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Big Talents
In this week’s Gospel selection, Jesus tells another story about God’s heavenly realm. (It is like…) In this story slaves are prominent. Many of us are turned off by the use of that word and our association of it with the institution of slavery of our own heart-breaking history of oppression. However, please place those associations on hold for the purpose of listening to the story.
Note also that the story ends with “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Once there is weeping and gnashing of any sort, it is hard to attend to any other themes that may be in the story. Again, please ignore the theme of judgement and punishment to focus on something more important.
I want to focus on the abundance of talents in this story. A “talent,” in the biblical sense is equivalent to a large sum of money or other resource. The realm of the landowner is awash in resources, so much so that large amounts are given to various players who are left to their own devices. There is some vetting of the players and their level of ability, then the talents are distributed, and the owner takes a powder – for a long time.
Most of us have heard: “Put your eggs in one basket – and watch that basket!” I haven’t heard, “Spread your nest-egg around and forget about it.” Is that what is going on here? I don’t think so.
I want to focus on the abundance of resources that the owner (God) represents. We know that in the Gospels, God is never represented as stingy. God is always represented as the source of abundance who seems almost irresponsible in generosity. I think this applies in our reading. The owner gives generously and wants to see what will happen. What will they do with the responsibility of God’s generosity?
Fr. Vern Suter, who has a counseling practice and does hospital visitation for our parish, has told me from time to time, “Do something – even if its wrong!” I believe that the owner has a message for the recipients of these abundant talents, these generous resources: “Do something – even if you’re not sure.”
To me the game is fixed. The owner (God) gives from abundance and can’t lose. We receive of that abundance and can’t lose, unless we do nothing. Remember, this is not about a real world investment strategy. This is about the investment of heavenly capital through the instrument of generosity.
How many ways can you practice being generous to build on God’s abundance?
Join us as we celebrate this invitation in worship.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus said, “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
Read More . . .
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A Year Of Living Generously
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 There is still time to RSVP for two of the Social Hours. Enjoy the fellowship of your friends and fellow parishioners, along with hors’doeuvres and refreshments. Some of the most inspiring highlights of our gatherings revolve around the varied reflections of how lives have changed–in so many positive ways for so many parishioners–with God’s help, through the Church of St. Paul inthe Desert. Attend, hear and share.
The last two Social Hours scheduled are: Sunday, November 13th from 2:30-4:30 p.m. hosted by Tom Newell and Chuck Blochberger. RSVP at 760.323.0388; or Saturday, November 19th, 5-7 p.m. hosted by Gregg Seller and Pasquale Bettino. RSVP at 760.320.8727 or at the parish office, 760.320.7488 ext. 0. All the Social Hours lead up to next weekend, November 19-20th, which is “Celebration Weekend”.
“A Year of Living Generously” is a exciting process of how implementing small changes in our lives we can make a big difference to those who need it the most. You will see and hear this phrase often at St. Paul’s. It captures the spirit of the people of St. Paul in the Desert.
Living Generously encourages people to do just that. It is more than providing gifts to those in need but to change our life so that we Live Generously…giving in time, money, skills/talents and a myriad of ways of need.
You will have an opportunity to reflect on Living Generously in God’s grace, which takes place when you return your 2012 pledge card, declaring your financial gift for the new year. Money is only a fraction of Stewardship. In addition, the proper care of our bodies, care of our environment, proper use of credit and not living beyond our means are also fundamental elements of Stewardship. In giving our time, helping the poor, and remembering that we belong to God, we live in Generosity, not only with the Church—but with all of God’s creation.
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The Anglican Chorale of Southern California
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The Anglican Chorale of Southern California will perform at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, NEXT Sunday, November 20th, at 4 p.m. Selections include the works LeBlanc, Nestor Wilberg, Dawson, Hogan, Staheli under the direction of James A. Person, Founder of The Anglican Chorale, and accompanied by Brent Reynolds. Suggested donation is $10 for general and $8 for student. For information call 760.992.7947 or anglicanchorale@dc.rr.com.
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African Team Ministries is a non-profit private voluntary agency that supports missions, evangelism, orphans, refugees, and famine relief to and through the Church in East Africa. ATM also provides jobs for unemployed women who make many of the crafts.
African Team Ministries sells unique, one-of-king items of jewelry and crafts made by the people of Africa. The monies raised, go to benefit not only the people who make the craft/jewelry but it also helps with irrigation, schools, and all types of help for the people of Africa. Rosanna Langley will be selling the articles on 13th, after both Sunday services. Cash, Check & credit cards are accepted.
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Location: United Methodist Church, 1555 East Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA (immediately West of North Sunrise Way)
Date/Time: Sunday, November 20, beginning at 4:30pm, in the Fellowship Hall; parking is on-site.
Click logos for full individual details.
Location: Tolerance Education Center, 35147 Landy Lane, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (off Bob Hope Drive, between Dinah Shore and Gerald Ford)
Date/Time: Saturday, November 19, from 4:00-6:00pm, in the auditorium, followed by a brief reception; parking is on-site.
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 with Mirium Mohiuddin
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
7:00 PM
As a follow-up to the Adult Faith Building Program course, “An Introduction to Understanding Islam”, we are hosting a special evening session on ISLAM. Our guest speaker, Mirium Mohiuddin Is from the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Mark your calendar and take advantage of this faith sharing learning experience.
