|
Choose!
No, this is not a thinly veiled reference to current primary election politics.
This is a challenge for all of us who follow Jesus. Choose.
A leper accosted Jesus in the Gospel selection we will read this weekend. (Still, by the way, from the 1st chapter of Mark.) He kneels down and says: “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Jesus consciously chooses, makes him clean, and gives him specific instructions – which the former leper ignores.
Choose.
The leprosy we read about in the bible is not necessarily like the worst cases we think about. Very likely it was one of a number of obvious and pervasive skin ailments that scabbed or oozed. The result being that the afflicted person was excluded from community and worship opportunities. Being “made clean” was the certification to rejoin with others. It represented leaving the margin and being embraced by the center.
When we encounter people in any kind of need, there is always a presenting request or desire. If someone needs money, a ride, food, a hand to hold, or a shoulder to cry on; I can – if I choose – meet that need. We are given the occasion to be generous. Any of us can be, if we choose.
We also have other choices we can make. Choices that contribute to building community should always be considered. Generosity is expressed in the ways we expand our compassion and connection. For example, as a priest I find that some people only want their needs met by “the priest.” If I choose, I can be “that priest.”
I can also choose to redirect the request in a way that encourages a marginalized person to move to the center, to reconnect with a wider community. In my example I find that referral to support groups is more healing than continuing to respond as “the priest.”
My reflection is that there are lots of choices in caring for people. I want to make the ones that not only help or heal, but also gather people.
We practice choosing as we gather in worship this weekend. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
|
|
Mark 1:40-45
A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
|
|
Father Andrew Receiving Honor
|
|
Fr. Andrew Green, our Rector, will be honored at the Steve Chase Awards Gala on February 11th with the “Partners for Life Award”. First organized by and named for famed interior designer Steve Chase, these fund raising galas are a prime highlight of the desert community’s social season! Honorees, award presenters, and entertainers in the past years have included: Carol Channing, Ann Margret, Tom Hanks, Betty Ford, Diahann Carrol, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Patti LaBelle, Betty White, Shirley MacLaine, Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, Debbie Reynolds and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
See the awards promotional panel by clicking the image above. View our church’s ad in the Gala’s program by clicking here.
|
|
Rebuild Our Church in Haiti
|
|
The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti—the largest Diocese in the Episcopal Church is in ruins. While the people of Haiti struggle to rebuild their nation, Episcopalians are uniting to rebuild our Church in Haiti.
Click the image above to learn more.
|
|
10th Anniversary of DOK’s Installation
|
|
Come celebrate the 10th anniverary of the installation of St. Paul’s The Daughters of the King, on February 14th from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Bonnie Stroock’s home in Rancho Mirage. ALL ladies of the church are invited. This intimate group welcomes new members to help faithfully serve the parish with prayer. Our next regular meeting is at St. Paul’s on Feb. 28th at 1:00 p.m. Call Bonnie at 760.324.7949.
|
|
St. Paul in the Desert Presents:
Music of the Night, “A Broadway Extravaganza”
|
|
On Sunday, February 19th at 4:00 p.m. – St. Paul in the Desert presents “Music of the Night, A broadway Extravaganza.” It stars “The Female Liberace,” Linda Gentille, performing music from Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, and many other favorites. Donations graciously accepted.
|
|
Grief Group: Experiencing Life After Loss
|
|
The death of a loved one is difficult. It challenges our strength and faith in ways we can never anticipate. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. The goal of the St. Paul’s Grief Group is to create a safe space in which those of us who are grieving can find healing after loss. This is accomplished through mutual support, sharing, and understanding from other members of the group who are also walking the path of healing. You’ll gain valuable resources to help you navigate through the grieving process and begin experiencing life after loss.
Brother Michael-Gregory Norrie, a certified hospice care chaplain and bereavement facilitator, will lead this 8-week faith-based grief support group. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m., beginning March 13th and will culminate in a special remembrance service. Pre-registration and a commitment to attend each of the sessions is required. If you are interested in participating in this parish offering, call the church office at 760-320-7488, ext. 0 to register.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
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
|
|
“Thursdays At 7”
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. 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.
|
|
DINNER IS SERVED….ON FEBRUARY 25th!
|
|
One of St. Paul’s “not to be missed” events is the Episcopal Church Women’s annual Spaghetti Dinner, on Saturday, February 25th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The proceeds benefit outreach projects and special needs of the church.
The proceeds benefit outreach projects and special needs of the church. Help is needed for this event. Speak to a ticket seller and/or volunteer by signing the sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall.
Tickets are on sale Sunday, following both church services. Don’t wait to buy your ticket as only a limited number are available. Adult tickets: $8.00, children: 3 to 12: $3.00, children under 3: free.
The menu is spaghetti with choice of meat or vegetarian sauce, tossed garden salad, and bread. A variety of beverages will be available.
|
|
Any White Elephants in the Room?
|
|
The White Elephant Sale at the ECW’s annual All Parish Spaghetti Dinner is always a can’t miss event. Donations are needed. Popular items include electronics, books, linens, dishes, lamps, vintage toys, gently used stuffed animals, candles, and decorative pieces. Donations, valued at $5.00 or more, are gratefully accepted and can be left at the church, marked for the sale.
No White Elephants? Consider donating homemade baked goods. The Bake Sale, with its cookies, cakes, pies and breads, has always been a culinary hit and great finanical boost to ECW. Contributions of bakery items (none that need refrigeration) should be brought to the church between noon and 4 p.m. the day of the sale. Non-sugar treats are also appreciated.
|
|
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 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.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
 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.
|
|
|
|
Family and
Children’s Ministry
. . . will meet Sunday, February 12th after the 10:30 a.m. service in the Godly Play room off the parish hall. For additional information, call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
|
|
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet every Wednesday, in February from 10 to 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Hogarth Hall.
Our peace-filled stitching circles provide members with a major sense of fulfillment and spiritual sustenance in creating prayer shawls to comfort those in need or in celebration. For more details contact Valerie Ferguson at 760.799.5927, Barbara Hawkins Villani at 760.322.3987, or Audrey Spencermorris at 760.835.5506.
|
|
SAVE these Dates!
Sunday, March 4th will be a Parish Potluck to honor and welcome back The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen.
On Sunday, March 25th, a Newcomer’s Class will be given. Make sure we have your current, local address to send your invitation.
More information on these dates to follow.
|
|
St. Paul’s To Be Honored
Well in the Desert Luncheon, Magic and Music will be held, Sunday April 1, from noon – 2:30 p.m. at Spencer’s Restaurant. The Church of St. Paul’s is being honored with WID’s Visionary Award. Contact www.wellinthedesert.org or 760.323.8353.
|
|
Camp Stevens
Annual Women’s Retreat
March 9-11
Join women from around southern California for a rejuvenating weekend in the mountains of San Diego, as we reflect on the seasons of our lives and the rhythms we experience. Led by the Rev. Kay Sylvester, the weekend features organic meals, spiritual reflection, hiking, music, and time to chat with new friends, or explore nearby quaint Julian. All activities, materials, meals and accommodations are included in the retreat fee of $140. Call 760.765.0028 for more information.
|
|
Coffee Hour
 The Hosts for the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are the Vestry in honor of The Rev. Andrew Green for being one of the Steve Chase Award recipients at the Desert AIDS Project. This is in recognition of his many years of service to the organization and community. Come celebrate our Rector.
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.
|
|
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: