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Let it Be So – For Now
Jesus was the one foretold by the prophets and hoped for by the people.
But….
He would fulfill God’s calling for him, but not in the way expected by most. Some voices expected a leader-king like their golden memories of David. Others expected a powerful prophet like Moses. Renewal of the people of Jacob, to some, meant overthrowing the Roman yoke. Renewal to others meant observance of the Law that nurtured a holy, chosen people. Along with each voice came specific expectations – which Jesus turned aside and upside down.
From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus understood it differently than did John. The encounter in the Gospel for this week continues the difference in the expectations that Jesus would fulfill. John presumes that Jesus would be doing the baptizing, but Jesus presents himself to John without argument and commands: “Let it be, for now.”
These words are like a doorway for Jesus’ calling and ministry. I interpret his command like this: John, you must set aside your agenda; I must choose this different door to pass through. Wait…..and watch.
For Jesus, there was time to let events unfold, and to wait for the ministry to cohere. This week we celebrate Jesus’ doorway to his public ministry in his baptism. And we honor the ambiguity of it. During Advent, we reflected on the “already, but not yet” quality of God’s presence with us in Jesus – a sense we could not experience everything at once. Some questions, some searches, will sit unanswered……..for now.
The waiting holds true for listening to the recounting of Jesus’ ministry and preaching. Christmas, Epiphany, Good Friday and Easter each requires some letting it be, for now.
Our regular community gathering for prayer and worship might be a doorway opportunity for us. It may be a place or time when God invites us to connect or go deeper in our faith, but wants for us a waiting time for reflection on our expectations and hopes. Our “right now” becomes “wait.”
Join in worship this week and be alert to doorways, where God counsels us to trust, and “Let it be – for now.”
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
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 All are welcome and encouraged to attend the 40th Annual Diocesan Convention on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22. This year’s gala dinner will be special because it kicks off the diocesan capital campaign, Build the Serving Church, and will serve as the 40th birthday party of the diocese. We have fun surprises planned! A festive Eucharist at St. Paul’s Cathedral is open to all. Convention is the biggest diocesan event of the year. Come hear speakers, worship with other Episcopalians and take advantage of these opportunities. For times and locations visit: www.edsd.org/diocon2014. Contact Hannah Wilder with questions: hwilder@edsd.org, 619.481.5456.
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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
Lights in the Dark Ages, a DVD series based on “Lives of Great Christians” by William R. Cook. Hosted by Craig Ewing
1/12 St. Benedict and His Rule (530 C.E.)
1/19 Leo IX, Gregory VII and Church Reform (11th Century)
1/26 NO CLASS (Annual Meeting)
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In The Library
Controversies in the Early Church, a DVD series based on “The History of Christianity” by Luke Timothy Johnson. Hosted by Bob Hettinger
1/14 Constantine and the Established Church—
Converting an Empire to Christianity
1/21 Theological Crisis and Council—
The Trinity (Three in One . . . or Not?)
1/28 Theological Crisis and Council—
Christology (God-Man . . . or Not?)
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Christmas For the Homeless
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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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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 John Seitman, at jseitman@pacbell.net or 858-793-4426.
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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 Paul’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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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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Church Office Hours
Please observe that the office is not open for walk-ins on Mondays. If you call, please leave a message. In case of emergencies, a priest will return your call.
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PLEDGE UPDATE
As of January 5th, 155 pledges for a projected income of $271,084 have been received for the ministry of St Paul in the Desert in 2014.
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The Parish Annual Meeting will be held on January 26th after the 10:30 Service as a Brunch. We will conduct Parish business and elect a new slate of members to the Vestry. The Brunch is complimentary, seating is limited and you must have a ticket to enjoy the brunch. Tickets are available after each service on January 11th -12th and 18th – 19th or in the Church office. Contact Br. John Charles Westaway or a Vestry member for further information!
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The Social Justice Team will meet Thursday, January 16th, at 7pm, in the St. Paul’s Library. Please join the lively team as we discuss our goals for 2014.
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 The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, will be our keynote speaker at the Diocesan Convention gala dinner. Bishop Jefferts Schori will bless the Episcopal Church Center in Ocean Beach as the new diocesan center.
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For Epiphany, we are using the Sanctus and Agnus Dei from the Sewanee Mass by Malcolm Archer, English Church Musician, Conductor, Composer and Recital Organist. Since 2007, Archer is Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College in the heart of England, where he trains and conducts the Choristers and Chapel Choir. He also teaches organ and composition. He has a distinguished career in Cathedral music, which has taken him to posts at Norwich, Bristol, and Wells Cathedrals, as well as Director of Music at the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Please join Prayer Shawl Ministry to create Prayer Flags on Wednesday, January 15th, 10am-1pm and/or Sunday, January 19th, while sipping coffee. Bishop Mathes has invited us to create Prayer Flags to explore and express prayer through fabric, color, words, and thoughts. Prayer Flags are a universal symbol of peace, love, and compassion. They will be displayed at convention, February 21st & 22nd, and at dedication festivities for our first Diocesan Center. Prayer Shawl Ministry would appreciate offerings of embellishments for the flags, such as ribbons, buttons, fabric scraps, beads, fabric paint and permanent markers.
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Holy Communion Service for
Local Care Facilities
Holy Communion at Windsor Court, 201 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, is hosted by the Nursing Home Ministry on the second Wednesday of the month, next, on February 12th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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Coffee Hour Celebration
Coffee Hour Hosts Sunday: after 8:00 service David Livingston & Charles McDonald and after 10:30 George Holliday & Rick Tinsley.
Sign up to host a Coffee Hour by using the binder at the entrance to the Parish Hall. There are lots of opportunities in 2014. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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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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Taizé services will resume February 6th at 7 p.m., and will be presented the first Thursday of the month thereafter.
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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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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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