of interested volunteers in the Parish Hall at 9:15 on Sunday 5/3.  Please join us if you are interested and learn what's planned for the homeless in our area...and how you can help.  We really want your input and your participation.  If you have any questions, e-mail Hap at HapBl@aol.com or phone 323-5726. Funeral Notices Please Keep their families in your prayers. Betty Rosine's will be tomorrow, April 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's with a reception following in the Parish Hall Patrick Granger's will be on Saturday, April 18th at 1 pm with a reception following in the Parish Hall. Rita Davis will be buried at St. Paul's on April 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. Br. Thomas Van Etten Takes Vows The Community of the Gospel Brother Thomas Van Etten, CTG, a parishioner at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, made his profession of vows as a full member of the Community of the Gospel on April 15 in Appleton, WI. The Community of the Gospel is a non-residential, dispersed Christian Community formed under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, whose members apply basic monastic principles to everyday living.  Brother Thomas, as he is now officially known, made his profession of vows before the altar at All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton during the Community's Spring Convocation.  The Community's Chaplain, the Rev. Patrick T. Twomey, presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by other CTG members, including Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie (also a member of St. Paul's).   The CTG is open to any person over the age of 21, single or partnered, who is a communicant member of the Episcopal Church. Members live and work in various parts of the country. The Community's mother house is located in the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. Congratulations, Brother Thomas! Abundant Living: Save The Date! On April 26th everyone will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our wonderful programs and the amazing people who make them happen.  Our "Open House" event will feature a progressive coffee hour (new goodies at every stop) and the chance to learn more about the many wonderful ministry activities that happen here every week.  This will also be an excellent opportunity to think about where you might go deeper into our Abundant Life by joining one of our exciting ministries! And there's more!  Don't forget to save the date for Pentecost on May 31st as well.  We will celebrate our ministries and recognize all of you who make them happen during a very special luncheon just after our 10:30 service---and guess what?  This one is in your honor so you will be our guest!  Look to reserve your space by picking up your free ticket from an Abundant Living Action Team member very soon! ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall   SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 PM -- Music and Lyrics PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "The two generate more heart than they do heat, but that's the point. You want to see them together not just because they're adorable, but because you believe that their characters can take each other to a place neither could get to on their own."   SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story."   Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Also Movie Night June 13th, title to-be-announced Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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Easter Issue

