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Inter-Generational Celebration!
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. Jesus is presented in the Temple 40 days after his birth in thanksgiving to God and in fulfillment of the tradition of God’s people.
Jesus is only 40 days old, but he is seen as a beacon of hope by two old and faithful members of the community. Simeon believes that, having seen Jesus, he is ready to die in peace. In Jesus, Simeon saw God’s light reaching to all the nations. Anna is an 84 year old widow who has been called to a life of prayer in the temple. Upon seeing the infant, she praises God and tells everyone that Jesus is the instrument of God’s salvation.
The infant and his young family are the focus of this presentation in the Temple. Mary is being restored to worship after childbirth and Jesus is being offered to God as their firstborn son.
While the particulars of the Temple experience are different from those of our weekly worship, the wider context is the same. Young and old gather to praise God and seek a bond with a wider community as they offer different gifts. In the Temple Jesus is lifted up by the old and wise in language that puzzles his parents. Simeon and Anna see something that remains hidden from Mary and Joseph. The young parents have come to take part in a tradition that is expected of them. They leave the Temple with more questions than answers about their son.
There is something about how young and old find connection in our common life. As long time members reflected on the early days of St Paul’s at our Anniversary Dinner or the Children’s Choir inspire the congregation with their enthusiasm, we are reminded that all of us are seeking God and each other.
Years ago we had a 12 year old acolyte at the 8:00 a.m. service. He was the darling of the older worshipers. He was among the first to wear running shoes as an acolyte. One of the wise old women at the service said to him, “Those tennis shoes are really something!” It turns out that he took the attention on his footwear as criticism. When questioned, the woman explained that she thought the shoes were fine, but she was really thrilled that he was an acolyte and looked forward to great things from him as she joined his journey.
Young, old, and middle aged, we all come before God with different expectations and different gifts. As new generations participate in ancient worship, the old share the traditions and hopes, while the young inspire re-interpretation with their questions and their presence.
In worship this week, join with a community that is learning to value the different gifts that come from different ages as we all present ourselves to God.
Fr. Andrew
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Luke 2:22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed– and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
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 Come to Convention! 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. 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. Come hear speakers, worship with other Episcopalians and take advantage of these opportunities. For times and locations visit: http://www.edsd.org/diocon2014. Contact Hannah Wilder with questions: hwilder@edsd.org, 619.481.5456.
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The Experience of Confirmation:
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Accepting God’s Gift of Faith
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Are you worshiping with our community and ready to take a further step into becoming an Episcopalian?
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Are you confirmed in another denomination and want to be received into the Episcopal Church?
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Are you already an Episcopalian and have been inactive and want to reconnect?
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Are you interested in exploring your faith in the context of St. Paul’s community?
Then our Confirmation Program is for you! This journey will lead you through your own spiritual life story as well as through the history, theology and worship of the Episcopal Church. It is an opportunity for you to grow spiritually in and through the community of faith at St. Paul’s. Our first meeting will be on Sunday, February 23rd, at 5:30pm, here at St. Paul’s and will include dinner. Thereafter, there will be five weekly sessions, all including dinner, on Sundays during Lent in preparation for Confirmation/Reception by Bishop Mathes on Sunday, April 6th.
Please RSVP your interest in attending by signing up in the Parish Hall or by calling Susan Jacob at 760.320.7488 ext 227.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
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
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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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center is an outreach of St. Paul’s that serves the homeless by providing clothing, special Monday night desserts and other volunteer services to one of the Coachella Valley’s largest transitional living facilities. You can help by contributing desserts, donating to the SOS fund, adding to the donation baskets in the Narthex or by joining our volunteers to assist our Monday evening outreach. Several new services are planned, and new volunteers are both needed and welcome. For more information, contact Hap Blaisdell at 760.323.5726 or Chris Kelly at 760.406.2978.
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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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Social Justice Wisdom:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only Light can do that. Hate cannot not drive out hate; only Love can do that” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The next Social Justice Ministry meeting will be held on Thursday, February 13 @ 7PM in the church Library.
Our discussion will be about “Systematic Oppression and the Roots of Fear”. Angela Alley, a motivational speaker, will our guest. Please just us for fun, fellowship and tasty treats.
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PLEDGE UPDATE
As of January 26th, 168 pledges for a projected income of $315,914 have been received for the ministry of St Paul in the Desert in 2014.
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**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 next Taizé service will be held February 6th at 7 p.m., Taizé services will continue 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 feature a Valentine’s Day “hearts and flowers” luncheon on Thursday, February 6th, at 11:30am in the Parish Hall. Parishioner Rick Tinsley will talk about “Angels—God’s Messengers.” Mr. Tinsley was ordained in the Lutheran Church and has attended St. Paul’s for nine years. He is Altar Guild Director and a Worship Coordinator. He is married to George Holliday and is Director of Food and Nutrition at Desert Regional Medical Center. The order of the day begins with a brief business meeting, followed by a salad luncheon at noon, and the program. All women of the parish are invited, and those attending (except newcomers) should bring a salad to serve 6-8, rolls, or dessert to share; beverages are provided. For additional information, contact Kathy Briski at 760.864.7145. Hostess will be Arlene Baker.
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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
Please join us for a no host Coffee Hour Sunday in the Parish Hall.
You may 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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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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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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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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