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The Fox and the Hen and Jerusalem
In the Gospel reading for this week, things get crazy! Some of the folks that traditionally oppose and threaten Jesus are warning him. For his part, Jesus ”calls out” Herod – the “fox.” And Jesus (or God) is seen as analogous to a mother hen: Whereas Jerusalem, the city of peace, is the place where Jesus and prophets are killed, that same city is almost a character in the Gospel of Luke, standing for the people of God, whom Jesus desires to embrace and protect. So there are enemies, the city, and Jesus – in a crazy mix.
The Pharisee “friends” don’t understand Jesus’ path. They want Jesus to keep his head down so that he does not meet John the Baptist’s fate; they don’t need the publicity. A fox can be a bother, can cause mischief and harm, but is not a threat to be feared. Herod has power, but not the power to stop God’s mission with Jesus. Up against the fox, Jesus presents the mother hen. The “hen” in this story is gathering the little chicks in the face of a threat. Against the power of predators, the hen gathers and embraces the little ones, ultimately offering herself to protect them.
The story is not about a stronger hero; it is about the quality of love that God offers. In Jesus, the love of God is offered in complete vulnerability. Jesus has no illusion about where his ministry is taking him. It must take him to Jerusalem, where he will offer himself for all the “little ones.”
I believe that the source of Jesus’ hope in this mission is not a secret that will allow him to trump the power of Herod and Rome, but a deep connection with God that understands God as having a mission and the last word. After the “powers of death have done their worst,” God speaks life once again.
May our Lenten journey lead us close to, deeper into, God. May we offer ourselves for the “little ones” who have no choice or power. May we live from that connection with God that hears God’s last word on the third day: Life!
Join us this week in worship as we hear foxes called out, and see chicks gathered by the loving God who made us, as we celebrate Jesus who offered himself for us.
Fr. Andrew
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Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'”
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Billie Webster
4/9/1935 – 2/21/2013
Billie, a long time member of St. Pauls, died on Thursday, February 21, 2013. A celebration of her life will be held on March 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ramon Chapel of the Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Cathedral City.
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The Desert Convocation:
Building a Community of Conversation
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We extend a very warm welcome to Alice Parker this weekend! Ms. Parker will be delivering a most unusual and creative “Sermon in Song” at the 10:30 Service. On Sunday afternoon she will be holding a Question and Answer Session between 2 & 4 PM. All are welcome to hear her speak at both the 10:30 service and the Q&A.
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About 3 weeks ago I was one of 7 candidates invited by the Commission on Ordained Ministry and Bishop Mathes to attend the diocesan discernment retreat at Camp Stevens. This was the culmination of approximately 8 months of work actively listening to God’s call to me. I have been serving at the altar at St. Anthony of the Desert in Desert Hot Springs, which has been a wonderful time for me. The retreat included 7 interviews with all the members of the Commission on Ministry and the bishop. It was a rewarding but exhausting 32 hours! I am happy to share that I was affirmed to move on in the process towards ordination as a deacon. I miss all my family at St. Paul in the Desert, but appreciate all your prayer support of me.
Blessings, Susan Green.
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Dinner is Served-Tickets on Sale Now!
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All Parish Spaghetti Dinner
One of St. Paul’s not to be missed events is the annual Spaghetti Dinner, which takes place on Saturday, March 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The Hall will take on the look of an Italian bistro for the evening, traditionally a look of festivity and fellowship. Proceeds will be going towards outreach projects and special needs of the church.
On the menu will be spaghetti, of course, with choice of sauce, either meat or vegetarian, tossed garden salad, and garlic bread. A variety of beverages will be available to complement the meal.
A special feature will be the Bake Sale, featuring home baked cookies, cakes, pies and breads. Contributions are welcome (nothing that needs refrigeration) and can be delivered to the church between noon and 4 p.m. the night of the dinner. Sugarless treats are also needed.
Tickets, which are now on sale following all church services and in the parish office, are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age; children under 3 are free according to this year’s chairpersons, Bonnie Stroock and John Westaway. For additional information, or to volunteer to assist with preparations for the event, please contact the church office (760) 320-7488, ext. 0.
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 The ‘Windsails‘ in the narthex were inspired by a visit to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, off the north east coast of Britain where St Aidan founded a monastery in 635 AD in the Celtic pattern of Iona. As we progress through Lent, so the Windsails will be moved each week, getting closer to the altar for Easter. Wendy Rudd is an amateur British artist who worships in an Anglican Church and a friend of Gordon Etheridge who arranged for them to come to St. Paul’s. As they are moved into the main body of the building, we hope to have curated times when we can invite people to come and enjoy the quiet space for inspired reflection. If you are willing to offer an hour, probably in the weeks following February 24th, please email:
gordonetheridge@gmail.com
or telephone the church office.
(Gordon usually worships at the 1030 Sunday service)
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Episcopal Night at the San Diego Opera
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‘Murder in the Cathedral’
Friday, April 5, at 7pm
Join Bishop Mathes and members from churches of the diocese for an evening of world-class opera and experience a 900-year old story of politics, intrigue, temptation and murder. Tickets purchased at a 20% discount include a backstage tour and a glamorous pre-opera reception. Visit the webpage www.sdopera.com/promo/offeredsd. For more information, pick up a flyer in the church office or contact Vanessa Dinning at 619.533.8047 or Vanessa.Dinning@sdopera.com.
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The Experience of Confirmation;
Accepting God’s Gift of Faith
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Are you worshiping with our community and are ready to take a further step into becoming an Episcopalian?
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Are you allready an Episcopalian and have been inactive and want to reconnect?
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Are you confirmed in another denomination and want to be received into the Episcopal Church?
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Are you interested in exploring your faith in the context of St. Paul’s community?
Then our Confirmation Program is for you!
This journey will lead you through your own spiritual life story as well as through the history, theology and worship of the Episcopal Church. It is an opportunity for you to grow spiritually in and through the community of faith at St. Paul’s. Following an orientation meeting on Thursday, February 21st, at 6:30pm in the Library, there will be weekly sessions on the Thursdays throughout Lent in preparation for Confirmation/Reception by Bishop Mathes on Sunday, April 21st. Please RSVP your interest in attending by calling Susan at 760.320.7488 ext 227.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Lenten Biblical Figures:
hosted by Victoria Hatch
2/24 Judas: Revolutionary, Friend, Betrayer, or Dupe
3/03 Pharisees & Sadducees: Good Guys or Bad Guys
3/10 Pontius Pilate: Hand Washing? Please Pass the Soap
3/17 The Centurion(s): Pax Romana or Convert?
3/24 & 31 NO CLASS – Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
The Historical Jesus: hosted by Jerry DiNoto,
Craig Ewing and Father David
2/26 Who Do You Say That I Am? – One Remarkable Life
3/05 Who Do You Say That I Am? – The Last Days
3/10 Who Do You Say That I Am? – The Last Hours
3/19 Who Do You Say That I Am? – Death and Resurrection
3/26 NO CLASS – Holy Week
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center is a very active outreach mission of St. Paul in the Desert that serves the homeless by providing basic clothing as well as Monday evening deserts served by our caring volunteers. You can help by contributing deserts, donating to our SOS Fund, adding to our donation baskets in the Narthex on Sunday morning or joining our volunteers on Monday evening. For more information, see our weekly newsletter on the internet or call Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726.
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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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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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St Paul’s at The Follies
Saturday,
March 2, 2013,
1:30 p.m.
$49 per person cash or check. (Regularly $85 seats.) Call Mike Carson ASAP for tickets. (760) 318-6377.
Why not make it a show & dinner?
Get your tickets for the Annual Spaghetti Supper and attend after the Follies!
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We Need Volunteers
. . . to assist with Name Badge organization. Please contact Mike Funke at 760-409-0986 or: mike.funke@yahoo.com if you can help.
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Annual
Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King thank the ladies who attended our tea. The usual Tuesday afternoon meeting is changed this month. Please meet at the church March 3rd at noon to start discussing our Lenten book, Expecting to See Jesus, by Anne Graham Lotz. Call Bonnie Stroock for information at 760.324.7949.
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Sponsors are needed
. . . for those who will begin our Confirmation / Reception / Reaffirmation preparation series. A sponsor is someone who encourages candidates with prayer, presence, and contact. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact the office at 760.320.7488.
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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 March 13 at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
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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Episcopalians Against Gun Violence is an ad-hoc group of bishops, clergy and lay people disseminating information about Episcopalians who are working, collectively and individually, to curb gun violence. For further information, go to www.facebook.com/EpiscopaliansAgainstGunViolence.
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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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“A Welcoming, Empowering, Supportive”
Ministry!
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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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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