|
What Is In a Name?
This is the second week when the timing of Christmas affects the content of our weekend worship. When Christmas falls on a Sunday, the next Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Name. It is the day we honor the traditional Jewish ceremonies for newborn boys; circumcision and naming. Before 1979, our Church Calendar listed this day as the Feast of the Circumcision. Since then, we have named the day for naming.
(There is a whole cycle of the Church Year that revolves around Christmas. It begins with the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 25. Then there is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 31. The Feast of the Incarnation – Christmas – is on December 25. The Feast of the Holy Name is on January 1. The Feast of the Epiphany, as the end of the 12 days of Christmas is on January 6. The Final installment is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple on February 2.)
At the heart of the Feast of the Holy Name is Jesus as one of us. In his circumcision and naming, he was treated like every other boy of his people and his time. While his birth was exceptional to his parents and the angels, (everyone else was in the dark), he participated in all the expected customs of any human. It was another sign of God’s embrace of all that is human. God chooses to draw us close rather than push us away.
And then there is the name.
Jesus.
He was neither the first nor the last Jesus. But when we put the whole story together with the name, he is truly the sign that God will save.
Join us this week as we celebrate God drawing us close in worship and practice our faith by drawing the needs of the world close.
Fr. Andrew
|
|
Luke 2:15-21
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
|
|
The parish office is always closed on Mondays, but to ensure that there be no surprises, note that the offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2012. We are informing our you in case you were wanting to finish last of the year business that date.
|
|
ECW has travel plans for January
|
|
But, don’t pack a suitcase! At the January 5th luncheon of the Episcopal Church Women, Bonnie Stroock will take the group, via travelogue and narration to Southern Africa as well as Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Last Spring Bonnie traveled as part of a group of thirteen people to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia for a three week safari which included the opportunity to photograph the beautiful wildlife. This promises to be a most interesting program.
The day begins with an 11 a.m. business meeting, then a noon lunch, and all women of the parish are encouraged to attend. Hostesses for this first meeting of the new year are Ruth Kraus and Anna Secrist. Those attending are asked to bring a salad to serve 4-6, rolls or a dessert; beverages are provided.
|
|
. . .our diocesan camp and retreat center near Julian, provides a enriching summer camp program for children, teens, and a choir camp. At Camp Stevens, attendees are provided the experience to appreciate and care of one-another while deepening their love of God and God’s creation.
On Sundays, January 8th and 15th, St. Paul in the Desert will be holding their annual collection to provide campership scholarships to enable a less fortunate child the chance to experience the enrichment of Camp Stevens. We need to raise $500 to send a child. On Sunday, January 15th, stop at the Camp Stevens table in the Parish Hall. Please make the donation out to St. Paul in the Desert “Camp Stevens Child”. For additional information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Jan. 8, 15, 22, & Feb. 5
Enriching our Prayer Life
We welcome back, The Rev. John Harper, Deacon, from the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. John continues what we began last month, and will explore with us a broad spectrum of types and traditions of prayer—spoken and non-verbal, traditional and contemporary, from Christian and other faith practices. The final project will be for us to create our own distinctive versions of the Prayers of the People.
•with John Harper
Feb. 12 & 19
The Pastoral Epistles
•with Jerry DiNoto
|
|
“Thursdays At 7”
Dec. 29 & Jan. 5
No Class
Jan. 12
Nimble Believing,
Dr. Ferlo will use poetry (Herbert, Dickinson and Auden) and works of art to explore the challenge of believing in an unbelieving time and place.
•with The Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo,Theologian in Residence
In the Church
Jan. 19 & 26
The Historical Jesus
These two presentations by Dr. Bart D. Ehrman (DVD) attempt to reconstruct the life of the historical Jesus: Who was he and what did he actually say and do? In other words: “Will the real Jesus please stand up!” Marcus Borg’s book, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, provides a helpful background.
•with David Abernethy-Deppe
In the Parish Hall Parlor
Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23
21st Century Christian Response to the World
•with Craig Ewing
|
|
Ushers – – -Frontline Hospitality Ambassadors
|
|
The dedicated members of our Usher teams greet arriving worshipers with a big smile and a friendly “hello” or “good morning.” Ron Shepherd is the Usher Ministry leader and the “core crew” of ushers includes: Rosanna Langley, Kaytlyn Lacy, Kelcey Lacy, Steve Moore, George Holliday and John Murren. A “rotation crew” also assists: Pat Ellerd, Tony Ellerd, Jacqui Chandrasena, Lee Chandrasena, Ned Smith, John Crim, Pete Conley, Will Bodine, Jay Cubbage and Nick Bonnell. Ben San Doval and Lou Thibault serve as ushers for funerals and memorial services. Harvey Trackman and Ruth Kraus volunteer as “Greeters” on Sundays at 10:30 AM.
