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Are We Ready To Be Transformed?
This is the Last Sunday after the Epiphany and every year we read of Jesus being transformed as he and a few disciples are praying on the mountain. There is the presence of Moses and Elijah, the cloud, and the voice. There is Peter’s attempt to organize the experience. Mostly, there is wonder.
There is the wonder, the overwhelming amazement at the transformation of Jesus, symbolized by the clothes that shine with an unearthly brightness. Jesus is now more than what the disciples have heretofore known. And there is the wondering – what does this mean, this finding Jesus in the presence of powerful, holy ancestors and hearing the commanding voice of God? Peter, James, and John do not understand at that point, that they will be transformed for earthly ministry by the command, “Listen to him.”
I have witnessed some earthly transformations. I think about our daughters, when as young women they were transformed and became mothers. There was a change in voice and attitude, a new way of being. I was struck by their “new” selves.
On the mountain top, Peter, James and John were struck by Jesus’ transformation. We read of Peter trying and failing to make sense of it. The disciples would not understand, but the awe would inform their experience of Jesus and the events following. They would become responsible for their lives in ministry in powerful ways, remembering that vision on the mountain top.
The Good News that Jesus proclaimed worked hand in hand with transformation. Human effort or will could go only so far to achieve the liberation, justice, holiness, and abundant life of God’s Kingdom. To live it fully, we need something more, something we don’t control or can’t explain. We need to be transformed, to have our faith and ministries empowered, to become responsible for a deeper way of being.
Join us in worship, open to the changes that God’s presence calls from us, as Jesus leads us to transform the world.
Fr. Andrew
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Mark 9:2-9 Common English Bible (CEB)
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One had risen from the dead.
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MESSAGE FROM FATHER ANDREW
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I will be making a pilgrimage to the
Holy Land, November 6 – 16, 2015.
The Pilgrimage will be organized by the Rev. Earle King of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Grand Island, NY. This will be Fr. King’s sixth pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our families have been friends since 1982 and I continue to work with Fr. King as a part of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
There are several spaces available to join this pilgrimage. A $300 non-refundable deposit is required by the end of January to reserve a place.
See Fr. Green’s Flyer here. Full Details here. Contact Fr. Earl King at 716-773-3335 or at padreking@aol.com
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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,
2/15 Prelude to Lent.
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey
Toward an Earthly Spirituality – Guest presenter Rev. Dean Lueking: a five week Lenten series from biblical King David that speaks uniquely to our time.
2/22 David, his Story; (1 Samuel 16- 1 Kings 2);
David and Samuel: Names (1 Samuel 16: 1-13)
3/1 David and Saul: Work (I Samuel 16:14-23);
David and Goliath: Imagination (I Samuel 17)
3/8 David and Jonathan: Friendship;
David and Doeg: Sanctuary (I Samuel 21-22)
3/15 David and Generosity: (I Samuel 30);
David and Sovereign Grace (2 Samuel 7)
3/22 David and Bathsheba: Sin (2 Samuel 11-12);
David and Absalom; Suffering (2 Sam. 16-18)
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Church”
Taizé Services
Taizé Prayer Services will be moving to Tuesday evenings throughout Lent, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 at 7:00 PM in the church.
(NOTE: There will be no sessions on Palm Sunday 3/29, Tuesday of Holy Week 3/31 and Easter 4/5)
Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 17th: Evening Prayer and Pancake Supper.
6:00 PM in Parish Hall. Evening Prayer will be followed by a
pancake supper. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale Saturday Feb. 14th and Sunday, Feb. 15th after all weekend services or at the door. Please join us for prayer and pancakes!
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Our Homeless Brothers and Sisters
Still Need Your Help
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Our goal now is to resume monthly deliveries of new underwear and socks to Roy’s residents – a gift that is both urgently needed and much appreciated. Please help feed the hungry and clothe the naked with a financial contribution this month. Simply drop your check, payable to “St. Paul in the Desert,” in the collection plate or hand it to an usher with a notation on the “memo” line that it is for the “Roy’s Fund.” For more information contact Chris Kelly at 760-406-2978. Both the Roy’s team and residents are truly grateful for your support.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Shrove Tuesday
February 17th at 6:00PM in Parish Hall – Evening Prayer will be led by Br. John Charles followed by Pancake Supper. Menu for the supper will be freshly made pancakes with butter and syrup, turkey sausage links, bacon and a fruit salad. Tickets for the pancake supper are $5.00 and will be available following each service , Sunday, February 15th.
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There will be two services of the Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 18th at Noon and 6:00 PM.
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Taizé
Prayer Services
for Lent
. . . led by Nathan Ensign, will be held on Tuesday evenings throughout Lent at 7:00 PM in the church: 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24.
(NOTE: There will be no sessions on Palm Sunday 3/29, Tuesday of Holy Week 3/31 and Easter 4/5)
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A Celebration of Life will be held for Patti Minton-Sivcovich on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM here at the Church of St Paul in the Desert.
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Concert
Sunday, March 22nd
We are happy to host the renowned Dutch violinist, Jaap Schroder in concert with our own Meg Irwin-Brandon on the harpsichord Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM in the Parish Hall. A suggested donation of $20 is requested and a reception will follow to greet our performers and one another. Contact Nathan Ensign at 760-320-7488 Ext. 225 for more information.
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A new opportunity for rewarding service
St. Paul’s Adult Literacy Ministry
is open to all interested volunteers. No teaching experience is needed to participate. The first training session will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 9:00 AM in the St. Paul’s small conference room. Please watch for further information in upcoming Sunday bulletins.
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The next parish Vestry meeting will be held in the Library on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00PM.
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BLESSING BAGS
. . . (small bags with personal hygiene essentials) will be distributed to the need in our Community. You are invited to donate TRAVEL SIZE toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs or sun block. There will be a collection basket in the Foyer of the Church from Sunday February 8 through Sunday February 22. If you prefer to contribute by check, please make them payable to St. Paul’s with “Blessing Bags” in the memo line. Please join us during coffee hour after both services on Sunday, March 1st to help fill the bags with blessings. Thank you!
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Available in the Parish Hall
Living Well through Lent 2015, a publication from the Living Compass Faith & Wellness Ministry, provides daily readings and suggestions for reflection and action, inviting you to engage fully in your Lenten journey. Pick yours up today!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
(FORMERLY “GODLY PLAY”)
NEEDS –-> YOU
We are looking for volunteers to be Story Tellers and/or Doorkeepers (observers) for our Sunday School program during the 10:30 service. This is an opportunity to teach children through biblical readings and activities selected by the Sunday School Team from an Episcopal curriculum. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Ted Barjas at 760.902.1014.
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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 February 11, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Coffee Hour following the 8:00 AM service is hosted by John Hampson and Coffee Hour following the 10:30 AM service is hosted by Ray and Cheryl Kelley. Please consider volunteering as a Coffee Hour host in 2015. Sign up with a friend or make a new friend by signing up with someone you’d like to get to know better.
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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