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Are My Treasures Fit for Jesus?
You are invited!
A King is born!
Gifts required!
The wandering Magi got the news. They saw it in the stars. They asked Herod and he coaxed details out of the religious leaders. And they honored the baby Jesus, the new King born in a stable, with their gifts.
One of the changes that Christianity has made over the years is that we have consistently improved the status of these itinerant conjurers. Before they became a part of our Christmas/Epiphany Pageants, they were people without majesty at the outside edge of society.
“Magi,” has a host of descriptions: “the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.” After their appearance, they became Wise Men, even Kings from the east, and were appropriated as insiders.
There are two ways of looking at this. The Wise Kings from the East followed a clear path to the newborn King and gave him gifts fit for a king OR the Homeless Wandering Seekers followed a difficult and confusing route to the manger, and offered him what they had. Their gifts represented themselves, and the Infant King made them fit, honoring both gift and giver.
I am not a wise man or a king. I don’t have lots of gold to give and I always need someone’s help in choosing an appropriate gift. I always struggle with whether I and my gifts for God are good enough. When I watch the outsider Magi and see how they are embraced by the Holy Family, I breathe easier. Just maybe, what I have to offer is fit for Jesus and he will make it his treasure.
Join us in worship as we courageously offer our varied gifts and receive back Christ’s treasure in return.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
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The Desert Convocation:
Building a Community of Conversation
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The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson
January 6-19, 2013
V. Gene Robinson was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire on June 7, 2003. He was consecrated a Bishop on All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003, and was invested as the Ninth Bishop of New Hampshire on March 7, 2004. Bp. Robinson will preach and preside at all service on January 12-13. He will be featured in “An Evening With Gene Robinson on January 17th at 7 p.m. in the Church. There is no cost and it is open to everyone. On Saturday morning, January 19th the Cultural Center and St. Paul’s will be offering a screening of Bp. Robinson’s movie, “Love Free or Die” at 9:30 a.m.. This will take place at the Camelot Theater. Tickets will be available through St. Paul’s for $10 and online for $12.
Bp Robinson has had to shorten his visit with us because he has been invited to be part of President Obama’s second inauguration.
Click here to view a video on one of Bp. Robinson’s speciql projects, endowing the Chaplaincy of a Women’s Prison in NH.
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Worshiping with our community and are ready to take a further step into becoming an Episcopalian?
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Already an Episcopalian and have been inactive and want to reconnect?
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Confirmed in another denomination and want to be received into the Episcopal Church?
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Interested in exploring your faith in the context of St. Paul’s community?
Then our Confirmation Program is for you!
The program will consist of at least six weekly sessions in preparation for Confirmation/Reception by Bishop Mathes on April 7th. This group journey will lead participants through their own spiritual life story as well as through the history, theology and worship of the Episcopal Church. It is an opportunity to spiritually grow in and through the community of faith at St. Paul’s.
We will have an orientation meeting on Thursday, February 7th at 7PM in the Library. Please RSVP your interest in attending by calling the Office at 760 320-7488, x227.
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Jane Thompson, long time member and leader in ECW died on Tuesday, January 1st.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Please remember Jane and keep her family in your prayers.
Funerals:
Ron Crudo
January 12th at 1:00 p.m.
Richard Mitchell
January 14th at 2:00 p.m.
Ray Cross
January 19th at 2:00 p.m.
Don MacLean
Memorial Service January 26th at 11:00 a.m.
O Lord, may they rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
The Hebrew Scriptures – The Book of Genesis
01/06 Christmas Characters: Jospeh, Magi, Shepherds,
by Amy-Jill Levine, hosted by Jerry DiNoto
01/13 Parables, Stories, Sermons: Interview with Fr. Jonathan
by Fr. David
01/20 Year of Luke: Parables Unique to Luke, by Fr. David
01/27 NO CLASS – Annual Parish Meeting
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
Faith & Reason Series: Anselm and Abelard, hosted by Jerry Di Noto & Craig Ewing
01/08 Anselm’s Proof that God Exists: “I think, therefore God is”
01/15 Anselm on Freedom and the Fall: When Lucifer fell, was he
pushed?
01/22 Abelard on Understanding the Trinity:
Hints from Heloise’s Lover
01/29 Abelard on Understanding Redemption:
“There, but for the Grace of ..
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“A Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive”
Ministry!
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Our mission statement calls us to be “a welcoming, empowering and supportive community.” We are currently forming a new ministry at St Pau’s to support that mission. Volunteers are needed from all three services to donate approximately 90 minutes of their time per month. That time is split into 3-30 minute segments: 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the service you attend, once per month, to support the Welcoming Table located in the Narthex and another 30 minutes a month assisting with name badge organization. If you are able to lend a hand, please contact Mike Funke at 760.-409.0986 or mike.funke@yahoo.com!
Help us live our mission statement!
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Volunteers from St. Paul in the Desert serve dessert to 70-100 homeless men, women and children at Roy’s every Monday evening. We also deliver socks and underwear purchased and placed in the “ROY’S” basket. Roy’s clients, who are striving to get back into the main stream, deeply appreciate your efforts.
If you would like to participate in this program:
• Sign up to Volunteer.
• Write a check to St. Paul’s (marked: “Roy’s Fund”).
• Bring new white socks and/or large underwear for the
“ROY’S” basket.
• When you are baking, make an extra cake, muffins,
cupcakes or dessert loaf. Mark them for “ROY’S”
and put them in the right-hand section of the Parish Hall fridge.
Please call Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726 for additional information and ideas.
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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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ACT NOW!
Sign the Pledge to Break the Cycle of Violence. Click here.
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Emergency Update:
Hurricane Sandy
Episcopal Relief and Development is helping to meet the need.
Your help is urgently needed.
Click here to donate.
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ECW Meeting & Luncheon
. . .will be Thursday, January 3rd! The event begins at 11:30am with the business meeting, followed by the traditional salad luncheon at noon. Newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. Those attending (except for newcomers) are asked to bring a salad to serve 6-8, rolls/bread, or a dessert. Beverages will be provided. For questions, contact Bette Knutson at 760.416.5739.
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Flowers in the church
Sign up in the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall for altar or narthex flowers for 2013.
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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. The next service will be January 9 at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Come to Convention!
 All people of the Diocese of San Diego are invited to attend the 39th Annual Diocesan Convention on Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert. Especially appropriate for all members is the Friday evening gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency featuring Reggie McNeal as our keynote speaker. Another highlight open to all is the festive Eucharist, featuring a diocesan-wide choir, on Saturday morning and the bishop’s address on Saturday afternoon. For information or to register, please visit: www.edsd.org/diocon2013.
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Volunteers Needed for Diocesan Convention Registration
February 8th from 5-6:30
8 Volunteers are needed to register guests for the Convention Banquet.
The Banquet will be held at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells.
The volunteers will assist the Diocesan Staff in registering guests.
The cost of the dinner is $55.00 and the diocese is not able to offer complementary dinners for the volunteers.
Contact Susan Jacob at 760-320-7488 x 227 or susan.jacob@stpaulsps.org to volunteer.
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Daughters of the King
The meeting schedule skips December, but we wish everyone in the parish a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. We’ll continue to pray daily during the holidays. Save the date of January 29th for our next meeting. The Annual Tea and Ingathering will happen in February this year. New members are welcome to join our prayer order. Call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949 for more information.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts after the 8:00 service are Barry Hagenbuch & Robert Woods and after 10:30 are George Holliday and Rick Tinsley.
Coffee Hour hosts are needed for the rest of 2013. To sign up to host a Coffee Hour, please use the binder on the entrance table in the Parish Hall. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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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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The 2013 Budget has been revised. Please read and reflect upon it.
Your Input Welcome
Your Vestry would like your input on the 2013 Budget. The Draft Budget is being evaluated and a copy is available here. Share your comments here.
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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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