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From The Rev. Jerry Lynch
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An effective teacher can present complex concepts or ideas in a variety of ways so students can begin to grasp a broader view or different “language” needed to grasp an elusive idea and make it more real and understandable. Jesus is just such a master-teacher.
Over the last three Sundays, Jesus has presented us with 7 different ways to understand his teaching about the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. That is seven ways to learn a new kind of “language” or seven different examples of what the kingdom is “like.” Analogies often help us go from what we know to something we don’t yet understand.
Of the seven examples of what the Kingdom of Heaven is “like” – which one catches your attention? If you are into working with the earth and growing things, the first 3 are about sowing seeds, dealing with weeds, and waiting patiently for a plant to grow over many seasons. The fourth example, that the kingdom of heaven is “like yeast”, may speak to the experience of those who like baking breads, cakes or pastries. The fifth and sixth examples are related to buying and selling to get a buried treasure or pearl of great price, i.e., what one really wants in life. Finally, the seventh may relate to those who have a love for fishing – although with a large net. I’ve always been partial to “buried treasure” myself.
Most of us have some life experience with and an understanding of the “language” unique to some of these comparisons to real life. Jesus’ hope is that we can expand what we know and have experienced into a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Join us this Sunday to deepen your understanding and experience of the Kingdom of Heaven right here and now by celebrating the Eucharist – a foretaste of this Kingdom when the Lord feeds us on the Bread of Eternal Life and the Cup of Salvation. Indeed a profound mystery!
Jerry
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Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
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Altar Guild Ministry Members
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This group of devout parishioners comes together with the primary task of serving God at God’s altar, and in so doing praise God with hands and hearts. They are committed to diligent and reverent work. In general terms, the duty of the Altar Guild is to prepare everything necessary for the celebration of Holy Communion and the observance of the other Sacraments and Offices of the church. They feel it is an honor and privilege to serve God in the Sanctuary and at the altar.
This ministry is comprised of women, men and young adults dedicated to caring for the church and altar. They work in teams that rotate weekly so that each member serves approximately one time per month.
Some of the responsibilities are:
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The church is prepared and made welcoming to those attending all services;
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The altar is prepared for each service and cleaned up following each of the services;
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The care of the communion vessels and the linens used during the services.
Most of the duties are done behind the scenes. It is the dedicated service of the men and women of the Altar Guild that makes our worship services proceed smoothly.
The Altar Guild is ready to welcome new members to this very rewarding ministry. No experience is necessary. Training is ongoing. New members are supported by another member, so that you will never work alone. Everyone is invited…men, women, and young adults. Contact Kathy Kilmer at 760.325.0332 (kmkcc@aol.com).
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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”
Continuing . . . The Rev. Rick Tinsley is leading us in looking at “The Liturgy: Practicing the Presence of God.” Last week we explored the Hebrew roots of Liturgy. Today, based on your suggestions, we’ll examine the worship practices of the Early Christian Church and how those practices have changed throughout the ages. By better understanding the history, structure and changes in our Liturgical practices, we’ll become more aware of God’s presence as we go about our lives, sharing the Abundant Life, and serving Christ in others. Join us in the Library at 9:15am.
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 During August, you’re invited to join “The Sunday Dance With The Three-Legged Stool,” discovering how the Scripture Readings (First Lesson, Psalm, Second Reading and the Holy 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 share with us how this all comes together for our Sunday worship services. See you at 9:15 am in the Library . . . and bring a friend!
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 The Sunday after Labor Day, we’ll begin the Fall Adult Faith Building Program with a four week study on “An Introduction to Understanding Islam.” Having 1.2 billion adherents, Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing world religion! Unfortunately, many of us in the West know little if anything about this faith, except what we hear regarding the actions of a minority of radical extremists. To better understand this faith, we’ll use several DVD presentations by Dr. John L Esposito, Professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. Also, we hope to invite a Mullah (Islamic Clergyperson) to join us for one of these sessions to provide background and to answer some of our questions. Mark your calendars:
September 11th, 18th, 25th and October 2nd, in the Library, 9:15am.
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Adult Faith Building – “Thursdays at 7:00”
 “Thursdays at 7” begins September 8th, in the Library, 7pm. The Rev. Dr. David E. Abernethy-Deppe will present “In the Footsteps of Paul: An In-Depth Study of the Apostle’s Missionary Travels and Writings.” We’ll begin this course with several new DVD presentations by Dr. Bart Ehrman of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina. He will provide an overview of the New Testament, as well as a closer look at Paul, the earliest Christian writer, and his Epistles. Finally, we ourselves will make an in-depth study and comparison of two of Paul’s letters: I Thessalonians and Philippians. Join us!
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Frontline Hospitality Ambassadors
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 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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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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A Holy Communion Service will be held, Wednesday, July 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Premiere Health Care, presided over by Fr. Fred Myers. Fr. Fred always welcomes assistance at Communion.
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Happy Belated Birthday
 to Louise Packham – Our records were incorrect. Our records indicated that Louise’s birthday was June 19th, when in actuality it was July 19th. Please remember this weekend to wish Louise a Happy Birthday. Louise celebrated her 92nd birthday this past Tuesday!
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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour are Paul and Elaine Martinkovic.
Lena and Paul are the hosts for the 10:30 a.m. 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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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
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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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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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