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Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
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” I am with you always.”
How is God present to us? That’s a question humans have forever been trying to articulate. Our scripture from Matthew tells us that our God’s presence isn’t a hit and miss element in our history. Jesus, for example, assured his followers of the Divine presence when they carry on his ministry; He says, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we affirm that our ministry and Jesus’ faithful example lead us into God’s presence. It took almost 300 years of reflecting on God’s presence before the members of a church council could articulate their belief in “Three persons yet One Being.” The council participants were affirming that our experience of God is ongoing and growing.
Perhaps on this particular day our reflection on this experience should lead to committing ourselves to think about the ways God enters our lives. No one theologian, no one sacred author,no one church doctrine can provide us with a complete picture of God. That’s why we have to be open not only to God working in our own lives, but to be anxious to discover how God works in the lives of others.
When I reflect upon the Trinity and our ongoing experience of God, I see that it is relationship that lies at the heart of the experience. I think the Trinity is all about the eternal loving relationship of the Creator- Redeemer and Sanctifying Spirit. Since we are created in that image, we are created to live in relationship with one another. Our worshipping together, reaching out to others and striving for peace and harmony can all be seen as our living out the relationship with the Trinity, into which we were baptized.
We may not fully understand all the details of how God is present in our lives. However, we believe that we are in relationship with God and God with us. We are encouraged and empowered by the comforting words, “I am with you always.”
May you feel God’s presence in many unexpected ways, and in relating to those God gives us to love.
Blessings,
Jerry DiNoto
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Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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 Beverly Zwach died the weekend of June 8, while traveling with her son. She didn’t feel well so they stopped in Palmdale at the hospital where she had a heart-attack and died. The family is planning a memorial service at St. Paul’s at the end of September. They had been planning a 92nd birthday party for her birthday in October.
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 The piano rebuilding fund continues to grow slowly and steadily. This next week, the piano is to be taken to Pasadena to be worked on over the summer. Some people have asked about the various examples we gave for donations — this was simply a marketing tool that we thought might be a fun way for some to donate. Gifts of all sizes are truly appreciated as work begins on this much needed renovation after 91 years of service. Remember that no gift is too large or too small! Please see our Director of Music, Nathan Ensign, after services or contact him at 760.320.7488, x.225.
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Camp Stevens needs our help!
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It is the Resident camp in beautiful Julian, California for the San Diego and LA Dioceses. In March the staff discovered a sharp decrease in their water well productivity. After hiring dousers to find the best spot for a new well, the area was blessed and is now being dug so the summer program and future campers can have sufficient H20. June 22nd will be Camp Stevens Sunday at church when contributions will be collected to help finance this project. You may also send a donation to www.campstevens.org/well .
Thanks very much for your support.
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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.
6/15 Jehovah Witnesses: Led by Rick Tinsley
6/22 Christian Science: Led by Jerry Di Noto
6/29 Seventh Day Adventists: Led by Rick Tinsley
July – Welcome to The Episcopal Café’ Discussion Group! Sessions held in Parish Hall Chapel.
These discussion-sharing sessions are based on online topics from Episcopal websites.
Participants can pre-read discussion articles on the sites indicated. The Episcopal Café discussion group topics and websites are:
July 13 Reverence For God. Facilitator: Jerry Di Noto.
Click to read
July 20 Is the internet really killing religion in the US?
Click to read
July 27 What Needs to Die in the Church. Facilitator: Victoria Hatch Click to read
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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.
6/17 Who is God in the most grievous of times?
6/24 Grace, patience, and moving forward.
July is movie month on Tuesdays at 7 PM in the Libarary! The theme for the month of July will be “Care/Caregiving”. Stay tuned for details.
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Volunteers Needed – Roy’s Desert Resource Center!
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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. 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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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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Family and Children’s Ministry
Award Sunday is this Sunday, 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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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 July 9th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
The hosts for this morning’s Coffee Hour after the 10:30 AM service are Roberto Thais and Skip Swanlund.
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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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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