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End of 2010
Consider a Gift
Grace, Gratitude and Generosity have been published on our bulletins, letters, and emails this fall. They represent this year’s effort to understand Stewardship as a year-round ministry of the Parish. They are shorthand for God’s abundant love for all, and our response in Christian practice. Grace is God’s gift of life and love. Gratitude and Generosity are the virtues that Grace can inspire in us as individuals and as community.
In the last month, we have practiced these virtues by giving socks needed by the Well in the Desert, gift cards for Desert S.O.S. at Roy’s Resource Center, and by sharing thoughtful gifts with 24 boys at Father’s Heart Ranch in Desert Hot Springs.
In addition, not a week goes by without more than a dozen support groups meeting on our campus. Approximately 100-150 meals per day are prepared in our kitchen for those who are in need. On Fridays we host these guests for lunch.
Then there is our worship. Time and again, first-time worshipers comment about the gracious spirit of our services. I consider this a true occasion of generosity. It is our willingness to embrace those who are new and welcome them in. Isn’t that exactly what Christ has done for each of us?
Be a part of our grateful response to God’s Grace at St. Paul’s. I invite you to make an end of the year gift for the ministry of St. Paul in the Desert. You can bring a check to the Parish Office or give securely on-line. All of our ministries continue year-round and make a difference in individual lives and in our community. Your support in these last 2 days of the year can help us finish strong and be ready for the ministry to which God calls us in 2011.
Join us in worshiping generously.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 2:13-15,19-23
Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."
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Bishop In Residence Program
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1st Bishop In Residence
The Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Knudsen, D.D.
February 13 - March 27, 2011
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In 2011 St. Paul in the Desert will begin to have a closer relationship with the Church beyond our walls.
We are instituting a program of inviting notable leaders to be in residence here in the desert for a week or longer. Bishops, Scholars, Artists, and Musicians are among the categories we are considering for this opportunity. The person would interact with the congregation and community and enjoy the hospitality of our Parish.
 The Rt. Rev. Chilton R. Kudsen, retired bishop of Maine, and her husband, Dr. Michael Knudsen, are the first participants in this program.
Bishop Chilton will be the Chaplain for our Diocesan Convention in San Diego and will then be on our campus for the next 6 weeks. During her time with us, she will participate in worship as a presider and preacher, lead a diocesan Clergy Day, lead our Vestry Retreat, and engage in a variety of ministries with us and with the diocese.
If you would like to learn more about Bishop Chilton, click here for a brief version of her resume.
We look forward to welcoming the Knudsens to our Parish and community.
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Same-Gender Blessing Forum
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January 9, 2011 at 4 p.m.
Parish Hall
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The Vestry has been involved in a lengthy process of determining how St. Paul in the Desert will care for same-gender couples who desire to live in committed relationships. For at least a dozen years, those relationships have received blessings at our regular worship services.
A Vestry team has been reflecting on the Diocese of San Diego’s Holiness in Relationships report, and Bishop Mathes’ Letter to Clergy for the last year. This team will present a brief report on the recommendations that they will make to the Vestry and hear from members of the Parish.
The responsibility for solemnizing Holy Matrimony and Blessing Same-Gender relationships belongs to the clergy according to the canons (laws) of the Episcopal Church. The action of the Vestry will be advisory to the Rector and Assisting Clergy of St. Paul in the Desert.
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The ECW will welcome the New Year at its first gathering of 2011 THIS 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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 A Newcomer Class is scheduled for January 16th - from 6-8 p.m. The goal is to give Newcomer’s who are interested in becoming part of the Parish Community a chance to find out more about us, to get answers to questions they might have, and to have a clear path to joining and participating as members. Parish clergy will lead this session and be available. Invitation letters will be mailed closer to the date. If you are a newcomer and are interested in coming, you may call the parish office and sign up for the class, 760.320.7488, ext. 0. You may also fill out the new member 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. We will place you on the mailing list if you check the box on the new member form that indicates that you are interested in “becoming a member”.
 All Parish Potluck - happens the following weekend. With the new members as the guests of honor, an All Parish Potluck is scheduled for January 23rd, from 5-7 p.m. in Hogarth Hall to welcome our Newcomer’s to the Parish. It will be hosted by our Parish Leadership.
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 The Daughters of the King Annual Tea is planned for January 16th - from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. The Tea will be held at the home of Bonnie Stroock in Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage.
 This year we will have a collection for the homeless. Please bring your choice of canned goods and/or warm socks to the Tea. No other clothing please.
The Daughters of the King members invite both St. Margaret's and St. Paul's members to join the members and enjoy a post-Christmas celebration.
RSVP to Bonnie at 760.324.7949.
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Pacific Lutheran University Wind Ensemble to Perform
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St. Paul in the Desert will present this group of approx-imately 50 students on Friday, January, 28th at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception after the concert to greet the artists.
