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Crisis As Opportunity
The people of the Philippines have been devastated by a typhoon. They need help. Please see if you can help them through the Red Cross or Episcopal Relief and Development. In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus anticipates several crises: the destruction of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple-based form of worship that the people were used to, and the opposition and persecution that his own followers would face. He is talking about a time of immense challenge for believers – a major crisis – one so great that some will declare “all is lost.”
Jesus is practicing with his disciples so that they can respond to this future crisis and be assured that not all will be lost. Jesus anticipates a time of crisis that will be devastating, but one that can be an opportunity for his followers. He speaks of his disciples being in the midst of chaotic events and tells them: This will give you an opportunity to testify.
Although I am sure there would be words involved, I don’t believe that their testimony would have been primarily a verbal witness. Jesus says that as well as the disciples being present, there will be a manifestation of God in the middle of that crisis. He says they will testify to God’s continuing presence by being present and steadfast themselves. And what may even cost them their lives will not cost their souls: “not a hair on their heads will perish.”
Most of the crises that each of us faces do not figure as a devastating end of “all things,” but sometimes they have that force. When I have reached the end of my ability to cope, the witness of someone close at hand can make a difference. The fact that someone sees my situation and offers a connection – “I am thinking about you, I am praying for you, I am here” – is powerful. And each one of us has the opportunity to be present with one another and to represent God’s abiding presence. I promise to be there for you.
The reality is that all of us will risk devastation in a crisis, even death, but we are promised God’s eternal safety: “not a hair of our heads will perish.”
Join in worship this weekend as we practice God’s presence, attending to the needs of the people of the Philippines in their devastation, and to one another in our crises.
Fr. Andrew
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Luke 21:5-19
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!’ and, `The time is near!’ Do not go after them.
“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
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African Team Ministry (ATM) Craft & Jewelry Sale
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African Team Ministry (ATM) Craft & Jewelry Sale Sunday, Nov. 17th, hosted by Roseanna Langley after both Sunday services. ATM is a Christian organization that funds school fees, tuition, books and uniforms for orphaned and refugee children. In addition, ATM also provides a means for selling jewelry and crafts handmade in Kenya, the proceeds from which go directly back to the artisans who made them.
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 Taize services are offered at St Paul’s on three Tuesdays in Advent. The first Advent Taize service will be December 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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Older Adult Committee Trip
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Older Adult Committee Trip to The Getty Center, Los Angeles, for the Exhibit “Canterbury & St. Albans: Treasures from Church & Cloister’ on Thursday, January 23, 2014, departing St Paul’s at 7:15 AM returning about 5 PM. $45 per person by cash, check or credit card. Transportation by Cardiff Luxury Bus with restroom. Coffee with lite breakfast will be served before we board. Wine, soft drinks and snacks available on the way home. Lunch at one of the Getty’s restaurants on your own. Tickets on sale after Services on Dec 1, 8 and 15 or in the Parish Office. Limited Seating – buy your seat now.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Year of St. Matthew, DVD series –
“Jesus and the Gospels” by Prof. Timothy Johnson.
Hosted by Craig Ewing
11/17 Gospel of Matthew-Jesus and the Torah
11/24 Gospel of Matthew-Teacher and Lord
The Three Comings of Jesus, led by Rick Tinsley
12/01 Preparing the Way of the Lord:
Advent History, Tradition & Devotion
12/08 Incarnate from the Virgin Mary and Was Made Human
12/15 With Us Always to the End of the Age
12/22 Will Come Again in Glory to Judge the Living and the Dead
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In the Library
Peace & Justice Issues. (Led by Bob Hettinger)
11/19 The Affluent Society
11/26 The Civil Rights Movement
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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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“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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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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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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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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The Social Justice Team
will meet on Nov 14th at 7 PM in St. Paul’s library. Linda Barrack, Director of Roy’s Desert Resource Center for Jewish Family Services will share issues with respect to “Transitional Housing” and what it means for our homeless brothers and sisters. Please join us for discussion, learning and tasty treats.
Thought for the week: “To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.” – Pearl S. Buck
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Daughters of the King meets on Tuesday, November 26th, at 1:15pm in the condo behind the church office. We are a Prayer, Service, and Evangelism Order. To form a closer bond with all the ladies of the congregation, we invite you to attend the meeting. Please take a look at the bulletin board just to the right as you enter the Parish Hall. Any questions, call Val Ferguson at 760.799.5927 or 760.671.5372.
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Holiday Concert featuring the Joslyn Singers on Thursday, December 5th, at 2:00pm at St. Anthony Episcopal Church, 19990 Mountain View Road, Desert Hot Springs. Suggested donation is $10.
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Spirituality for the Second Half of Life, a mini-retreat sponsored by the Older Adult Committee, will happen on Saturday, December 14th, 9:30am to 3:30pm. The presenter is the Rev. Canon David Caffrey. The cost is $10 which includes lunch. Tickets are on sale after services beginning November 23 or in the parish office.
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Well in the Desert
. . . is seeking volunteers to help prepare and/or serve dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Volunteer applications are in the church hall. Please fill them out if you are interested and we will group FAX them. Thereafter you will be called with the particulars. Learn more. . .
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Our Partnership
with
Katherine Finchy
Elementary School
. . . continues through our donations of classroom supplies. Please take a blue classroom supply wish list, available from the ushers, (or view and print), to use when you go shopping. Please place your donations in the basket marked “Katherine Finchy Elementary” located in the Narthex. You may also bring your purchased supplies to the Church Office during business hours. If you are unable to shop, but would like to help financially, please make your check out to “St. Paul in the Desert” and write “Katherine Finchy” on the memo line.
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THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR
. . .every Wednesday at 6pm in the Choir Room. All children age 4 and above are invited to participate in this activity learning musical skills while having fun and assisting in the congregation’s worship. For more information please contact Nathan Ensign at 760.320.7488 ext 225.
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 Godly Play
Godly Play teachers and parents meet after church on Sunday, November 17th. Come and help plan our Christmas Eve special children’s service. Thanks to all who came to beautiful Oak Glen for our field trip on November 3rd.
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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 December 11th at 10:15 am. Father Dick Merrill will preside and welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts today after the 8:00 service are Lanny Tucker & Rex Comer & after 10:30 Members of the Choir.
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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