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The Same Mind
Some of the most memorable things about our faith we know from song, from hymns.
“Jesus loves me, this I know…”
“Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love…”
“The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord…”
Our reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians contains a hymn. It is possible that Paul wrote it as a hymn, but it is more likely that he heard it in worship or prayer meetings in one of the places he visited. Writing it in a letter and having that letter shared circulated the hymn and its message. At least one hymn we sing is based on this passage. “At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.”
The hymn flows from the opening statement: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” I believe that this is addressed to all the Philippians as a group and not specifically to individuals. The same mind that Jesus demonstrated is to be the guide for interactions and relationships in the community of faith. I don’t discount the value for individuals, but I think it is more significant for our sense of how we work together in church.
For St. Paul’s to have the same mind as Jesus would mean that as a community what we had in mind was service. We would have in mind service to one another, service to the sick, service to the stranger, and service to the larger community and the world outside the church. It is a tall order.
We already demonstrate this mind in several ways. As a community we open our doors to about 19 groups a week. Some of these have members as participants, hosts, or volunteers. We welcome and support the Well in the Desert to prepare virtually all their meals and serve one. We have a volunteer group who go to serve the residents of Roy’s Desert Resource Center every Monday night. A portion of every dollar give to St. Paul’s goes to support this service.
There is room for more and different kinds of service. Our Parish leadership is actively looking to develop new ways to demonstrate the mind of Christ. Every one of us can participate by opening ourselves to our neighbors at worship and fellowship. Then when we see a need or concern, we can take the risk of reaching out.
In this way, we can practice having the same mind as Jesus at every worship service, join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Philippians 2:1-13
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death–
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
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Our Exit Strategy is Changing!
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 Instead of singing the hymn as we leave, we sing it earlier – after the prayer following Holy Communion. We then commission the Lay Eucharistic Visitors, receive the blessing, and are dismissed. The clergy, servers, and choir depart as the postlude begins, and you are invited to listen to the postlude or leave for Coffee Hour after the procession has passed. Clergy will still greet you in the accustomed locations. This will not change the length of worship but will allow our hymns and prayers to end worship in a different way, as indicated in the Book of Common Prayer, p. 365.
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 . . .is an act of reconciliation that follows the Declaration of Forgiveness after Confession. It is a time when we make sure the relationships are right with those around us so that we are prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper. We encourage you to greet friends and strangers at the Coffee Hour following the service.
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Let’s Shower Our “Cradle” Episcopalians with Gifts! Children and Family Ministry invites you to a “toy shower” for the nursery on Sunday, October 2, after the 10:30 service. The nursery needs donations of new toy/items for children ages 0-3 yrs, or you may make a check out to St Paul in the Desert with “Nursery” in the memo line. A registration at Target under “Saint Paul” is provided to assist those who wish to donate toys. Your St Paul “Cradle” Episcopalians thank you!
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Godly Play – The Flood and the Ark
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 Sunday, during Godly Play, story teller Michael Howard and Doorkeeper Barbara Villani will share the story of the Flood and the Ark with the children in Godly Play. The children will learn how God chose Noah and his family to build an ark to save themselves and God’s creatures during 40 days and nights of rain. When they left the ark, the people were so happy they built an altar and gave thanks to God. As they looked up into the sky they saw a great bow of many colors.
 Did you know that our parishioner, Kristy Nugent, painted a wonderful picture of Noah’s Ark on the wall in the nursery as a gift to the children? Stop by the nursery and enjoy this joyous depiction of the the story.
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No Secret: ECW Meets Oct. 6th
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 While it isn’t a secret that The Episcopal Church Women will launch their Fall season with a luncheon on Thursday, October 6th, someone who did have to keep many secrets, Annette Salvesen, will be the guest speaker for this event.
Ms. Salvesen, a St. Paul’s parishioner, has recently published a book, Sworn to Secrecy, about her wartime work in Britain, at Bletchley Park, as a coder, coding messages received from British agents who were behind enemy lines.
