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Playing Find and Seek
One of the tag lines in this week’s gospel reading from John is, “Come and see.” It is Jesus’ response to the interest of Andrew. Andrew finds his brother Peter and proclaims that he has found the Messiah.
Who is the seeker and who is the finder?
Scholars remind us that Andrew was a disciple of John, who directed him to Jesus. Jesus invited Andrew and he responded.
We may think that we are seeking, but we are rarely self-directed. We find what others point us to and we accept God’s gracious invitation. The best invitations are not doctrinal statements, but a welcome into a circle of Christian relationship, practice, and worship. “Come and see.” or “Yeah, I go to church. Join me this week.” or “I can see that you are hurting, I will pray for you.”
Last night I was inspired by our President’s invitation to enlarge our circle of compassion and live so that we make our children proud. His was a speech offered to a hurting community and grieving families of many faiths. It would preach well at St. Paul’s and it amplifies my reflections on this week’s scripture.
An invitation to “come and see” is an invitation to relationship with a compassionate community and a God of abundant love and generosity. I think we do that well, and we can do it even better. Each of us is one invitation away from directing someone to find the God who is seeking them.
Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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John 1:29-42
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
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 THIS SUNDAY the Newcomer Class is scheduled 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.
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. Pot Luck attendees need to RSVP. Sign up in the Parish Hall or call the parish office at 760.320.7488 ext. 0. Please indicate what you will bring to the potluck on the sign-up sheet or when you call in.
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 THIS SUNDAY 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. RSVP to Bonnie at 760.324.7949.
 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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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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The Vestry Nominating Committee is pleased to announce their nominations for election to the Vestry at the Annual Meeting, January 30, 2011 at 9:15 am.
The first nominations are to fill unexpired terms. Each nominee is currently on the Vestry filling an unexpired term, and, if elected, would complete one full term.
Roger Allen is nominated for a 1 year term.
Glen Calvin is nominated for a 2 year term.
The remaining nominees are for 3 year terms that would run from the Annual Meeting 2011 until the Annual Meeting 2014.
 Mary Lou Feenstra has lived in Palm Springs since 1974 with her husband and is now a grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as close mother to their two daughters. She is an attorney who retired in 1996. Since then, she has volunteered her services to CASA, the Literacy Program at the Palm Springs Library, and served on the Library Board. She joined St. Paul’s about 3 ½ years ago and is an Administrative Volunteer.
 Mike Funke moved to Palm Springs in 1999 when his job with an airline reservation system became virtual. He retired from Galileo in 2007, the same year he and his partner became members of The Church of Saint Paul in the Desert. He has served on the Abundant Living Action Team, and is a volunteer in the front office, reorganizes the name badges after Sunday services, and is trained in creating the Sunday Bulletins.
 John Westaway moved to Palm Springs part time in 2003 and full time in 2004 when he started attending St. Paul in the Desert. He joined the Parish in 2007 and was confirmed by Bishop Mathes in 2009. He has experience on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Community Church -San Francisco in the '90's and early 2000's. John is in formation as an Associate Member of the Community of the Gospel. He is currently the Chair of the Abundant Living Action Team here at St. Paul's and is a volunteer in the church office, responsible for the liturgical portion of the service bulletin. He holds a BA in Spanish and Education and an MBA in Marketing and Management.
 Rosa Zingg is a cradle Episcopalian and has lived in the Desert for 10 years. She is trained as an Urban Planner and currently is a homemaker. She is married to Shannon Ealy and they have two children, Christopher and Lydia. She is involved with the Family and Children’s Ministry and Christmas Decorations at St. Paul’s. She volunteers with Desert Cities Young Marines, a youth organization combating gang involvement.
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The ECW Luncheon is Scheduled for February 2nd. The ECW will be focusing on plans for their annual All Parish Spaghetti Dinner when they gather for their monthly business meeting and luncheon on Wednesday, February 2nd. The annual event will take place on Saturday, March 5th, and tickets will be available after services beginning in February. The program, that day, is pending according to the group’s new coordinator, Bette Knutson. The meeting begins at 11 a.m., and will be followed by luncheon at noon.
Those attending the luncheon 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. Women new to the parish are especially welcome.
Hostesses for the February luncheon will be Ruth Kraus and Beverly Zwach.
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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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ON A “SAFARI”….FOR WHITE ELEPHANTS!
 The traditional ECW Spaghetti Dinner is now on the calendar for March 5th, and always a big part of the evening’s festivities is the White Elephant Sale. So, it’s not too early to go on a “safari” for a white elephant near you. Donations, valued at $5.00 or more, will be gratefully accepted, and starting January 18th, items, marked for the sale, can be left at the church. Any questions regarding donations, please contact Bette Knutson, (760) 416-5739.
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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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Dear Friends of Desert SOS - We ended 2010 on a very good note. Desserts being served to up to 90 men, women and children EVERY Monday night (often the only dessert of the week), making 90 bag lunches, helping out where needed with serving main dishes (they have only two people on their kitchen staff), $250 or more monthly in undies, sox and seasonal needs each month, and over $1,100 in Christmas gift cards.
We need a minimum of 4 volunteers "serving" at Desert SOS every Monday night. The sign-up sheets on the bulletin board on the north wall of the Parish Hall are key to making this happen efficiently. PLEASE use it so we don't have to waste time looking for volunteers when none are needed. And remember that I check the refrigerator for items marked "for SOS" in the Parish Hall kitchen every Monday at 5 PM before I (or the team leader) leave for SOS.
For those of you wanting to drive out to the Roy's Desert Resource Center site, there is now a map on the bulletin board. It's not as far as it seems, but you can always carpool from St. Paul's.
Again, my thanks for all your efforts...and thanks from all those we support, Hap Blaisdell
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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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Attention!
Ministry Leaders
Just a reminder that the Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for January 30th. Written reports for the Annual Parish Meeting will need to be submitted to Br. Michael-Gregory Norrie by January 20th for inclusion in the packets at the meeting. You may send your reports to him as an email attachment at ministry.stpauls@dc.rr.com or deliver them to the church office. If you have any questions, please call 760.320.7488, ext. 224.
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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. Fr. Andrew will offer the benediction for this service.
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2011 Giving Envelopes
Are now available at the narthex for this weekend, after which time they can be picked up in the parish offices during the work week, Tuesday - Friday.
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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for the 8:00 a.m.Coffee Hour are Eileen Upton and Don MacLean. The 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour is hosted by Shelia Brubaker and Victoria Hatch. Join them in celebrating The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch's 36th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.
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. For more information on this ministry call Ray Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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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
The Altar and Narthex Flower Sign-up Sheets are Filling Fast- 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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