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Spiritual Fashion Week
There are Fashion Weeks in Paris and Milan. Only recently did I learn that there is a Fashion Week here in the desert. I am not much of a “Fashionista,” and I don’t pay much attention to the direction these events offer for my apparel.
However, our reading from Galatians offers some spiritual fashion advice. It reminds us that the baptized are “clothed with Christ.” There are other places where Paul talks about putting on the spiritual-like clothes. I have little interest in clothes, but I am intrigued by being clothed with Christ.
The church teaches that in baptism we die with Christ, have our sins washed away, and are reborn by the Spirit. In the earliest traditions, the newly baptized were given a new garment as they came out of the water – a new physical symbol to highlight the spiritual transformation. Being clothed with Christ becomes a part of daily life which does not stop at baptism. That is just the beginning.
I am clothed with Christ all the time, whether I am mindful of it or forgetful. How might I show that I am mindful of Christ throughout my day? Although I often wear a clergy shirt in my work, that is not the same thing as being mindful.
How each of us interacts with others shows Christ. How we see beyond human, religious or personal differences shows Christ. Unlike most of the Fashion Weeks that seek media attention, Spiritual “Fashion” should be subtle. I think it is best when it does not arrive with a showy flash, but leaves having made a difference in people’s lives.
We who are baptized are clothed with Christ. We just need practice walking, talking, and living that way.
Join in the worship and fellowship where we practice real Christ Fashion that will change the world.
Fr. Andrew
p.s. I will be on vacation and doing continuing education through the end of July. A variety of clergy, lead by Canon Victoria and Fr. Jonathan, will be leading worship and Canon Victoria will be reflecting in this space each week.
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Galatians 3:23-29
Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
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St. Margaret’s SCOTUS Forum
Thursday, June 27th
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Click here to visit St. Margaret’s Facebook invitation to this important forum.
From St. Margaret’s Facebook Announcement:
This week’s expected rulings from the Supreme Court about California Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act raise practical and pastoral questions about negotiating redefined legal and cultural landscapes.
Join us this Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. in the Church as the St. Margaret’s Forum hosts a public conversation to discuss the immediate practical impact of the court’s rulings. The community is invited to join the Rev. Lane Hensley, Rector (Senior Pastor) of St. Margaret’s; Congressman Raul Ruiz’s District Director, Greg Rodriguez; Chris Heritage, an attorney prepared to discuss practical legal and health care issues; and a married and unmarried couple from the LGBT community; as we consider new questions of our common life:
•What is the legal status of marriages in other states previously not recognized in California?
•Under what circumstances should couples in an existing California domestic partnership now consider marriage?
•What are the tax, medical, and probate consequences of a change in the law?
•How do parental rights and obligations change?
•If the Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8 and/or DOMA, where do we go from here?
•What practical barriers remain?
•How, exactly, do you get married anyway?
•How does a community uphold and strengthen families, gay and straight alike?
NOTE: Fr. Hensley will release an important public statement about St. Margaret’s marriage policy immediately after the Supreme Court’s decisions are announced, and welcomes media interviews.
St. Margaret’s is a leading progressive parish of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. St. Margaret’s offers community-wide outreach, adult education and wellness programs, an early childhood center, and compassionate pastoral care. The church is known for its celebrated music program and home of the acclaimed Quimby organ. The Church is located at 47535 State Hwy. 74 in Palm Desert, and offers Holy Eucharist Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m. Visit us online at www.stmargarets.org.
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You are invited to attend a discussion on Thursday, July 11th @ 7 PM in St. Paul’s Library to begin the formation of the Peace and Justice Team. Please be prepared to share a local, national and global issue that interests and concerns you. On tap are lively conversation and yummy goodies. Please contact Audrey Spencer @ 760.835.5506 or Jerry DiNoto @ 760.416.7710 for more information.
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SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 12, 2013 – 5:00 PM!
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SAVE THIS VERY IMPORTANT DATE!
You won’t want to miss this wonderful event.
We will kick off St. Paul’s 75th Anniversary
in a grand way!
Remember – SAVE THIS DATE: 10/12/13!!
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. . . on the Older Adult Committee trip to Balboa Park in San Diego on Monday, August 12th, departing St Paul’s parking lot at 7:15am and returning to Palm Springs before 6:00pm. $45 per person (cash or check only). Cardiff Luxury Bus with restroom, coffee with light breakfast before we board. Wine, soft drinks and snack on the way home. Lunch and museums on your own. Balboa Park info at www.balboapark.org. Click for wheel chair/scooter rentals. Tickets available at Parish Office now and after services on July 14 & 21. Limited seating – buy your seat now.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
The Lives of Great Christians
DVD with Dr. William R. Cook,
hosted by Rick Tinsley and David Caffrey
6/23 St. Anthony – The First Mjonk
6/30 The Desert Fathers and Mothers
7/07 No Class
Evolution of the Word;
Exploring Marcus Borg’s book on the chronological New Testament,
led by Fr. Jonathan
7/14 An Overview & Paul’s letters: 1 Thess. & Galatians
7/21 Paul’s Letters: 1 Corinthians, Philemon, Philippians
7/28 Paul’s Letters: 2 Corinthians and Romans
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
Great Figures of the New Testament,
DVD with Amy-Jill Levine,
hosted by Jerry Lynch and Jerry DiNoto
6/25 Stephen, the First Martyr
Movie Night on Tuesdays at 7pm in the Library
The July theme is Relationship & Marriage
7/02 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
7/09 Lincoln (2012)
7/16 Steel Magnolias (1989)
7/23 My Favorite Wife (1940)
7/30 Reinas (Queens) (2005)
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center is an outreach of St. Paul’s that serves the homeless by providing clothing and desserts on Monday evening served by our volunteers. You can help by contributing desserts, 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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Your Giving Matters
See a snap shot of our latest financial information by clicking here.
This is an important update and your attention is needed.
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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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Children’s Sunday School continues through the summer (although not the Godly Play program) with stories, artwork, and music during the 10:30 service.
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Come camping in August
. . . with the St. Paul’s Campers 9th annual trip. Families, singles, kids of all ages are invited to the cool woods near Idyllwild from August 23- 25. It’s a lot of fun for little money. Bring your dog! Call Ron Shepherd at 760.832.4709 to reserve space.
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Movie Night!
Coming on Tuesday Nights in July and August
See the schedule in the Faith Building section
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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 July 10th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Lectors and Intercessors (servers who read the lessons and prayers) will meet with Father Andrew on Sunday, June 23rd, at 9:15am, in the Church.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts after the 8:00 service are John and Lucinda Hampson.
Hosts are needed for many Sundays throughout 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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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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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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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, click here.
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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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