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They Went and Set a Trap – For Jesus
In this week’s Gospel selection, we have the first of 3 “gotcha” questions to Jesus. To current leaders, a gotcha is a question that might cause an embarrassing inadequacy to surface. For Jesus, the gotcha was a double-bind between being put on the government’s “terrorist” list or condoning the worship of a false god – the Emperor.
As usual, when the trap springs, it springs on the questioner, not Jesus.
He says, “Give the Emperor what is his, and give God what is God’s.”
Jesus leaves them and us with a question. What belongs to God?
The short answer is – everything and all of me. The reality is that even preachers say this glibly, as if it is automatic. I think the trap for us is to approach our relationship with Jesus, our spirituality, or our values on autopilot. We know the right answer. We say it. And we don’t think about it.
A few weeks ago Susan and I went to San Diego for a few days away. 20 miles outside of town I discovered that I left my phone (not just a phone, but my iPhone) at home. The next 48 hours was spent without my phone. Usually, when I am going to be disconnected, I plan for it. Change the message. Warn people. “You know, I won’t have my phone with me…”
Cold turkey without the phone invited me to think.
I have not had a problem letting the emperor have what should belong to God, but I think technology can be my idol. 48 hours did not solve this. However, it did invite me to reassess what really belongs to God from my life.
Join us as a community that worships joyfully and celebrates abundant opportunities to reflect on our life in God.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 22:15-22
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
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James Donald Heller, beloved husband of Janet, died on October 11, 2011. His funeral will be on Monday, October 17th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s. There will be a reception in the Parish Hall immediately following.
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DOK’s monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 25th at St. Margaret’s at 1 p.m. in the conference room. The discussion will continue on the book “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo. 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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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
SUNDAY, The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch begins a 3-part series (October 16, 23, and 30) on Understanding the Hebrew Scriptures. This course will be an overview of what we traditionally call the “Old Testament” and lay the foundation for future study. We’ll look at [1] the Torah (or Pentateuch); [2] the Former Prophets (or what we call the Historical Books); [3] the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Book of the Twelve); and [4] the Poetic Books and Wisdom Literature. Be sure to bring a Bible and a friend!
Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
We Are The Church Together.” But what does that mean for us in our day and in this place? That’s a good question, especially during this month, as we focus on thankful living and thanksgiving. The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch will lead us in several Scriptural studies which may help us to better understand our use of time, our skills and, yes, our money. Join us, at 9:15am, in The Library, on November 6, 13 and 20, as, together, we explore what it means to be the Church. Be sure to bring your Bible.
No “Sundays at 9:15 on November 27th
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Adult Faith Building – “Thursdays at 7:00”
 During October, we’re looking at “The Creeds of the Church” led by Jerry DiNoto. Historically, Christian creeds have included everything from brief affirmations to comprehensive statements. We will examine the historic creeds (The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed), as well as contemporary confessions of faith. “Thursdays at 7” in the Library, October 20 and 27. See you there!
 November 3, 10 and 17 we return to “The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon” with Professor Bart D. Ehrman. Our focus will be on the four Gospels: “The Beginning of the Gospel Traditions,” “The Earliest Gospels” and “The Other Gospels.” We’ll talk about their dating, identify the sources used by the Gospel writers, and their basic message. Join us, Thursday evenings, 7pm.
No ‘Thursdays at 7:00 on Thanksgiving Day,
Nov. 24th
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Hap Blaisdell, strongly encourages volunteers to use the sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall to help him manage the number of volunteers he would like to see each week for Desert SOS. Hap says a minimum of 6 volunteers at Roy’s each Monday night is ideal. If fewer than six volunteers sign up, the workload is overly burdensome. Roy’s is also in need of more desserts, especially homemade delicacies, or money to purchase store bought items. These desserts bring much joy to the clients at Roy’s who ask for so little.
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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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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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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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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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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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All Saints Day Remembrance
In remembrance of your loved ones on All Saints Day, please add their names to the perpetual and permanent list in the narthex. If you have included your loved one(s) in prior years PLEASE DO NOT list them again. Their names will transfer onto this year’s list, automatically, from the master file of record. The list will be printed in a special bulletin of remembrance on Sunday, November 6th. You may email your names to:
valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org.
Names must be received by Tuesday, November 1st by 10:00 a.m.
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Brunch for All Saints
The Second Annual Brunch for All Saint’s will be held on Sunday, November 6th at 12 noon in the Parish Hall.
Tickets are available for $7 per person, from Bette Knutson, Mike Carson or at the parish office, and will be available until Monday, October 31st.
You are invited to bring framed photographs of departed loved ones to the luncheon. These photographs will grace your dining table on this day of remembrance.
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The Children’s Choir
. . . continues on Wednesdays 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.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . will meet Wednesday, October 19th from 10 to 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Hogarth Hall. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month.
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.
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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
Meet at 8:00 am at the church or 9:00 am at Ruth Hardy Park.
Please RSVP to andrew@stpaulsps.org
so that we know you are coming.
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Coffee Hour
 The 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour hosts are The Vestry of St. Paul in the Desert. Come get to know the Vestry better and enjoy the fellowship time with your fellow parishioners
The 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets are now in the three-ring binder on the entrance table to the Parish 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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Sign Up for Flowers,
Coffee Hour and
Desert SOS
To make is easier for parishioners to sign-up for Flowers, Coffee Hours, and the Dessert Ministry, we have integrated the sign-up sheets into a three-ring binder format. These sheets are in binders that are on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. Instead of writing parallel onto a bulletin board, you will now be able to write at table height. Please note that there are binders for the rest of 2011 and for 2012. If you have a special date that you want to commemorate, be sure to save it as soon as possible.
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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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