|
From Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
|
|
“You are What you Eat!”
Back in the ’60’s, Adele Davis wrote a book, You are What you Eat, the premise of the book was what we eat does matter; and, began the journey many folk continue to explore and the importance of what we eat and it’s nutritional value. Is organic better? Should we go vegan? Is green tea really better for you? Questions and more question continue to afflict us.
I believe that scripture often is metaphorical. Jesus in this weeks gospel makes a statements which has offended numerous folk over the centuries, “eat my flesh and drink my blood…” sounds like cannibalism; of course, most often taken out of context. Most importantly, we are reminded when going deeper, that these words are an invitation into the incarnational nature of this faith which we profess, God became one of us (human). Even more profoundly, we are invited to abide in Christ as God in Christ promises to abide in us. It is about a profound intimacy and relationship. As we continue to explore the depths of this relationship begun at our baptism, we need food for the journey. The promise of eternal life remains a mystery, just beyond our grasp; however, we are able to glimpse it, if only momentarily, as we gather at the table prepared for us, Sunday after Sunday.
We are invited to abide in Christ as Christ has been sent to abide in us by the Father. Come to the feast this Sunday that you may have food for the journey.
Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
|
|
John 6:51-58
Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
|
|
New Program at St. Paul’s by the
Older Adult Forum…
“Building Community & Socialization”
3rd Friday Breakfast 9am-10am
Come join us the 3rd Friday of each month to enjoy a great program and have a bite to eat. Our first event will be Friday, September 21st at 9am in the Parish Hall.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
8/19 – Speaking Christian, Part 3, led by Victoria Hatch
8/26 – Speaking Christian, Last Session, led by Victoria Hatch
9/02 – No meeting (Labor Day Weekend)
9/09 – Judaism: What is Judaism? DVD led by Rick Tinsley
9/16 – Judaism: Stages of History, DVD led by Rick Tinsley
9/23 – Judaism: Jewish Library, DVD led by Rick Tinsley
9/30 – Judaism: Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism, DVD led by Rick Tinsley
|
|
“Thursdays At 7”
The Story of Anglicanism
9/06 – Ancient & Medieval Foundations, led by Craig Ewing
9/13 – Reformation & Its Consequences, led by Craig Ewing
9/20 – Creating a Global Family, led by Craig Ewing
9/27 – The Anglican Way of Life, led by Jerry DiNoto
|
|
 
“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!
8/21 “Of Gods and Men” hosted by David Abernethy-Deppe
8/28 “Fried Green Tomatoes” hosted by Jerry DiNoto
|
|
Keeping the Doors Open at Ahli Hospital in Gaza
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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 September, this will occur on September 12th 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Coffee Hour
Our hosts after the 8:00 service is Patti Minton Sivcovich and after the 10:30 service is Hap Blaisdell. 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
|
|
Picture Directories
If you had your picture taken for the directory, there is one reserved for you and it is available in the Narthex.
|
|
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:
-
Sign up to Volunteer
-
Write a check to St. Pauls (marked for SOS Fund)
-
Bring new white socks and/or large underwear for the Basket
-
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: