| Worship Schedule |
All Services include
Holy Communion
Wednesday Evening
6:00 p.m.
Fr. Andrew Green
Saturday Evening
4:00 p.m.
Sermon-Fr. Andrew Green
Sunday Morning
8:00 a.m.
Sermon-Fr. Andrew Green
- - -
10:30 a.m.
Sermon-Fr. Andrew Green
Thanksgiving Day
Holy Communion & Hymns
Nov. 25th - 10:30 a.m.
Sermon-Fr. Andrew Green
Godly Play at 10:30
in Parish Hall
Children Welcome in Worship
Childcare is available on Sunday Mornings
|
| Watch Sermons |
View recent sermons and other video material on-line.
We post the sermons from Sunday's services on YouTube. Our YouTube Channel is named: stpaulinthedesert
Click here to view last Sunday's sermon
|
| Calendar Connection |
Find out what is on the schedule at St. Paul In The Desert anytime from your own computer.
Just click on this link and connect with the Parish Calendar and Calendar of Outside Meetings (AA, NA, OA, etc.)
|
| Emergency Contacts |
Call the main switchboard,
(760) 320-7488, during business hours (Tues-Fri, 9:00-4:30 except during lunch, 11:30-1:00)
After hours call,
(760) 323-4028, to reach the Priest on Call when the church office is closed.
|
| Hospital Visits |
 If you are admitted to the hospital and would like a clergy visit or wish to receive Holy Communion during your hospital stay, please contact the church office at (760) 320-7488, ext. 0, or have a family member or friend call on your behalf. Privacy laws prohibit the hospital from notifying us directly regarding patient admissions. |
| Join Our List |
 |
| Contact Information |
The Church of
St. Paul in the Desert
-- -- --
125 W El Alameda
Palm Springs, CA
92262
-- -- --
Ph.
760.320.7488
Fax:
760.416.2441
Email:
info@stpaulinthedesert.com
|
|
|
 November 18, 2010
Best Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 25 & 26
|
| From The Rector |
|
 The Reign of Christ
Celebration Weekend
On the last Sunday of each church calendar year we celebrate the Reign of Christ. It is a summation of the cycle of themes throughout each year. We are reminded that God is in charge.
It is not a boastful reminder. It is not disconnected from the very real lives of pain and joy that we encounter daily. This reminder comes from the cross.
From the cross, Jesus forgives. This is not a selective absolution. It is not in response to sincere and profound penance. It is Jesus' first action after being nailed to the cross.
From the cross, Jesus listens. He hears the heartfelt desire of the criminal at his side, to be remembered.
From the cross, Jesus offers hope. His hope may seem small, but it is significant. To the man beside him on the cross he promises that he will be beside him in paradise that very day.
It is on this weekend every year that we celebrate Christ's Reign and we celebrate it by inviting Christ to reign over each of us. We do this with the symbol of our financial pledge.
Our love of God can be demonstrated in many ways, chief among them is our care for those in need. One way that we invite members to demonstrate love for God and connection to the mission of this parish is by making a pledge. The pledge informs the parish leadership of your anticipated financial support for 2011. Then we can plan and develop parish ministries through the year.
This week we celebrate the Reign of Christ and the Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity we learn from Jesus. Join us.
Fr. Andrew |
| Featured Scripture |
Luke 23:33-43 (NRSV)
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
|
| GRACE, GRATITUDE, GENEROSITY |
|
ALAT/ATA Festive Dinners: A Smashing Success!
 Last weekend, the 2nd Annual Festive Dinners were held in Hogarth Hall--and nobody left early! All in attendance enjoyed a delicious dinner, fabulous fellowship, eclectic entertainment, plentiful prizes, dynamic discussions...PLUS a lively and informative guest speaker, Terri Mathes ( see the video here). There were several highlights during the evenings. Some of the most inspiring revolved around the varied reflections of how lives have changed--in so many positive ways for so many parishioners--with God's help, through the Church of St Paul in the Desert. This upcoming weekend, November 20-21, you too will have an opportunity to reflect on God's GRACE in your own life. Your offering of GRATITUDE for God's GENEROSITY and Grace takes place when you return your 2011 Pledge Card, declaring your financial gift for the new year. Please remember your/our "Faith Home" and the "welcoming, empowering, supportive community" we all experience at St Paul's. Please prayerfully consider your gift as it will surely go a long way to ensure a place for everyone at God's table, and in the classrooms, at the baptisms, and the various special services taking place here at St. Paul in the Desert." |
Communion at Premier Health Care
|
|
A Holy Communion Service will be held Wednesday, November 24th at 10:00 a.m., at Premiere Health Care, presided over by Fr. Fred Myers. Fr. Fred always welcomes assistance at Communion. Recipients are extremely grateful that the Church of St. Paul provides this service for them.
