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Look Who Has Great Faith!
I learned that Jesus only describes anyone’s faith as “great” once in Matthew. Who do you think it would be? The prominent religious leaders of his time? No. The spiritual practitioners of the region? No. The elite of his band of disciples? No. He used “great” to describe the faith of the unnamed Canaanite woman.
Jesus is traveling in her territory, that is, outside the land of the Jewish people. Jesus is the stranger here, but the woman seeks him out. Her territory or not, her presence was not welcome among this group.
She presses and presses her case for Jesus to help, almost demanding the healing that Jesus could deliver. Is it this persistence that qualifies as faith? Not quite.
Jesus is on a mission to reach his (Jewish) people with his message. He is so focused on that mission that he won’t turn to the right or the left, but goes directly where he believes God is sending him. In the woman, Jesus has met his match.
She is as focused on getting relief for her daughter as he is on his mission. She also believes in that mission (Jesus as the redeemer) more passionately than anyone we have met in the Gospel. It is not just that she wants her daughter made well, but she also has encountered the one who is able. For the disciples, Jesus’ preaching may be stimulating, but for the woman, Jesus is life to her daughter. The disciples are described as having little faith, but the woman’s faith is great.
The disciples will get there, down the road. One day their awareness of little faith will be eclipsed by their need for the living God. The Cannanite Woman pointed the way.
This weekend, join a group of people who have mixed levels of faith as we worship the living God together.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left Gennesaret and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
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Reception Honoring Bishop Christopher Senyonjo
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August 26 at 7:30 p.m.
 The Rt. Rev. Christopher Senyonjo will be in the desert as a part of their tour of the U.S. and Europe. Bp. Senyonjo was a diocesan bishop in western Uganda until his retirement in 1998. His ministry has continued to be known for his commitment to justice, especially for LGBT persons in Uganda and other African Countries.
In 2010, he founded the St. Paul’s Reconciliation and Equality Centre for LGBT/Straight Alliance. Bp. Senyonjo’s tour is to raise awareness and support for this important center.
This Champagne and Dessert Reception is hosted by the Rev. Julia and Al Christian at their home in Bermuda Dunes.
78482 Bent Canyon Court/Stonegate
Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203
RSVP to 760-469-5500
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Episcopal Relief and Development – Somalia
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 On July 20, the United Nations declared a famine in two regions of southern Somalia. The food shortage is the consequence of a sustained drought that is said to be the worst in more than 60 years. Reports indicate that over 800,000 people have fled Somalia as a result, many seeking refuge in the neighboring countries of Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. Rates of mortality and malnutrition are extremely high; estimates indicate that malnutrition among children under age five currently exceeds 20% and is increasing, with over 12 million people across the region in need of food and water.
In response to the developing crisis, Episcopal Relief & Development will be working through its network of Anglican and Episcopal partners to support the humanitarian work of local organizations such as Ukamba Christian Community Services in Kenya and Christian Community Services Mount Kenya East (CCS-MKE).
Episcopal Relief & Development’s support will be used to provide food aid (including maize, beans and cooking oil) to as many as 1,320 households in four areas over the next five months. Orphans, widows and the elderly will receive priority during distribution. The program will also support community efforts to prepare the land for the next rainy season, with soil and water preservation measures such as terracing and sand dam construction. Rains are expected between November and December 2011.
Please continue to pray for all those affected by drought and famine in East Africa, and especially for those who have fled their homes in search of food and water for survival. Please also pray for the return of rains, and healthy harvests in the future.
To support the crisis please make a contribution to St. Paul in the Desert and write in the memo section ERD: Disaster Response Fund.
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Desert Blind and Handicapped Association
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 . . .whose primary focus, since 1978, has been to help the disabled person achieve or maintain independence by providing transportation to members who live in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Rancho Mirage. Transportation service include door-to-door transportation to medical/dental/eye appointments, grocery shopping, banking, government agencies, senior centers, hair and nail appointments and other necessary or social errands. Your help is needed. The Desert Blind and Handicapped Assoc. is in need of an operational vehicle to be donated to the association. If you are able to accommodate them in this generous donation, please call George Holliday at 760.534.1642.
 Another area the association assists its members is by encouraging them to attend their Monthly Social Luncheon. This luncheon provides a delicious and healthy meal, the chance to socialize with other members, a speaker or special entertainment is also scheduled. Transportation is also provided at no cost to the members. The Desert Blind and Handicapped Assoc. is in need of a volunteer(s) to cook the once-a-month meal for the meeting. The association will provide the supplies and the meals will be cooked and served at St. Paul in the Desert. If you are interested in providing this skill to this association, please contact George Holliday at 760.534.1642.
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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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PLEASE NOTE!!!
“Thursdays at 7: will not be held during 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 we continue “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” the next three Sundays, August 14th, 21st and 28th. Be sure to 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 on 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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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 Eric Stein-Steele and Tim Steele in thanksgiving of their 20th anniversary. The hosts for the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are Hap Blaisdell and Stephen Keller in thanksgiving of Stephen’s birthday.
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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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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