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You Are Called Rock
With few exceptions, most people are aware of the calling of the disciples from the point of view of Matthew, Mark, or Luke. Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee and sees Peter (or Peter and his brother Andrew) and calls them to be followers. In our reading this week, Jesus responds to some of John the Baptizer’s disciples by inviting them to “Come and see.” Andrew was one of those who listened and followed. He went and got his brother Simon, whom Jesus immediately renames as Peter. Jesus gives him a nickname, the “Rock.”
This reading has two differences from the story of Jesus that we are used to. John the Baptizer does not appear to have yet met Jesus and Andrew is the first disciple to be called.
I want to acknowledge that there are differences, but not dwell on them. It reminds me of the way different branches of a family remember the introduction of a new member. Each branch has a perspective that is unique and when told together, lead to a richer understanding of the story.
What is amazing for me is that although in John’s Gospel telling, Simon Peter is not the first, he is singled out – he is given a name that will ring through the Christian Community. It suggests his significance in leadership and steadfastness.
It appears that when Jesus calls Peter, he has a vision for him that is greater than Peter or his friends might expect. In addition to calling to Peter – getting his attention – Jesus calls something out of Peter – an expectation that he will be a partner in the plan of salvation.
The calling of all disciples, including you and me, is a calling to, and a calling out of us. God sees us as we are and understands our potential as partners in the work of reconciling the whole word to God. Despite the different perspective of each Gospel writer, this is clear: Jesus came for the work of reconciliation, and calls each of us to join him. The first invitation is often, “Come and see.”
Join in our worship this weekend as we celebrate and learn about the Jesus who calls us to be his partners. It is a great time to hear Jesus’ invitation and share it with your friends: “Come and see.”
Fr. Andrew
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John 1:29-42
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
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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 in the Parish Office. Limited Seating.
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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
1/19 Leo IX, Gregory VII and Church Reform (11th Century)
1/26 NO CLASS (Annual Meeting)
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Sundays throughout February
The Divine Feminine
Led by Victoria Hatch and Audrey Spencermorris.
Recovering the Feminine Face of God as we explore various spiritual traditions around the world, renewing and integrating our relationship with the Divine Feminine.
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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
1/21 Theological Crisis and Council—
The Trinity (Three in One . . . or Not?)
1/28 Theological Crisis and Council—
Christology (God-Man . . . or Not?)
Old Testament – a continuation with Amy-Jill Levine on DVD; hosted by Jerry DiNoto and Craig Ewing
2/04 From King Solomon to Pre-classical Prophecy
2/11 The Prophets and the Fall of the Northern Kingdom
2/18 The Southern Kingdom
2/25 Babylonian Exile
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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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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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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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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 13th, 162 pledges for a projected income of $307,874 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 18th – 19th or in the Church office. Contact Br. John Charles Westaway or a Vestry member for further information!
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The Order of Daughters of the King will  meet on Tuesday, January 28th, at 1:15pm in the Condo located behind the Church office. So that we have a closer bond with all the ladies at St. Paul’s, we invite you to attend to see what DOK is about. We are a Prayer, Service and Evangelism ministry. Please pause for a couple moments to look at the DOK bulletin board at the right side of the entrance to the Parish Hall
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**
The annual Daughters of the King Tea will be held on Sunday, February 9th, at 2 pm at the home of Bonnie Stroock. We invite and welcome all ladies to attend in order to learn more about DOK, and enjoy a closer fellowship. Any questions, call Valerie Ferguson at 760.799.5927.
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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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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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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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 The Episcopal Church Women will feature “hearts and flowers,” a Valentine’s Day luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, at 11:30am in the Parish Hall. A brief business meeting will be followed by a salad luncheon, and a special program. 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 information, call Kathy Briski at 760.864.7145. Hostess is Arlene Baker.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Please join Prayer Shawl Ministry to create Prayer Flags on 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 both services, Rebecca McKinney.
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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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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