Her talk, which will detail more about her experiences begins at 12:45 p.m. Born in England, Ms. Salvesen is now a permanent resident of the U.S., and has resided in Palm Springs since the 1970s. After the talk, she will autograph copies of her book. Visitors are welcome to attend.
A business meeting at 11:15 a.m. on October 6th will be followed by the noon luncheon. All women of the church are invited to this special autumn gathering, and newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite salad, rolls, or dessert to serve six; beverages will be provided. Bette Knutson and Harriet Yost share hostess duties.
For additional information, please contact Bette Knutson, (760) 416-5739.
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 Sunday, we continue with the Adult Faith Building Program. There are two weeks left of “An Introduction to Understanding Islam” – September 25 and October 2. Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing world religion! The series is led by Jerry DiNoto. Join us Sunday in the Library, at 9:15am.
Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 October 9, 16, 23, and 30, the Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch will guide us in “Understanding the Hebrew Scriptures”. This series provides an overview of what we call the Old Testament. We’ll explore the Torah (Penteteuch), the Former Prophets, the Latter Prophets, and the Poetic Books and Wisdom literature. Be sure to bring a Bible and a friend
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Adult Faith Building – “Thursdays at 7:00”
 . . . continues “In the Footsteps of Paul: An In-Depth Study of the Apostle’s Missionary Travels and Writings.” The focus now turns to the Apostle Paul as the earliest Christian writer and his Epistles. So, bring your Bible and join us in the Library on September 22, and 29 at 7pm.
Adult Faith Building – “Thursdays at 7:00”
 In October, Jerry DiNoto will explore “The Creeds of the Church.” Historically, Christian creeds have included everything from brief affirmations to comprehensive statements. The earliest Christian creed found in the New Testament, declares, “Jesus is Lord”. We will examine the historic creeds, as well as contemporary confessions of faith. “Thursdays at 7” in the Library, October 6, 13, 20 and 27. See you there!
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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
. . .will be held, Wednesday, September 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Premiere Health Care, presided over by Fr. Andrew Green. Fr. Andrew welcomes assistance at Communion.
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All Parish Bar-B-Que
Saturday, October 15th at 11:30 a.m. is our All Parish Barbeque where we will reconnect with one another while enjoying Chef Andrew’s world famous barbeque meats! Come join the fun and fellowship as we break bread together and share our stories from the summer. Tickets are FREE and will be distributed at Saturday and Sunday services. This is a not-to-be-missed gathering!
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
 . . . begins meeting the first and third Wenesday of each month from 10 am to 1 pm in the Chapel of Hogarth Hall in October. The ministry’s message of caring is simple, universal, and enduring. The creation and presentation of a prayer shawl, like all acts of generosity, enriches the giver as well as the recipient. We need teachers and participants for knitting, crocheting, and stitching, supplies and donations. For more details contact Valerie Ferguson at 760.799.5927, Barbara Hawkins Villani at 760. 322.3987, or Audrey Spencermorris at 760.835.5506.
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Blessing of the Animals
Saturday,
October 8th at 10 a.m.
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St. Paul’s team is forming for the AIDS Walk for the Desert AIDS Project.
We want to have a team of 50 members walking on October 22nd. We want to raise $20,000.00 to help people with HIV/AIDS.
You can help by walking with us, by raising support from sponsors and by giving.
You can join the team by following this link or by signing up in the Parish Hall during the Coffee Hour.
AIDS is affecting more and more senior men and women, people who never thought it would be their problem.
We can help. Join the Team.
Saturday, Oct. 22nd
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SAVE THE DATE
The Second Annual Brunch for All Saint’s will be held on Sunday, November 6th at 12 noon in the Parish Hall. Tickets will be available in mid-October for $7.00 per person.
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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for the 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour are Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods. The Choir will host 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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Daughters of the King
DOK’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. in the church condo. The discussion will be on the book, “Heaven is Real” by Todd Burpo. Bring completed prayer shawls as the availability of them is extremely low. We extend an invitation to all parish ladies and newcomers to join us and join in the fellowship of this worthy ministry. Call Bonnie Stroock for directions or questions at 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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