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Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
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Is it Maundy Thursday already?
Our featured scripture is the Passover account which we hear every Maundy Thursday and prefigures for us Jesus, the Pascal Lamb, sacrificed for our redemption.
This Passover narrative is a story of redemption, freedom and a lasting memorial, as well as the cornerstone of Jewish faith. We could study the historical account and theologically discuss the factual and embellished elements of the story. However, I prefer to dig through to the heart of the Passover account and reflect on how it speaks to our time and to us personally.
The account of Israelites leaving Egypt can be seen as an eternal struggle that is waged continually within us. This is a struggle of going back, holding on, or moving forward. We’ll see more of this in the coming weeks as we continue the Exodus saga. In this scripture reading, I can’t help but reflect on how far I am willing to go to be a faithful follower of God. What enslaving elements in my life threaten to entrap and keep me from free and joyful faithfulness to God? What am I willing to let go and leave behind?
Like the Israelites, we too are called to prepare urgently and promptly and to constantly keep watch with God. Are we prepared and willing to travel a new journey with God? I believe the spiritual response lies in the level of desire in our hearts to escape those things in our lives which are enslaving and pulling us down.
We all want to lead lives free from what is oppressing us – financial struggles, addictions, infidelities, health concerns, isolation, loneliness and lack of meaning or purpose in life. We, in our many different ways, long to be free and are in need of hope, in need of a Savior.
As we join together at the Eucharistic table we affirm the life-giving Christ, the Lamb of God, and seal Christ’s sign of redemption on the doorpost and lintels of our minds and hearts. We find in Christ the presence and protection we seek as daughters and sons of a loving God. The Passover story is our story of seeking and finding freedom, peace, wholeness and protection.
We bear the seal of Christ; now let us demonstrate the benefits!
Blessings,
Jerry DiNoto
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Exodus 12:1-14
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat i t roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the LORD. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
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 …for Chalice Bearers, Acolytes, Eucharistic Visitors, Ushers & Readers.
Sisters and brothers, in the Hebrew scripture appointed for this coming Sunday, we hear Moses answer God’s call from the burning bush with the words, “Here I am.” We often find this same response on the lips and in the hearts of God’s people when he calls to them throughout the Bible, and throughout history. Isaiah says this when God asks, “Whom shall I send.” This is Mary’s response when God (speaking through the angel Gabriel) tells her his plan to use her to be the mother of our Lord. These very simple words can be so tremendously powerful and life changing, not only for the people who speak them, but to those whose lives these people touch.
It is interesting that the people who speak them to God sometimes give good reasons why God should not use them. Moses had a speech impediment. Isaiah profoundly recognized his unworthiness, his sinfulness. Mary just flat out asked, “How can this be????” But as they made themselves available, God was able to make use of them, impediments, sinfulness, lack of understanding, and every other reason in the book, notwithstanding. My former pastor used to say that God is much more interested in our availability than in our abilities….
In our mission statement we affirm that: God has invited us to share the Abundant Life of Jesus Christ, by serving Christ in others and by gathering to praise and thank God in worship. I would like to offer you the possibility of saying, “Here I am,” in response to that invitation. St. Paul’s is in need of people who are willing to make themselves available to serve in worship on the Altar Guild, as Acolytes and Worship Coordinators, as Chalice Bearers, as Lay Eucharistic Visitors, as Ushers, as Readers, and Prayer Leaders.
In the coming weeks we will be giving you more information regarding the responsibilities involved, and the schedule for training. Please listen to hear if God might be calling you one of these ministries of worship. Perhaps, in spite of your own reasons to the contrary God may be waiting for you to say, “Here I am,” so that you may be used to the Glory of God, and to the blessing of Gods people.
Blessings,
Rick Tinsley,
Altar Guild Director
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
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:
9/7 Immigration Advocacy Update (referred by Bishop Mathes)
Click to read
9/14 “Eight Things the Church Needs to Say” – by Tom Ehrich @ religious news service
Click to read
9/21 “Whatever Happened to Inclusive Language?”
Click to read
9/28 Global & Inclusive Healing. A panel presentation headed by Rev. Albert Ogle. Stay tuned for more details!
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“Tuesdays at 7” In The Library
In September: Celebrating 40 Years of Woman’s Ordination
9/9 & 9/16 Book Discussion: The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me- The Writings of Suzanne Hiatt. Authors: Carter Heyward and Janine Lehane, Editors. As we observe the 40th anniversary of the irregular ordination of the group of women who became known as the “Philadelphia Eleven,” Carter Heyward and Janine LeHane gather the writings of Sue Hiatt, considered “bishop to the women” and leader of the movement that led to that momentous occasion.
9/23 & 9/30 Book Discussion: Looking Forward, Looking Backward: Forty Years of Women’s Ordination by Fredrica Harris Thompsett (Editor)
This is a wide-ranging exploration of the past, present, and future effects of women’s ordination on the church.
Both books are available through Amazon.
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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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A WELCOMING, EMPOWERING, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
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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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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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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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St. Paul’s
Social Justice
Ministry
will meet Thursday September 11th, at 7 pm in the church library.
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Baptisms for children
are scheduled for
September 28th.
Preparation for Baptism will be held on Saturday, September 27th.
If you are interested in having your child baptized, please call the parish office at 760.320.7488. Ask to speak to Brother John Charles or the Parish Registrar, Orin Ellingson, who can provide the details and sign you up.
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Taizé Services
will be on
vacation until
October 2, 2014
See You Then!
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Piano Fund Update:
To date, the Church has received 53 donations totaling $11,295.
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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 September 10th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Coffee Hour – The host of coffee hour following the 8:00 am service is Karen Nelson.
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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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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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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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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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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