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Is Worry Worth One Hour?
This week’s Gospel selection from the Sermon on the Mount is an amazing reflection on God’s love for us. By allusion to the abundant beauty and delight that God lavishes on the created order, we are invited to rest in the assurance that we too have a claim on God’s abundance.
The warning to avoid worry is not an invitation to avoid planning. It is a calling to order our lives according to the values of God’s reign and then to trust. God’s vocation for all of us is to be holy, like God is holy. We see the fullest expression of this in Jesus.
Jesus demonstrated a vision that was wide and inclusive. It followed in the long standing tradition of claiming justice for the poor, the lost, the stranger, and the sick. Justice is seen in the embrace of more and more by the people of God. In this embrace, enemies are loved and treated as friends.
For the people of God all the standard needs that others have are needed too. However, they are organized in the context of justice, community, and God’s abundant love.
Join us this week as we take a break from worry, and seek God’s gracious reign together in worship.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 6:24-34
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you– you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, `What will we eat?’ or `What will we drink?’ or `What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
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This Lent, Fr. Andrew will be leading a new kind of book study.
 We will read “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle – together! Ms. Tickle led our Diocesan Convention about 3 years ago. Her book is a description of the great changes that are taking place today in the currents of Christianity. You will hear about new trends and challenges, and how the Episcopal Church is poised to meet them.
Instead of each of us purchasing a book, reading it at home, and coming together for a study; we will take turns reading the book and discussing it as a group. The leader would start and read several pages and then another reader would continue. The reader or another participant can stop for questions or reflections.
There will be two opportunities for this study. Thursday at Noon or Thursday at 7 pm.
There will be sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall or you can call the Parish Office at 760-320-7488 x0.
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Maseno, North Kenya Missions
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Dr. Gerry Hardison and his wife Nancy, parishioners of All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Point Loma (the Diocese of San Diego) have been in Maseno, Kenya, since 2001, where Gerry is Medical Director of Maseno Mission Hospital and Nancy is Principal of St. Phillip’s Theological College.
Get a glimpse into the daily lives of these two dedicated missionaries and their work to combat a human crisis in Kenya, where HIV/AIDS is having a devastating impact: over 2 million people are living with the disease, which causes more than 100,000 deaths annually and has orphaned more than a million children.
Photos provided by Glen Noteboom are now displayed on the south wall bulletin board of the Parish Hall and wall display provided by Claire McCleery.
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ECW Speaker “Decodes” WWII Experience
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The Episcopal Church Women will gather for their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 2nd, and featured speaker for the afternoon’s program will be St. Paul’s parishioner, Annette Salvesen, who will relate her experiences during World War II as a coder, coding messages received from British agents who were behind enemy lines.
Ms Salvesen, now a permanent resident of the U.S., was born in England, and has resided in Palm Springs since the 1970s. Her wartime work took place at Bletchley Park, where some 10,000 people were employed.
During the business meeting, which starts at 11:30 a.m., plans will be finalized for the group’s Spaghetti Dinner, White Elephant Event and Bake Sale, on March 5. The salad luncheon follows at noon.
All women of the church are invited to attend, and newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite salad, rolls, or dessert to serve four; beverages will be provided. For additional information, please contact Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
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Valerie Winters, our Pledge Secretary, believes that there is confusion about pledging and she has asked for some clarification.
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Each pledge is for a calendar year, January through December. If one pledges after January, it still ends in December. They need to be renewed each year.
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A pledge is not a contract. It is a faithful expression of one’s intention to serve God by supporting the ministry of St. Paul’s and informs the leadership of that intention. If the situation changes the pledge can change, down or up. Call Valerie at 760-320-7488 x227.
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St. Paul’s has very few sources of income. We receive about $4,000 per year from an endowment and we receive about $7,000 per year from groups which use our facilities.
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Everything else is an offering or gift from members and worshipers. Our ministries of worship, service, education and compassion are supported almost entirely by these gifts.
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Remember: Fund raising is about meeting a budget. Stewardship is about our response to God’s abundant Grace. A pledge is a symbol of our Gratitude to God. Generosity is our response to all of life.
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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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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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 St. Paul’s Desert SOS Dessert Ministry continues to provide and serve desserts to clients of Roy’s Desert Resource Center at dinner on Monday evenings. This week, Barb “The Cookie Lady” Ingelbritzen, baked and donated dozens of delicious chocolate chip cookies. Fred Crawford brought and served fresh fruit that he and Hap Blaisdell donated. Ron Shepherd, Gordon Etheridge, Frank Martino, Elaine & Simone Clermont and Orin Ellingson all donated and/or served a variety of bakery sweets and ice cream. Roy’s clients showed their appreciation by giving the servers a round of applause after the final dinner seating.
Hap is always looking for new volunteers to serve and/or provide desserts for this Monday evening Ministry. Sign-up sheets are posted in the Parish Hall. Questions? You can reach Hap at 760.323.5726.
 Children Bake Desserts for Desert SOS Family’s are reminded that children are to bring desserts, as part of their service project, on the March 13th. The desserts need to be delivered to the parish office by 4 p.m. on Monday, March 14th or sooner to be frozen. SOS will take the desserts to Roy’s Resource Center. Cookies and cupcakes are really popular. This is a great family event to cook with your children.
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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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The 37th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was held this past weekend. The Rector, 6 delegates and alternates represent our parish. Friday was given to ministry oriented workshops, an initial business session, and the Convention Banquet with Diana Butler Bass as the Keynote Speaker. She referred to C.S Lewis’ famous book “Mere Christianity” and offered her ideas a bout the church that is needed in our generation. She called it “Here Christianity.”
Craig Ewing, Bonnie Stroock, George Holliday, Mike Carson, Glen Calvin (standing), and Mike Funke (standing) are pictured at our table for the convention business sessions.
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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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Vestry Retreat
The Vestry, Wardens, and Rector will be in Ontario this weekend on retreat with Bp. Knudsen.
The Vestry Retreat is an annual tradition. The goals are to build a fellowship that supports the faith community and leads to effective ministry, developing Vestry Goals for 2011, and organizing for the work of ministry.
The retreat begins with dinner in Ontario and ends with our worship on Sunday morning and return to Palm Springs. Please keep this retreat in your prayers.
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Lent Is Coming
Ash Wednesday is March 9. There will be services at 12 noon and 6 pm for Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.
March 13 is the First Sunday in Lent and it is also when Daylight Savings Time begins. Set your clock ahead before you go to bed on Saturday the 12th.
There will be a Lenten Book Study on Thursdays at 12 and at 7 pm. More information will be available next week.
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Family & Children’s Ministry
Reminder
 Save the morning of March 19th to go hiking on the Lykken Trail. Call Bonnie 760.324.7949 if you would like information on the Family and Children’s Ministry.
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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 precious years.
There will be a basket in the lobby at church where you can leave your crosses.
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Bridal Shower for Sarah Green
 A Bridal Shower for Sarah Green will be given by the Altar Guild. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 12th at 2 p.m. This invitation is for all the ladies of the parish. Please RSVP to Kathy Kilmer at 760.325.0332 or email your reply to her at: kmkcc@aol.com.
Sarah and her fiance’, Shaun, are registered at Macy’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond & Target.
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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 host for the 8:00 am Coffee Hour is Sara Hyatt. There is no host for the 10:30 am Coffee Hour.
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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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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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.
“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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