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Joyful and Gentle as We Care for One Another
This week we finish four weeks of reading Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. He ends with abundant encouragement. In the face of conflict among members of the congregation he assures them that a solution is possible if they work together. Then he give them some advice about how to do just that. I think it applies to our time and our congregations as well.
He starts from his confidence that God is near. We are not alone, therefore rejoice and deal gently with one another. Lift up our thoughts to the things that inspire rather than the worries that drag us down. Offer those worries and concerns to God in prayer. In fact, offer everything to God. In this way, even in the face of difficulties, we are connected to God who reminds us that life is much larger than those difficulties.
Paul invites us to a spiritual practice that builds our capacity to live joyfully. Focused attention, prayer, and gratitude are tools, along with treating one another gently.
The importance of treating one another gently and the consequences when we don’t has caught my attention recently. Domestic violence has been in the news lately and has gained notoriety. However it has long been an unnamed part of our churches and communities. We need to name it and take steps to stop it. Shelter From the Storm is a resource in the Coachella Valley where victims of domestic violence can get help and where we can learn about stopping the violence.
This reality of domestic violence makes it difficult for some of our sisters and brothers to live in the joy and peace that Paul promises. We can make a difference by speaking out and standing up for victims. This is one of the higher values that Paul calls us to think and act upon.
Week by week, we are practicing to be joyful and gentle – by our prayers and, increasingly, in our actions. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Philippians 4:1-9
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
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Our monthly Taize style meditation service is held on the 1st Thursday of each month. Our next Taize service will be held on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 pm. In a setting of icons, candles and low light, and, using short songs repeated again and again with a few words to express a basic reality of faith, this service of prayer and meditation becomes a way of listening to God. All are invited. To learn more, contact Nathan Ensign at: 760-320-7488 Ext. 225. We are also looking for a few volunteers to assist in setting up for the service.
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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. 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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“HERE I AM” – A Call to Service
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 Moses answered 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. 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. Please listen to hear if God might be calling you one of these ministries of worship. To express an interest or for more information, please call the Parish Office 760.320.7488 and leave your name & contact information.
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 On Saturday, October 18, we will be participating in the 27th Desert AIDS Walk to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in our community. We’d love for you to join us that day in spreading the message that AIDS is not over, and that everyone should be tested as part of our ‘Get Tested Coachella Valley’ initiative. We will have a booth at Ruth Hardy Park where the walk steps off. Please consider walking with us or helping to maintain the booth!
Our booth will open at 7:30 am. The walk steps off at 9:00 am. You can sign up or donate at the table after each service in the parish hall. If you would like to help with sign up after services contact George Holliday at gholliday@dc.rr.com or call 760-534-1642.
What is ‘Get Tested Coachella Valley’? It is a 3-year region-wide campaign dedicated to dramatically reducing transmission of HIV . Why ‘Get Tested Coachella Valley?’
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53.3% of Coachella Valley residents have never been tested for HIV.
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately one in five people living with HIV do not know they are infected.
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In parts of our valley, the prevalence of HIV is estimated at three times the national average—putting everyone at greater risk.
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An international study, hailed by Science Magazine as the “2011 Breakthrough of the Year,” has proven it: If an individual who is HIV positive takes the right medications, he or she is 96% less likely to pass the virus to others.
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Volunteers Needed for Palm Springs Pride
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Volunteers Needed for
Palm Springs Pride
Festival & Parade
November 7, 8 & 9, 2014
Palm Springs Pride relies on hundreds of volunteers to make our unique festival and parade the success that they are year after year. Volunteering is all about making a difference. Palm Springs Pride is committed to involving volunteers across its operations from events to business support. When you volunteer with Palm Springs Pride, you’ll be making not only a difference for the organization but also the wider community for which we serve.
Click here to learn more about this year’s Palm Springs Pride Festival & Parade.
Click here to go directly to the Volunteer Application Form
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NOTICE REGARDING PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WEEKEND
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Due to the new Parade Route now starting on Tacheva Drive and the difficulty in reaching the church on Sunday morning our Principal Service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8th at 4:00 PM. The Rev. Susan Russell from All Saints Pasadena will be our guest preacher. There will not be a 10:30 AM service on Sunday November, 9th. There will be a said service with no music at 8:00 AM.
Demonstrate your Pride in our Diverse Spiritual Community and march with St. Paul’s Pride Parade Contingent on Sunday, November 9th at 10 AM. All members of the Parish LGBTQ Community and their allies are welcome. Details to follow so watch this space! If interested, call the Parish Office, 760.320.7288 to leave your name and contact information.
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“Sundays at 9:15”
In The Library
Welcome to The Episcopal Café Discussion Group! Sessions will be held in the Chapel Room in the Parish Hall. These discussion/sharing sessions are based on online topics from Episcopal websites,
October
10/12 “ISIS and the Crisis of Meaning” Facilitator – Craig Ewing
Click to read
10/19 “The Sacred Can Be Found in the Sound of Silence” Facilitator- Brother John Charles Westaway
Click to read
10/26 “The Rising Number of Homeless Gay Teens – Many from ‘Religious Families’” Facilitator- Alan Zimmerman
Click to read
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“Tuesdays at 7” In The Library
October
10/14, 10/21 & 10/28 The God Problem- Alternatives to Fundamentalism by Nigel Leaves. Almost everyone has their own view of what they mean by God. Some claim that they are “atheists” primarily because they do not believe in what they think is popularly referred to as “God.” Nigel Leaves’ book, The God Problem looks at the reasons behind the waning of the Christian faith because of its continuing insistence on a supernatural God. This book will be available for sale at each of the sessions for $18. Put on your critical thinking hat and attend this four week discussion course led by Fr. Bob Semes.
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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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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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IN REMEMBRANCE
A celebration of the life of Karen Reynolds will be held on Friday, October 24th at 11:00 AM.
A celebration of the life of Bev Zwack will be held on Friday, November 7th at 1:00 PM.
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OLIVE WOOD CARVINGS
. . .crafted by 600 Christian Families who live in Bethlehem will be on display and for sale October 19, 2014 at each Coffee Hour. Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society which fights poverty and supports the Palestinian handicraft industry will be displaying and selling their work at both St. Paul’s and St. Margaret’s next Sunday. This a great time to get ahead on your Christmas shopping.
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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 November 12, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, Oct. 26th at 4:00 PM.
The Music Department hosts a concert of “Baroque Brilliants” (works by 17th and 18th Dutch and German masters) presented by eminent Dutch violinist, Jaap Schröder and harpsichordist Margaret Irwin-Brandon, playing on period instruments. A $20 donation is requested at the door. Contact Nathan Ensign at 760-320-7488 Ext. 225 for more info.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Rebecca Mckinney and Susan Green will host coffee hour following the 10:30 service.
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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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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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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REPORT MISCONDUCT
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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