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From The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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Here Jesus goes again using another agrarian parable. Frederick Buechner, preacher, theologian and author says this about parables, “ A parable is a small story with a large point….With parables and jokes both, if you’ve got to have it explained, don’t bother”, in his book, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC. It is sometimes difficult for us 21st century folk to follow the gist in the agricultural milieu that was such a part of the life of first century Palestinians.
This parable like the one from last week is often misunderstood, as folk often go to the allegorical explanation rather than relying on the words of Jesus. This past week, the life of Betty Ford was celebrated at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert. She was the first Lady who refused to be labeled or put in a box. One of the people who spoke at her Memorial service was Cokie Roberts of ABC and NPR. Ms Roberts was instructed by Betty Ford to speak about the way Washington, or the political establishment use to be. Which brings me to the point of this Sunday’s parable.
Jesus is saying rather simply to take a deep breath and be patient with us all and each other, more particularly. God is the one who gets to judge us at the end of the ages. Not you judging me or me judging you. It is God’s prerogative to judge each and everyone of us at the end of time. There was a button popular when I was in seminary and it said something to the effect, “Be patient with me, God isn’t finished with me yet!” Learning to be patient with one another is a practice we all need to cultivate as we remember who is in charge of our world, our creation and our lives. God’s judgement is the only judgement we really need to worry about, at the end of the ages.
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Matthew 13:24-30,36-43
Jesus put before the crowd another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, `Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, `An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, `No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'”
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
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Clergy Coverage for Emergencies and Hospital
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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.
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PLEASE NOTE!!!
“Thursdays at 7: will not be held during July and August.
“Thursdays at 7” will begin again in September, after Labor Day.
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
Last week in the Library, The Rev. Rick Tinsley began a 4-week study of “The Liturgy: Practicing the Presence of God.” In this study, 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!
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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!
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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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.
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Well In The Desert
Now Serves Lunch at St. Paul’s on Wednesdays
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Coffee Hour
 The host for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour is Eileen Upton and Don MacLean.
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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End-of-the-Quarter Statements Mailed
 The end-of-the-quarter statements have been mailed to the parishioners who have pledged. Please look over these statements carefully and if you have any questions, please contact Valerie, Pledge Secretary, at valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org. Valerie will return from vacation on July 18th.
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Camp Stevens Baja Trip
This trip is scheduled from Sept. 17th to the 24th. The Sea of Cortez boat trip has been arranged by Camp Stevens. Four spaces are available. There is additional information in the flyer located on the Parish Hall entry table. You may also e-mail Peter Bergstom at Peter@campstevens.org.
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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 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.
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Acknowledgements for gifts received for May and June, 2011 may be viewed by clicking here.
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The St. Paul Columbarium Niches are over 60% sold out. If you are interested in a specific niche, please do not wait to purchase it or reserve it. Deposits are required for all niche reservations. Please contact Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe, at 760.320.7488, ext. 224 for further information.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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