Abundant Lite

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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March 19, 2009

The Abundant Lite The 4th Sunday in Lent March 19, 2009 For Sunday March 22nd From The Rector God is a Lover and Giver The beginning of our understanding of stewardship is our understanding of God. How we think about God will determine much about what we value. Included in this week's Gospel is John 3:16 - God so loved the world that God gave Jesus for us. It sets the stage for our relationship with God. God loves and God gives. Because it is in the nature of God to both love and give, we are invited to aspire to God like behavior as lovers and givers. Remember that Jesus gave us a new commandment - that we should love one another. We are exhorted to love our enemies and those who do us harm. As followers of Jesus we are invited/commanded to love absolutely everybody. The quality that drives both giving and loving is generosity. We should be able to use giving and loving almost interchangeably as expressions of our generosity. I would go so far as to say Lent is about preparing us for God's crazy generous love and gift that is offered on Good Friday, but is revealed in fullness on Easter. We can never out-love or out-give God, but I invite you to join us in worship this weekend as we try to get close. May we be inspired by God to live out our love and giving in blessed generosity. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 3:14-21 (NRSV) Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. "Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." 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 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. 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. 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 Godly Play at 10:30 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 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.) ECW Spaghetti Dinner Great Turnout - Abundant Fellowship The Spaghetti Dinner and White Elephant Sale were a success. Close to $1000.00 was raised for some needed improvements to the kitchen. Thanks to Rick Tinsley and Ted Decker for the food. Thanks to all who donated items for the sale and goodies for the dessert sale. Thanks to all who set up, cleaned up, and sold tickets. St. Paul's Collection Shirts and Blouses that Celebrate our Parish T-shirt $15 Women's blouse $28 Polo shirt $28 All are available in S,M,L & XL, all in blue. We are taking orders now and when we have the right number we will place the order for production. (Delivery hopefully before Easter.) Pay in advance. Checks should be made out to St. Paul's and list Shirt in the memo. Questions - Call Mike Carson at 318-6377 or email him. Columbarium Niches 100 Niches Remain Columbarium Niches: At St. Paul in the Desert there are two ways to have cremated remains cared for on our campus. There are 200 Niches in the colonnade between the Sanctuary and the Parish Offices, and there is a room in the Tower. Generally, only members of the Parish or their family members are in our Columbarium. Exceptions may be made by the Rector for placement in the Tower. Over 50% of the Columbarium niches are reserved. Since there is a limited number of niches within the colonnade, it is suggested that parishioners reserve their space with a contract and partial payment. Reservations will be considered in the order they are received. Policies and fees will be discussed at the time of application. To find out more, either visit or call Carol Cunningham at 320-7488, ext. 222. 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. Spiritual Nurture during Lent

Thanks to the Rev. John Harper for his Sundays @ 9:15 series The Body of Christ: Unity and Division.

John is heading back to Iowa soon. We hope to see him next winter when the temperature drops again in the mid-west.

On-line Giving - Is it Right for You?  You can set-up a secure way to give on-line through Logos Church Management. You can set this up by yourself. You can get help from Carol Cunningham (320-7488 x222) if you need it. You can see your statement whenever you want. You can give by credit card or by Checking Account. You can be sure that you are in control and your gifts are handled securely. Start Here

