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Reflections: From Jerry Di Noto
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Stretch out your hands!
There have been many bible school story book versions and cinema productions of the Israelites being trapped and Moses stretching forth his hands and parting the Red Sea. All of which have helped to universally etch this epic biblical account in our minds.
Then as now, facing stress and difficult times can easily result in feeling trapped, fearful and mired in the situation. I am reminded of a rabbinic story about the Red Sea experience. The story tells that the people were terrified knowing they were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s quickly approaching army. One man took action by stepping forward and entering the water, the only possible escape route. He walked in up to his knees; he kept on going until it reached his chest; he continued on until it touched his chin. Then, God parted the water and the way was cleared to freedom.
So what happened in this story? There are circumstances that we face that make us throw up our hands and say, “I don’t know what to do; it appears to be a total lose-lose situation.” Do we give up or do we expect God to just swoop in and take charge? If we do, then we need to reflect upon the greatest God-driven deliverance story of all time. Moses still had to make a choice and do something! It is my experience that God usually joins us when we take the prayerful initiative to step forward and act decisively. We can become victims of our own circumstances, or we can actively seek to work with God for solutions.
Life tests us in many ways. Sometimes the tests are small and seemingly inconsequential. At other times, the significance of the test is obvious and terrifying: when our backs are to the wall and there is no obvious path through the challenge. This biblical account can serve as an action model for us. We can stretch forth our hands in prayer and rely on God’s grace to part the dark waters as we step forward in faith, leaving the fear, impossibility and negativity to close over behind us.
The core principals of prayer, reliance, and moving forward in faith, are illuminating guiding pillars for our life journeys as we pass through our personal Red Seas.
Be not afraid, stretch out your hands and move forward through your waters; with God all is possible!
Blessings,
Jerry DiNoto
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Exodus 14:19-31
The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them. It came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel. And so the cloud was there with the darkness, and it lit up the night; one did not come near the other all night.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided. The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. He clogged their chariot wheels so that they turned with difficulty. The Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the Israelites, for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.”
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and chariot drivers.” So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at dawn the sea returned to its normal depth. As the Egyptians fled before it, the LORD tossed the Egyptians into the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the chariot drivers, the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.
Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the LORD did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the LORD and believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
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A Note From The Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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 Dear Friends,
I just wanted to say thank you to the Wardens and Vestry for their support and assistance this summer. Also a special thank you to Br. John Charles and Orin Ellingson in the office, their professionalism and support has been invaluable . The lay leadership at St. Paul’s is AWESOME!!
Thank you all, the people of St. Paul’s, for your presence and support this summer.
Faithfully,
Victoria T. Hatch+
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From:
The Social Justice Team and Music Department
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The Social Justice Team and Music Department are excited to present Cornerstone Chorale and Brass, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Vantine, on Friday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. Based in St. Louis, this is their 26th year presenting concerts across the nation with a Christ-centered message of social justice and reconciliation, and one critic described it as “Lessons and Carols without the Christmas theme”. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door and a reception will follow to meet our artists.
A part of our responsibility is to provide housing for the singers and brass players. We need a total of 28 beds (can be two beds in a room but no shared beds) and hosts will need to serve breakfast on Saturday morning before they leave early for Arizona. If you can assist or for more information, please contact Nathan Ensign after services or at: 760-320-7488 Ext. 225.
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It’s not too late to join the Adult Choir as they will have their annual retreat this Saturday, September 20th starting at 8:30 in the Parish Hall. New singers are always welcome, so see Nathan Ensign after services for more details. Regular rehearsals begin Wednesday the 24th at 7:00 in the Choir Room.
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 “Here I AM” – A Call to Service. for Chalice Bearers, Acolytes, Eucharistic Visitors, Ushers & Readers. St. Paul’s is in need of people who are willing 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 these opportunities and the schedule for training. Please listen to hear if God is calling you one of these ministries of worship. To express an interest please call the Parish Office 760.320.7488 and leave your name & contact information.
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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:
9/14 “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
9/16 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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The Order of the Daughters of the King will be having our first meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd at 1:15 pm in the Church Condo.
We welcome and encourage all women attending St. Paul’s to join us and learn what DOK is about. We are a Prayer and Service Ministry. Any questions, please call Val Ferguson @ 760-671-5372.
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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 64 donations totaling $14,765.
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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
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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