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Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
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You can’t capture the Spirit!
As we experience our summer temperatures, I am reminded of the disciples in the upper room with locked door and windows where our Pentecost story begins – a room full of stagnant air and apprehensive, fearful people. Then the mighty rushing wind transforms them.
The Holy Spirit from heaven blows into the house. Fresh air from God blows out the dead, stale air and the disciples’ fear. The room is suddenly filled with the electricity of the Spirit and the excitement of expectation.
Many of us like what we have here in our church and for many there is a tendency to want to hold on to it, to keep it just as it is, to shut the doors to change and new concepts of ministry. But the Spirit doesn’t work that way and neither should we. Jesus says, “The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) If you try to capture the wind and enclose it, it dies. Its power is stopped. You are left quiet; things go back to “normal.”
But if you are caught up by the Spirit, you are wide open to its power to move hearts and minds. Then we embody its power to live out our mission of being a welcoming, empowering and supportive community. Being open is not just about some secular idea of inclusiveness. It does encompass that, but then goes further. Open minds and hearts are spiritual principles which open us and the church to allow the Holy Spirit to rush through – to change, renew, revitalize, refresh, and empower.
Let the mighty rushing wind of the Spirit open our hearts and minds, to comfort as well as to challenge us to find new ways of healing, forgiving, welcoming and loving. Like the disciples, we may not know what the plan is, but be assured that God knows.
May the breath of the Spirit comfort and energize you in surprising ways.
Blessings,
Jerry DiNoto
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Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs– in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
`In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'”
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Getting to Know Jerry Di Noto
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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.
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Help Save The Choir Room Steinway!
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 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.
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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.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
American Religious Movements:
Presentation & discussion on some of the American-founded, Christian-based denominations.
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
“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.
6/10 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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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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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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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.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE MEETING
June 12th 7 pm
St Paul’s Library
Join us for discussion and summer snacks as we finalize our ‘TAKE ACTION’ plans for summer. Our discussion this month will center on serving Christ in others.
“YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO NOT WHAT YOU SAY YOU’LL DO”
c. j. jung
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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!
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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
The Vestry hosts this morning’s Coffee Hour following the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services.
Please 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. There are several Sundays available through the end of 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
Is on vacation for the Summer! Check back with us in September!
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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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A
WELCOMING,
EMPOWERING,
SUPPORTIVE
COMMUNITY
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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