|
Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
|
|
Where’s Heaven?
Greetings!
Fr. Andrew asked me to write the weekly reflections while he is on his well-deserved sabbatical. I am grateful for this opportunity to share thoughts and insights on the weekly readings that may inspire the daily living out of our faith.
For me, the Ascension reading this week gives a “more than meets the eye” understanding of this amazing event. We have many images in art and even a footprint on the rock in the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, as well as the “word-picture” of the disciples standing astounded as their Lord disappears into the sky.
With these images in mind, can we blame the disciples or ourselves for the persistent thought that the Ascension is joined to the idea in our faith that heaven is somewhere “up there”? But what if this passage of scripture really isn’t about heaven’s location, but something else entirely?
I like to pose a question. What if we think of heaven as not about blue skies or life only after death? What if heaven is God coming to us, “God’s unbounded, universal and all-inclusive love uplifting every human and earthly situation, stronger than any loss, even death. What if we don’t think of going to heaven – ascending only- but rather heaven coming to us and transforming us to enlighten the world? Then the Ascension has everything to do with our daily lives.
Jesus tells us, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” I believe that this is what the Ascension is all about!
It’s the Spirit giving us the same power that Jesus had: the power to love; the power to bring God’s transforming love, healing, forgiveness and inclusion into every situation; the power to make heaven real, here and now. The power to be heaven-bearers to all we encounter.
Have a Blessed Week,
Jerry Di Noto
|
|
Acts 1:6-14
When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
|
|
Getting to Know Jerry Di Noto
|
|
I learned about St. Paul’s through the Dignity group, which holds its weekly liturgy in the church. I became an active member at St. Paul’s in 2010 and was formally received by Bishop Knudsen in 2011. Currently, I serve on the Vestry and am the chair of the Adult Faith Building Team which is responsible for sponsoring regularly scheduled classes on various theological and spirituality based topics. My commitment to our faith community has also led me to become involved with the Social Justice Team and Coordinator of the Sacramental Preparation Program.
I have M.A degrees in Education and Theology and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. My background includes being ordained a Deacon and a 30 year ecclesiastically related career. In my work with various Roman Catholic dioceses, I taught on all levels, was administrator of several schools, and a diocesan director of Religious Education.
In my work in the parish, I am committed to using my gifts and talents to extend the reality of our Mission Statement. That is, of witnessing God’s inclusive love, through our welcoming, empowering and supportive community.
|
|
Help Save The Choir Room Steinway!
|
|
 Our Grand Ole Piano is in distress! With all the original parts in our 1923 Steinway grand piano in the Choir Room wearing out, the Vestry has voted to rebuild the piano this summer while the choir is on vacation. This is a major expense not included in this year’s Music Budget and therefore donations are being requested. A letter has been sent to the Parish but if you would like more information on how to assist this project, please see our Director of Music, Nathan Ensign, after services or contact him at 760-320-7488 x.225.
|
|
As you know, Fr. Andrew has left on well earned annual vacation and 3 month sabbatical, his second after 25 years as Rector. It is 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. It is a part of Episcopal tradition to give the members and friends of the parish an opportunity to contribute to a Sabbatical Fund to assist in an extended and meaningful time away. It’s still not too late to be a part of this effort and 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 through this fund that Fr. Andrew will be able to submit appropriate expenses through our usual business expense reimbursement procedure.
|
|
“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
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
|
|
“Tuesdays at 7”
In The Library
“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.
|
|
Roy’s Desert Resource Center
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
“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!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Faith Formation will continue through the summer with classes Sunday mornings at 9:15 AM in the Library and Movie Nights on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library. Stay tuned for themes and movie selections.
|
|
“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.
|
|
SOCIAL JUSTICE
SERVICE COALITION MEETING
June 1st 1:30-3:30
What is a Service Coalition Meeting?
Meetings are held quarterly and, June 1st, St. Paul’s is hosting our valley’s Sister Churches. Sharing our ministries and desires to serve Christ in fearless love, we discuss our achievements and our challenges. Come and enjoy fellowship and tasty treats!
|
|
Family and Children’s Ministry
will meet in Godly Play room June 8th following the 10:30 AM service. Award Sunday will be June 15th. Thanks for a great year!
|
|
Taizé Services
will be on
vacation until
October 2, 2014
See You Then!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
The hosts after the 8 AM service are Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Write a comment: