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Temptation Does Not Equal Sin
Lent has finally begun. I have been waiting for it. It seemed like it would never get here. I got and gave ashes. We have been exhorted to be aware of our mortality and the power of God’s abundant love for us. Today, our two sessions of Phyllis Tickle’s Book Study start. NOW, Lent has begun.
There is a built-in dissonance between the regular lives we live and Lent. That dissonance is there for all of us, from the most spiritually adept to the most recently aware spiritual novice. Establishing that dissonance is what Lent is about.
When one has certain medical tests, there is a requirement to drink a liquid for the test (not to be confused with the prep.) The liquid is to establish a contrast. It makes different parts or processes stand out so that the diagnostic and healing processes can be engaged. What we encounter in Lent is our marker. It helps us to see a different view of what is usually so familiar – that we ignore it.
One of the primary tools of this Lenten diagnosis is Temptation.
Temptation is about identifying, clarifying, and choosing our priorities. It is not about God in heaven waiting and watching to see how we will do, and then handing out the rewards and punishments.
The reading from Romans chapter 5 makes it clear that gift of God in Jesus has infinitely more power to forgive and heal than our sins to break and divide. This week’s Gospel consistently drives us to focus on our intention in choosing rather than our specific choices.
For example, in this week’s Gospel, Jesus is tempted to avoid death on the cross, feed the hungry of the world, and experience all the power anyone could imagine; all for the cost of giving his loyalty to the devil. He won’t turn from God, and he won’t turn away from us. While not as huge as Jesus’ tests, I am beset by temptations to do good while forgetting, either God, my neighbor, or myself.
God invites me to use the giving, prayer, and discipline of Lent to hear the dissonance and turn my heart around.
If any of this sounds like your journey, you may find a community of God’s children who gather to practice God’s love and support one another. We worship this weekend. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 4:1-11
After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'”
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
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Lenten Eucharistic Prayer “C”
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The Eucharistic Prayer is the Great Thanksgiving (the english for eucharist) at our service of Holy Communion. We generally change the prayer on a seasonal basis. For the last 8 weeks we have been using Eucharistic Prayer 2 from Enriching Our Worship. In Lent we will use Eucharistic Prayer C from the Book of Common Prayer.
Please read over the prayer and think about how this prayer might be appropriate for Lent. Look at the language about human brokenness and about God’s forgiveness. Notice how the language of sin, repentance, and forgiveness always calls us to action in the world that will demonstrate God’s love and our renewed commitment.
At Easter, the prayer and the focus will change again.
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Instructed Eucharist* to Conclude Inquirer’s/Confirmation Class
 Bp. Chilton and Brother Michael-Gregory invite the church to join the last session of the Confirmation Class Thursday, March 17th at 7 p.m. in the Church’s Sanctuary.
*Instructed Eucharist: A Special Invitation
Every member of the St. Paul’s family is invited to join the
Confirmation class for the Instructed (also called Instructive)
Eucharist on Thursday March 17th at 7 p.m. We will celebrate the
Eucharist with commentary and explanation all through the liturgy.
Even long-time Episcopalians tell us they learn something new when
they experience the Eucharist this way.
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Lenten Book Study – Beginning March 10th
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This Lent, Fr. Andrew will be leading a new style 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, beginning March 10th.
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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Spring Lunch Date for ECW
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A springtime luncheon is in the offing for the Episcopal Church Women on Wednesday, April 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with the regular business meeting. The salad luncheon follows at noon.
All women of the church are invited, 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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Parish Fundraiser seeks to “Close the Gap”
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The Vestry is asking each parishioner to help complete our operating budget by raising $40,000 in additional pledges and fundraising activities. We encourage everyone to offer a pledge to St. Paul’s and, for those who have already pledged, to consider an increase. Our pledges are our financial commitment to providing a place of worship, including the building and grounds, priests and staff, and maintenance and supplies.
 To culminate our efforts, we are hosting our 2nd Annual Stimulus Dinner on Saturday, April 2nd, where a variety of additional fundraising opportunities will be offered. Tickets for the dinner will be $20, wine will be available for purchase, a silent auction will be conducted and we will support our own fleet-footed Rex Comer in another cross-country outing. Please consider your financial support of the parish and mark your calendars for Saturday, April 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
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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 and Jerry McCleery.
Several parishioners have asked how to donate to this mission. There are now cards inprinted with the needed information on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Stop by and pick up a card.
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Please Welcome Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe
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 Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe joins the parish staff as the Parish Administrator/Ministry Coordinator. Jonathan should be familiar as one of the Parish Clergy (in fact he preached last Sunday).
Jonathan comes to the position with long experience as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church as an Administrator for a Lutheran Synod (like our Diocese) and as an Administrator for the Diocese of California.
He will have regular office hours.
His phone is:
760.320.7488 ext. 224.
His email is:
Jonathan.Abernethy-Deppe@stpaulsps.org.
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It Takes A Parish!!
– to successfully host a dinner for some 200 people. The Episcopal Church Women’s annual fundraiser the evening of March 5th was a great success, because so many parishioners were involved.
Special thanks to all those who attended the dinner, creating such a festive atmosphere, and to those who contributed to the White Elephant Event and Bake Sale. Thanks too to Rick Tinsley and George Holliday for coordinating the meal, and many thanks to those working behind the scenes, including co-chairs Diane Stielstra and Mari Covell and members of their committee.
It was a fun night for a good cause, supporting the community in outreach projects, and special needs of the church. Proceeds have yet to be determined, but will be announced later.
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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 Six volunteers joined Ministry Team Leader Hap Blaisdell at Roy’s Desert Resource Center to serve dessert at each of three dinner seatings Monday night. The group included Fred Crawford, Gordon Etheridge, Ron Shepherd, Mark Leggett, James Kyle and Hap Blaisdell. According to Hap, the Center is now operating at full residential capacity due to the migration of clients from Martha’s Village to Roy’s. Because of the increase in the number of clients served at dinner, the team from St. Paul’s ran out of some dessert items. Anyone interested in donating desserts for this Ministry can leave them in the Parish Hall kitchen before 4:00 p.m. any Monday. Packages should be labeled FOR S.O.S. Hap said, “There were eight officials from CVAG observing their commitment to Roy’s. Roy’s was running at full capacity so the volunteers that came out in the terrible sandstorm of last Monday were truly appreciated” He added, “The lemon bars from Bob Dillingham were a major hit, and the date bars Mark Leggett and James Kyle brought were consumed quickly.”
A great way to help SOS with their NEW sock give-a-way program is what Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods did recently. They had an Open House and requested that no gifts were to be brought to the Open House. They asked that if their invitees wanted to bring something, then bring socks for the SOS program. They ended up with over 200 pairs socks for the SOS program. Great idea Barry and Robert! A call to other ministries to volunteer as a group at Roy’s or have a baking event. The Family Ministry baked goods for the center and delivered them to the church. Way to go parents and children! Sign up sheets are posted in the Parish Hall. Questions? you can reach Hap at 760.323.5726.
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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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Daylight Savings Time
Begins This Weekend!
 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.
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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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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 3 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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 Coffee Hour
The host for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour are Eileen Upton and Don MacLean. The hosts for the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are Shirley and Thomas Schott, Barbara Murray and Jodi Buehring, R.D. and Nancy Gentry.
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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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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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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