December 4, 2008

The Abundant Lite ADVENT II December 4, 2008 For Sunday December 7th From the Rector Shouldn't Our Prayers Be Private? (Today's reflection is not about the Gospel for Advent II) When new people worship with us for the first time, it is not unusual for them to comment on our practice of offering special prayers at the Communion Rail. Almost everyone is surprised, many like it, some don't, but everybody asks: Why? I have never seen another church that does this the way we do. Some have prayer teams available after Communion to pray with those in need. Some have stations for private prayers with a priest after Communion or after worship. I have not been anywhere that prays in the public way we do. However, many churches offer birthday or anniversary blessings or announcements just prior to the Passing of the Peace. It was my reflection on birthday prayers that led to our current practice. I wondered if people would be blessed by having prayers other than birthdays offered in the sight and hearing of the worshiping congregation. So I began to invite all sorts and conditions of prayers. The key is having a concise request and an appropriate prayer. The reason that we do this out loud, is so that the congregation can join in the prayer. This is specifically NOT a private prayer. This is a prayer to be shared by the worshiping community. Each one in the pew can attend to the prayer and add theirs as well. It is a powerful experience to have the entire congregation share in a prayer and many people experience the Holy Spirit stirring in them as a result. It takes courage to ask for a prayer in this format. It takes a willingness to be the Body of Christ for a brother or sister in need or joy, to allow these prayers to bless those who would join in the prayers. It is rare that we do not offer these special prayers. You are invited to join this prayer ministry as a full partner. We will be blessed. Fr. Andrew If you have a brief story of unexpected blessing, share it with me. Give your name, email, and add your story in the comments section. Featured Scripture Mark 1:1-8 (NRSV) The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:`Prepare the way of the Lord,make his paths straight,'" John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Advent Lessons and Carols December 7 at 10:30 a.m. The Adult and Children's Choirs will present A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 7 at the 10:30 service.  There will be six lessons read as the liturgy of the Word with corresponding hymns or anthems pertaining to the lessons.  Among those anthems will be The Serpent by Pavlechko, The Song of Mary by Callahan and Prepare Ye by Dean.  Ray Kelley will also be our guest cellist. We hope that you will bring your friends to this service in anticipation of the arrival of the Christ Child. New Director of Programs Associate Rector Adds Title Introducing our new Director of Programs!  Well, sort of...We are very excited to add the title of Director of Programs to Mother Stephanie's job title.  It is actually the recognition of the work she has already been performing for us for some time now and we are excited to celebrate this recognition as a community of faith.  Congratulations Mother Stephanie--keep up the good work! Financial Forums

December 7, 2008
after each service

There will be Financial Forums on Sunday December 7 after each service. In the context of the current global financial crisis, we need to understand where St. Paul's stands.

The presentation will focus on our mission as a parish community and the opportunities our financial circumstances hold out for us.

The Rector, Sr. Warden and Treasurer will "do the numbers" and explain how we got here and the issues which need to be resolved as we move forward. They will also suggest how each member can help.

Please come, learn, and help.

Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendar December 7 Lesson and Carols 10:30 a.m. Financial Forums after each service December 14 Fr. Andrew & Susan Green Celebrate 20 years of ministry here. Christmas Eve - December 24 Carols 15 min. before each service. Children and Family Service 6 p.m. Midnight Mass (w/incense) 11 p.m. Christmas Day - December 25 10:30 a.m. December 26 Office Closed January 1 - New Years Day Office Closed January 4 Daughters of the King Holiday Tea 1-3:30 p.m. January 18, 2009 Annual Meeting at 9:15 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at St. Paul's 2:00 p.m. January 25 St. Paul in the Desert 70th Anniversary Celebration

Bishop Mathes After Prop. 8 - A Response In  the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Bishop of our Diocese reflects on the tasks that confront our communities following the general election and passing of Proposition 8. He invites all of us to be aware of the pain felt by our brothers and sisters with whom we disagree. You may read the article here.

Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Come Early - From the North due to Festival of Lights Parade Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Advent Lessons and Carols Children Welcome in Worship Godly Play 10:30 a.m. Childcare also available on Sunday Morning Wednesday Evening 6:00 p.m. Quiet Conversational Communion in the Library  With Occasional Cello

Traffic Alert!!!   December 6th 4 p.m. Service The Festival of Lights Parade ends near St. Paul's, therefore the City blocks off Palm Canyon at Tachevah 1 1/2 blocks north of the Church at about 3 p.m.. From the North: Going south on Palm Canyon, turn west on Via Lola, Left on Cahuilla, left on Hermosa, and right on Prescott and you will see the Church. (Each of these turns is the first turn possible) See Map. From the South: Go North on Indian to Tachevah, Turn left and follow the directions from the North.

Let the Abundant Life Keep Flowing! As a witness to God's Abundant Life for ALL, especially in these difficult economic times, the people of St. Paul in the Desert are invited to fill up the baskets for  Well in the Desert every Sunday! Bring some dry and canned goods with you each Sunday and let's offer them at the table and then send them back out into the world God has given us to serve! There is still time to bring your pledge of financial support for the next year and your tangible support of the children, women, and men who are served by the Well in the Desert and S.O.S. . It will be abundant and it will be marvelous! Items needed: rice, beans, canned goods, jams, jellies, soups, pastas, noodles, canned tuna, peanut butter, cereals, hot and cold. socks, toiletries, tee shirts, etc.

20th Anniversary of Ministry at St. Paul's Fr. Andrew and Susan Green Save the Date: Sunday, December 14th. We will be celebrating Father Andrew and Susan's 20th anniversary at St. Paul in the Desert. Fr. Andrew's first service was December 15, 1988. Join us for a special luncheon in the Parish Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service. Tickets are available today. Suggested donation is $5.00.

Christmas Decorators Still Needed Several Ways to Help Outside Lights Team: Between 11/30 and 12/5 we need to raise the lights. Many of the lights are done. Thanks to Steve Pougnet, Glen Calvin, and Jeffrey Stewart. Parish Hall Team: Between 11/30 and 12/6 we need to raise the tree and decorate Hogarth Hall. The tree has been raised, thanks to Michael Funke. There is decorating left to do. Church Sanctuary Team: After worship on 12/21, we need to decorate the inside of the church with our wreaths, the large ribbons, and the preparation for poinsettias. Please contact Mike Carson today if you are able to help.

SUNDAYS@9:15 Episcopal 101 Preempted by the Financial Forum Will return 12/14

New Ministry Commissioning Schedule Available At St. Paul in the Desert we celebrate our many ministries by commissioning them in our worship services. It is always our hope that when a particular ministry is highlighted in this way, several things will happen. We appreciate those who serve They serve as an extension of our parish community Some might be inspired to help Remaining Commissionings and schedule changes can be found here.

Links Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego Episcopal Community Services Epis. Public Policy Network Global Reconciliation Daily Prayer The Episcopal Cafe Thinking Anglicans Theolog The Advent Door Secure Giving and Statement Listen to Sermons Changes

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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