|
Forget What Lies Behind
and Move On, Move Up
St. Paul the Apostle had an enviable pedigree for leading his people at a critical time in their history. The details don’t mean much to people 2000 years down the road because they are so unfamiliar and they are out of our context.
But they were important to Paul. They were meaningful to the people who shared his Jewish Faith. Paul was letting the people in this small church know about the credentials he had abandoned in order to follow Jesus. Following Jesus always means leaving something behind, letting something go, so that God can renew us.
Paul left his credentials. In other places he writes about choosing to be single in a world where most were married. Jesus’ disciples are warned about the leaving of family and friends for Jesus sake. The Rich Ruler is asked to leave his riches. Leaders with religious status are asked to leave it behind. They are invited to enter the Kingdom of Heaven at the end of the pack, rather than at the front.
Some of those might ring true for some of us. Riches, position, power, or politics might get in the way of being followers of Jesus. There may be other things that get in the way and need to be left as well. For example, guilt, shame, and resentment can each block our following of Jesus’ way.
What made it possible for St. Paul to leave his institutional baggage behind was his sense of purpose. He saw a different vision for God’s connection with humankind and all creation than he had seen before. He came to understand God as having initiated a new creation in Jesus. He came to understand that it was not an incremental improvement on the old creation. It was all new.
The question for me is this. What am I hanging on to that is keeping me from being a full participant in the Abundant Life of Jesus?
Our weekly worship is one time where we explore this question in communion with one another. Join us.
|
|
Philippians 3:4b-14
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
|
|
The Bishop’s Annual Visit
|
|
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, from The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, will visit The Church of St. Paul on October 9th and preside and preach at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. An offering envelope will be provided in the the bulletin. The offering is allocated to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund for support of emergencies and non-budgeted ministries that arise in the course of the year.
|
|
Let’s Shower Our “Cradle” Episcopalians with Gifts! Children and Family Ministry invites you to a “toy shower” for the nursery THIS 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: Target Baby, First Name: St. Pauls, Last Name: St. Pauls is provided to assist those who need help knowing what to buy.. Your St Paul “Cradle” Episcopalians thank you!
|
|
Godly Play – The Great Family
|
|
 Sunday, storyteller Bonnie Stroock and Doorkeeper Michael Chacon will be sharing the story of The Great Family with the children in Godly Play.
After the flood, all of the creatures went out in all directions to fill the earth with life again. One of the great cities that grew was called Ur. The people of Ur thought there were many gods…….in the trees, the clouds, the water, the flowers, the land…….everything and everywhere. But Abram and Sarai were part of a family that believed that all of God was in every place. The family moved from the city of Ur to Haran, walking along the great Euphrates River. Later, God asked Abram and Sarai to move again and they moved on to Hebron, taking all of their helpers and possessions. Abram’s nephew, Lot, went with them. It was here that God changed their names to Abraham and Sarah and told them they would become the parents of a great family. They had trouble believing that because they were so old, but soon they had a son they named Isaac.
Just as God had told them, Sarah and Abraham became the parents and grandparents of a great family. Those children had children and this went on for thousands and thousands of years. Now we are all a part of that Great Family.
|
|
No Secret: ECW Meets Oct. 6th
|
|
 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.
|
|
Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
 Sunday, we continue with the Adult Faith Building Program with the last installment of “An Introduction to Understanding Islam”. Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing world religion! The series is led by Jerry DiNoto. Join us today 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
– – –
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!
|
|
Roy’s Desert Resource Center
|
|
Hap Blaisdell, strongly encourages volunteers to use the sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall to help him manage the number of volunteers he has each week for Desert SOS. Hap needs a minimum of 6 volunteers at Roy’s each Monday night. If fewer than six volunteers sign up, the workload is too burdensome. Roy’s is also in need of more desserts, especially homemade or money to purchase store bought desserts. These desserts bring much joy to the clients at Roy’s who ask for so little.
– – –
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.
|
|
Well In The Desert
Now Serves Lunch at St. Paul’s on Wednesdays
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
The Children’s Choir
. . . will recommence after summer vacations on Wednesday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m. in the Choir Room. All children ages 4 and above are encouraged to participate in this dynamic musical ministry where they not only learn musical skills but also how to work together as a team. They will be singing about once a month for the 10:30 service. Call Nathan at 760-320-7488 ext. 225 for more details.
|
|
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. Our peace-filled stitching circles provide the member a major sense of fulfillment and spiritual sustenance in creating prayer shawls to comfort someone in need or in celebration while fulfilling their creative side and building upon friendships with other parishioners. For more details contact Valerie Ferguson at 760.799.5927, Barbara Hawkins Villani at 760.322.3987, or Audrey Spencermorris at 760.835.5506.
|
|
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday,
October 8th at 10 a.m.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
Coffee Hour
 The 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour will be incorporated into the Nursery Toy Shower. Come enjoy the festivities.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: