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As Yourself
We are working on an initiative to fully embrace/engage some under-served segments of our community. I don’t want to talk about the community or the details, because the thinking and planning is just getting started. A portion of the Gospel for this week made me think about this work. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Chicago Bear, Gayle Sayers wrote a book titled: I Am Third. God was first, family was second, and he was third. It mimics, “Love God first and your neighbor as yourself.” I think Mr. Sayers got it wrong. I think learning to love yourself needs to come first.
I don’t say this because I want to put God in the back seat, or because I have a new key to happiness that only I have discovered. I say it for practical and pastoral reasons. If you have never experienced love it is difficult to behave lovingly. Before we rush off loving God and everybody, let’s start from a place of strength and confidence. Let’s start from God’s loving behavior towards us.
Humankind was among the first targets of God’s love. God created us. God acted towards the raw materials of creation in a way that brought humankind into being. The Prophets were a sign of God’s love for the people of God. Among other things, the story of Scripture is of God constantly reaching out to affirm and renew humanity. Christianity teaches that Jesus became one of us, because, “God so loved the world…”
“As yourself.”
Because God has acted in such loving ways towards humanity and, often through people, towards us in particular; we have a place from which to love others. The love that God asks of us is behavior that leads to the benefit and blessing of others.
We practice this committed care towards others every week when we worship together. Join us as we improve.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “`You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
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Cindy Gerrie
4/3/1960 – 10/14/2011
Funeral Saturday October 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s
Helen M. Hartzell
6/13/1930 – 10/18/2011
Funeral Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
Please remember them and their families in your prayers.
May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Formed for Mission: Learning About Baptism, Confirmation and the Teaching Church
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Come hear fresh ideas about formation in our Church.
This is an opportunity to respond to the bishop’s work and give your input.
Join Bishop Mathes as he shares the fruits of his sabbatical. While at Virginia Theological Seminary, our bishop focused his studies on the rites of baptism, confirmation and exploring ways to be a teaching church. As a scholar-in-residence, he began a manuscript that is now being edited for publication. The book explores what it means to baptize, to confirm and particularly to initiate adults into these ancient rituals.
Come hear about his studies, thoughts and ideas for the future. Join in the conversation. All are welcome. For more information, contact Bobbi Hoff: bobbi303@edsd.org
Wednesday, October 26
St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert
5:00pm – 6:30pm
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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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 The Episcopal Church Women have set Thursday, November 3rd as the date for their next luncheon. A meeting at 11:30 a.m. precedes the noon lunch. Last month Annette Salvesen was scheduled to talk about her adventures as a World War II coder in Britain; however, she was unable to attend that day, so she will be the guest speaker for this meeting.
A St. Paul’s parishioner, she has recently published a book, Sworn to Secrecy, about her wartime work at Bletchley Park. Her talk will detail more about her experiences, and begins at approximately 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.
All women of the church are invited to this special autumn gathering, as are visitors, and newcomers. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite salad, rolls, or dessert to serve four; beverages will be provided. Hostess duties will be shared by Barbara Villani, Ruth Kraus and Trisha Greico.
For additional information, please contact Bette Knutson, (760) 416-5739.
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Adult Faith Building – “Sundays at 9:15”
SUNDAY, The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch continues a series (October 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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 . . . was a Complete Success- The Children and Family Ministry was able to replenish the toys in the nursery. Parishioners brought new toys or donated money to purchase toys. The nursery, which in the past year was painted and carpeted, was in need of refreshed toys. Parishioners also participated in games and enjoyed refreshments. Thank you to all the Parishioners who were so generous in providing our “Cradle” Episcopalians with new toys!
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Special thanks to the crew of 9 who showed up last Monday. With Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) announcing partial cut-backs in their support to Roy’s Desert Resource Center the number of authorized “beds” was cut by 20, some staff are scheduled to be laid off and the sack lunches have been eliminated. With staff being downsized, our volunteers are helping in additional areas on Monday’s. Currently there are 95 registered homeless at Roy’s. There is need for support in all areas. Please sign-up to help the most in need.
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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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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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A Holy Communion Service
will be held, Wednesday, October 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Premiere Health Care, presided over by Rev. Dick Merrill. Fr. Dick welcomes assistance at Communion.
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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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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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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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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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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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