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 12, 2009

The Abundant Lite The 3rd Sunday in Lent March 12, 2009 For Sunday March 15th From The Rector Overturned Table or Temple Jesus first public engagement was something of a public relations disaster. He enters the temple courtyard and sees the institutional commerce that has come to support an indirect connection with God and he gets angry. The various sacrifices prescribed in the Law required various animals to be offered. The merchants provided a service. "Don't schlep the critters all the way from home, get one right here. Minimize the Fuss." Financial offerings also were regular features, but the common currency had the picture of an Emperor who claimed he was divine. This made the money inappropriate for offering in the temple. Money changers offered a needed service. Jesus was offended at the casualness that had become the relationship between the people whom God delivered from bondage in Egypt and the God who delivered them. This was a God who promised write the covenant of deliverance on their hearts! All the action is in Jesus using the whip and turning the tables, but that is not the most important part. Think for a minute on the change in focus he offers in his first public discourse.  'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' Jesus is letting them know that not only are the tables of convenient faith overturned, but the temple is being supplanted by the direct and intimate relationship he has with God and offers to all who believe in Jesus. This is worth some Lenten reflection. Is this what Jesus came to offer? Or did he give his life to tidy up the temple courtyard? Celebrate with us this week the love of God made real in Jesus and lived out in our community of faith. Fr. Andrew See people tell their story. I am Episcopalian Featured Scripture John 2:13-22 (NRSV) The Passover was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The authorities then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." They then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. 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 14 ECW Spaghetti Supper 5-7 p.m. March 29 Brunch with the Bishop 12 noon $5 per person, $10 Max Family April 5 Little Windows Concert and Reception Worship Schedule All Services include Holy Communion Saturday Evening 4:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8 a.m. Sunday Morning 10:30 a.m. Installation of the Daughters of the King 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. 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 Father Andrew at Temple Isaiah This Friday at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to join our neighbors at Temple Isaiah in worship this Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.. The Temple is located about 5 blocks southwest of St. Paul's at 332 W. Alejo Rd. Fr. Andrew will be the speaker and everyone is welcome join the congregants of the Temple for refreshments and conversation following the worship. ECW Spaghetti Dinner March 14, 5-7 p.m. The ECW is serving up Spaghetti again (thanks Rick Tinsley), this time in service of repairs to the Parish Kitchen. Tickets are available at the door for $7. Donations to the White Elephant Sale are still being accepted. No clothing items, but salable items that are worth over $5.00 Bring them to the Church. They should be placed in the Parish Hall by Friday (tomorrow). St. Paul's Collection Shirts and Blouses that Celebrate our Parish T-shirt $15 Women's blouse $28 Polo shirt $28 All are available in S,M,L & XL, all in blue. We are taking orders now and when we have the right number we will place the order for production. (Delivery hopefully before Easter.) Pay in advance. Checks should be made out to St. Paul's and list Shirt in the memo. Questions - Call Mike Carson at 318-6377 or email him. Gifts Acknowledgments January and February 2009 We try to recognize gifts for the mission and ministry of St. Paul in the Desert in a timely fashion. Thank you note are written regularly. Some have requested that they not receive personal thank yous and these requests are honored. Every month or two, we publish a list of acknowledgments. Click here to find the latest list. At St. Paul's we love to celebrate all kinds of generosity! Thanks! Columbarium Niches 100 Niches Remain Columbarium Niches: At St. Paul in the Desert there are two ways to have cremated remains cared for on our campus. There are 200 Niches in the colonnade between the Sanctuary and the Parish Offices, and there is a room in the Tower. Generally, only members of the Parish or their family members are in our Columbarium. Exceptions may be made by the Rector for placement in the Tower. Over 50% of the Columbarium niches are reserved. Since there is a limited number of niches within the colonnade, it is suggested that parishioners reserve their space with a contract and partial payment. Reservations will be considered in the order they are received. Policies and fees will be discussed at the time of application. To find out more, either visit or call Carol Cunningham at 320-7488, ext. 222. 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. The Stewardship of God's Creation Join me, Neal Boden, in caring for all of the wonderful creatures God has placed in our lives.  I am deeply involved in Animal Samaritans. At Animal Samaritans we have been "Improving the lives of animals and people since 1978."   We are the leading animal welfare organization in the Coachella Valley. We perform more low cost spay and neutering than all other charitable organizations combined. Tuesday 2/24 is National Spay and Neuter Day and this significant recognition coincides with the ground breaking for the new state of the art animal clinic adjacent to The Cities and County Animal Shelter at Petland Place--known as the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. This is an innovative public-private partnership between Riverside County and Animal Samaritans for the benefit of all communities in the Coachella Valley. In addition to spay and neuter services, we provide humane education programs, vaccination clinics, adoption services and Animal Assisted Therapy, which my Golden Retriever Julie and I, participate in. We will be at the 10:30 service 3/15 to promote one of our annual favorites, "Walk with the Animals" on 3/21 at the Palm Desert Park. You may remember that Carolina and I did this last year. I am so thankful that the Church of St. Paul in the Desert is so supportive of our endeavors. Please don't mind Julie accompanying me to the communion rail....she will not partake but she will behave herself. We look forward to greeting you in the Parish Hall following the services. Death of Jim Lien Services Pending Jim Lien died this past Tuesday after a long illness. He was a regular worshiper and was a faithful participant in Administrative Ministries. Spiritual Nurture during Lent

Sundays@9:15, Special Lenten Series March 15th:
THE BODY OF CHRIST: UNITY AND DIVISION
        Part 3 -  The evolution and fracturing of the Anglican Communion
The final Class will meet in the Condo on Sunday morning at 9:15 on March 15th.

Lenten Lunch on Wednesdays
Engaging the Word

March 18, 25, April 8 from 12-1:30

Participants will bring a sack lunch and Fr. Andrew Green will lead an exploration of Scripture and how it forms us as a spiritual community.
The Text will be Engaging the Word by Michael Johnson.
Sign-up in the Parish Hall. There are 10 books available for the class. The cost of the book is $10.

On-line Giving - Is it Right for You?  You can set-up a secure way to give on-line through Logos Church Management. You can set this up by yourself. You can get help from Carol Cunningham (320-7488 x222) if you need it. You can see your statement whenever you want. You can give by credit card or by Checking Account. You can be sure that you are in control and your gifts are handled securely. Start Here

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

Send a test version of your email to yourself, and to others including a personal message. Up to  5  addresses may be entered separated by a comma ",".

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March 6, 2009

The Abundant Lite The 2nd Sunday in Lent Daylight Savings Begins this Weekend! March 5, 2009 For Sunday March 8th From The Rector Get Behind Me Satan In Sunday's Gospel, it seems that Satan is much nearer to the disciples than I would have believed. He is right there in the midst of them, and I would offer, us. Please don't start thinking of all the Hollywood, literary, or cultural images of Satan. None of these are in service of the Christian Faith. Most of them are about how to domesticate opposition to God and the worst make money off the process. Horns and a tail, spinning heads, or fixation on "witches" do nothing but divert us from the critical challenges that face us as the people who claim Jesus as Lord. Yes, there is evil in the world. It is not helpful to use Satan as the personification of that evil. It is part of the blame game that substitutes misdirection for following Jesus. Jesus has told his disciples for the first time (in Mark) that he must suffer, die, and on the third day rise. His words fly in the face of all the plans Peter and the other disciples have for the Messiah. Perhaps their plans are very good plans, but they are a diversion from Jesus sense of his mission. This happened before when he was temped to pigeon-holed as the healer rather than the preacher he knew himself to be. People were constantly substituting their best idea of what God should do to save the world, in place of the plan of mission preached and practiced by Jesus. This is the Satan that needs to be moved out of center stage - the temptation to be what we want, rather than what God has called us to be. We want to be first - God invites us to be last. We want to be right - God invites us to be whole. We want to be strong - God invites us to be vulnerable. We want to label and sort - God invites us to be compassionate. We want to live as if we will never die - God invites us to be willing to die so that we might really live. Join us this Sunday as we discern the abundant life to which God has called us through service and worship. We hope to leave Satan well behind. Fr. Andrew Sign-Up for Daily Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development Peace and Compassion to Heal a Hurting World Featured Scripture Mark 8:31-38 (NRSV) Then Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Links Be Informed: Anglican Communion The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Diego 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 14 ECW Spaghetti Supper 5-7 p.m. March 28-29 Bishop Mathes makes his Confirmation Visit. April 5 Little Windows Concert and Reception 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. 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. 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 Full Sermon Available Mother Stephanie's sermon from last Sunday is available for listening on-line. The complete sermon is from the 8 a.m. service. Click here to get the whole story of Noah and the flood and God's promise. ECW Spaghetti Dinner March 14, 5-7 p.m. The ECW is serving up Spaghetti again (thanks Lanny), this time in service of repairs to the Parish Kitchen. Tickets are available after all the services. Donations to the White Elephant Sale are still being accepted. No clothing items, but salable items that are worth over $5.00 Bring them to the Church. 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. The Stewardship of God's Creation Join me, Neal Boden, in caring for all of the wonderful creatures God has placed in our lives.  I am deeply involved in Animal Samaritans. At Animal Samaritans we have been "Improving the lives of animals and people since 1978."   We are the leading animal welfare organization in the Coachella Valley. We perform more low cost spay and neutering than all other charitable organizations combined. Tuesday 2/24 is National Spay and Neuter Day and this significant recognition coincides with the ground breaking for the new state of the art animal clinic adjacent to The Cities and County Animal Shelter at Petland Place--known as the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. This is an innovative public-private partnership between Riverside County and Animal Samaritans for the benefit of all communities in the Coachella Valley. In addition to spay and neuter services, we provide humane education programs, vaccination clinics, adoption services and Animal Assisted Therapy, which my Golden Retriever Julie and I, participate in. We will be at the 10:30 services on 3/8 and 3/15 to promote one of our annual favorites, "Walk with the Animals" on 3/21 at the Palm Desert Park. You may remember that Carolina and I did this last year. I am so thankful that the Church of St. Paul in the Desert is so supportive of our endeavors. Please don't mind Julie accompanying me to the communion rail....she will not partake but she will behave herself. We look forward to greeting you in the Parish Hall following the services. Spiritual Nurture during Lent

