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Audacious Retirement!
Caution! This week’s Gospel selection is about how the people of God interact with money, people and God. It is very complicated and confusing. It is positioned between two other parables that deal with wealth and relationships. There is no simple interpretation, and I will be reflecting only on a portion of this scripture, the portion about Jesus praising the apparently dishonest manager.
The various powers-that-be who have advice or impact on our incomes recommend that we begin thinking about retirement almost as soon as we begin working. When did you get your first Social Security Card? I got mine at about age 16. Once I started earning, I began – knowingly or unknowingly – to plan for retirement. The manager’s plan for his retirement and his behavior are Jesus’ focus.
In the Gospel selection this week, Jesus tells a story to instruct his disciples. He did not refer to a history or a news report about a dishonest business manager, he told a story. The story he told was a parable – a short story used for teaching a point. Jesus told a story about a disreputable character in order to make a point. The fellow tries to ensure his future retirement with the resources of his master. Follow closely the parable’s lesson: Jesus skips condemnation and rather praises the man’s audacity! He encourages his followers to be just as audacious in following him. What was so audacious, that the disciples then, and we now, should learn from this example? I think that it has to do with desperation for the manager, or passion for us, and focus. We can learn from the desperate manager how to live as passionate disciples.
The manager was desperate. Because of his choices, he was about to lose his living, his position, and his honor. Jesus does not praise being desperate or dishonest, but because, even in desperate circumstances, he was able to focus his energy and respond, using the resources he had. He discounted the debts owed and, in exchange, began to build relationships that would sustain him. He had a mission!
I believe that this manager has found something that is critical to all of us. Wealth, or any other resource, is a tool that is the service of spiritual values. In this case, the profit was sacrificed to build a mutual relationship.
Jesus challenges his disciples to place resources like wealth in the service of their mission and said that the relationships built through service will sustain them. Those relationships help us understand more fully our relationship with God.
Join the celebration as we listen and pray for healthy relationships with wealth, with God’s Mission, and with one another.
Fr. Andrew
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Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said, “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, `Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, `Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house– for I have five brothers– that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, `They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, `No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, `If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”
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Palm Springs Church Building Burned
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The building where St. Pauls established its roots in 1939 has burned.
According to the detalis posted on CBS Local 2 website:
“The two-alarm blaze was reported at 4:30 a.m. at the vacant Community Church, 284 S. Cahuilla Road. Arriving firefighters saw flames coming through the roof near the center of the building, said Palm Springs Deputy Fire Chief Jim Webb.
Six engines, one truck, a breathing support unit and 36 personnel were sent to the blaze. Firefighters saved the northern part of the building, and no one was hurt, Webb said.
He said fire and police officials were investigating the cause of the fire.”
Thanks to CBS Local 2 for this information
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Sneak Preview: Disturber Of the Peace
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 Disturber Of The Peace
at Cinema Diverse
Saturday,
September 21 at 9:30
Camelot Theaters
Come to the Sneak Preview: Disturber Of the Peace, a documentary being filmed about the Rev. Canon Malcolm Boyd. There will be an engaging conversation with Canon Boyd, Mark Thompson, his husband, and filmmaker, Andrew Thomas.
Canon Boyd is an Episcopal Priest, author of “Are You Running With Me, Jesus”, and advocate for justice over the last 50 years and more.
Tickets Available here or at the door.
Read more:
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Taize Services begin October 3rd
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 Taize services will be offered at St Paul’s on the first Thursday of the month starting on October 3rd at 7pm. In a quiet, peaceful setting, short songs are repeated again and again with just a few words to express a basic reality of faith. As these words are sung multiple times, our whole being is gradually permeated by this reality. Meditative singing thus becomes a way of listening to God and it allows everyone to take part in a time of prayer together. All are invited to come and experience this calming, prayerful moment in our hectic, daily lives.
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Get Tested Coachella Valley!
Dear Parishioner:
On Saturday, October 19, Saint Paul in the Desert will be participating in the 26th Desert AIDS Walk to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community. We’d love for you to join us that day in spreading the message that AIDS is not over, and that everyone should be tested as part of our ‘Get Tested Coachella Valley’ initiative. Please consider walking with us!
What is ŒGet Tested Coachella Valley‚? It is a 3-year region-wide campaign dedicated to dramatically reducing transmission of HIV . Why ŒGet Tested Coachella Valley?‚
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53.3% of Coachella Valley residents have never been tested for HIV
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately one in five people living with HIV do not know they are infected
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In parts of our valley, the prevalence of HIV is estimated at three times the national average˜putting everyone at greater risk.
