From the Rector
Waiting in the Depths I
don't often choose to reflect on the Psalms for this space. I have a
penchant for reflecting on the Gospel appointed for the following
Sunday. This week that Gospel (John 11:1-45) is so long that it does
not fit well in this medium. The psalms are prayers that cover
all the kinds of occasions of prayer that any one of us might find.
They also represent a kind of familiarity with God that we might be
surprised to read. This Psalm, seems to begin on a depressing
note -- "out of the depths." Yet the person praying knows that God is
merciful and forgiving. It is a reminder that wherever I find myself,
God is ready to hear and meet me there. I don't need the perfect
attitude before I pray. As I read the psalms, I find that even
the writers who start out in the depths, rarely end up there. They
usually regain their connection and find hope. Fr. Andrew |
Time Change! March 9, at 2 a.m.
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Upcoming Events
Commissioning
of the
Adult Choir
March 9
Adult Forum
9:15 Sundays
Begin March 30
Simple Living - Compassionate Life
Cherry Remboldt
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Priest and Rabbi
Exchanged Pulpits
Last week Temple Isaiah and St. Paul's had new preachers. Fr. Andrew and Rabbi Sally swapped congregations for one service.
The people of each congregation were gracious and hospitable. Rabbi Sally's sermon on King David's example of love is available for listening.
Several
members of each congregation have spouses in the other. They were
pleased to welcome friends and guests to their home "turf."
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New Eucharistic Prayer After Easter
 On the Sunday after Easter, we will begin 6 weeks of using a new Eucharistic Prayer.
This is the prayer that is said at Communion when we thank God for the
gift of Jesus and the bread and wine are consecrated. They become for
us the Body and Blood of Christ.
We have used a variety of prayers over the years from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The prayer we will be using is from Enriching Our Worship
which was published in 1997. The goal of this publication is to expand
the range of metaphors and the language that we use to worship God.
A copy of the prayer
and the Preface to Enriching Our Worship, by the previous Presiding
Bishop is posted on our web page. Fr. Andrew or Mother Stephanie would
be glad to answer any questions you have after you have read the prayer
and preface.
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Psalm 130
De profundis
- 1
- Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
- 2
- If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could stand?
- 3
- For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
- 4
- I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
- 5
- My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
- 6
- O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
- 7
- With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
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Desert Hike
St. Paul's friends,
The
Saturday March 1st. parish outing to Joshua Tree National Park was a
partial success as the plans were somewhat curtailed by cold and windy
weather conditions. Nevertheless, it seems that most participants had
an enjoyable time. Aside from the grand scenery and the remarkable
discovery of the Lost Treasure of King Solomon's Mines there was goodly
fellowship to be had.
 Participants in the adventure included Joan & Bob Dillingham, John Granet, Cheryl & Ray Kelley,
Duncan, Jasper, & Claudia McVeigh,
Conner, Colin, Beth, & Noel Owsley, Brenda Richard, Bonnie Stroock, Billie Webster, and Michael Howard.
Assembling
at Quail Springs rocks, the party made a trek across the open desert,
skirting the end of Virginia Valley, crossing the Wash of Forgetfulness
and going on to the massive rocks of King Solomon's Mines. There,
following the deciphered legends and clues of ancient texts and maps,
the Lost Treasure trove of King Solomon was searched for and
by the wisdom and mercy of God found by Jasper McVeigh! Out of his
Christian charity, Jasper was happy to share the priceless treasure of
rare gems with the whole party. To the amazement and pleasure of all,
the gems turned out to be candies of exquisite taste miraculously
preserved in the desert sands for countless ages! Eureka and Hosanna!
After
further reconnaissance of the maze of giant rocks at the Mines by
intrepid members of the exploratory team, the party made its way back
to base camp at Quail Springs rocks. A planned celebratory meal under
the stars of the desert night was regrettably and reluctantly cancelled
due to unruly weather. A small group lingered for a brief snack in the
shelter of the rocks and thus had the benefit of an impressive sunset
sky on the drive home.
Thanks to all the team members whose
talents, fortitude, and perseverance made this expedition into the
wonder of God's creation a success. Happy trails to you until we meet
again.
Michael Howard |
Worship Schedule
All Services include Holy Communion
Commissioning of the Adult Choir
at 10:30 a.m. only
Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m.
Note: Service moves to 5:30 p.m. on March 15
Sunday Morning 8 & 10:30 a.m.
Children Welcome in Worship
Godly Play at 10:30 a.m.
Childcare also available on Sunday Morning
God's Mission in the World 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m.
In the library
Informal worship and shared reflection
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Celebrate and Care
for
the Gift of God's Creatures
The gift of
our companion animals is a great blessing. They bring us so much joy and keep us in touch with the grace of
God's created order. Sadly,
sometimes our care of these creatures in our midst falls short of what God
intended and many are left abandoned and abused.
 Animal
Samaritan's SPCA of Thousand Palms is the leading animal welfare organization
in the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1978, it offers services that enhance the
bond between people and animals such as volunteer-based animal assisted therapy
(AAT) programs for hospitals, health care, social needs facilities and Juvenile
Hall.
Programs and
services in place to save the lives of healthy and treatable animals include
prevention through humane education such as " Critter Camp " for
children, low cost and no cost spay and neuter, low cost vaccinations,
micro-chipping, shelter and care and adoptions to lifelong homes. It also
offers a fully equipped and well staffed clinic which is open to the public. No
animal is ever put down.
Animal
Samaritan's organizes a host of events for our animal friends beginning in
March and running through December. Some of the major events include:
CBS Charity Challenge--March 8
Walk with the Animals--April 5
Pets on Parade--July 13
Golf Cart Parade--October 31
Putts for Mutts Golf Tournament--in December.
This Sunday, after the 10:30 service, Animal Samaritan's member, Neal Boden,
will have a table set up in the Parish Hall to answer any questions and provide
literature on the aforementioned fund -raising events. Please come and spend
some time with Neal and his wonderful AAT dog, Carolina. |
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Holy Week/Easter Schedule
Palm Sunday/ Sunday of the Passion - 3/16
Maundy Thursday - 3/20 - 7:00 p.m.
Foot Washing
Holy Communion
The Altar of Repose
Watch through the Night - 8:30 p.m. - 12 noon
Good Friday - 3/21
Liturgy for Good Friday - 12 noon
The Passion According to John
Devotions before the Cross
Communion from the Reserve Sacrament
Stations of the Cross - 7:00 p.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter - 3/22 - 8:00 p.m.
The Lighting of the Easter Fire
The Vigil Lessons
Baptism (or renewal of vows)
The First Holy Communion of Easter
(No 5:30 p.m. Service)
Easter Day - 3/23 - 7, 9, & 11:00 a.m. |
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Pentecost banners at church last Sunday. (One pictured above.) The
group, whose nickname is the Flames of Life, Leith Chandrasena, Zoe
Navarro, and Ed, Cris, and Jenn Ellenich created them with the help of
advisors, Ronn Ellenich, Michael Howard, and Bonnie Stroock. Young
people from ages 11 to 18 are invited to join. Phone Bonnie for more
information 324-7949.
