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Forgotten Joseph
On the 4th Sunday of Advent in most years, we are invited to think about Mary. This year we think about Joseph. In fact, we are invited into Joseph’s dream.
Joseph has a difficult decision to make. Actually, there is not much decision. The question is all timing. When does he cut his ties to Mary, his betrothed, who is pregnant?
He could make a big deal out of it, but in the end he would lose more face. He has resolved to keep it quiet and move on. Except God has other ideas.
God has appeared in Joseph’s dream, directing him to acknowledge the baby as his own and name him Jesus. God also assures Joseph that this is all part of God’s plan. Joseph awakens and does as directed.
Joseph gives his name and lineage to Jesus, and then bows out shortly. Joseph connects Jesus with David and Abraham, and to much more. His current marital situation might be a puzzle or scandal, but that is also part of his lineage.
Through his lineage to sinners and outsiders, Joseph reminds us about the intended community of the Savior (Jesus). Jesus is the gift for all, not only for insiders or the righteous, but for all.
Join the 4th Sunday of Advent worship this weekend and get to know some of the rest of the community of faith, and remember Joseph.
Fr. Andrew
p.s. Sitting in a restaurant for dinner this last week a couple and 2 blond children came up and introduced themselves to me. I had married them 11 years ago when they lived in Palm Springs. I got a picture of Chad and Melissa in the parking lot. A joyful surprise, it also reminded me that this week is my 22nd anniversary as Rector.
I remember coming here with Susan and our 3 little ones in December of 1988. (OK, the rest of the family came after the 1st of the next year.) Susan and I are exceedingly grateful for the last 22 years as a part of St. Paul’s. We will have a chance to remember this anniversary in our prayers this Sunday.
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The Best of 2010
What is your favorite experience or moment of 2010 with St. Paul in the Desert? If you can think of it and want to share it, please send an email to andrew@stpaulsps.org. The submissions will be collated and where appropriate, shared in a future Abundant Lite
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Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
- "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
- and they shall name him Emmanuel,"
which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
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Grace, Gratitude,Generosity
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If you want happiness for an hour-
take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day-
go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year-
inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime-
help someone else.
---Adapted from Chinese Proverbs
GRACE, GRATITUDE, GENEROSITY
As we prepare for Christmas and the New Year, we have regular reminders of God's abundant love for us.
We generally think of family and friends. Remember those without family or friends and especially those who have experienced a loss. For these, holidays are often difficult. They feel sad, but think they should feel happy like everyone else. Be generous with your care and with the space that you grant them to grieve, even at Christmas.
Attached is a video from the Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington) about Stewardship. Members of 2 congregations reflect on what stewardship means to them. Enjoy the gift of their reflection.
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FA LA LA,
A Holiday Concert
 Starring the Caballeros, the Gay Men's Chorus of Palm Springs with Guest Artist, Nathan Ensign. There are two performances to be presented at St. Paul in the Desert on Saturday, December 18th @ 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 19th at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 from Russ Dunivant, Chuck Marx or at the door. For more information, contact: www.caballerosps.com.
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The Secret Angel Program a Success
 Thank you for emptying the tree, almost immediately, of the names of the 24 boys living at the Father’s Heart Ranch in Sky Valley. Most of these children would not have received a gift at Christmas if it weren’t for the generosity of our parishioners. All the tags have been taken.
If you take an Angel and then find you cannot purchase a gift, please put the tag back on the tree or that child won’t get a gift. Otherwise...
Place the wrapped gift near the tree on Sunday Dec. 19th or at the church office no later than Noon on Dec. 21st. Please do not forget the angel tag – without it we will not know which child to give the gift to.
Volunteers will take the gifts to the Ranch on Christmas Eve.
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$1,150.00 was Raised for Christmas at Desert SOS
 The almost "hard candy Christmas" for the 90 homeless men, women and children at Desert SOS was ‘Oh so sweetened’. In the past two weeks, $1,150 was donated to the Christmas at Desert SOS Campaign, from the parishioners and visitors to St. Paul in the Desert. St. Paul’s also plans to continue to provide and serve Monday desserts and the monthly supply of undergarments and socks to Roy’s Resource Center.
Thank you for donating to this cause and bringing Yuletide cheer to the children and the neediest at Roy’s!
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The ECW will welcome the New Year at its first gathering of 2011 on Wednesday, January 5th. At the meeting, which begins at 11 a.m., outgoing president Jane Thompson, will officially hand the leadership role to incoming president Bette Knutson. The meeting will be followed by luncheon at noon.
As part of its ongoing support for the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, ECW members have been collecting items for the gallery, which works with communities to recycle paper and other products. Those items will be collected at this meeting, as arrangements have now been completed for pickup.