An international study, hailed by Science Magazine as the „2011 Breakthrough of the Year,‰ has proven it: If an individual who is HIV positive takes the right medications, he or she is 96% less likely to pass the virus to others.
Follow This Link to visit my team web page and help me in my efforts to support Desert AIDS Project.
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The Screwtape Letters – Theater Presentation
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The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is produced by Fellowship for the Performing Arts, whose mission is to produce theater from a Christian worldview that engages a diverse audience. The Screwtape Letters is a provocative and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of the C. S. Lewis novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. It will run at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave @ E Street, San Diego, on Saturday, October 19th at 4pm and 8pm. For tickets visit www.screwtapeonstage.com or call 619.570.1100.
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Boyd Funeral Re-Scheduled
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F. Gillar Boyd, Jr.
3/15/28 -8/4/13
Gillar’s funeral will be on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 am.
It will be a wonderful celebration of his life.
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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!!
Your Invitation is here-NOW!
Click on the image below to view and/or print.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Marriage Equality: Where the Episcopal Church Stands, hosted by Craig Ewing
9/22 Diocesan Policy: “Same Sex Blessings and Marriages”
9/29 The Rector’s Reply: “The Blessing Ministry”
Hebrew Scriptures with DVD facilitated by Jerry DiNoto
10/06 Judges (1) – a period of deep theological/moral issues
10/13 Judges (2) – political instability, moral/political chaos
10/20 Samuel & Saul – charismatic leadership and monarchy
10/27 King David – his charm, ruthlessness and faith
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
American Religious History—A Struggle for Peace & Justice, audio CD by Patrick N. Allitt, hosted by Victoria Hatch and Robert Hettinger
9/24 Puritans–Struggles with Religious & Political Way of Life
Contemplative Prayer … Prayer of the Heart, led by David Caffrey
10/01 Prayer: An overview of different types and forms of prayer
10/08 Liturgical Prayer and the Daily Office
10/15 Lectio Divina: Sacred Reading and Praying the Bible
10/22 Desert Spirituality
10/29 Contemplation and the Eastern Christian Tradition
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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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At the
Church of St. Paul
in the Desert
. . . we welcome all worshipers to a place free of violence, bullying, and abuse. Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.
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Peace & Justice Ministry:
Thought for the week: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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The first Daughters of the King meeting this season is Tuesday, September 24th, at 1:15pm in the St. Paul’s “Condo.” Every women in the congregation and friends are invited.
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The Episcopal Church Women will have their first event of the Fall season on Thursday, October 3rd at 11:30am in the parish hall. A “gourmet” program featuring professional chef Roxana Lambeth will follow a brief meeting and the traditional noon salad luncheon. Ms. Lambeth, a native of Peru, does specialty home cooking and is helping a physician write a cookbook for diabetics. She will talk about her experiences not only as a cook, but also as a dancer and actress. All women of the parish are invited, and those attending (except newcomers) should bring a salad to serve 6 to 8, rolls, or dessert to share; beverages are provided. For additional information, contact Kathy Briski at 760.864.7145.
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 Godly Play starts again Sunday, Sept. 22nd! This Bible story-centered children’s curriculum aims at ages 4-9. It is held during the 10:30 Sunday service in the corner room of the parish hall. Nursery care is also available. A short parent and staff meeting will take place in the Godly Play room after church on Sunday. Bring your young children to church or invite friends who have grandkids of this age to join us. Call Bonnie Stroock for more information at 760.324.7949.
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Hungry for Italian Food?
Join Desert Blind & Handicapped on September 18th between 5 & 8 PM . The tickets are $25 and include salad, garlic bread, beverage, entree’ and dessert. Tickets available from George Holliday, Bette Knutson or Mike Carson; by calling 760.440.7720 or by visiting the web at www.desertblind.org.
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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 October 9th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts Sunday after the 8:00 service are David Livingston & Russell Watters and after 10:30 James Kyle & Mark Leggett
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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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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Bullying Behavior Not Welcome Here
At St. Paul in the Desert we 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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“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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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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Report Misconduct.
Report Misconduct. As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe haven for everyone, our diocese trains people in the prevention of misconduct and encourages all to report misconduct. All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact the Rev. Thomas Wilson at twilssdca@gmail.com or 619.518.4713.
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