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“Sundays at 9:15” – In The Library
Nov. 13 & 20
“Living With Grateful Hearts” led by Victoria Hatch
Nov. 27
No Class
Dec. 4, 11 & 18
“Living the Hope of Advent” led by Jerry Lynch
Jan. 1
No Class
Jan. 8, 15, 22, & 29
“Enriching our Prayer Life” led by John Harper
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“Thursdays At 7”
Nov. 17
“Understanding the Gospels” by David Abernethy-Deppe (*Parlor)
Nov. 24
No Class
Dec. 1, 8 & 15
“Taize Service” with Nathan Ensign & Victoria Hatch (*Nave)
Jan. 5
No Class
Jan. 12
TBA, Roger Ferlo, Guest Speaker
Jan. 19 & 26
“The Historical Jesus” with David Abernethy-Deppe (*Parlor)
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center & Desert SOS
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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.
With the budget cuts at Roy’s Resource Center, NINE St. Paul volunteers not only served the 90+ clients dinner and dessert, they assisted in additional areas of need and said they found it extremely rewarding. Sign-up to help the most in need. The sign-up sheets are in the binder on the entrance table to the Parish Hall. Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.5726.
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 ONE Extra Item…Brings Smiles to the Homeless – Purchase one extra item during your weekly shopping to donate to the Desert SOS Dessert Ministry of St. Pauls. Dessert is provided every Monday evening. A box of cookies, doughnuts, fruit, cheese or other special treat would be so appreciated by people who ask for so little. Place the dessert in the Parish Hall refrigerator, (labeled clearly “SOS”), or bring it to the parish office (ring doorbell) before 4:00 p.m. Monday. 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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Parishioners: Are you sure we have your contact information? In our quest to keep our directory current, we ask you to give us your updated address, telephone, and email if it has changed in the past year. Too often we get the message “Return to Sender” and “Telephone no longer in service.” Please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate or email: valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org.
Better twice than not at all. Thank you!
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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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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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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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Living Generously:
Click the plate to
make change!
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The Labyrinth Guild of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
 invites you to a ‘Moving Meditation’ at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Maynard will give an introductory talk on ‘Thankful in All Things’.
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Meet Our New
Childcare Worker
. . . in the nursery following either service. Susan Reed is well-qualified and dedicated as a caregiver. She is the daughter of Virginia McCarthy and twin sister of Sandra Shaw. Welcome back to St. Paul’s, Susan.
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St. Paul at the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 1:30pm, Plaza Theater, downtown Palm Springs.
Attend the Christmas Follies, starring John Davidson, at the special St. Paul group price of $49 each (an $84 value) at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 4th. Only a few tickets remain. Reserve your ticket through Mike Carson at 760.318.6377 or at:
psboys@mail.com,
then make your check payable to St. Paul in the Desert, with “Follies” on the memo line.
DON’T MISS THIS GREAT SHOW AT A GREAT PRICE! WE HAD A FABULOUS FOLLIES TIME LAST YEAR!
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2011 GIFTS
The Parish is grateful to all of its Parishioners, who pledge annually, for their steadfast generosity.
We also acknowledge the special gifts, the list can be viewed by clicking here.
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Gift Received
 St. Paul’s is the recipient of a bequest from the estate of Carl Hillman, who died this past Spring. Carl’s partner, Leo Stopa, presented our Parish with a gracious gift on a visit to the desert this week. This is a great reminder to remember St. Paul’s in your end-of-life planing. This is enduring stewardship because the decisions one makes during life will endure as a blessing for others
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Deck The Halls
The Christmas Decoration Committee needs volunteers to decorate the Church inside and out. If you would like to serve on this committee, there is a sign-up sheet on the entry table in Hogarth Hall. If you have questions, contact Rosa Zingg at rozingg@yahoo.com
or 760.904.5080.
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Family and Children’s Ministry
. . . meets after the 10:30 a.m. service November 13th, in the Godly Play room off the parish hall. This ministry partners families to strengthen, nurture, and train children to become disciples of Jesus Christ through Bible study, Godly Play, fellowship, outings, service and relationships with Christian leaders who strive daily to walk with God. Two items for discussion are Christmas activities and planning of Godly Play. For additional information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
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Coffee Hour
 The 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour hosts are Bette Knudsen, Kathy Kilmer, Aaron Riviers, Harriet Yost, Beverly Zwach and Billie Webster. Come enjoy the fellowship time with your fellow parishioners.
To sign-up to host a Coffee Hour, please use the binder located on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, please contact, Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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Computer Needed
 Nick and Lydia Hill are one of the success stories of Roy’s Resource Center. They and their 3 children went through the program and now reside in their own apartment, furnished by St. Paul parishioners. Nick has now been accepted to Cal State San Bernardino. He needs a computer to help him with his studies. If a parishioner has a computer that they can donate to Nick, please contact Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726 or hapbl@aol.com
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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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Scam Alert!
 An impersonator pretends to be a relative in urgent need of money.
You receive a phone call from someone pretending to be your son, daughter, grandchild, etc. requesting money to get out of a predicament. Your emotions run high and you cave in to sending a money gram to assist. You have been scammed. It is happening frequently.
If you should receive such a call, verify the identity of the caller by asking a question only the true individual could answer. If the caller is unable to answer correctly, you can be assured you have interrupted a scam.
For a thorough discussion on this subject, Click Here.
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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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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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