Daylight Savings Time Ends - Fall Back before you go to bed Saturday!
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The Abundant Lite
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October 29, 2009
For Sunday November 1st
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From the Rector
All Saints or All Souls
We
are using the a new set of Scriptures for All Saints this year. Most of
the time we use the Beatitudes (Blessed are the poor, etc). This
selection from John requires some reorientation for All Saints. Most
have traditionally understood All Saints as a time to celebrate our
mothers and fathers in Christian faith who have been great examples.
These are the folks who seem to have "got it." On All Souls, celebrated
on Nov. 2, we remember all who have gone before us in the faith,
whether or not they were superstars.
At St. Paul in the Desert,
we have adjusted our practice from time to time, and currently we do
something different from any church I know. We remember our loved ones
who have died, we remember those in our community who have died of
HIV/AIDS, and we remember all the current members of our Parish.
This
Sunday, I would invite you to think about the gospel selection
regarding the raising of Lazarus. It is a great story to remember. It
has what used to be the shortest and most poignant verse in the bible,
"Jesus wept." My invitation is to look beyond Lazarus and see what it
says about Jesus.
It tells us that Jesus has the power of life
in himself. It is more than having the power to do things like heal and
forgive. It is about the power of relationship. Jesus bears to us the
power that comes from intimate and mutual relationship with God and
with us.
Jesus is resurrection and life and he offers it extravagantly to all who accept his invitation.
Join us this weekend as we thank God joyfully in worship and in our fellowship.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
John 11:32-44 (NRSV)
When Mary came where
Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if
you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her
weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly
disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, "Where have you laid
him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus began to weep. So
the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" But some of them said, "Could
not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from
dying?"
Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to
the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said,
"Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him,
"Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would
see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked
upward and said, "Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that
you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd
standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." When he had
said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead
man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his
face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him
go."
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S.C.R.A.P. "Booked" by ECW
Luncheon - Nov. 4th
Karen
Riley, the Executive Director of the S.C.R.A.P Gallery in Indio, where
"all sorts of things are created out of nothing" will be the speaker
for this month's ECW luncheon on November 4th. A not to be missed
event! Referred to as The Art Museum for the Environment, the letters
stand for Student Creative Recycling Art Project, and among the many
community offerings are art programs for children in the third and
fourth grades, who come to the award winning facility from all over
Riverside County to learn about ways to use discarded materials for
artistic expression. One of the Gallery's projects, mosaic murals, is
installed on Dinah Shore Parkway.
The business meeting, open to
all, starts off the day at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the
traditional salad luncheon. Those attending are asked to bring a salad
(which serves four) to share, rolls/bread, or a dessert. Beverages will
be provided. Ms. Riley will speak after the luncheon. For any questions
regarding the event, please contact Ruth Kraus at 1-760-322-4342 or the
Church office.
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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 at 10:15 a.m.
Childcare is available
on Sunday Mornings
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Sundays @ 9:15
with Mother Stephanie
Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Clergy Transitions, But Were Afraid to Ask!
Well,
at least everything about my journey over the last several months that
has led to my call as the next rector of St. Stephens in Seattle!
This is meant to be an informal time of sharing for those of you who
might have questions and/or just want to share this journey of change
with me and with one another. You have all become part of who I am
as a priest in God's Church and this transition is not mine alone, but
one in which we all share. I hope to see you there and if not, know
that I hold all of you in my prayers of thanksgiving and I ask your
continued prayers for myself and the people of St. Stephen's as our new
ministry together unfolds. Grace and Peace, Mother Stephanie |
All Saints Baptisms
November 1st
This Sunday at 10:30 Christopher Passerino and Lydia Ealy-Zingg will be
baptized and be welcomed into the Body of Christ.
If
there are others who wish to be baptized, the next great time would be
on February 7, 2010, when Bp. Mathes is with us. Talk to one of the
clergy for more information.
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All Parish Potluck
An Update
 On
Sunday, Oct 25th the parish celebrated over 20 new members who had
joined at one of the weekend services. Others came expressing their
desire to join.  It was a great time of fun and community building, facilitated by  Mike Carson (the Party Czar), his husband Ron Steigerwalt, Tayor Baird and Roger Allen. Thanks for the evening! |
St. Paul in the Desert
Becoming a Member
To be recognized as a member, one needs to be baptized here, or, if
already baptized, the baptism needs to be registered here. One also
needs to be worshiping with us and supporting the mission of God
through our Parish. This can take place at any time.
The
Newcomer Class, Incorporation Ceremony and All Parish Potluck happen
approximately quarterly to build community among and celebrate new
members and people who are interested in membership.
Member or
not, all are welcome to participate fully in our worship, education,
and fellowship. If you have a question about your membership status,
talk to one of the clergy. |
Community Access
The
physical facilities of St. Paul's are often needed by community groups
with no facilities of their own. Here's a list of those groups using
church space for their activities:
11/3 All Day
Palm Springs Election Polling Place
11/22 6-9:00 p.m.
Caballeros Dress Rehearsal
12/17 6-8:00 p.m.
Desert Sonshine Preschool Christmas Program
12/19 7-9:00 p.m.
Caballeros Concert and Reception
12/20 3-5:00 p.m.
Caballeros Concert and Reception
1/18/2010 2:00 p.m.
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Reception
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 Deeper in Christ, Further in Mission
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The
blessing of growing in our faith can be summed up in this year's celebration
theme: Deeper in Christ,
Further in Mission.
God's
blessings fulfill us and God's gifts are available each and every day. The challenge for all of us is to
recognize that God is here among our community every day, in every way,
inviting us to go Deeper in Christ, Further in Mission.
The
Abundant Living Action Team (ALAT) is inviting you to taste and see that the
Lord-and our life and ministry at St. Paul in the Desert-is truly good!! The Festive Dinners that are planned
for November 14th and 15th will be an excellent
opportunity to stimulate the best element of our joy in God's Abundant
Life. He is here in our faith
community and faith home, and also out there as we attend to our daily
lives. We are a grateful
community. We urge you to respond
positively to your invitation to share a meal and enjoy fellowship. This will indeed be a sign of going Deeper
in Christ, Further in Mission.
(If you have not yet received your
invitation, please call...
Church at 760.320.7488
x 0 or
Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.)
Read the invitation letter from your Abundant Living Action Team
(ALAT) by clicking here.
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WALK with the Team
Desert AIDS WALK
Saturday, Oct. 31st
You are invited to join the Desert Episcopalians as we walk to support people living with HIV/AIDS in the Coachella Valley.
We
need people to join us for the Walk. We will meet at the Church for a
brief worship service at 8:15 AM. Then we will walk (2 blocks) to the
WALK.
Join the team by signing up after church on Sunday. Or Join the Team on-line.
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Holiday Card Classes
'Tis The Season To Be Crafty
On November 18th, join our card making team as we learn the steps to
create the beautiful Christmas cards pictured. Students will complete
four cards during the 2 and 1/2 hour workshop which includes all
supplies cut to size and the envelopes. Please click here
for more information or you can email Mike. The church office will
also enroll you. Call 760-320-7488 ext 0 and leave a message with your
name and telephone number. Mike will call you to confirm your
enrollment.
Also December 1 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM there will
be a "30" Christmas Card for $35. All supplies are included. $25
deposit for this class must be received by November 20, 2009 to
participate. This is a great class for the first time crafter. Click here for more information on this class or you can call Mike at 760 409-0986.
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Take Heart and Take Action
for the Support of St. Paul's
This last year and a half
has been tumultuous for all of us, particularly as we deal with our
financial stewardship. Yes, how we care for our personal finances is
part of our stewardship, not just how we give or share what we have. If
your situation is anything like mine, it would be easy to surrender to
fear and anxiety. I hope you hear Jesus calling all of us to "Take
Heart."
Our parish family is not immune from the financial
turmoil that surrounds us, but we are in some sense a derivative of it.
All of our support comes from people like you and me who are facing
their own changing circumstances. I would love to point out all the
voices who say that "we have turned the corner," but I realize that all
of us have different experiences and our confidence may be lagging. I
hope you hear Jesus calling all of us to "Take Heart."
Your
parish leaders are working to manage the Parish Budget and we have been
successful in keeping costs in line after significant cuts in this
years budget. We are not making the progress we need in receiving
pledged and unpledged income. We are coming up short.
I hope you hear Jesus calling all of us to "Take Heart."
As
we gather to praise and God this week, welcoming all people to our
table of God's abundant blessing, please see how you might help -
courageously and generously. |
Cappella Gloriana
Upcoming Concert, Nov. 21st
In honor of St. Cecelia Day, Cappella Gloriana will be making their
Desert Cities Debut Concert at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be conducted
by Dr. Stephen Sturk, Artistic Director, with our very own, Nathan B.
Ensign, as Accompanist. The music celebrated will be by Britten,
Mendelssohn and others.
Cappella
Gloriana is the collaborative brainchild of its co-directors, Stephen
Sturk and Virginia Sublett. Their idea was to bring together their
professional colleagues, soloists with a passion for choral music, and
promising young singers in an a cappella ensemble devoted to the
performance of the finest and most demanding choral repertoire from the
Renaissance to the present day. Its initial performances took place in
the summer of 1996
Named for an allegorical title of Elizabeth I
of England, Cappella Gloriana is an Ensemble-in-Residence at St. Paul's
Cathedral, San Diego, where Sturk is Composer-in-Residence. Cappella
Gloriana performs and records the finest choral music of six centuries
that combine early choral masterworks with innovative contemporary
pieces.
Join your fellow parishioners for an evening filled with
music memories on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. A donation
of $10 is suggested. |
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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From the Rector
Whether
you are new to the Episcopal Church, or perhaps a "cradle Episcopalian"
who would like a "brush-up," this interactive course, facilitated by 
The
goal would be to have the lights up at least in the Tower by December
5th to coincide with the Festival of Lights Parade. Call the Parish
Office at 760-320-7488 x 0.
Mother Stephanie will depart following our worship this weekend.
Br.
Michael-Gregory joins the parish staff at the Church of St. Paul in the
Desert as Ministry Coordinator. In this newly created position, he is
charged with assisting the clergy in "equipping the saints for
ministry" through ministry development and lay ministry mobilization.
He will also provide administrative support to the Rector in the
day-to-day operation of the parish. Br. Michael-Gregory is a member of
the Community of the Gospel, a Christian community formed under the
canons of the Episcopal Church. He is a graduate of the Audire
Spiritual Director Formation Program, San Pedro Center (Winter Park,
FL) and holds a doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. Prior to joining the
staff at St. Paul's, Br. Michael-Gregory worked as a Spiritual Care
Counselor (Chaplain) at the Betty Ford Center. He has extensive
experience in parish ministry in the areas of administration, religious
education, and pastoral care, having served as a Director of Religious
Education, Director of Lay Ministry, and Parish Administrator in
parishes in California and Florida. Br. Michael-Gregory serves at St.
Paul's as a lector and is a catechist for Confirmation classes and a
frequent facilitator for adult education offerings.
From the Rector
In honor of St. Cecelia Day, Cappella Gloriana will be making their
Desert Cities Debut Concert at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be conducted
by Dr. Stephen Sturk, Artistic Director, with our very own, Nathan B.
Ensign, as Accompanist. The music celebrated will be by Britten,
Mendelssohn and others.
Deeper in Christ,
The
goal would be to have the lights up at least in the Tower by December
5th to coincide with the Festival of Lights Parade. Call the Parish
Office at 760-320-7488 x 0.
ALL
are invited to a Farewell Celebration in honor of Mother Stephanie's
ministry. On Sunday, Nov. 29 at 12:15 p.m. we will gather for lunch
with Mother Stephanie at the Holiday Inn Resort at the corner of
Sunrise and E. Palm Canyon. The cost of the lunch will be $20.00 per
person. Checks should be made to St. Paul's, mark it - "Luncheon".
Reservations will be accepted at the Parish Office on Friday, Nov. 20
and after worship on Sunday, the 22nd. Mike Carson will be available to
receive them. You may also drop the reservation and/or check in the
offering plate. Space is limited. Reservations are required and
reserved by payment.
Br.
Michael-Gregory joins the parish staff at the Church of St. Paul in the
Desert as Ministry Coordinator. In this newly created position, he is
charged with assisting the clergy in "equipping the saints for
ministry" through ministry development and lay ministry mobilization.
He will also provide administrative support to the Rector in the
day-to-day operation of the parish. Br. Michael-Gregory is a member of
the Community of the Gospel, a Christian community formed under the
canons of the Episcopal Church. He is a graduate of the Audire
Spiritual Director Formation Program, San Pedro Center (Winter Park,
FL) and holds a doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. Prior to joining the
staff at St. Paul's, Br. Michael-Gregory worked as a Spiritual Care
Counselor (Chaplain) at the Betty Ford Center. He has extensive
experience in parish ministry in the areas of administration, religious
education, and pastoral care, having served as a Director of Religious
Education, Director of Lay Ministry, and Parish Administrator in
parishes in California and Florida. Br. Michael-Gregory serves at St.
Paul's as a lector and is a catechist for Confirmation classes and a
frequent facilitator for adult education offerings.
Whether
you are new to the Episcopal Church, or perhaps a "cradle Episcopalian"
who would like a "brush-up," this interactive course, facilitated by
/Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie/, is designed for all who wish to learn
more about their faith. Presented Sundays at 9:15 a.m. in the chapel in
the parish hall beginning November 29th.
From the Rector
In honor of St. Cecelia Day, Cappella Gloriana will be making their
Desert Cities Debut Concert at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be conducted
by Dr. Stephen Sturk, Artistic Director, with our very own, Nathan B.
Ensign, as Accompanist. The music celebrated will be by Britten,
Mendelssohn and others.
You
are invited to shop for jewelry and crafts made by the Christians of
Eastern Africa as gifts for family and friends. Your purchases support
the work of African Team Ministries.
ALL
are invited to a Farewell Celebration in honor of Mother Stephanie's
ministry. On Sunday, Nov. 29 at 12:15 p.m. we will gather for lunch
with Mother Stephanie at the Holiday Inn Resort at the corner of
Sunrise and E. Palm Canyon. The cost of the lunch will be $20.00 per
person. Checks should be made to St. Paul's, mark it - "Luncheon".
Please make your reservation to the Parish Office, to be received no
later than November 19, 2009. You may also drop the reservation/check
in the offering plate. Space is limited. Reservations are required and
reserved by payment.
The
goal would be to have the lights up at least in the Tower by December
5th to coincide with the Festival of Lights Parade. Call the Parish
Office at 760-320-7488 x 0.
as
our preacher at worship. Fr. David is has been a friend of St. Paul in
the Desert over the last 10 years, preaching and consulting with us as
we have grown in serving God's mission in Palm Springs.
We are excited to hear him again and to share in the joy of fellowship at our dinners. We look forward to going 
From the Rector
Well,
at least everything about my journey over the last several months that
has led to my call as the next rector of St. Stephens in Seattle!
ALL
are invited to a Farewell Celebration in honor of Mother Stephanie's
ministry. On Sunday, Nov. 29 at 12:15 p.m. we will gather for lunch
with Mother Stephanie at the Holiday Inn Resort at the corner of
Sunrise and E. Palm Canyon. The cost of the lunch will be $20.00 per
person. Checks should be made to St. Paul's, mark it - "Luncheon".