|
| Family and Children's Ministry |
|
THIS SUNDAY, The Family and Children's Ministry
will meet at noon. The meeting will take place in the Godly Play room off the parish hall.  Two of the items for discussion are the Christmas Eve Children's service and the annual winter hike. For additional information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949. Family and Children's Ministry partners families to strengthen, nurture, and train their children to become disciples of Jesus Christ through Bible study, "Godly Play", through meaningful fellowship, outings, play, mission-minded service and relationships with Christian leaders who strive daily to walk with God. |
|
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Episcopal Night at the Nutcracker |
|
Come to Episcopal Night at The Nutcracker with the California Ballet and San Diego Symphony. This event will occur on Tuesday, December 21 at 7 p.m. at the San Diego Civic Theatre. From your ticket price, $10.00 will go toward bringing a child from Head Start or the Episcopal Refugee Network to see Nutcracker.
This is a great way to spend a holiday evening with friends and family - and church family. Tickets are $45, $38, $30, and $25 for children aged 3-12. Please contact Diane Grosman at 858.560.6741, or at tickets@californiaballet.org to buy your tickets today. Please mention "Episcopal" to enjoy the discounted ticket price and extras. This is a sponsored event by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The Anglican Chorale of Southern California |
|
 THIS SUNDAY at 4 p.m. - The Church of St. Paul in the Desert will host a performance of the Anglican Chorale of Southern California. Selections include the works by Hammerschmidt, Howells, Proulx, Rutter, Stanford and Young under the direction of James A. Person, Founder of The Anglican Chorale and accompanied by Sook Lee, Organist. Suggested donation is $10 for general and $5 for student. |
| Prayer Shawl Ministry |
|
 In the last year over 20 prayer shawls have been crocheted or knitted by the women of the ECW. They have gone to comfort the ill; welcome a new baby, celebrate a pregnancy or baptism, help someone through a difficult time, comfort a military spouse, child or mother who are left at home with fears, or bless those who are traveling or going off to college.
The Episcopal Church Women cast, purl and weave every strand of yarn with prayer to make these one-of-a-kind jewels. These ladies buy the yarn with their own money and donate their talent to bring these shawls to life. They could use your help. Donate yarn you have sitting in a closet; purchase a few skeins of yarn; or make a financial donation to ECW designated to "prayer shawls". If you have yarn to donate, you may drop it off in the narthex or bring it to the Parish offices. |
|
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Cranberries and Christmas for ECW |
|
The Episcopal Church Women will welcome the holiday  season with a Christmas program and luncheon. There will be carols, of course, and something new: an old-fashioned look at the part cranberries traditionally play in year-end festivities. All this and more is on the calendar for December 8th.
Sharing her expertise on the cranberry will be parishioner Bonnie Woods, who will have pictures to accompany the talk, and special recipes on hand for those attending. Anna Secrist will lead caroling, with accompaniment on the piano by Bette Knutson. Newcomers will be especially welcomed to this event.
The business meeting begins at 11 a.m., to be followed by the traditional salad luncheon at noon. Hostesses for the luncheon will be Billie Webster and Kathy Briski. Those attending are asked to bring a salad to serve four, rolls/bread, or a dessert. Beverages will be provided. |
Bullies Not Welcome Here
|
|
At St. Paul in the Desert we want to welcome all worshipers to a place that is free of violence and bullying.
Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable.
It is not enough to say "NO" to bullies. It is important tostand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the
 |
| Bp. Steven Charleston |
targets.
"It Gets Better" is a series of video messages to encourage Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender youth and let them know that they are loved as they are.
"A Blessing for Those Who Are Bullied" was written by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church, to be personalized and carried as an affirmation of our God's Love. Print this out on a card and hand out to any LGBT youth who may someday find themselves at risk.
