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A Covenant People
This weekend we read about the covenant that God made with Abraham and Sarah, leading to a new name for each. Last week we read about God’s covenant with all creation signified by the rainbow. We will read about the covenant signified by the Ten Commandments as well as the covenant that will be written, not on stone, but in our hearts. Covenants in the bible are the symbols of living agreements between God and God’s people.
We are a Covenant People.
Each of us who has been baptized has been brought into a living relationship with God. This is not a private relationship, but an intensely personal relationship that we have with God and all those who have been baptized. We have responded to God’s invitation and have joined the community of faith. During Lent, the covenants of the community of faith are the underpinning of our preparation to journey with Jesus; through the wilderness, through testing, through Good Friday, all the way to Easter.
I would suggest that the highest celebration of the Covenant People is not on Easter morning, but the Vigil Service, after sundown, the night before. This is the Easter Vigil. In this one service, we bring all of the elements of God’s Covenant together in worship that is simple and elegant. There is fire, incense, and darkness. There is the history of God’s saving acts. There is Baptism and/or the renewal of our baptisms. There is water and light. Finally, we celebrate the first Holy Communion of Easter. We are fed at God’s table. Mystery, music, word, and Sacrament are all present in this worship and I would encourage everyone to take part in the Vigil. April 7th at 8 p.m.
Join us this week as we continue our weekly practice of renewing the community of faith.
Fr. Andrew
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Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.”
God said to Abraham, “As for Sarah your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”
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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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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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Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys
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The Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is giving a concert on Monday, April 16th at 7:00 pm at St. Margaret’s. Ticket ($35 & $20) reservations are available by contacting John Wright, 760.346.2697, ext. 19. The Choir 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.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Mar. 4, 11, 18 & 25
Lenten Wilderness Journey
Baptismal Understanding
Our, “Lenten Wilderness Journey—Baptismal Understanding” continues, as we prepare for the Easter Vigil, looking at the Vigil Scripture readings in light of our Baptismal promises.
03/04—Deliverance (Exodus 14:10-15:1)
03/11—Salvation Offered Freely To All (Is. 55:1-11)
03/18—Gathering of God’s People (Zephaniah 3:12-20)
03/25—Commitment to Christ (Romans 6:3-11)
•Presenters will include David Abernethy-Deppe, Jerry DiNoto, Andrew Green, Victoria Hatch, Jerry Lynch and Rick Tinsley.
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“Thursdays At 7”
Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Lenten Taizé Prayer Service
At your request, on Thursday evenings during Lent, we will again join in solemn choral Evening Prayer following the practice of the Taizé Community, engaging in meditative singing and prayer. These services will be led by Nathan Ensign. We invite you to bring a candle, and if you have one, an icon or a small cross or crucifix. This will be a wonderful way to prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
•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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Special thanks to the crew that shows up every Monday at Roy’s Resource Center. Currently there are 95 registered homeless at Roy’s. St. Paul volunteers help serve dinner and dessert each Monday. Please sign-up to help the most in need. Sign-up in the binder on the entrance table to the Parish Hall. Contact Hap for more information at 760.323.6726.
Hap Blaisdell strongly encourages volunteers to use the sign-up in the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall to help him manage the number of volunteers needed each week for Desert SOS. A minimum of six volunteers at Roy’s each Monday evening is ideal. If fewer than six show up, the workload is burdensome. 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 in the narthex.
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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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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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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Remember!
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Sunday, March 11th
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 Parish Photographer Needed
St. Paul’s needs a photographer to capture pictures of our people in action. We want pictures of our people in worship, in ministry and in fellowship.
Although most cell phones take decent pictures, the parish photographer would need a good digital camera and be willing to learn how to take pictures without distracting from the activities being photographed. The photo-grapher would also need to be able to upload the pictures quickly so that they might be used for parish purposes.
This is an important volunteer position and has the potential to assist the parish in attracting and welcoming new people.
Please contact Jonathan Abernethy-Deppe at Jonathan.Abernethy-Deppe@stpaulsps.org or call him at 760-320-7488 ext. 224.
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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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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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Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . meets every Wednesday in March from 10 am – 1 pm in the Parish Hall. This peace-filled stitching circle gives members fulfillment and spiritual sustenance in creating prayer shawls to comfort those in need of prayer. 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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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 other women for a rejuvenating weekend in the mountains of San Diego to reflect on the seasons and rhythms of life. 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 inclusive retreat fee of $140. Visit www.campstevens.org/register or call 760.765.0028.
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Coffee Hour
The hosts for 8:00 am are Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods; for 10:30 am are Bev Zwach, Bette Knutson, Harriet Yost, and Aaron Riviers.
To sign up to host a Coffee Hour, please use the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. If you have 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 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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