The Pacific Lutheran University Wind Ensemble is comprised of the some of the best performers of wind and percussion instruments at the University and is recognized as one of the finest groups of its kind in the entire Northwest. Following the philosophy of a player pool, adopting flexible instrumentation according to the composer's intention, the full ensemble of approximately 50 players is a soloistic and technically proficient ensemble performing chamber music, selected transcriptions, concert and original full ensemble repertoire spanning five centuries.
This group of approximately 50 students will need to be housed over night and served breakfast the next morning. They will also need to be transported back to St. Paul’s after breakfast for the next leg of their tour. If you can host 2 (or 4) students please let Nathan Ensign know at 760-320-7488 ext. 225. Host families will meet their guests at the reception.
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The last few weeks have seen lots of work being done on campus or needing to be done.
 The Fire Marshal has required us to add a fire suppression system to the stove. The Vestry has approved $3000.00 for this safety feature. We also replaced 8 sets of emergency exit lights in the church.
 Our organ has had some electronic glitches this Christmas. Nathan lost the use of the pedal section just before the Caballeros Christmas Concert. Tom Graham is replacing switching sound boards to isolate the intermittent problem.
We lost a tree beside Blondon House in this week’s wind storm. We have been following a strategy of thinning our Mesquite trees so they do not blow over so easily. In a wind storm 2 years ago, we lost 3.
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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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Camp Stevens, our diocesan camp and retreat center near Julian, provides a enriching summer camp program for children, teens, and a choir camp. At Camp Stevens, attendees are provided the experience to appreciate and care of one-another while deepening their love of God and God's creation.
St. Paul in the Desert would like to enable a disadvantaged child the chance to experience the enrichment of Camp Stevens. We need to raise $500 to do this. Please place your donation in the green Camp Stevens box in the parish hall, or leave a check,in the box, or in the collection plate and mark it “Camp Stevens Child”.
Watch for updates, this spring, about interesting retreats and workshops that you can be part of in the beautiful natural world of Camp Stevens.
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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Desert SOS NEEDS PROVIDERS OF DESSERTS
Our Monday night dessert ministry continues to need more PROVIDERS of desserts. 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”.
2011 sign-up sheets are located in the Parish Hall or call Hap at 760.323-5726.
Dear Hap: Please thank everyone for their kind gifts to the homeless children at Roy's Desert Resource Center. Also please let them know that we are grateful to them for remembering these less fortunate children during the holiday season and the joy their kindness will bring to each child. Thank you, Linda Barrack, Director, Desert SOS Operations.
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All Services include
Holy Communion
Wednesday Evening
6:00 p.m.
The Rev. Andrew Green
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Saturday
4:00 p.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Andrew Green
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Sunday Morning
8:00 a.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Andrew Green
10:30 a.m.
Sermon-The Rev. Andrew Green
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On Sundays
Godly Play resumes
January 9th in Parish Hall
at 10:30
Children Welcome in Worship
Childcare is available on Sunday Mornings
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
January 16, 2011 at 2 p.m.
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 St. Paul’s will again host the community for a Celebration of the life of Dr. King.
Please come for the program and reception that begins at 2:00 p.m.. There will be speakers, music, and recognitions commemorating the work and legacy of Dr. King.
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Coffee Hour
 There is no host for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour. The 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour is hosted by the Green Family and Baby Nola.
The 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets are available NOW on the north wall at Hogarth Hall in their usual spot.
Sign up to host a Coffee Hour. For more information on this ministry call Ray Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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Thank You to All the Secret Angels
Thank you to the anonymous parishioners who made Christmas brighter than it has been in years for 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 YOUR generosity. YOU know who you are. You earned your wings in the eyes of these boys. One Angel stated, “My husband went crazy buying gifts for the boys, he has always had to buy for girls. He was having the time of his life.” We are truly grateful to all our parishioners who participated.
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Inquirer's/Confirmation Class
"I Will, With God's Help"
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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Mid-Week Worship Break
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
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Wednesday evening worship offers a break during the week. The Holy Communion service meets in the Library, reflects on a saint from our Church Calendar, all who wish can participate in the sermon, and it last 45 minutes.
As you can see in this picture, the only thing missing is you. Join in this informal worship opportunity.
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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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Altar and Narthex Flowers
 The New 2011 Altar and Narthex Flower Sign-up Sheets NOW AVAILABLE
New altar and narthex flower request charts have been placed on the boards in the parish hall. Be sure to sign up for your special day of remembrance before it is taken.
The Church of St. Paul truly appreciates the flowers on the Altar and in the Narthex that are purchased to adorn the church by our generous parishioners.
We would also appreciate the flowers staying within the confines of the church grounds each week for additional church events and for visitors who visit our church to enjoy.
The vases that the flowers are placed in, often times, are personal property of our florist and he would like to retain those for use each week. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
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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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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.
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 
will meet 
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.
Nominations are now open.