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Inquirer's/Confirmation Class |
|
I Will, With God's Help
Will be offered in February and run through March. This 6-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 longtime Episcopalians, to examine and share their own faith journeys. The course may lead to Confirmation for those who desire it during Bishop Chilton Knudson's visit to St. Paul's on Sunday, March 20th. The class meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning February 10th. Please call the church office at 320-7488 x 0 to sign up.
|
|
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Daughters of the King |
|
 The DOK Monthly Meeting will be held November 30th at 1 p.m. at St. Margaret's Church. They will meet in the conference room in the office complex. The DOK members are bringing their yarn, hooks and needles to teach all who are interested on how to knit or crochet their own prayer shawl. If you already know how, all the better. The idea of the prayer shawl is for a gathering of Christians to create a shawl while praying over each stitch and purl, then to present it to a person of need.
Also, mark your calendars for the annual Epiphany Tea on January 16th. Call Bonnie Stroock for more details. 760.324.7949. |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
|
|
Upcoming Events You Won't Want To Miss!
___________________________________________
 Adult Education Offerings This Fall Sundays @ 9:15 Episcopal 201, and 301 SUNDAY - LAST SESSION - Nov. 21
Episcopal 201 - "The Creeds: We Believe" w/Canon Victoria Hatch
Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12
Episcopal 301 - "Worship in the Anglican Tradition" w/Fr. Andrew Green To register for either of these, call the church office at 760.320.7488, ext. 0. __________________________________________
|
Church Flower Customs
|
|
 Members of the Parish are invited to offer the flowers before the Altar and in the Entryway (Narthex) as a way of remembering loved ones or celebrating life events.
Woody Miller is our florist and he does a wonderful job adjusting the colors for the seasons and the style for our various Altar Frontals.
When someone donates the flowers, the flowers need to stay at St. Paul's. They are not to be taken home. First, the parish may have other uses after the Sunday services. Second, the vases do not belong to us. In the last month at least 2 unique vases have been taken home with flowers. Donating flowers for worship is different from sending flowers to the hospital. The containers for the church flowers are generally not disposable, but are on loan from the florist.
(If a reader took the Altar Flowers and vase on Nov. 7th, please return the vase. Woody would appreciate it!)
|
| Coffee Hour Ministry |
|
Coffee Hour
 The Coffee Hour Hosts for the 8:00 a.m. AND the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hours are George Holliday and Rick Tinsley. These coffee hours should prove to be something special knowing how these two gentlemen are such gracious hosts and that this is their 17 year anniversary week.
Sign up in Hogarth Hall to host the Coffee Hour.
|
Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
|
|
Dessert Providers Needed!
Our Monday night dessert ministry continues to be a big hit, BUT, at the present time, the SERVERS are also being the PROVIDERS of the desserts. Each week these Servers represent The Church of St. Paul, and as of late, they have personally financed the dessert, willingly from the heart. Please sign up to be a Provider. The dessert needs to be delivered to the church by 4 p.m. on Monday or donate to the weekly plate using the pew envelope and mark with "Dessert". This past Monday Ron Shepherd, Paul Thompson, Michael Howard and Hap Blaisdell served dessert to 70+ homeless that included a well-received homemade banana bread from Valerie Winters. As we embark upon this season of food-focused holidays, you may want to consider sharing the Abundant Life with the less fortunate by participating in the work of this Ministry. Sign-up sheets are located in the Parish Hall or call Hap at 760.323-5726.
|
A "Call" for Altar Guild Ministry Members
|
|
 This group of devout parishioners comes together with the primary task of serving God at God's altar, and in so doing praise God with hands and hearts. They are committed to diligent and reverent work. In general terms, the duty of the Altar Guild is to prepare everything necessary for the celebration of Holy Communion and the observance of the other Sacraments and Offices of the church. They feel it is an honor and privilege to serve God in the Sanctuary and at the altar. This ministry is comprised of women, men and young adults dedicated to caring for the church and altar. They work in teams that rotate weekly so that each member serves approximately one time per month. Some of the responsibilities are:
- The church is prepared and made welcoming to those attending all services;
- The altar is prepared for each service and cleaned up following each of the services;
- The care of the communion vessels and the linens used during the services.