Please make your reservation to the Parish Office, to be received no
later than November 19, 2009. You may also drop the reservation/check
in the offering plate. Space is limited. Reservations are required and
reserved by payment.
In honor of St. Cecelia Day, Cappella Gloriana will be making their
Desert Cities Debut Concert at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be conducted
by Dr. Stephen Sturk, Artistic Director, with our very own, Nathan B.
Ensign, as Accompanist. The music celebrated will be by Britten,
Mendelssohn and others.
From the Rector
In honor of St. Cecelia Day, Cappella Gloriana will be making their
Desert Cities Debut Concert at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be conducted
by Dr. Stephen Sturk, Artistic Director, with our very own, Nathan B.
Ensign, as Accompanist. The music celebrated will be by Britten,
Mendelssohn and others.
From the Rector
Every Wednesday
M
Anglicans
recognize Blessed Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as an example of holiness,
faith and obedience for all Christians. Mary can also be seen as a
prophetic figure of the Church. As such, she is often considered to be
the most important person within the Communion of Saints, and many
Anglicans "call her blessed" (Luke 1:48). In this six-week series, Br.
Michael-Gregory Norrie will look at the role of Mary in the Anglican
Tradition (in both Pre-and-Post-Reformation England) and will examine
her life as revealed in the Scriptures and other extra-biblical
sources, including the Marian hymnody found in the 1982 Hymnal. We'll
also explore her prominence in Anglican worship through the prayers and
readings assigned to her principal feast day and the lesser Marian
festivals and commemorations in the Episcopal Church. The series is
ongoing in the Condo across the Courtyard. Bring your Bibles!
From the Rector
Blessing of the Animals
Anglicans
recognize Blessed Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as an example of holiness,
faith and obedience for all Christians. Mary can also be seen as a
prophetic figure of the Church. As such, she is often considered to be
the most important person within the Communion of Saints, and many
Anglicans "call her blessed" (Luke 1:48). In this six-week series, Br.
Michael-Gregory Norrie will look at the role of Mary in the Anglican
Tradition (in both Pre-and-Post-Reformation England) and will examine
her life as revealed in the Scriptures and other extra-biblical
sources, including the Marian hymnody found in the 1982 Hymnal. We'll
also explore her prominence in Anglican worship through the prayers and
readings assigned to her principal feast day and the lesser Marian
festivals and commemorations in the Episcopal Church. The series begins
"What
if Jesus' secret message reveals a secret plan?" asks Brian McLaren in
his new book, The Secret Message of Jesus. "What if he didn't come to
start a new religion--but rather came to start a political, social,
religious, artistic, economic, intellectual, and spiritual revolution
that would give birth to a new world?"
Anglicans
recognize Blessed Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as an example of holiness,
faith and obedience for all Christians. Mary can also be seen as a
prophetic figure of the Church. As such, she is often considered to be
the most important person within the Communion of Saints, and many
Anglicans "call her blessed" (Luke 1:48). In this six-week series, Br.
Michael-Gregory Norrie will look at the role of Mary in the Anglican
Tradition (in both Pre-and-Post-Reformation England) and will examine
her life as revealed in the Scriptures and other extra-biblical
sources, including the Marian hymnody found in the 1982 Hymnal. We'll
also explore her prominence in Anglican worship through the prayers and
readings assigned to her principal feast day and the lesser Marian
festivals and commemorations in the Episcopal Church. The series begins
Sunday, October 4th at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel in the Parish Hall.
Bring your Bibles!
Blessing of the Animals
"What
if Jesus' secret message reveals a secret plan?" asks Brian McLaren in
his new book, The Secret Message of Jesus. "What if he didn't come to
start a new religion--but rather came to start a political, social,
religious, artistic, economic, intellectual, and spiritual revolution
that would give birth to a new world?"