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Driven By The Spirit
This is a different Spirit than we are used to; this Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness. One could have translated it as “and the Spirit immediately threw him out into the wilderness.” The same spirit that descended in the form of a dove with God’s affirmation and blessing, tossed Jesus out to be tested by Satan. With friends like that…
This first Sunday in Lent is an opportunity to challenge two potential misconceptions briefly, so that we might be better prepared for our journey in the wilderness with Jesus.
First, the Spirit of God we read about in popular literature or in coffee hour conversations often seems domesticated, as if it were really a “dove.” But the scriptural record is of a Spirit who drives the people of God into difficult places, strengthens them there, and leads them out. It should not surprise us that Jesus is tested as a part of God’s design.
Second, Satan, or as it is most commonly used in scripture, “the satan,” is a tool of God in this passage. Much of our common understandings of Satan or the devil spring, not from the biblical record, but from millennia of popular culture and superstition. The horns and tail aren’t in the bible.
In the bible, Satan is the accuser, the prosecutor; “the satan” is the one who tests our story and our faith. This type of testing is important to the development of our faith in the same way that rigorous testing is crucial to learning any skill or area of knowledge.
Please expect the Spirit to put you in situations that test your faith during this season of preparation for Easter. Please count on God’s generous love and the community of faith here at St. Paul’s to walk with you.
Join us in worship this weekend as a community that practices our faith and prepares to learn from any tests that come our way.
Fr. Andrew
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Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
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Memorial Service for Michael Campbell
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There will be a memorial service for Michael Campbell on February 24th at 10 a.m., at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church on Hwy 74 in Palm Desert.
It will be followed by a reception.
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Grief Group: Experiencing Life After Loss
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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.
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DINNER IS SERVED….ON FEBRUARY 25th!
Do You Have Your Ticket?
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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. Help is needed for this event.
Only a limited number of tickets 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.
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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.
Consider donating homemade baked goods. 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.
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ECW Luncheon March 1st: ‘World Tour for ECW’
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Parishioner Michael Carson, a travel agent for twenty years, is the speaker for the March 1st meeting of the Episcopal Church Women. Michael will highlight some of his favorite places in the world to visit, and promises to give some great travel tips, including how to get through airports with less hassle.
He has visited some 92 countries so far, (one of his favorites is Samoa) and is aiming for 100 this year, which would make him eligible to become a member of the Century Club.
A business meeting at 11 a.m., open to all, precedes the noon lunch and program, and newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome.
Hostesses for the March event will be Bonnie Stroock and Trish Grieco. Those attending are asked to bring a salad to serve 4-6, rolls or a dessert; beverages are provided. For additional information, contact Kathy Briski, (760) 864-7145
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A Newcomers Class is slated for Sunday, March 25th. The goal of this class is to give Newcomer’s a chance to become more informed about St. Paul in the Desert and to provide a clear path to joining and participating as members. Parish clergy will lead this session and will be available to answer questions. Invitations will be sent by the end of February. If you are a Newcomer and do not receive an invite by March 1st, please call the parish office at 760-320-7488 ext. 0.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Feb. 26 & Mar. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Lenten Wilderness Journey Baptismal Understanding
As we journey through the Sundays of Lent, the Easter Vigil lessons will be discussed in light of our Baptismal promises of creed, fellowship, perseverance, proclamation, and service.
•Presenters will include David Abernethy-Deppe, Jerry DiNoto, Andrew Green, Victoria Hatch, Jerry Lynch and Rick Tinsley.
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“Thursdays At 7”
Feb. 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.
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Rebuild Our Church in Haiti
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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.
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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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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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A Holy Communion Service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Premier Health Care. The Rev. Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance.
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Make a Strike with Family and Children’s Ministry
The annual bowling party is scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd at 10:45 a.m. Join the Family and Children’s Ministry members at Palms Springs Bowling alley in Cathedral City on Ramon and Landau, 68051 Ramon Rd.
The Ministry is receiving the special price of $10, plus nominal cost for shoe rental. Call Bonnie Stroock to reserve your spot at 760.324.7949.
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Get Your Aprons on and Save the Date
 Sunday, March 4th, at 4:30 p.m. An All Parish Potluck, to honor and welcome back The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, is scheduled. More information to follow.
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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.
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Daughters of the King
The DOK Will decide which spiritual books they plan to read and discuss during Lent at their monthly meeting, Tuesday, February 28th at 1:00 p.m. in the condo at St. Paul’s.
The “new members” orientation will meet on Tuesday, March 6th. Call Bonnie at 760.324.7949 for more information. Have a blessed Lent.
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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.
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Well in the Desert
. . .is looking for a couple of additional servers for the hot lunch they serve on Wednesdays at our church. They serve from 11 am – 1 pm. If you are interested please contact Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe at 760.320.7488 ext 224 or jonathan.abernethy-deppe@stpaulsps.org.
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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.
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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.
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Coffee Hour
 The Hosts for the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour are Cheryl Kelley and Betty Muhleck, in honor of Ray Kelley’s 74th birthday and thanksgiving to his 24 years sobriety and 17 years being cancer free.
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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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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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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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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