The Abundant Lite Easter Day! April 9, 2009 For Sunday April 12th From The Rector Easter Blessings The Easter Message is unambiguous good news! Christ is risen. Alleluia! The dawning experience of that news to human beings is always ambiguous and requires an act of will to connect. It is not automatic. The disciples all came to believe. They all had different processes of believing. The gospel we will read for Easter Day has two different reactions. I have bolded them in the lesson below. The work of God is raising Jesus has occurred, but each witness responds differently. These responses will unfold throughout Easter (this Sunday through May 31). We encounter the Easter message of unlimited hope, victory over death, communion with God in Christ from very different places. Some will be hearing this message as they attend to the death of a loved one. Some will have lost a job. Some will be preparing for the birth or baptism of a child. As a Parish Community we are experiencing it in a way that encompasses all that and more. Our worship is vibrant, our music is beautiful, our opportunity for ministry has never been better or more needed, but our dollars are also down and we are facing challenges similar to those we each face in our individual lives. I invite you to worship in these last days before and on Easter ready to meet Jesus. Ready to hope when you thought you were "hoped out." Ready to rejoice completely even when your life is ambiguous. And ready to respond to God's abundant love with courage and generosity. Like the beloved disciple and like Mary may we believe and tell the others, I have seen the Lord. Fr. Andrew Read the Presiding Bishop's Easter Message. Pastoral Letter of the House of Bishops See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 20:1-18 (NRSV) Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Holy Week/Easter Worship Schedule Maundy Thursday -- April 9 Foot Washing/Holy Communion 7 p.m. Watch through the Night - Sign-up at the service. (spaces still open) Good Friday -- April 10 Liturgy 12 p.m. The Passion of Jesus Christ according to John Stations of the Cross 7 p.m. Easter Vigil -- April 11 Vigil Readings/ Renewal of Baptism/ Holy Communion 8 p.m. Easter Day -- April 12 7, 9 & 11 a.m. Festival Holy Communion Child Care Available Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 St. Paul's Shirts New Order to be Submitted Find the display this Sunday to order your Shirt. 3 styles. $15 or $28. UTO Ingathering April 18-19 Giving Thanks for God's Blessings  These funds are used for the work of the church within and beyond our diocese. Find out more about the United Thank Offering. Palm Sunday Concert Gentle Entry to Holy Week Mark Weems and Julee Glaub - Little Windows - offered a beautiful and delightful concert to an enthusiastic crowd on Palm Sunday Afternoon. Using a variety of acoustic instruments and their voices, they offered and commented upon a variety of Appalachian and Irish songs. Funeral Notices Please Keep their families in your prayers. Betty Rosine's will be on Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's with a reception following in the Parish Hall Patrick Granger's will be on Saturday, April 18th at 1 pm with a reception following in the Parish Hall. Rita Davis died on Tuesday evening in the Odyssey Hospice at Manor Care. The widow of Fr. Fred Davis will be buried at St. Paul's at the end of April or beginning of May. The Bishop's Pastoral Visitation What a Wonderful Weekend! Bp. Mathes spent the weekend with us in conversation, worship, and fellowship. He Presided and Preached at ll 3 worship services. He met with the Vestry. He met with Confirmands. He ate with us and answered questions from the Parish Family that would help us to know this significant part of our family. Congratulations to Allen Coe, Gail Gaddy, and John Westaway who were Confirmed and Sunny Boland who was Received. Thanks to Lanny Tucker and his crew for the excellent brunch! Thanks to the Vestry and Friends for the set-up, serving and clean-up of the brunch! Enjoy the pictures! Abundant Living: Save The Date! On April 26th everyone will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our wonderful programs and the amazing people who make them happen.  Our "Open House" event will feature a progressive coffee hour (new goodies at every stop) and the chance to learn more about the many wonderful ministry activities that happen here every week.  This will also be an excellent opportunity to think about where you might go deeper into our Abundant Life by joining one of our exciting ministries! And there's more!  Don't forget to save the date for Pentecost on May 31st as well.  We will celebrate our ministries and recognize all of you who make them happen during a very special luncheon just after our 10:30 service---and guess what?  This one is in your honor so you will be our guest!  Look to reserve your space by picking up your free ticket from an Abundant Living Action Team member very soon! ST. PAUL MOVIE  NIGHTS FREE in the Parish Hall   SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 7 PM -- Music and Lyrics PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "The two generate more heart than they do heat, but that's the point. You want to see them together not just because they're adorable, but because you believe that their characters can take each other to a place neither could get to on their own."   SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM -- Henry Poole is Here ROGER EBERT: "..achieves something that is uncommonly difficult. It is a spiritual movie with the power to emotionally touch believers, agnostics and atheists -- in that descending order, I suspect. It doesn't say that religious beliefs are real. It simply says that belief is real. And it's a warm-hearted love story."   Chips or sodas available for 50 cents Also Movie Night June 13th, title to-be-announced SOS Returns May 8th! Services and Overnight Shelter We will again have the opportunity to host overnight guests in our Parish Hall beginning Friday, May 8. More information about how you can participate in this amazing outreach will be forthcoming. Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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March 26, 2009

The Abundant Lite The 5th Sunday in Lent March 26, 2009 For Sunday March 29th From The Rector "How will this Crisis Change Us" Sometimes we think too small. Or sometimes we think in the wrong category. Jim Wallis of Sojourners is the author of God's Politics. In a recent blog he responds to the recent meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Expert  after expert was asked to predict how soon the economic crisis would end. Wallis poses a different question, How will this crisis change us? The people to whom Jeremiah spoke as God's prophet wanted to know when their crisis would end. They wanted assurance that everything they cared about would be restored. Jeremiah offers them a different scenario. He let's them know that they will be changed. They will be changed by internalizing the teachings of God. They will be changed by internalizing their covenant with the God who brought their ancestors out of Egypt. They will be changed when God does the unexpected. People who do wrong often expect punishment. The people of Jeremiah's time had reason enough to expect only that from God. They were not prepared for the future restoration that God intends. Despite their inability and unwillingness to become faithful, God would not give up. Instead of finding a new way of telling them the message, God promised to write the covenant on their hearts. No one would have to ask, they would all know, it would be in their DNA. The covenant written on our hearts speaks to the living relationship that is intended for us - with God, and as a full part of the people of God. Our challenge is to respond to this heart-felt covenant and learn new ways to be, and to care for, the people of God and the creation that God has given us. Join us as we lift up our hearts to God in worship, praying to receive them fully renewed and prepared to share them with the beloved of God. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NRSV) The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt-- a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego I Am Episcopalian Make a Difference: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation The Well in the Desert Dorcas House Think, Reflect, Pray: Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Painted Prayerbook Listen to Sermons Housekeeping: Secure Giving and Statement Changes   Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendar March 29 Brunch with the Bishop 12 noon $5 per person, $10 Max Family April 5 Little Windows Concert and Reception Instructed Eucharist Tonight (3/26)

This instruction is open to everyone.
It begins at 7 and runs to 9. Tonite

Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes will Preside and Preach at all services Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. An informal Holy Communion in the Library, with shared reflections.