Sundays@9:15, Special Lenten Series March 1st, 8th, and 15th:
THE BODY OF CHRIST: UNITY AND DIVISION

How did the early Church attain unity during the early years and centuries following Christ's death?  How and why has it become so fractured in the past 1,000 years? The Rev. John Harper will lead us in an exploration of relevant pieces of Christian history in this three-Sunday Lenten series. Participants will also be asked to consider how important Christian unity is to them, if it involves giving up important parts of their understanding of Christian faith.
  

    Part 1 -  The early Church up to the Council of Nicea
    Part 2 -  Causes and outcomes of the Protestant Reformation
    Part 3 -  The evolution and fracturing of the Anglican Communion
The Class will meet in the Condo on Sunday mornings at 9:15 on March 1st, 8th, and 15th.

The Rev. John Harper is a recent convert to Palm Springs from the brutal winters of eastern Iowa. He's a retired University of Iowa English professor, a vocational deacon, and a co-founder of one of Iowa's newest Episcopal congregations. John has directed and taught in a wide variety of ministry education programs for the Diocese of Iowa, and has served as a clergy deputy or alternate to recent General Conventions of the Episcopal Church.

Lenten Lunch on Wednesdays
Engaging the Word

March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 from 12-1:30

Participants will bring a sack lunch and Fr. Andrew Green will lead an exploration of Scripture and how it forms us as a spiritual community.
The Text will be Engaging the Word by Michael Johnson.
Sign-up in the Parish Hall. There are 10 books available for the class. The cost of the book is $10.

On-line Giving - Is it Right for You?  You can set-up a secure way to give on-line through Logos Church Management. You can set this up by yourself. You can get help from Carol Cunningham (320-7488 x222) if you need it. You can see your statement whenever you want. You can give by credit card or by Checking Account. You can be sure that you are in control and your gifts are handled securely. Start Here

Funeral for Flo Cain March 6 at 11 a.m. Join us for the Celebration of Flo's life and the Celebration of Holy Communion.

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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