|
They Shall All Know Me
This is not about me claiming my 15 minutes of fame. This promise comes from the reading from Jeremiah for our worship this weekend. It is not a selective promise. It is not about the “winners” being invited to a closer walk with God, and the “losers” being cut off. God is rewriting the covenant with the people of God.
Laws get written when there is a problem. If nobody drove too fast and there were no accidents, there would be no speed limits. Covenants get revised when they aren’t being honored. This revision moves the covenant from the tablets of stone to the tablet of the heart.
It is a divine initiative to gather, heal and nourish the people of God. Forgiveness makes it possible. God could hold everyone accountable for their unfaithfulness, but God chose to forgive.
The salvation history that we read and experience through Lent reminds us that God continues to build a relationship with the people God has made. As Christians, we see Jesus as the ultimate offering in this divine initiative. In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus enhances the promise read in Jeremiah. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
In Jesus, God’s invitation becomes personal and universal.
How might we respond to this generous outreach?
At one level, we can embrace it. We can practice being people gathered around Jesus as he is lifted up. Then we can shift to being full partners with Jesus as we extend the invitation ourselves.
God responded to our brokenness with an invitation to forgiveness, healing and relationship. We can respond the brokenness we encounter and experience by looking to the lifted up Jesus, and working for forgiveness, healing, and relationship.
Join us this weekend in worship as we practice this generosity, looking to Jesus as he prepares to be lifted up.
Fr. Andrew
|
|
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt– a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
|
|
Make Palm Crosses on Saturday, March 31st at 9:00 am in the Parish Hall. The Altar Guild invites you to gather in the Parish Hall for a morning of ministry and fellowship while making 400 Palm Crosses Crosses for Palm Sunday. They are easy to make, so don’t worry if you have not done them before. Breakfast will be provided. The Altar Guild will also be cleaning the church in preparation for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Kilmer, Altar Guild Director, at 760.325.0332 or kmkcc@aol.com
|
|
So far 166 members or families have committed $332,391.00 for the support of God’s Mission at St. Paul’s. In addition to 23 new pledges there are about 25 pledges still outstanding from people who pledged last year and are still part of St. Paul’s.
Our pledge target for 2012 is $416,000.00, so we are considerably short of that goal. We anticipate missing our target by as much as $40,000-50,000.
The support of every member is needed to support our mission and ministries. If you have not made a pledge, please do so if you are able.
The Rector and Vestry will be considering a variety of options to respond to this situation and will keep the parish informed.
|
|
A Newcomers Class is slated for Sunday, March 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. 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. If you are a Newcomer and have not received an invitation, please call the parish office at 760-320-7488 ext. 0.
|
|
Daughters of the King will meet Tuesday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at St. Margaret’s. They will extend their March meeting to Africa and learn about our Malawi DOK members. Come to the Conference Room at St. Margaret’s. Call Bonnie for information 760.324.7949.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Mar. 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.
03/25—Commitment to Christ (Romans 6:3-11) With Jerry Lynch
No Class April 1 or 8
April 15, 22, & 29
04/15 Faith and Doubting, led by Victoria Hatch
04/22 The Apocalypse: Daniel, led by David Abernethy-Deppe
04/29 The Apocalypse: Revelation, led by David Abernethy-Deppe
|
|
“Thursdays At 7”
Mar. 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.
No Class April 5
April 12, 19, & 26
04/12 The Protestant Reformation: Luther, led by Rick Tinsley
04/19 The Protestant Reformation: Calvin, led by Jerry DiNoto
04/26 The Protestant Reformation: The Anabaptists, led by David Abernethy-Deppe
|
|
ECW “Books” A Springtime Event
|
|
Spring will definitely be in the air when the Episcopal Church Women gather for their monthly meeting on March 29. Drawing inspiration from the season, those attending are asked to bring Easter-inspired items for the lunch, and a favorite holiday decoration to be used on the luncheon tables.
The program for the day is a first: a discussion about books, not just any book, but a favorite book, or author. Please bring a book you would recommend, and share why it is a favorite. Alternatively, discuss what you are currently reading.
All of this begins at 11am with a business meeting, open to all, and will be followed by the luncheon and program. Newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. Those attending are asked to bring a salad to serve 4-6, rolls, or a dessert; beverages are provided. Hostesses for the event will be Bette Knutson and Harriet Yost. For additional information, contact Kathy Briski at 760.864.7145.
|
|
 Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (Tuesday, April 17th | 9-11am | Parish Hall). This is a discussion group on Richard Rohr’s new book of the same title. Purchase the book on line. Rohr writes: “As we move beyond the first half of life understandings where rules come first, we discover in the second half of life that God is less concerned about laws and more about the relationship. Thus, the ability to move forward is to embrace God’s unconditional forgiveness.” Facilitated by Bob Poehling. Sign up in the Parish Hall or call the church office at 760.320.7488 ext. 0.
|
|
 Growing Vegetables from Seed and Making Compost March 31, 10am-2pm. Cost of the seminar is $45. Location, Camp Stevens.
Early spring is the time to start planting your spring and summer garden–and good soil and strong seedlings are key. You don’t have to depend on often unreliable nursery seedlings or expensive soil-damaging fertilizers. Join Ryan Wanamaker, Camp Stevens Farm and Garden Director, to learn how to create your own high-quality compost, improve your soil organically and start your own plants from strong seed. For more information and to register, go to www.campstevens.org/garden.
|
|
Mosaic for Home and Garden – Seminar
|
|
 Do-It-Yourself Mosaic for Home & Garden on March 31, May 19, June 2 from 10am-2pm. Cost is $25. Location is Camp Stevens. The art of assembling pieces of glass or stone into images, mosaics are a beautiful addition to a home or garden–and it’s simpler to do than you may think! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the steps to creating your own mosaic, including supplies and design considerations, and practice on an installation at Camp Stevens.
For more information and to register, go to www.campstevens.org/garden.
|
|
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.
|
|
Canterbury Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys
|
|
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.
|
|
Roy’s Desert Resource Center & Desert SOS
|
|
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.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Holy Week
Worship Schedule
Palm Sunday-4/1
8:00 & 10:30 am
Rite II Eucharist
Maundy Thursday-4/5
12:00 Noon
Rite II Eucharist
6:00 pm
Soup Supper
with Footwashing
7:00 pm
Taizé Eucharist
Good Friday-4/6
12:00 Noon
Good Friday Liturgy
7:00 pm
Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday-4/7
8:00 pm
Vigil of Easter
Easter Sunday-4/8
7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
Festival Eucharist
|
|
Easter Bunny sighting
at St. Paul’s! The Easter Bunny has been looking around the church grounds for the best places to hide eggs full of candy. Please share this exciting news with grandkids, neighbor kids, and any kids who would like to join our Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday at 10:15 am. Bring an Easter basket or bag. Sponsored by the Family and Children’s Ministry.
|
|
 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.
|
|
Prayer Shawl Ministry
. . . meets every Wednesday 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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
Coffee Hour
Hosts for 8:00 and 10:30 am are members of the Family and Children’s Ministry.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: