|
From The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
|
|
We find ourselves heading into the “long green season” as the Sundays after Pentecost are sometimes referenced. This particular passage from Matthew’s gospel is confusing to say the least, We have another marker this weekend, the Fourth of July, the birthday of our nation. I would think that the opening question from Jesus could easily usher us down an intriguing path. The question, “But to what will I compare this generation?”… How often has this question been raised, whether in our public or national community life or in our faith community’s life? Do our core values change as a nation or as a faith community? I believe that as we approach this holiday weekend, reflecting upon our core values as a nation is a good thing to do. In our faith community life, we have evolved over time; and, I believe that transformation has been motivated by an increased awareness of God’s love for all creation.
I would guess that as a nation or as a community of faith each generation has asked that question in some form about the next generation. “What’s this world coming to?” Or, the younger generation saying about the older generation, “What a mess of this world you’ve made!” These comments have been made by generation after generation throughout human history. We love to point fingers and we love to claim innocence; however, I believe that part of the conversation at the heart of this gospel reading is about shared responsibility, forgiveness and a reminder about being in relationship with our God. A God who loves us, cares for us and is willing to carry our burdens when we feel helpless and hopeless.
When we are in relationship with Jesus and our God, we are not alone and we find rest and refreshment for our souls. We are transformed. Jesus invites us to share our burden and take on His yoke. The challenge for us, as it has been for every previous generation, is to take that risk, to let go, to become vulnerable. To be in relationship with a God who is always present always faithful. The choice is always ours.
|
|
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Jesus said to the crowd, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another,
`We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
|
|
Clergy Coverage for Emergencies and Hospital
|
|
When Father Andrew is on vacation, clergy coverage for emergencies will be handled as follows:
During the Parish Office Hours (Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 – 4:30 except for lunch 11:30 -1:00) call the main office number 760.320.7488. Any other time, call 760.323.4028. This is a Parish Office number that is forwarded to the Priest on Call. Usually, this would be Fr. Andrew. During Father Andrew’s absence, it will be covered by Fr. Fred from St. Anthony’s. Calling this number does not guarantee that one of the priests will pick up the phone when you call, but it is the number that will get you the surest and quickest response. If you get a message, please leave the date, your name, and a contact phone number.
Hospital – If you are planning to go to the hospital for some reason, please call the Parish Office to let us know. If you have an emergency and end up in the hospital, let us know or have a friend let us know. Our clergy try to visit people who are in the hospital, but often only find out after they are at home.
Hospital Visits – If you are admitted to the hospital and would like a clergy visit or wish to receive Holy Communion during your hospital stay, please contact the church office at 760.320.7488, ext. 0, or have a family member or friend call on your behalf. Privacy laws prohibit the hospital from notifying us directly regarding patient admissions. Please relay this information to your family members so they understand to contact us directly in case of a hospitalization.
|
|
PLEASE NOTE!!!
“Thursdays at 7: will not be held during July and August.
“Thursdays at 7” will begin again in September, after Labor Day.
– – –
Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
Beginning July 10th in the Library, The Rev. Rick Tinsley will lead a 4-week study of “The Liturgy: Practicing the Presence of God.” We’ll discuss the details of The Liturgy: Where does it come from? Why do we do it that way? What does it mean? By better understanding the history, structure and meaning of Liturgy, we can enhance our worship experience. As we practice God’s presence using the Liturgy, we will become more aware of God’s presence as we go about our lives, sharing the Abundant Life, and serving Christ in others. Mark your calendars!
– – –
Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 Beginning August 7, and continuing through the month, we’ll look at “The Sunday Dance With The Three-Legged Stool” learning how the Scripture Readings (First Lesson, Psalm, Second Reading and the Gospel) are chosen; and how those choices influence our worship, preaching, hymn selection, church music, prayers, and a whole lot more. The Rev. Dr. David Abernethy-Deppe, along with Nathan Ensign, Director of Music, will lead our discussions on how this all comes together for our Sunday worship services. Join us at 9:15 am in the Library . . . and bring a friend!
– – –
PLEASE NOTE!!!
No “Sundays at 9:15” class on July 3rd.
It’s the 4th of July Week-end!! Enjoy the Fireworks!
|
|
Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
|
|
Just ONE Extra Item!