Holy Week/Easter Worship Schedule Palm Sunday -- April 4-5 The Passion of Jesus Christ according to Mark Saturday 4 p.m. Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday -- April 9 Foot Washing/Holy Communion 7 p.m. Watch through the Night - Sign-up in the Parish Hall. Good Friday -- April 10 Liturgy 12 p.m. The Passion of Jesus Christ according to John Stations of the Cross 7 p.m. Easter Vigil -- April 11 Vigil Readings/ Renewal of Baptism/ Holy Communion 8 p.m. Easter Day -- April 12 7, 9 & 11 a.m. Festival Holy Communion Child Care Available Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15

The Bishop's Pastoral Visitation March 28-29th The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes will be with us for all services next weekend, the 28-29 of March. He will preside at worship, preach, confirm, and lead all of us as we renew our Baptism Covenant. In addition, he will meet briefly with the Vestry and with those who have been a part of the Inquirer's Class, and he will be with us for a Brunch in the Parish Hall on Sunday. All of this is a part of his regular Visitation of the Parish. Bp. Mathes prepares for each visitation well in advance, seeking to respond to the unique context of each congregation. This involves a preliminary appointment with the Rector, conversation at the Vestry, and ultimately a plan of how best to engage the bishop with the congregation. Our bishop is our Chief Pastor, and this will be his regular visit with us. However, he is a frequent presence our parish and has regional office hours here quarterly. Whenever the Bishop visits, an offering is received for support of emergencies and non-budgeted ministries that arise in the course of the year. Mark the envelope or check for Bishop. He will conclude his visitation with a meal, to which the whole Parish is invited. Brunch with the Bishop - March 29, 12 Noon. Tickets for this festive Champagne Brunch are available for $5 from any Vestry member or the Parish Office. Maximum cost is $10 per family. (Sparkling Cider will also be available.)

Palm Sunday Concert 4 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 5th at 4 :00 p.m. we are pleased to present the duo Little Windows in a concert of Traditional Irish and Appalachian songs appropriate for the beginning of Holy Week. Offering a contemplative, spiritual approach, Mark Weems and Julee Glaub weave a beautiful blend of both traditions with a unique harmonic sound.  Playing a variety of instruments to accompany their voices, this program will hopefully provide enrichment to your Lenten discipline and preparation for Easter.  There is no charge for the concert but donations are graciously accepted. A reception will follow to greet our artists from North Carolina. You can listen to excerpts here. When you get to the page, click on Audio, then choose your selection.

Abundant Living: Come Home Again for the First Time! Spring is in the air!  Soon the shadow filled journey of Lent will end and our hearts and minds will turn to celebration and new life.  As part of this celebration your Abundant Living Action Team is planning a series of special events designed to celebrate the many gifts of ministry all of you bring to our common mission in God's kingdom.  Our kick-off event will be an Open House that features an all access pass to the Parish (have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes!) and highlights the many wonderful ministry activities that happen every week. This kick-off will be followed by the generous sharing of stories from fellow parishioners during our common worship services and culminate in a fabulous fellowship event that will thank and recognize the gifted lay-leaders in our parish. Look for more information about these exciting events that are coming soon! Mark your calendars---these events will begin on April 26th and culminate at the celebration of Pentecost on May 31st.

Songshine Singers - A Celebration Event! On Wednesday March 25th the Songshine singers had a celebration! They celebrated the accomplishment of a class of students who used vocal exercises to mitigate the effects of Parkinson's disease. Two members of St. Paul in the Desert are students and sing with the Songshine Singers, Harry Hulsen and Joe Lowth. Click here to hear Harry. We will keep the church updated on future celebrations and hope that this might be a helpful resource for people with Parkinson's disease.

Mission Statement God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, through the Church of St. Paul in the Desert, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. We are a Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive Community.

St. Paul in the Desert | 125 W El Alameda | Palm Springs | CA | 92262

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