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You Have Heard It Said
In this week’s reading from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is fleshing out something he promised earlier. He said that he came to fulfill the law, not abolish it.
What does that mean?
There are lots of possibilities, but in this reading, Jesus reinterprets several commonly heard teachings. And he does not do it in a traditional way. “You have heard it said…but I say.” It is a very authoritative way of interpreting the law. I also see it as a way of getting past the surface of the law, to the deeper intentions behind the law.
For example, Jesus amplifies the “thou shalt not murder” commandment. He goes beyond murder to anger and insult. It is not enough that you have not literally killed someone, if you have given vent to rage and verbal assault. He then goes on to some pragmatic instruction about conflict resolution.
When talking about murder, Jesus reflects on the roots of murder and violence. I think we are invited to reflect more deeply as well. When I read Jesus teaching on this, my first thought was how it applies to bullying, in person or in cyberspace. It is all too common to brush bullying off as trivial. It is not. It must be challenged and stopped whether it is verbal or physical.
Law by law, Jesus invites us to look beneath and see what is in us that needs a legal boundary. It may seem silly, but think about stop signs. Susan tells me that I am not a complete stopper. Looking beneath the law – “thou shalt stop completely” – I am led to examine my sense of time, my own sense of importance, and my own devotion to busyness. That reflection is leading me to careful stopping.
Join us this week as we celebrate Jesus’ invitation to engage his teachings and go deeper.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 5:21-37
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not murder’; and `whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, `You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
“You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
“It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be `Yes, Yes’ or `No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
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Safeguarding God’s People: Save The Date!
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Saturday, February 19 at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert.
Session begins at 8:30am and lasts until 4:00pm. (Note: Participants are required to attend the entire daylong session to receive certification of training.) To register on the Diocesan website; click here. Contact Registrar Isabel Lynne for more information: 619-481-5455.
The Diocese of San Diego is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment where, by God’s grace, the full work of the Church can be carried out. Sexual misconduct on the part of any clergy person, employee, or volunteer of any congregation, institution, organization, school or agency within the diocese violates the mission of the Church, is prohibited, and will not be tolerated.
Safeguarding God’s People teaches how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and – should exploitation or harassment occur – how to respond.
Who needs to attend?
* All paid employees
* Vestry members
* Youth group volunteers
* Sunday school teachers
* Lay Eucharistic Visitors and anyone going into someone’s home
* Worship leaders
* Some volunteers
If it has been more than five (5) years since you last participated in a Safeguarding God’s People training, you will be required to attend this workshop in Palm Desert (or a workshop on Saturday, March 5 at Sts. Peter & Paul, El Centro, or Saturday, March 12 at St. Michael’s, Carlsbad). For questions/clarification regarding when you last attended this training, call Br. Michael-Gregory at 760-320-7488, ext. 224.
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The next scheduled meeting for DOK is on February 22nd at 1:00 PM at St. Margaret’s, in the conference room. Newcomers are welcome.
Join us as we begin to read our choice for Lenten reading, “Adventurous Prayer” from the Women in Faith series.
Please RSVP for the meeting and to place an order for a copy of the book, to Bonnie Stroock 760.324.7949.
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The ECW Annual Spaghetti Dinner has it all!
 There is a great meal to look forward to, the promise of fellowship for the entire parish family, a festive atmosphere, and of course, the traditional White Elephant event, and Bake Sale. And it’s all coming to St. Paul’s the evening of March 5th.
Dinner will be Served between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, which will be decorated Italian bistro style, with red and white checkered cloths and candles. George Holliday and Rick Tinsley, who will be reprising their roles as chefs again this year, shared the evening’s menu: spaghetti, with choice of either vegetarian or meat based sauce, tossed garden salad and bread. A variety of beverages will be offered, and desserts will be available for a nominal cost.
 On a ‘Safari’ … for white elephants – A BIG part of the annual ECW Spaghetti Dinner evening’s festivities is the White Elephant Event. So, it’s not too early to go on a “safari” for a white elephant near you. Popular items include electronics, books, linens, dishes, lamps, vintage toys, gently used stuffed animals, candles, and decorative pieces. Donations, valued at $5.00 or more, will be gratefully accepted, and can be left at the church, marked for the sale. Any questions can be directed to Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
 The Bake Sale always dazzles with its selection of cookies, cakes, pies, and breads. Contributions of bakery items (please, nothing that needs refrigeration), should be brought to the church between noon and 4 p.m. the day of the sale. There is also a need for non-sugar treats.
Tickets are on sale following all church services in February, with a cost of $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for children between 3 and 12 years of age. Children under three are free. This event is the ECW’s main fundraiser of the year with proceeds going to meet the special needs of the church and the community. In charge of this year’s dinner arrangements are co-chairmen Diane Stielstra and Mari Covell.
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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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Ushers – – Frontline 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.
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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The St. Paul-Desert SOS Ministry Needs YOU!
St. Paul’s SOS Ministry volunteers provided and served an assortment of tantalizing desserts to the men, women and children resident dinner guests of Roy’s Resource Center on Monday evening. On the serving line with Ministry Coordinator Hap Blaisdell this week were Elaine Clermont and daughter, Simone, Gus Frouws, Fred Crawford, Ron Shepherd, Chuck Marx, Michael Howard, Oscar and Orin Ellingson. Desserts were donated by Bob and Joan Dillingham, Barb Ingelbritzen and the volunteer servers.
Hap challenges each ministry to sign-up for a given Monday night. Signup sheets are posted in the Parish Hall for those of you who would like to serve and/or provide desserts. You may also contact Hap Blaisdell for more information at 760.323.5726.
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Turn In Dried Palm Crosses
 If you received a Palm Cross last year on Palm Sunday, do you still have it?
The ashes that we use on Ash Wednesday (March 9) are made by burning the Palm Crosses from previous years.
There will be a basket in the lobby at church where you can leave your crosses.
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The Childrens Choir
 All children age 4 and above are welcome to participate in this group, learning singing skills and providing special music for the 10:30 service several times during the school year. For more information or questions please contact Nathan at 760.320.7488, ext. 225.
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Coffee Hour
The 8:00 Coffee Hour is hosted by Eileen Upton and Don MacLean. The hosts for the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are Ray and Cheryl Kelley. Today, being the day before Valentine’s Day, you can be sure they are all doing something special. Be sure to visit.
The 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets are posted on the north wall at Hogarth Hall. Find an empty slot and fill it with your name. For more information, call Ray Kelley at 760-778-1725
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Inquirer’s/Confirmation Class
“I Will, With God’s Help”
This class started February 10th and runs through March 17th. Bishop Chilton Knudson will be a companion to participants in this 6-week series based upon the Baptismal Covenant from The Book of Common Prayer. The course 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, and began February 10th. Please call the church office at 760-320-7488, ext. 0 to sign up.
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Mid-Week Worship Break
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
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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The Family and
Children’s Ministry
– partners families to strengthen, nurture, and train their children to become disciples of Jesus Christ. They accomplish this through Bible study, Sunday “Godly Play”, meaningful fellowship, outings, play, mission-minded service and relationships with Christian leaders who strive daily to walk with God. For information on how your family may become involved, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
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Altar and Narthex Flowers
The New 2011 Altar and Narthex Flower Sign-up Sheets NOW AVAILABLE
Thank you – to all our parishioners who have signed up to provide the gracious gift of flowers for the altar and narthex. Many have bestowed these arrangements of love in memoriam to beloved family member(s) or friend(s) or in thanksgiving for the gifts we have received. The floral arrangements are a endearing visible sign of your love to them and to your fellow parishioners. We need altar flowers for the weekend of February 27th to keep our altar blooming with the beauty that Woody Miller masterfully creates for us each week. There is still room available for flowers for the narthex for those dates also.
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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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Newcomers
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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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.
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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