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From Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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We will be delving into the sixth chapter of John for the next five weeks; and it is rich in its symbolism and meaning.
The passage begins with the feeding of the five thousand and then, I am caught by 2 verses, where it says ‘“Jesus is the prophet who is to come into the world. When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king…”‘ Sustenance and power seem to be central to this passage. For what do we hunger? What and who feeds us? How and where does power fit into the equation?
Food and power have been closely tied through the ages. The example that comes to mind is the quote attributed to Marie Antoinette, “If they have no bread, give them cake.” There were food riots in France, but those with power couldn’t comprehend the hunger of the masses.
In our own day and sphere, in a series of articles in the LA Times on Afghanistan, joining the Taliban will put food on the table where unemployment means starvation. Or as I heard a member of the band, Alabama, say in a concert, “it’s better to pick cotton than to go hungry.”
We may hunger for fulfillment, nourishment, love, peace, safety or power to mention just a few of our longings. It is, I believe, a part of the human condition, that we yearn for many of these desires and a sense of belonging. Where are we fearful; what anxieties pull at us? As we yearn for these desires, Jesus says to us again and again, “do not be afraid.”
Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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John 6:1-21
Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
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Panel on Marriage – 7/29 Skyline Church, La Mesa
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 We have received word from the diocese that will speak Sunday, 7/29 at 6:00 pm at Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Road, La Mesa, as part of a panel on marriage.
There will be speakers for and against inclusive marriage, and Bishop Robinson would like friendly Episcopalian faces in the crowd. We suggest carpooling with friends. Some of your clergy and vestry members will be there.
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Changes Are Happening in the Parish Hall thanks to the kind and generous gifts of time, talent and funds by numerous parishioners. The “upgrades” in Hogarth Hall include the Parlor (the room behind the sliding accordion doors) to create a user-friendly Adult Education Area. It will be painted, carpeted and have a new wall built to hide the stored chairs and tables. The closets have been cleaned and organized.
We are also making changes in the Kitchen: A new center island and new movable cabinets will provide flexibility. They are lockable to assist in assuring security.
The Restrooms are being thoroughly cleaned, painted and wallpapered. There is now a larger handicap stall in the women’s room. The entry hall to the restroom will be cleared out and made more inviting.
Finally, we are installing audio and video systems in the Main Hall and in the newly upgraded Adult Education Room. The large bulletin boards are being replaced with flat screen monitors that will provide current information about St. Paul’s, our programs, parishioners, and activities.
July will be a busy month for all these projects. Your participation is welcome and appreciated. Roger Allen, our Senior Warden, is coordinating these efforts, and he welcomes your contributions, comments, and support.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
July
7/29 Characters in the Bible: St. James
by David Abernethy-Deppe
August
Marcus Borg’s new book, Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored will be the focus of our August Sundays at 9:15 Adult Faith Formation classes led by Victoria Hatch. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com in paperback or Kindle edition. The Faith Formation Team encourages you to order it now and read it several times before the August classes begin. It’s one of Borg’s better books . . . and that’s saying a lot.”
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“Thursdays At 7”
There will be no “Thursdays at 7” meetings in July and August
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“Tuesdays at 7”
Movie Nights in July & August
On Tuesdays at 7 in the Library, the Faith Formation Team thought it would be fun to watch a movie together, enjoy popcorn, chocolates, or …, then share thoughts about the film, and discuss its ethical or life implications, if any. Here are three selections for July. We would like your suggestions for August!
7/31 “The King and I (By request)
8/07 “On Golden Pond” hosted by Jerry DiNoto
8/14 “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” hosted by David Abernethy-Deppe
8/21 “Of Gods and Men” hosted by David Abernethy-Deppe
8/28 “Fried Green Tomatoes” hosted by Jerry DiNoto
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Keeping the Doors Open at Ahli Hospital in Gaza
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Ahli Hospital has operated since 1882 and continues caring for desperately poor Gazans, even though the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has halted funding. Ahli is operated by the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, an independent, non-political 501c3 which helps sustain the diocese’s many humanitarian programs. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Visit http://www.afedj.org to learn about or contribute to their important work which sustains the Christian community.
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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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Holy Communion Service for
Local Care Facilities
Holy Communion will be hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of each month at Windsor Court. For August, this will occur on
August 8th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
Holy Communion will be hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Premier Health Care. For August, this will occur on
August 28th at 11:00 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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St. Paul ‘s Campers
are reserving campsites in Idyllwild County Park for August 16th-17th for our 8th annual trip. Individuals, as well as families, are invited to join us. Dogs are permitted. We’ll do our spectacular BBQ dinner by sharing salads, deserts, etc., on Friday, the 17th. Call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949 to make a reservation. Come and enjoy the cool mountain air!
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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.
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Coffee Hour
Our hosts after the 8:00 service are Tim & Eric and Josh Stein-Steele; and after the 10:30 service are Barbara Hawkins Villani and Lena Granet. Coffee Hour hosts are still needed for several services this summer. 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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Volunteers from St. Paul’s continue to serve dessert to between 70 and 100 homeless men, women and children at Roy’s every Monday evening. The desserts consist of baked goods and other goodies (store-bought or homemade) from our parishioners. As well, we deliver each month sox and undies purchased from our SOS Fund or placed in the SOS basket on Sunday. which is funded by special donations from parishioners. All of these efforts are deeply appreciated by these people who are earnestly striving to get back into the main stream.
If you would like to participate in this program, you can:
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Sign up to Volunteer
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Write a check to St. Pauls (marked for SOS Fund)
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Bring new white socks and/or large underwear for the Basket
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Place baked goods in the center section of the Fridge (again, marked For SOS)
Please call Hap Blaisdell at 760-323-5726 for additional information and ideas.
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Report Sexual Misconduct.
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, please remember 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 and to encourage all to report any misconduct. All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced sexual misconduct of any kind, please contact the Rev. Canon Suzann V. Holding immediately: sholding@edsd.org
or 619-481-5452.
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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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