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Sustain The Weary
This weekend we move into Holy Week. We read Luke’s version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and we hear the story of his suffering and death. The story is so large that it is hard to take it all in. The special observances of the next week help us break it down and follow smaller vignettes.
People are invited to dine with Jesus’ followers on Thursday March 28th, at 6 and to experience foot-washing. Sign up at: info@stpaulsps.org Then we remember the establishment of the Lord’s Supper at 7. Some will take turns praying with Jesus through the night in 1 hour shifts.
On Good Friday, the 29th, at Noon, we hear the story of the Crucifixion according to John, we contemplate the cross, and receive Holy Communion quietly and depart quietly. At 7 that evening, some will walk with Jesus through nine stations on his journey to the cross.
The reading from Isaiah which we will read this weekend called my attention to this Holy time and led me to see the suffering of Jesus with new eyes. The servant character in Isaiah has been likened to Jesus. That servant is on a mission.
“The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may sustain the weary with a word.”
Jesus is on a mission to care for the lost and weary of the world. He does not lift the sword to attack, but offers his back to the oppressor’s blows and turns his cheek. When I read the lines from Isaiah, I see Jesus, confident in his mission, connected to God, and offering himself for all.
In this Holy time, I want to be used by God to sustain the weary with a word. I want to be focused on God’s mission and on that awareness of God’s presence. Even when things are tough, I want to encounter them from that place of confidence, from that place of service.
Join us this weekend as we re-hear the suffering of Jesus and are sustained by his words of abundant love.
Fr. Andrew
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Isaiah 50:4-9a
The Lord GOD has given me
the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens–
wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backward.
I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
from insult and spitting.
The Lord GOD helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
It is the Lord GOD who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
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Click here to print and/or view a copy of this table.
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Walking the Via Dolorosa in Jersualem
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 The Faith Formation Team invites you to join Bonnie Stroock on Saturday, March 23rd from 2-3:45pm in the library for a virtual tour of where the Stations of the Cross began. Follow Christ’s path to Golgotha, after he was condemned an carrying the cross, through pictures on stories. Lean the history of one of the most famous pilgrimages of Christendom as we begin Holy Week. Then stay for Holy Communion at 4pm in the church.
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St. Paul’s to Host Conference Worship
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On April 14th at the 10:30 service, St. Paul’s will host the Western Region of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) in worship as they conclude their Annual Conference.
 Founded in 1968, “The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of more than 200 years of Black leadership in the Episcopal Church.”
The Rev. Zelda Kennedy will preach at the service and there may be guest clergy sharing in the worship leadership.
We welcome the conference participants to our worship and we look forward to hearing the Rev. Kennedy, a leading preacher in the Episcopal Church.
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Have you appreciated or been inspired by the Windsails? Then, please write in the blue and silver book on the table in the narthex. The book will be returned to Wendy, their creator, after Easter.
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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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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Lenten Biblical Figures:
Hosted by Victoria Hatch
3/24 & 31 NO CLASS – Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday
Coptic Church/Traditions
Hosted by Rick Tinsley
4/07 Session I
4/14 Session II
4/21 NO CLASS – Confirmation with Bishop Mathes
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
The Historical Jesus:
Hosted by Jerry DiNoto,
Craig Ewing and Father David
3/26 NO CLASS – Holy Week
The Old Testament
A study of the Hebrew Scriptures, DVD with Amy Jill Levine.
Hosted by Craig Ewing and Team
4/02 Abraham, Sarah and Hagar – Genesis 11-21
4/09 Isaac – Genesis 21-22
4/16 The Jacob Saga – Genesis 25-36
4/23 Biblical Folklore Analysis – Genesis 25-36
4/30 Moses and Exodus – Exodus 1-15
5/07 The God of Israel – Exodus 1-15
5/14 Covenant and Law, Part I – Exodux 19-40
5/21 Covenant and Law, Part II – Exodus 20-35 and Leviticus
5/28 The Conquest – Deuteronomy 20-21, 27-31, and the Book of Joshua
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center is an outreach St. Paul that serves the homeless by providing clothing and deserts on Monday evening served by our volunteers. You can help by contributing deserts, donating to our SOS Fund, adding to our donation baskets in the Narthex or joining our volunteers on Monday evening. For more information, call Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726.
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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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ACT NOW!
Sign the Pledge to Break the Cycle of Violence. Click here.
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Bishops Speak on Violence
The Bishops of the Episcopal Church just ended a four-day meeting in North Carolina with a Pastoral Statement.
It is called:
A Word to the Church:
Godly Leadership in the Face of Violence.
You may read the statement here.
They encourage all members to pray and work for an end to gun violence.
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Help Make Palm Crosses.
 The Altar Guild invites you to gather in the Parish Hall Saturday, March 23rd at 9am for a morning of ministry and fellowship to make palm crosses for Palm Sunday. They are easy to make, so don’t worry if you have not done them before. A light 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.
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Easter Flowers
Your contributions for our Easter Flowers are welcome. There are special envelopes in the pews or simply write Easter Flowers on your check memo.
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The Good Friday Offering
…at St. Paul’s provides essential funding to strengthen the visibility of the Christian presence throughout the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. That funding is critical to the ongoing ministry in the region. Make your check out to St. Paul’s with Good Friday Offering on the memo line. For more information, click here.
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Needed: Librarian
A librarian is needed for St. Paul’s. Scott Bunn, who for the past two years has worked to modernize and catalog our library, is moving shortly. His work and talent are apparent to those now taking advantage of our collection, and we owe Scott a heartfelt “Thank you!” He has prepared detailed instructions to the special person who will follow him. Please prayerfully consider if that person is you. Call or e-mail jonathan@stpaulsps.org.
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Daughters of the King meets Tuesday, March 26th at 1:15pm in St. Paul’s Condo. Please bring what you’ve been reading for Lent for our discussion and any prayer needs. Call Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949 for information on this National Women’s Prayer Order.
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The Episcopal Church Women Spring Luncheon
. . .is a celebration of Easter on April 4th at 11:30am in the Parish Hall, beginning with a brief meeting and followed by a salad luncheon. The program will be on the Greek Orthodox history of the Easter egg. All women are invited, and those attending (except newcomers) should bring a salad to serve 6 to 8, rolls, or dessert to share; beverages are provided. Hostesses for the event are Bonnie Stroock and Kathy Briski.
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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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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 April 10th 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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