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Stewardship of Restoration
First, this is not about the cost of remodeling a mid-century modern home.
This is about maintaining and shaping our Christian community. Our Gospel reading this week is often used as a template for dispute resolution. It is sometimes summarized as: be direct, avoid gossip, take it to the larger community as a last resort, and then move on.
This week I have been thinking about this as a part of our stewardship as Christians. Stewardship is built on the belief that everything and everyone belongs to God and our use of things and our relationship with others are to be managed for the well-being of all and according to God’s purposes. An example would be that Jesus instructed his disciples to love God first and their neighbors as themselves. Faithful stewardship of relationship involves balancing God love, Neighbor love, and Self love.
We are presented with a problem. “A fellow church member sins against you.” How would you respond? How should we respond? In Jesus’ direction you will hear nothing about feelings, intentions, victims, or the word “forgiveness.” (It will come up later.) What we hear about is restoration.
A personal hurt or dispute sets up a barrier to healthy relationships. For the group to survive and thrive, the barrier must be removed. The goal of the exercise is not to vent. The goal of the exercise is not to punish. The goal of the exercise is to restore relationship.
The process involves honest statements, acceptance of responsibility, and a release of vengeance. This is not a legal process, nor is it about determining someone’s sinfulness before God. It is about the importance God has placed on the restoration of relationship.
In the verses before this lesson we have the rescue of the lost sheep. In the verses following Peter is told that he must forgive 77 times. Although our reading about restoring relationship is about how we manage our human relationships, I believe that the goal is the same as God’s in managing the human-divine relationship. God is always reaching out. God is always looking to restore.
In fact, it is only our unwillingness that prevents restoration. No relationship can be healed without 2 willing parties. If both want wholeness and restoration, more than pride, more than vengeance, God has shown us how to be good stewards.
Join us this week as we worship together, practice admitting our own fault, and feasting together at God’s heavenly table.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said, “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
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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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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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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”
 Next Sunday, 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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“Thursdays at 7” begins THIS THURSDAY on Sept. 8th
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Adult Faith Building – “Thursdays at 7:00”
 “Thursdays at 7” starts THIS WEEK 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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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Please Continue to Aid the Homeless – 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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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
. . . is scheduled for, Wednesday, September 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Windsor Court presided over by Fr. Fred Myers. Fr. Fred always welcomes assistance at Communion.
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Reminder to All Singers
The Adult Choir will meet for the first time at our Annual Retreat in Los Angeles September 9-11. This is an excellent time for new singers to join the group for team building, rehearsal of Fall music, lots of tasty food and great fun together. There is still space available to attend and singers (of all vocal parts and high school age or above) with a desire to assist in our worship services are needed. Please contact Nathan Ensign for more details through the Church office at: 760-320-7488 Ext. 225.
P.S. The first regular rehearsal will be on Wednesday Sept. 14th at 7:00 p.m. if you can’t make the retreat.
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Sunday School Resumes
On Sunday 11 September St. Paul’s Sunday School resumes at the time of the 10:30 AM service. St. Paul’s Sunday School seeks to make a safe and welcoming place for young children where they are introduced to the gifts of our faith.
For some years we have employed the Godly Play program which presents the principal stories of Holy Scripture with child friendly words and materials. Sunday School is conducted by two adults, Storyteller and Doorkeeper, trained in the Diocese’s Safeguarding God’s People program.
The children come from the church to Sunday School in the Parish Hall at 10:30 and return to the church to receive the Holy Communion and rejoin their family and friends.
Do you have children or grandchildren who might enjoy St. Paul’s Sunday School, or know of someone who does? For further information please contact Bonnie Stroock, 760 324-7949, or Michael Howard, 760 323-1050.
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SAVE THE DATE!
ST. PAUL AT THE FOLLIES
Sun., December 4, 2011
1:30pm. 50 tickets available.
Christmas Show starring
John Davidson.
$49 each. ($84 value.)
Questions?: call Mike Carson
(760) 318-6377
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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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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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