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Let’s Get Cynical!
As I was reading the Gospel selection for this weekend, the encounter between Jesus and Nathanael reminded me of the philosopher, Diogenes. He was literally the original cynic. He carried a lighted lamp with him during the day, looking for an honest man. He searched and searched, but never found one.
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he pegged him as honest: “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” I could almost imagine Jesus holding a lamp up to him, giving him the once over. But I don’t think Jesus was being cynical or mean. I think Jesus was changing the direction of the story.
The story started when Nathanael was told about Jesus as the prophet like Moses, as foretold in Deuteronomy. (I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.18:18.) Nathanael responded with what must have been a common slur about Jesus’ town of Nazareth.
Jesus did not continue in the attack mode, but acknowledged that Nathanael said what he thought, hence, there was no deceit in him. He offered Nathanael a chance to start again without playing one-up. Jesus really saw Nathanael, and welcomed Nathanael to see him as well. This was only the beginning, but it was a hopeful start and an invitation to believe.
I tend to be cynical and can feel hopeless sometimes. Knowing that Jesus sees me as I really am, and then welcomes me into relationship is a treasure. I am reminded to put the cynical aside and believe hopefully, first in God, then in the others with whom God has connected me, and then even to believe in myself.
Join us in worship this weekend as we practice hopeful believing without fear of cynical lamps detailing every flaw.
Fr. Andrew
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John 1:43-51
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Service
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. . . is scheduled for THIS Sunday, January 15th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul in the Desert. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through non-violent means. Black History Month is observed in February.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Jan. 15, 22, & Feb. 5
(Jan 29, No Class)
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
This is study into the Epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These non-Pauline epistles offer a view into the structure of the Early Church communities and the duties of those in charge. Presented by Jerry Di Noto, Ph.D, with a video presentation by Prof. Bart Ehrman.
•with Jerry DiNoto
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“Thursdays At 7”
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. 9, 16 & 23
21st Century Christian Response to the World
Senior Warden Craig Ewing will lead a three week discussion on how we look at the world as faithful Christians and rational 21st century thinkers. Is “Original Sin” making choices through “discounting” or minimalizing and compromising our values? Join us as we explore common ground between faith and understanding.
•with Craig Ewing
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New Photo and Information Directory
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SNOWBIRDS – Need to be in the St. Paul’s Directory Also – The taking of photographs started on Tuesday. Get a photo directory appointment by contacting Olan Mills directly at 1 (800) 866-2263.
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The Rt. Rev. William Persell, retired Bishop of Chicago, accompanied by his wife Nancy, will be our Bishop in Residence January 21st through February 3rd. He will preside on Sunday, January 22nd and preach on Sunday, January 29th.
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Camp Stevens Campership Collection Sunday
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Our diocesan camp and retreat center, Camp Stevens, near Julian, provides an enriching summer camp program for children and teens, and a choir camp. During the year, Adult Weekends or Saturday classes, are offered that center on spiritual development in nature, plus there are holiday family camps.
THIS Sunday, January 15th, St. Paul in the Desert will take special collections to fund campership scholarships for youth who are unable to afford the week’s cost of $500. Visit the Camp Stevens table in the Parish Hall Sunday to also learn about Camp Stevens Fr. Gary Hall’s Retreat.
Please make your donation payable to St. Paul in the Desert and note: “Camp Stevens Child.” For additional information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
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Weekend Retreat:
What We Talk About When We Talk About God
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 . . . to be held Friday-Sunday, February 3rd-5th at Camp Stevens.
Each person has something unique to say about what God is up to in their lives and the world. When we talk about God from our own life experience, we are claiming the tradition of scripture.
Join Rev. Gary Hall and Episcopalians from around southern California for a weekend retreat at Camp Stevens in Julian, where we’ll look at scripture and other texts as models for our own theological truth telling. $200 includes accommodations and meals. Visit http://www.campstevens.org/register or call 760.765.0028 for more information.
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Catch the Spirit and
Come to Convention
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The 38th annual diocesan convention will be held on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11th, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego. The theme is “Catch the Spirit!”
All people of the diocese are invited to attend the Convention, particularly the gala dinner on Friday evening, the festive Eucharist on Saturday morning and the Bishop’s address on Saturday afternoon.
All available convention materials, including proposed changes to the constitution and canons, proposed resolutions, and nominee bios, can be viewed at http://www.edsd.org/diocon2012
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The Canterbury Cathedral Choir
In Concert
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Monday, April 16th, 2012 at 7:00 pm, tickets are $35 & $20 at St. Margaret’s. The Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is from the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The program features music from the 13th century to newly-composed works. The choir consists of 12 lay clerks, men who are professional singers but also work locally, and the 20-strong choristers, boys of 9-13 who attend St. Edmund’s School in Canterbury. Contact John Wright, 760.346.2697, ext. 109 for more information.
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Daughters of the King’s Annual Winter Tea
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. . . is scheduled for, Sunday, January 22nd from 2 to 4 p.m. The Tea will be held at the home of Bonnie Stroock in Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage. Please RSVP by January 19th to Bonnie at 760.324.7949
The DOK invites you to attend and bring an item of clothing for Well in the Desert’s homeless. WID need jackets, jeans, or packs of socks. This special event brings women and men together, from numerous parishes in the valley. Pick up DOK’s Annual Winter Tea invitations (pink) in the parish hall for the address and directions.
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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. 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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 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 them next to the Desert SOS basket.
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.
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ONE Extra Item…Brings Smiles to the Homeless – Purchase one extra item during your weekly grocery 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. Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.5726.
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Annual Meeting –
Note the Date
January 29 at 9:15 am, the annual meeting will be held for receiving of brief reports and election of Vestry members.
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Attention Ministry
Leaders
Just a reminder that the Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 29th. Written reports for the Annual Parish Meeting will need to be submitted to Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe by Friday, January 20th for inclusion in the packets at the meeting. You may send your reports to him as an email attachment at Jonathan.Abernethy-Deppe@stpaulsps.org
or deliver them to the church office. If you have any questions, please call 760.320.7488, ext. 224.
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Christmas Un-Decorating Committee
Rosa Zingg, invites all parishioners to assist in taking down the Christmas decorations, inside and outside. She stated, “No one will be refused the opportunity to help.” 🙂
All parishioners who are interested in volunteering, meet at the Church THIS Monday, January 16th at 9:00 a.m.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . will meet Wednesday, January 18th and 25th from 10 to 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Hogarth Hall. Several guests from the Well in the Desert Wednesday luncheon are now participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and are creating gorgeous works of art. If you are in the area, please stop by and introduce yourselves and/or share a WID meal with them.
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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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.
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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for both the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hours are the members of the Children’s and Family Ministry. Please remember to stop by the Camp Stevens table to help deserving youth to camp enrichment.
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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FEBRUARY – A BUSY MONTH FOR ECW
The month of February will be a busy one for the Episcopal Church Women. Not only will they gather for a luncheon on Thursday, February 2nd, but they will also be focusing on preparations leading up to their annual All Parish Spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 25th.
A business meeting at 11 a.m., open to all, precedes the noon lunch, and newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. As part of the day’s program, individual devotions will be shared.
Hostess for this meeting is Marilyn Johnson. Those attending are asked to bring a salad to serve 4-6, rolls or a dessert; beverages are provided..
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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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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.
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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 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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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.
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