Abundant Lite

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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