 In your grocery cart is what we ask of our parishioners to get in the habit of purchasing for the Desert SOS Dessert Ministry of St. Paul in the Desert. While accomplishing your weekly grocery shopping, buy ONE extra item. This ONE extra item would assist us in providing dessert for the children, their parents, plus the rest of the 90+ clients, of Roy’s Desert Resource Center. Dessert (box of cookies, doughnuts, fruit, cheese or any other special treat) is provided every Monday evening by St. Paul volunteer servers and providers. These same 8 parishioners, week after week, from their own pockets, make sure that the St. Paul’s Dessert Ministry provides for these special people who look forward to this once a week treat, especially the children. Parishioners can bring items to church on the weekend or deliver desserts before 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Place the perishable desserts in the Parish Hall refrigerator (labeled clearly “SOS”). Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.5726.
|
|
Well In The Desert
Now Serves Lunch at St. Paul’s on Wednesdays
|
|
The Well in the Desert has moved its meal service at St. Paul’s from Fridays to Wednesdays. In order to support the retail businesses in our neighborhood, we requested a change in the day of our meal service. Now a hot meal is served at St. Paul’s from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday.
The Well needs volunteers to carry out their services and they need financial support to provide them. You can call (760) 327-8577 to volunteer. If you want to contribute to the Well, just write “Well” in the memo portion of your check.
|
|
Thank You to the St. Paul Parishoners Who Have Given
 The population of men, women and children being cared for at Roy’s Resource Center has increased 30% this year. These clients are in need of the basic necessities of life. The SOS Fund needs YOUR support to continue to help our homeless friends who are trying to break the cycle of homelessness. Each month $300.00 comes from the fund to provide undergarments, socks and other necessities. If you are interested in supporting this outreach ministry, drop a check in the collection plate. Make the check payable to: St. Paul’s, and in the memo area, write: SOS Fund.
|
|
Pew Shepherds: Do you sit in a usual place when you worship? Are you aware of the other people around you? You may be a Pew Shepherd! Pew Shepherds get to know the people around them. If one is absent or has an impending trip to the hospital, the Pew Shepherd inquires after them and let’s them know that someone is thinking of them, praying for them. The Pew Shepherd also let’s the clergy know of the situation.
Communion Access: At the Communion Rail, one may stand or kneel. One may roll a wheel chair up to the rail. If one is unable to get to the Communion Rail, please advise the Ushers and the Presider will bring Communion to you. If you require a Gluten Free bread, they are available on the west side (right side) of the Rail. Simply ask the priest.
Open Hands: As a sign of our openness to receiving all that God has in store for us at Communion, some approach the Communion Rail with their hands in some position that suggests openness.
Special Prayers: On most Sundays, we invite anyone who desires a prayer or blessing to come stand at the Communion Rail following the confession. If you desire a prayer or blessing, please think a bout it before you come forward, so you can share it with the priest quickly. This is not a time for conversation or significantly involved explanations. The priest will then offer a prayer on behalf of the whole congregation.
Offerings of Food: We invite contributions of food for the Well in the Desert each week. The gifts are placed in the baskets at the entrance and offered with all our gifts at the Altar. They are taken to the Well following the 10:30 service.
|
|
|
|
Coffee Hour
 The host for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour is The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch to celebrate Shelia Brubaker’s birthday which is Sunday, July 3rd. The 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour is hosted by Shannon and Rosa Ealy-Zingg to celebrate the second birthday of their daughter, Lydia Jene Ealy-Zingg whose birthday was July 1st.
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
|
|
Thank you to all the parishioners who have signed up for altar flowers and flowers for the narthex in 2011. In doing so, our altar and narthex has been in bloom with the beauty that Woody Miller masterfully creates for us each week. There is still room available for flowers for the altar and narthex for July 10th and 24th, and August 7th and 14th. Are one of those dates special to you? Is there someone you would like to pay tribute too? Or would you like to make your church more beautiful? If so, please sign up in the Parish Hall. Thank you.
|
|
Acknowledgements for gifts received for May and June, 2011 may be viewed by clicking here.
|
|
The Bishop’s Appeal
The Bishop’s Appeal supports the mission of the diocese through gifts that are used for support of our ongoing programs and ministries: congregational support and development, leadership development, pastoral care, ministry development, and Christian formation. 100% of your gift goes to supporting our ministries. To make a gift, to the secure website at http://www.edsd.org or mail to: Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.
|
|
Report Sexual Misconduct
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, please be reminded that our diocese values the tenet of our baptismal covenant to “respect the dignity of every human being.” Part of the way we live into that is to train people in the prevention of sexual misconduct. Another part that goes hand-in-hand with training is reporting incidences of sexual misconduct. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, takes reports seriously and investigates them thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced sexual misconduct of any kind, please contact Bishop Mathes immediately: bishopmathes@edsd.org, 619-481-5450.
|
|
NEWCOMERS
Are you receiving the latest mailings and the Abundant Lite weekly newsletter? If not, then we probably don’t have your correct mailing and/or email addresses. We want to make sure that you receive the invites to join us in a series of Newcomer events that we believe you will find to be informative and enjoyable. Please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate, give it to an usher, or send your contact information by email to: valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: