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What Do You Know?
They Listened!
We get to read part of the Book of Jonah this weekend and I am so excited! (Two exclamation points so far.) It is a great story with a great message and it centers squarely on a great and loving God.
Most people are aware of Jonah and the Whale (or great fish). Jonah ran away from God’s call to preach to his enemies, almost caused a ship to founder, was swallowed by a fish, prayed for 3 days inside the fish, and was spit up onto the shore. The call to preach comes a second time, before he has even had time to dry the fish juices off. “Go to Nineveh.” Although he will be shown to be a very slow learner, Jonah goes. He is not even halfway across the great city and everyone has gotten the message. They have made a decision to repent. They have even made their livestock adopt the look of repentance. (I have this mental image of a penitent pig.)
Now the big news. Not only do the people of the city, from the top to the bottom – the 1% and the 99%, sincerely repent; God repents!
Let me repeat that, God repents.
In this story the people hear and share Jonah’s warning from God and they repent. God sees their change of heart and God repents. The people stopped the evil they were doing and God stopped the evil God had planned against them.
This challenges me on 2 levels. First, after reading lots of the books of the prophets, I am used to the people sticking to their sinful guns. Second, I have been conditioned to think of God as never changing. In this story, the people listen and God backs off.
To be honest, the prophets are full of stories of God preferring mercy to destructive consequences, but we rarely get to play with them in our worship. If anything, the story of Jonah and Nineveh is a playful look at a serious subject. The message, though told in humor and even satire, is serious.
Don’t be too quick to believe the worst about your enemies, and never believe the worst about God.
Join us this weekend as we take time to listen to our loving God, attend to one another’s needs, and care for the world God loves.
Fr. Andrew
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Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
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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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St. Paul in the Desert Presents:
Music of the Night, “A Broadway Extravaganza”
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Starring “The Female Liberace”, Linda Gentille on Sunday, February 19th at 4:00 p.m. Linda will perform music from Phantom of the Opera, Westside Story, My Fair Lady, Cats, Mama Mia, Les Mis and more. Donations graciously accepted.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Jan. 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
Feb. 26 & Mar. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Lenten Wilderness Journey Baptismal Understanding
•with The Faith Formation Team,
Victoria, David & Jerry
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“Thursdays At 7”
Jan. 19, 26 & Feb. 2
The Historical Jesus
In the first two DVD presentations, Dr. Bart D. Ehrman will 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!” AND, in the final presentation, Dr. Ehrman will help us explore ‘Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet’. Marcus Borg’s book, ‘Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time’, will provide a helpful background to this series.
•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
Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Lenten Taizé Prayer Service
•with Nathan Ensign.
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Any “White Elephants” in the Room?
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 As it is every year, the White Elephant Event at the ECW’s annual All Parish Spaghetti Dinner, is always a “must visit”, so it is around this time that the ECW sends out an SOS to be on the lookout for any white elephants near you. Among the popular items are electronics, books, linens, dishes, lamps, vintage toys, gently used stuff animals, candles, and decorative pieces. The dinner is February 25th, so not too early to see if you might have a white elephant or two; there’s  always “room” for more. Donations, valued at $5.00 or more, are gratefully accepted. Items can be left at the church, marked for the sale, beginning on February 6th. Any questions regarding donations, please contact Patricia “Trish” Grieco at 760.904-4416, or email at:
russglynn@earthlink.net
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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 is well underway.
Get a photo directory appointment by contacting Olan Mills directly at 1 (800) 866-2263.
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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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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. Meet the Nominees.
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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 should have been submitted by now. You may contact Jonathan to determine of there is time for your submission to be included. If you have any questions, please call 760.320.7488, ext. 224 or email to:
Jonathan.Abernethy-Deppe@stpaulsps.org
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A Holy Communion Service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. at Premier Health Care. The Rev. Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . will meet Wednesday, January 25th from 10 to 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Hogarth Hall. Please stop by and introduce yourselves to guests from the Well in the Desert Wednesday luncheon who are now participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, or sit, visit and have a 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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Coffee Hour
 The hosts for the 8:30 a.m. Coffee Hour is Eileen Upton and Don MacLean.
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. Ticket sales for the dinner go on sale Saturday, January 28th.
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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