Ushers distribute bulletins and assist worshipers with seating, introduce newcomers and visitors to parishioners who will be seated near them, also guide worshipers to and from the altar rail during communion in a smooth and orderly procession, and accommodate anyone who may need special assistance, anytime during the services. Ushers are also responsible for tallying a worshiper headcount for every service.
We thank these men, women and youth who devote their time and hospitality-focused talents to this important frontline function. Anyone interested in volunteering for this Ministry should contact Ron Shepherd at 760.832.4709, or by email at: ron_karen_shepherd@yahoo.com
|
|
Safeguarding God’s People
|
|
Because preventing misconduct is of utmost importance in our Church, all vestry members, vestry candidates, LEVs (Lay Eucharistic Visitors), and adults in Godly Play who have not previously participated in Safeguarding God’s People must attend. Other leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. The Diocese will offer Safeguarding God’s People at St. Paul in the Desert on Saturday, January 21, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. $30 per person, includes lunch and materials. For more information, contact Registrar Isabel Lynne at 619.481.5455 or
lynnei@edsd.org.
You may register on line by going to www.edsd.org and clicking on “Register for an Event.”
|
|
New Photo and Information Directory
|
|
A New Photo and Info Directory is coming. Get the best choice of appointments; sign up for a photo shoot after the service today. If you have questions regarding the photo directory or appointment information, contact Taylor Baird at bairdallen@aol.com or call 760.832.8154.
There will be additional pages to feature our Ministries. Ministry leaders need to take photos of the volunteers in groups and volunteers performing their tasks together. Be sure to get permission if you take photos of non-parishioners.
To make the directory current, please make sure we have your updated address, telephone, and email. 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.
|
|
 Our Tea date is January 22nd, 2012. Watch for details. Have a blessed Advent. For additional information contact Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
|
|
Roy’s Desert Resource Center & Desert SOS
|
|
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. 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.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
 Cold Toes at Desert SOS – Roy’s Resource Center has made a plea for covered shoes, boots and tennis shoes for their clients. Many clients have no shoes. If you have unworn or nearly new shoes that could be donated bring them to the church office or place next to the Desert SOS basket. Even though each month $300.00 comes from the SOS fund to provide undergarments, socks and other necessities, we are unable to make shoe purchases. If you would prefer to make a financial donation for shoes, make your check payable to: St. Paul’s, and in the memo area, write: SOS SHOE Fund. Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.5726
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
 Outpouring of Generosity for
Desert SOS Christmas Fund
An incredible demonstration of generosity from the parishioners at St. Pauls in the Desert has made Christmas merrier for the 90 children, women and men at Desert SOS. We are so proud of our parishioners who gave to these very appreciative clients.
Children and the neediest have been taken on shopping trips to Walmart for the perfect-fit in clothing, shoes, and with the money raised to date…a toy for the children.
Hap Blaisdell and the members of the Desert SOS Ministry send the deepest appreciation to the St. Paul Parishioners who not only opened their wallets but their hearts to the people who are often forgotten.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
 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.
|
|
|
|
A Gift For You
From the staff at:
The Church of St. Paul
in the Desert
Click the package to view
|
|
Wedding Announcement
John Granet
and
Lena McCracken
Wedding
The congregation is invited to join in blessing the marriage of Lena McCracken and John Granet at 2 :00 p.m. January 7th. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Dec. 29, 2011 via phone 760-275-7829 or email:
lenahome@aol.com
John and Lena request no gifts. You may make a donation to their favorite charity, make your check payable to St. Paul in the Desert and in the memo area, write:
Desert SOS Wedding
|
|
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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.
|
|
End-of-the-Year
Donation Reminder
 For your donation(s) to be posted in the year 2011, they must be received at the parish office before 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 30th to be posted for 2011. December 31st is a Saturday and bank deposits will be impossible.
|
|
Coffee Hour
 The 8:00 a.m. Coffee Hour hosts are Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods.
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.
|
|
ECW
Monthly Business Meeting
– and luncheon will be held Wednesday, February 2nd. The meeting begins at 11 a.m., and will be followed by a luncheon at noon. The meeting will be focusing on making plans for their annual All Parish Spaghetti Dinner, which will be Saturday, February 25th at 4 p.m.. Tickets will be on sale the last week in January.
|
|
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.
|
|
Sign Up for Flowers,
Coffee Hour and
Desert SOS
To make is easier for parishioners to sign-up for Flowers, Coffee Hours, and the Desert SOS Dessert Ministry, the sign-up sheets are in binders that are on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. The 2012 binders are filling fast, so if you have a special date that you want to commemorate, be sure to sign up early.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
St. Paul in the Desert’s Directory is being Updated – The information we have in the computer, on each of our parishioners, will be printed in the new St. Paul Directory. If any of your information has changed in the last two years, please give us your updated address, telephone, and email. If you are in any doubt that your information is correct, please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate or email valerie.winters@stpaulsps.org
We would rather receive your information again, than have it wrong in the directory.
|
|
|
Write a comment: