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Hosanna!
Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and, in the church, serves as a transition to Holy Week. It is celebrated at the beginning of our worship, but quickly gives way to the reading of Jesus’ Passion.
Hosanna!
In our ears, the cry “Hosanna!” seems like “Praise the Lord!,” but it actually is a prayer for God’s help – “Save us, we pray!” The people who create something of a “red carpet” for Jesus are clear: They celebrate Jesus as the one who is God’s agent in restoring the once and future reign of David. And they pray for God to save them through the one who comes in the name of the Lord. The celebration is like one for a conquering hero, but this hero is different.
Hosanna!
Instead of a well-planned triumphal entry with the hero astride a mighty war horse, the disciples are left to borrow a donkey. Jesus enters the temple, looks around and leaves. He gives no speech and no one offers him the keys to the city. Jesus was sending a game-changing message. His entry into Jerusalem was built, like his ministry, on humility and vulnerability. The power he represented was different from traditional kings or emperors. This different power is consistent with Jesus’ call to servanthood, but poses a dramatic shift for the people greeting him.
Hosanna!
How then, do we celebrate Jesus on this Palm Sunday? Can we own his humility and vulnerability? Can we serve one another, and especially can we serve those who have no reason to expect or deserve it? Join us as we worship and practice both humility and vulnerability through service.
Fr. Andrew
Save us, we pray!
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Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, `Why are you doing this?’ just say this, `The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
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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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Click the image to view/print a copy.
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“Sundays in April
Episcopal Café returns at 9:15 AM in The Chapel”
4/5 Easter: NO SESSION
4/12 Natural and Mineral Resources A Theological Reflection,
Part 1: Led by Alan Zimmerman
4/19 Natural and Mineral Resources A Theological Reflection,
Part 2: Led by Craig Ewing
4/26 Gospel Seven Words: Led by Victoria Hatch
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library”
3/31 NO SESSION
4/7 Anglican Perspective on Peace and Justice, Part 1:
Presented by Bishop Moxley
4/14 Anglican Perspective on Peace and Justice, Part 2:
Presented by Bishop Moxley
4/21 Renewing the Face of the Earth: Environment/Sustainability,
Part 1: Presenter to be announced.
4/28 Renewing the Face of the Earth:Environment/Sustainability,
Part 2: Presenter to be announced.
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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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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
The church office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
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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Easter Flower Donations:
Monetary donations for flowers are welcome for our Easter celebration. Your contribution may be given in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for a special blessing. Easter Flower donation envelopes are in the pews this weekend and you may note your special intention on the envelope.
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NOTICE
Maundy Thursday, April 2nd
Reserve your seat(s) for the Soup Supper and your preferred time slot(s) for the Watch Through the Night.
Sign-up Sheets are in the Church foyer and in the Parish Hall.
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The next parish Vestry meeting will be held in the Library on Thursday, March 26th at 6:00PM.
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 The Altar Guild invites all to join in making palm crosses for Palm Sunday and cleaning and decorating the church in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. The fun begins at 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 28th in the parish hall. Breakfast will be served!
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Longtime member Marilyn Johnson died Friday, March 6th. She was involved in many aspects of our Parish Life.
Funeral Service
March 27, 2015
2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s
May she rest in peace.
Marilyn Ann Johnson
January 22, 1933 – March 6, 2015
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A celebration of life will be held for Peter Salameto on Friday, March 27th at 11:00 AM here at the Church of St Paul in the Desert.
Peter J.M. Salometo
May 11, 1944 – February 23, 2015
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A celebration of life will be held for Jeanine Moore on Saturday, April 11TH at 11:00 AM.
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Women’s Retreat at Camp Stevens in Julian.
Ladies are invited to spend the weekend up in the cool mountains on April 10th to 12th, starting with Friday dinner. The theme is Sabbath for the Soul with art, music, and scripture lead by Rev. Lisa Rotchford. $175 will include all costs. Ride provided by DOK member Bonnie Stroock. Please join other diocesan women for a joyful weekend. Register at info@campstevens.org and call Bonnie at 760-324-7949.
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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 April 8, 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 Barry Hagenbuch and Robert Woods. Please consider volunteering as a Coffee Hour host in 2015.
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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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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