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I Did Not Want To Hear That
Peter got a nickname in last week’s Gospel reading – Rocky. (His name was Simon and Jesus called him Peter because it sounded like the word for Rock.) His naming of Jesus as the Messiah leads Jesus to liken him to the solid rock upon which the church will be founded.
Now Peter, and the rest of the disciples, hear another aspect of the founding of the church, of the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission. He will face more opposition, suffering, and death when he goes to Jerusalem. None of the disciples wanted to hear that. I don’t want to hear that. I would rather hear about healing and feeding and liberation. Opposition and suffering just don’t preach.
Peter voices either his sage advice or his plaintive prayer that this could never happen to Jesus.
Jesus replies in my paraphrase, “Really? Rocky, you have become a stumbling block to God’s purpose for me.”
This seems much like my own experience and the church experience. Sometimes we “get it,” we capture an insight that surprises us. We live with it for a bit and we may even cause us to change course in our lives. Then, sometime down the road, we begin to believe that we control our own insight. Rather than let it lead us all the way, we begin to channel it back to where we are comfortable. This is what I believe happened to Peter and the disciples to whom he gave voice. They thought they understood Jesus as Messiah, and they immediately began playing it out as they had always understood it. Even if it meant telling the Messiah he was clueless.
Brian Stoffregen reminds us to read all the way through Jesus prediction of suffering and death. It does not end there, but with him “rising on the third day.” The suffering, death, and rising are linked.
As disciples of Jesus, as the Rockies of our era, we need to remember that the Messiah does not take us above opposition, suffering, and death. Jesus takes us through it to the rising. We can trust him to lead us because he went before us. Week by week, people who are in the midst of turmoil look to see if we are willing to walk with them. Pray that we not become their stumbling block.
Join us as we practice being people who follow Jesus, walk with one another, and are present in the needy places.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 16:21-28
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
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Daughters of the King – Meeting Date Change
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 The informal luncheon meeting is rescheduled to meet on Monday, August 29th at 11:30 p.m. They will meet at Don and Sweet Sue’s Restaurant located at the southwest corner of Ramon and Date Palm Drives in Cathedral City. They will share prayer concerns. Newcomers…join us and see what the DOK is all about. Contact Bonnie Stroock for information 760.324.7949
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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 during 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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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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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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Episcopal Church Women are women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do God’s 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. Members gather for monthly luncheon meetings featuring interesting presentations on diverse subjects 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 Sunday appointed Scriptural readings came about; how to interpret and understand them; how they influence our worship service: preaching, hymn selection, church music, prayers, etc. The Rev. Dr. David Abernethy-Deppe, along with Nathan Ensign, Director of Music, and our clergy, will share how we “dance the dance” in order for this all to come together for Sunday worship. See you at 9:15am in the Library . . . and join “The Dance,” the next two Sundays August 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 11, 18, 25 and October 2, 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 and in-depth study 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 and the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are not listed in the bulletin this week since Valerie is on vacation. The Hosts will be announced.
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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Family and Children’s Ministry
. . . will meet on Sunday, August 28th at noon, following the 10:30 a.m. service, in the Godly Play room. Contact Bonnie Stroock for information 760.324.7949.
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Lay Eucharistic Visitors
LEVs share in the pastoral and sacramental ministry of the parish, 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 the duties of this ministry. The parish will coordinate licensing for anyone interested. 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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