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Shepherd, King, and Steward
This weekend we celebrate the Reign of Christ as the cycle of the Church Year comes to a close. In our reading from Jeremiah, the prophet challenges the leaders who were supposed to “shepherd” God’s people: the priests, the prophets, and especially the kings. He proclaims that God will raise up faithful leaders and a king like David.
At the heart of this criticism are the kings who have been placed over God’s people. God was the ruler, the one who led them out of bondage, through the desert, and into the promised land. When the people demanded a king like the other nations around them, God appointed Saul to lead them – in the way that God directed.
The kings were like shepherds, leading and protecting flocks that did not belong to them. The best of the kings was David. He went from shepherding the flocks of his father, Jesse, to leading God’s people. He was not perfect, but he was a good king.
Most of the kings who followed David were not good shepherds. They forgot that the people belonged to God and they began to rule as owners, not shepherds. As a result, the people were abused and scattered. Jeremiah proclaims God’s promise that God will raise up a king like David. This king will gather, nurture, and lead the people in the way that God chooses. This king will be a good shepherd and a good steward of God’s people. Jesus is that Good Shepherd. Christ is that King.
Week by week, in this space and in our worship, we reflect on the way that Jesus is described in the Gospels. He is the one who gathers the sheep, particularly the last, the lost, the least, and leads them to healing and life.
Week by week, in this space and in our worship, we reflect on and practice how we might follow in Jesus’ way. This weekend we celebrate the Reign of Christ and we celebrate our role as stewards of Christ’s mission. We begin to gather pledges of financial commitment to that mission through St. Paul’s ministry in Jesus’ Name.
If you have received a pledge card in the mail, please prayerfully and thoughtfully complete and return it at any of our weekend services. If you have not received one, they will be available in the pews or you can make a pledge here.
Our practice in following Jesus as faithful shepherds/stewards continues this weekend. Join in.
Fr. Andrew
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Jeremiah 23:1-6
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the LORD. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the LORD.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”
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If you’re interested in helping to decorate the Church (interior and exterior) and the Parish Hall please call the parish office, 760.320.7488-ext 0, and ask for Br. John Charles who will be happy to explain our needs and the process and sign you up! Our first project will be to string lights on the exterior of the church during the week of December 2. Come make new friends and join the fun! Those with a fear of heights are very welcome!
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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
11/24 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)
11/26 The Civil Rights Movement
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Eileen Ivy Borhand
January 23, 1920 – November 3, 2013
Funeral, November 30, 2013 at 11 am.
Scott Martin
August 28, 1959 – November18, 2013
Funeral December 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Joseph Lowth
August 19, 1929 – November 11, 2013
Funeral, December 7, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Michael Lee Lovett
September 15, 1946 – November 21, 2013
Funeral, December 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Chris Deverich
Died November 18, 2013 after a long illness.
Funeral will be in Paradise, California.
May they rest in peace.
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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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Thanksgiving Day Worship
We will gather to give thanks to God on Thursday, November 28th at 10:30 a.m.
Join in to sing and pray our thanks in the celebration of Holy Communion.
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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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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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Episcopal Church Women
With the holidays fast approaching, the Episcopal Church Women will entertain at their annual Christmas luncheon on December 5. A highlight of the event will be a program featuring music of the season performed by St. Paul’s choir director, Nathan Ensign on the piano, accompanying Theresa Danne, an alto in the choir. Ms. Danne will sing several solos, and then lead the group in singing carols.
The business meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. in the parish hall, followed by the program and then the traditional salad lunch. 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 (760) 864-7145. Hostesses for the winter gathering are Kathy Kilmer and Ruth Kraus.
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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. Parishioners are welcome to participate and assist.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts today after the 8:00 service are Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods & after 10:30 are Ray and Cheryl Kelley.
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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