Most of the duties are done behind the scenes. It is the dedicated service of the men and women of the Altar Guild that makes our worship services proceed smoothly.
The Altar Guild is ready to welcome new members to this very rewarding ministry. No experience is necessary. Training is ongoing. New members are supported by another member, so that you will never work alone. Everyone is invited...men, women, and young adults. Contact Kathy Kilmer at 760-325-0332 (kmkcc@aol.com).
|
CALL FOR USHERS
|
|
Ushers, Front-line Hospitality Ambassadors
 Ushers greet parishioners, newcomers and visitors as they arrive for worship, projecting warmth and hospitality with a smile, "hello" or "good morning." They distribute bulletins and help people find seating. Ushers introduce newcomers and visitors to parishioners who will be sitting near them during worship. They can further enhance a visitor's welcome by pairing them with a member who is available to show them to coffee hour or introduce them to the clergy. Ushers help worshipers move to and from the altar rail during communion in a smooth and orderly procession and accommodate anyone who may need special assistance anytime during the service. They also complete a worshiper headcount for every service. The Usher Ministry is comprised of men and women willing to devote their time and hospitality-focused talents to this important front-line function. Parishioners interested in volunteering for this Ministry should contact Ron Shepherd at 760.832.4709 or by email at ron_karen_shepherd@yahoo.com. |
| Family and Children's Ministry-Godly Play |
|
 Godly Play, the name of our children's Sunday School, began last Sunday. Godly play is open on Sundays from 10:30 am through 11:30 am. This enables the children to take Communion with their parents. We invite St. Paul families to bring their young children to our first lesson and invite a friend or neighbor to come along and learn about Godly Play. Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable,  sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives. Godly Play is a creative and imaginative approach to Christian nurture. For more information about the committee, contact Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949. |
| Meeting Space and Parish Events |
|
To schedule meeting space-
-for your group or ministry, please contact Br. Michael-Gregory at 760.320.7488, ext. 224, or email him at ministry.stpauls@dc.rr.com. He will reserve the space and will enter your meeting date, time, and location on the Parish's Master Calendar.  The library and conference room are often utilized by staff during office hours and classes and other meetings are held in these rooms both during office hours and in the evenings and weekends. The chapel (located in the parish hall) and the condo (behind the church office) are also frequently used by parishioners and outside groups. It will be important for individuals and groups who wish to hold a meeting at the church to reserve meeting space in advance, particularly as we kick-off our fall programs, to ensure that the location you want is, in fact, available. Thank you. |
| I Love To Tell The Story |
|
Our Church History
 An exciting new project is taking shape to document the history of St. Paul in the Desert. We are seeking photographs of the church building and its members from the past 71 years. If you have photographs you would like to share with the archivist, please tag the photos with your name, the year (if you know it), and the names of the church members in the photos. Bring the photos to the church and we will digitally scan them and return them safely to you. In addition, we are looking for stories about the building of the church, its history, and member anecdotes. Thank you for helping us bring a bit of our church's past out of the attic and into the light. |
Church Bulletin
|
|
Bulletin Announcements
To be included in announcements, submissions must be received by Tuesday 10 a.m. You may call Valerie Winters at 320-7488, ext. 227 or email at vjwinters@dc.rr.com
|
Rides To Worship Needed
|
|
Can you be a "Worship-Pool" provider?
If you would be able to give a ride to church occasionally, to a member who is without transportation, please contact Br. Michael-Gregory. (760-320-7488 x224) |
|
|
This class will be offered in 
On Oct. 24th the relationships of 27 Gay and Lesbian couples were celebrated, renewed and blessed. The Rev. Kevin Johnson of Bloom in the Desert and the Rev. Andrew Green of St. Paul's officiated. The Rev. Gerald Lynch was the preacher. The Choir of St. Paul in the Desert lifted our worship.
This year St. Paul of the Desert's Stewardship theme is: Grace, Gratitude, Generosity, which is: Love for what we have, and Love for what we have been given, and Love for The God that gives it. Nothing brings that closer to mind than the United Thank Offering, often referred to as UTO. It is the ministry of the Episcopal Church that provides a way for men, women, and children of the Episcopal Church to give daily thanks to God.
