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The Abundant Lite
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November 19, 2009
For Sunday November 22nd
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From the Rector
This Is Our Celebration Weekend
There are several reasons to get excited about our joyful Celebration Weekend this year!
·
We celebrate the Feast of Christ the King as we transition to the new
year in the Church's Calendar. (Advent in barely 2 weeks!)
· We have the opportunity to offer our pledge of financial gifts for God's Mission and Ministry at St. Paul's in 2010.
· We will be gathered to hear Mother Stephanie's final sermon before her departure on the 29th.
·
We are invited to bring food and clothing, particularly underwear and
socks, as we mirror God's abundant love in our offerings for those in
need. (Items will be shared through the Well in the Desert and S.O.S.)
It would be great to have the Altar area covered with these gifts.
The
food and clothing can be placed in the baskets at the Church Entrance.
They will be organized and brought to the Altar during the Presentation
Hymn. The Pledges of Financial gifts may be placed in the special
offering baskets passed by the ushers.
Please join in this
Celebration. Our worship is all about thanking God joyfully, and
building the rest of our week from that gracious foundation.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
John 18:33-37 (NRSV)
Pilate entered the
headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of
the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others
tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own
nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you
done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my
kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me
from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not
from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You
say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the
world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth
listens to my voice."
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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.
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. |
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ECW Christmas Luncheon
Dec. 2nd
The
sounds of the season will highlight the December ECW luncheon set for
Wednesday, December 2nd in the parish hall. A musical program of
caroling, featuring Bette Knutson at the piano, with vocals by Anna
Secrist, will follow the festive holiday meal.
And, 'tis also
the season of giving, and this year, as in the past, the ECW will be
collecting toys for Well in the Desert's annual family Christmas party.
Those attending the luncheon are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy.
Gifts for older children, 10-12 years of age are a special need.
The
luncheon is preceded by an 11 a.m. business meeting. All women of the
parish are invited for this year-end event, and newcomers are extended
a special invitation. Hostesses for December are Ruth Kraus and Valerie
Ferguson. For additional information, please contact either Ruth Kraus,
(760)322-4342 or Jane Thompson, (760)325-5132.
Please bring a salad, rolls, or dessert to serve four; beverages will be provided.
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 Deeper in Christ,
Further in Mission
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Fabulous Dinners and Wonderful Diners!
We
were blessed with an abundance of joyful members of the parish at 2
dinners this past weekend. Over 2 nights more than 160 shared food,
fun, and faith.
The
sumptuous dinner was prepared by Rex Comer, Lanny Tucker, John St.
Onge, and Terry Garrity. The Abundant living Action Team and the Action
Team Associates provided set-up and decoration. Each Table was
decorated by the Table Host. The Chairs for the event were Ray and
Cheryl Kelley. Jeannette Debonne, Gale Enger, and Ray Kelly blessed us
with delightful music.
Our speaker, the Rev. David Norgard, reflected on 3 Christmas memories to illustrate our Mission Statement - what we do and why.
A dozen new round tables that have been donated to the Parish were debuted at the event.
Prayers
were offered by Mother Stephanie and Fr. Andrew. Jan Heller, our
amazing Sr. Warden summarized the evening and focused our thoughts at
the end of each evening.
Thanks to everyone present for 2 abundantly joyful evenings.
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Decorating for Christmas
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Outside
Lights - We traditionally decorate the entrance to the Church, the
Tower, and the Colonnade. Our Sexton will marshal the ladders and
lights for this phase, but he will not be doing the decorating. Your
help is needed. (We will have a new long ladder for the high work.)
 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.
Parish Hall - Mike Funke will be
the coordinator for decorating the Christmas Tree and the Parish Hall.
Please call Mike at 760-650-9548.
Sanctuary
- This decorating is traditionally done after the 4th Sunday of Advent
(Dec. 20) and Christmas Eve morning. To help, call the Parish Office:
760-320-7488 x0 |
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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
Thanksgiving Worship Service
10:30 am November 26th
Holy Eucharist (Thanksgiving)
and Hymns.
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Farewell Celebration
for Mother Stephanie
+++Deadline Extended+++
 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. The fare will be California style Wraps
with sides, beverage, and carrot cake. There will be a vegetarian
option available, if requested. |
Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie Joins the Parish Staff as Ministry Coordinator
 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.
Br. Michael-Gregory will assume this new position full-time on Dec. 1st.
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Festival Of Lights
Dec. 5th - Traffic Warning
The
City of Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is set for Saturday,
Dec. 5. The parade ends at El Alameda and this causes some traffic
concerns for our Saturday 4 pm worship.
Palm Canyon will be
blocked at about 3 pm. Access to the church is available off of
Belardo, to the West of the Church. Come a bit early and give yourself
extra time to get to the service. The City should have attendants at
the barricades to let you through. Say that your are going to the
service at St. Paul's.
In addition, the horse trailers will be
parked at the west end of our parking lot, waiting for the end of the
parade. We are assured that no mess will be left behind!
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Gifts for Life
Through Episcopal Relief
and Development
This
Christmas, consider giving gifts to those around the globe who are in
need. Episcopal Relief and Development offers many suggestions on
their website for gifts that will enhance lives and provide for safer
and more secure living as well as relief from disasters.
 For example, consider the Malaria Nets for Life Fund. Click here to view the Episcopal Relief and Development Website for more information.
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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:
11/22 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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Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events You Won't Want To Miss
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Episcopal 101
Sundays @ 9:15 -- (November 29-December 13)
 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.
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Inquirer's/Confirmation Class
I Will, With God's Help -- Starts January 7th
This
4-week series, facilitated by Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie, is based upon
the Baptismal Covenant from The Book of Common Prayer and encourages
newcomers to the Episcopal Church, as well as long-time Episcopalians,
to examine and share their own faith journeys. The course may lead to
Confirmation for those who desire it during Bishop Mathes' visit to St.
Paul's on Sunday, February 7th. The class meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on
Thursdays, beginning January 7th. Please call the church office at
320-7488 x 227, or sign-up in the Parish Hall to register.
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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.
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.