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From The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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 The feeding of the five thousand is one of the miracles of Jesus that one finds in all four gospels. There are probably a minimum of ten sermons in this one incident in the life of Jesus. However, what I find most intriguing is the events resemblance to events which we regard as mundane, a Church potluck, a family holiday celebration or a picnic.
It’s late in the afternoon, probably warm, and everyone is hungry. The disciples approach Jesus with their concern for the folk gathered, 5000 men plus ‘women and children’. Jesus’ response is direct when the disciples want Jesus to send the folk away to get something to eat. “…you give them something to eat.” The disciples response is ‘all we have are 2 fish and 5 loaves’. Then the miracle of abundance happens, there is more than enough to feed all who are present, with 12 baskets full of leftovers. How often it is that we operate out of a theology of scarcity when God operates out of abundance, with more than enough. I am reminded of holiday family events when the leftovers seem to take up more space in the refrigerator than prior to the meal. And I don’t know anyone who goes home from a Church potluck hungry!
Jesus’ compassion for the people and the fact that participation is required are central to this story. Being a Christian is participatory, you have to give of yourself and engage with one another. It is hard to be a christian in isolation. Jesus invites us to come to the water and drink deeply and be satisfied; it is also true of the banquet prepared for us, of which the Eucharist is a foretaste. The invitation has been issued. How do you respond?
Victoria
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Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
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 The Daughters of the King have planned an informal lunch meeting on August 9th at 12:30 p.m. We will meet at Don and Sweet Sue’s Restaurant located at the southwest corner of Ramon and Date Palm Drives in Cathedral City. We will share prayer concerns. Newcomers…join us and see what the DOK is all about. Contact Bonnie Stroock for information 760.324.7949.
An added note, DOK will be conducting the Morning Prayer Service on August 4th at St. Margaret’s Chapel at 10:00 a.m.
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The Episcopal Church Women are women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work. The ECW’s activities invite its members into a time of fellowship with an eye toward connecting to others in our church family as we strengthen our own spiritual lives by offering service to our parish and community. ECW’s work also involves raising funds to support parish activities, local mission projects and the United Thank Offering program by gathering for monthly luncheon meetings with programs, which are open to all members of the church and guests. For more information on ECW, please contact Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
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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”
This Sunday, The Rev. Rick Tinsley concludes our looking at “The Liturgy: Practicing the Presence of God.” Based on your suggestions, we’ll continue to examine our Holy Eucharist: Rite Two, focusing on The Holy Communion (BCP, p. 361ff). 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. Library, 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 join “The Dance”. . . and bring a friend!
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No “Sundays at 9:15” class on September 4th.
Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend.
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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” starts up 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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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour are Don MacLean and Eileen Upton with a birthday cake to celebrate Eileen’s birthday. Anna and Dick Secrist 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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Lay Eucharistic Visitors
LEVs share in the pastoral and sacramental ministry of the church, by taking Holy Communion to persons unable to attend church. LEVs go each Sunday to Desert Hospital and on a rotational basis to those confined at home or in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Diocesan licensing is required to perform this ministry, which we help you coordinate. If interested in the LEV ministry, contact Jonathan at 760.320.7488, ext. 224 or email at jonathan.abernethy-deppe@stpaulsps.org.
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St. Paul Campers
…are at the last planning stages for their 6th annual trip to Idyllwild on August 12th through the 14th at Idyllwild County Park. There are only 2 openings left available. Don’t get left out. St. Paul’s Campers invite other families, individuals, and nature lovers from St. Paul’s to join our annual trip up to the cool, pine-filled forest. Dogs are welcome! Be sure to sign up in the Parish Hall. See Bonnie Stroock at church or call 760.324.7949.
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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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