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No Litmus Test, Please!
Sometimes we use good things for the wrong reasons. In any country, patriotism is welcome. In any country, it can be used, not as a joyful celebration of relationship to one’s homeland, but as a litmus test. If your patriotism does not match mine, you don’t relate as a “real” citizen, maybe you don’t belong.
In our Gospel selection for this week, verse 6 is often used as a litmus test for Christians. “Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” A verse can become a “test” when someone uses the Gospel for their own purposes, while implying they are God’s purposes.
Litmus tests are suspect because they are about power and control. The “test” presumes the person asking the question is in the position to decide and, for believers, that the questioner has the correct and only answer or interpretation. These kinds of “tests” lead to exclusion and close off relationship.
Context is crucial to our understanding. Jesus is speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper. The context is his disciples and their continuing relationship with Jesus, each other, and the Father. It is very personal and directed at the disciple community. As a member of the Men’s Bible Study said in reflecting on this passage. “I was taught not to confuse instructive language for legislative language.”
Jesus is instructing and reassuring his disciples about his continued relationship with them, even after the crucifixion. Jesus promises to take them where he is going, and that they know how to get there. The disciple, Thomas, does not know the destination and is sure, then, he does not know the way. Jesus answers that he (Jesus) is the Way. Stick with me, stick together, you can’t get there alone, is what Jesus is saying to them. They need him and each other, and he will be with them.
Jesus offers, not a litmus test, but a loving covenant.
Join in worship this weekend as we explore and reaffirm God’s loving covenant with the community of faith.
Fr. Andrew
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John 14:1-14
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
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Sabbatical “Send-Off Brunch
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As you know, Fr. Andrew will soon be leaving on vacation and on a well-earned, three-month Sabbatical, his second after 25 years as Rector. It will be a time for him (and Susan part of the time) to relax, grow and renew so that he can return refreshed for the next chapter of his ministry with us. To that end, the Vestry has organized a Send-off “Brunch” for Fr. Andrew & Susan Green that will be held on Sunday, May 18th after the 10:30 service during Coffee Hour. It will be a catered affair, and Sandwiches, shrimp salad, fruit salad and cake are on the menu. Please RSVP to the church office to ensure a place at the table!
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It is a part of Episcopal tradition to give members and friends of the parish an opportunity to contribute to a Sabbatical Fund to assist an extended and meaningful time away. If you would like to be a part of this effort, we invite you to write a tax-deductible check payable to “St. Paul in the Desert” noted for the Sabbatical Fund and either place it in the offering plate or send it to the Parish Office. It is from this fund that Fr. Andrew will be able to reimburse appropriate expenses through our usual business expense procedures.
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Juanita Bosworth
May 15, 1916 – April 15, 2014
A Celebration of Life for Juanita Bosworth, who died April 15, 2014, will be held at St. Paul’s on May 17th at 11:00 AM. Juanita was a very long time member of the Parish and attended the 10:30 service.
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Billie Jean Haas
Fr. Andrew will lead a Celebration of Life for Billie Jean Haas at Noon on Friday, May 16th at Forest Lawn Mortuary, 69855 Ramon Road at Da Vall Dr.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
How Do You Live As An Easter Person:
Personal Shared Reflections of the 1st Peter Epistle
5/18 1st Peter 2:2-10 – “Are you a Living Stone?”
Led by Rev. Victoria Hatch
5/25 Memorial Day Weekend. No Session
American Religious Movements:
Presentation & discussion on some of the American-founded, Christian-based denominations.
6/1 Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints: Led by Rick Tinsley
6/8 NO SESSION- Pentecost
6/15 Jehovah Witnesses: Led by Rick Tinsley
6/22 Christian Science: Led by Jerry Di Noto
6/29 Seventh Day Adventists: Led by Rick Tinsley
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“Tuesdays at 7”
In The Library
Responding To Our Baptismal Promises. An interactive approach incorporating Social Justice issues.
Facilitators:
Jerry Di Noto, Audrey Spenser-Morris, Br. John Charles Westaway.
5/20 Striving for Peace and Justice?
5/27 Respecting the Dignity of ALL people?
“A Grief Observed”, by C.S. Lewis.
Book study facilitated by Craig Ewing.
A discussion of this short, yet powerful exploration into one man’s response to great personal loss. Twelve books will be available at the first session for $10 each or may be purchased on Amazon.
6/3 Introduction and Orientation / C. S. Lewis and Joy Davidson
6/10 Life, loss and living in grief
6/17 Who is God in the most grievous of times?
6/24 Grace, patience, and moving forward.
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Roy’s Desert Resource Center
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Volunteers Needed For Roy’s Desert Resource Center! St. Paul’s is expanding its outreach to the men, women and children of Roy’s Desert Resource Center, one of the Coachella Valley’s largest transitional living facilities for the homeless. New volunteers are needed to assist in our continuing Monday night dessert service to Roy’s residents, as are baked goods, used clothing and donations to our Roy’s “S.O.S” fund. We are also looking for new volunteers willing to assist residents as they visit the on-site “God’s Closet” used clothing repository, and we hope to have a “team” together for this new program by early June. We encourage everyone with a little time to spare to join us in this opportunity for service and fellowship. For more information, please contact Chris Kelly at (760) 406-2978. We would love to hear from you!
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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
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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!
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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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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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“MEDIA” VOLUNTEER NEEDED AT ST. PAUL’S
A volunteer is needed to transmit times and dates of services and special events to The Desert Sun (and possibly other news outlets) on a regular basis, for publication in their listing of “Upcoming Activities”. This does not involve writing any articles, it does not involve attending any meetings, and it can be done from home on your own schedule. Training will be provided. To volunteer for this important outreach ministry or for more information, please call Br. John Charles at 760.320.7488 in the Church office.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
“WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF THEE? DO JUSTICE AND TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.”
MICAH 6:8
You are invited to attend the Social Justice meeting Thursday, June 12th’ at 7 p.m. We meet in the church library.
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MEMORIAL DAY CAMP AT CAMP STEVENS
Camp Stevens Memorial Day Family Camp is May 24-26. Come and kick off summer in the mountains as you swim, hike, make crafts, play, sing and relax with families and friends. Get more information about the San Diego Diocese’s camp in Julian at www.campstevens.org/family.
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Taizé Services
will be on
vacation until
October 2, 2014
See You Then!
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Camp Stevens applications have arrived and are in the parish hall! Imagine your kids or grandkids enjoying the beautiful hills of Julian at the church camp for the Diocese of San Diego. Camping trips to the Sierra Nevada are available for teens and adults, as well. Write to: info@campstevens.org to get the schedules.
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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 June 11th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Consider signing up to host a Coffee Hour in 2014. A binder at the entrance to the Parish Hall indicates available Sundays throughout the year. If you have questions, call Ray or Cheryl Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on Wednesday’s from 10am -1pm in Hogarth Hall. Whether you wish to learn to knit or crochet or are an expert needleworker, we welcome you. Needles, hooks and yarn are provided. Please drop in to create and enjoy our prayerfully made creations.
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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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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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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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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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