 Plans are already underway for the always anticipated Spaghetti Dinner, ECW’s main fundraiser. The annual event will take place on Saturday, March 5th, and tickets will be available after services beginning in February.
A special invitation to attend this event is especially extended to women new to the parish. Those attending should bring a salad to share, which serves four, rolls/bread, or a dessert. Beverages will be provided. No reservations are necessary, but anyone needing additional information about the event, can contact Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
Hostesses for the January luncheon will be Marilyn Johnson and Jane Thompson.
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The Coffee Hour Hosts for the 8:00 a.m. are Eileen Upton and Don MacLean. There are no hosts for the 10:30 a.m. coffee hour.
The 2011 Coffee Hour Sign-Up Sheets Are Back - It's very gratifying to know that so many new participants for MY FAVORITE DISH signed up during 2010. Many of you have asked: "Where are the 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets?" Well, they are available NOW on the north wall at Hogarth Hall...in their usual spot! Thank you in advance for your offerings for the coming year.
MY FAVORITE DISH, also known as "Coffee Hour," is an additional way to offer generosity to our "faith family" and guests/relatives who accompany us to Church from time-to-time. We sure do shine when it comes to MY FAVORITE DISH, and we anticipate that 2011 will continue to bring many delicious treats and healthy foods each and every Sunday to the Parish. Keep in mind that sharing the responsibility with a friend makes it easier and has worked well this past year.
Thank you for your past participation...and for continuing the tradition in the New Year. If you have questions, or have a special date in mind that you would like to host, please call Cheryl and Ray Kelley @ 760.778.1725 or cherylkelley@dc.rr.com.
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Inquirer's/Confirmation Class
I Will, With God's Help
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This class 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.
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All Services include
Holy Communion
Wednesday Evening
6:00 p.m.
Fr. Andrew Green
Saturday Evening
4:00 p.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Andrew Green
Sunday Morning
8:00 a.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe
- - -
10:30 a.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Andrew Green
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Christmas Eve
6:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
(Carols begin at 10:45 p.m.)
Christmas Day
10:30 a.m.
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On Sundays
Godly Play at 10:30
in Parish Hall
Children Welcome in Worship
Childcare is available on Sunday Mornings
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A Holy Communion Service will be held, Wednesday, December 22nd 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.
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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS OF REMEMBRANCE
LAST WEEK TO ORDER
 Be sure to look for the special Christmas Flower envelope in the pew pocket to remember your special loved one at Christmas. To have your remembrance included in the Christmas bulletin, you will need to complete the envelope and return by Sunday, December 19th. You may place the request in the plate or mail it to the parish office.
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The Family and
Children's Ministry
 will meet Sunday, December 19th following the 10:30 service in the Godly Play room. Anyone wanting to participate in the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, please attend this meeting. For more information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
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O Come, all Ye’ Helpful...
 We need your help in decorating the sanctuary for Yuletide services. All are welcome to help. No special talent is required. Please add your name to the sign-up list located on the entry table in the Parish Hall or call Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726.
We will assemble in the front of the sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. on THURSDAY, December 23rd, and with enough help, should be finished by 11:00 a.m.
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2011 Giving Envelopes
are now available in the narthex. They will only be available this weekend. After this weekend, they will need to be picked up in the parish offices during the work week, Tuesday - Friday. If you do not need giving envelopes, and have some assigned, please place them in the side box that is marked, “giving envelopes not needed”. Thank you.
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Are you sure we have your contact information? If you haven’t received any of the latest mailings then we probably don’t have your mailing address. In January we will sending invites for you to join us in a series of Newcomer events that we believe you will find to be informative and enjoyable. We may not have your current address. If you feel this is the case, then please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate, give to an usher or you may send your contact information by email to vjwinters@dc.rr.com.
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Earn Money While Dining Out
fo r The Church of St. Paul. Whenever any St. Paul's parishioners have breakfast, lunch or dinner at "The Old Creek House" in Palm Springs the restaurant will donate 10% of the total to The Church of St. Paul in the Desert. Simply sign your name and write in the name, "The Church of St. Paul in the Desert", on your receipt. A check for the amount will be sent to St. Paul's. The 10% does not include promotions or other discounts.
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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.
The Episcopal Cafe article on Cyber-bullying is available here.
"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.
It is not enough to say "NO" to bullies. It is important to stand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the targets.
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The Church of
St. Paul in the Desert
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125 W El Alameda
Palm Springs, CA
92262
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Ph.
760.320.7488
Fax:
760.416.2441
E-Mail
clergy@stpaulsps.org
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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.
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