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Stick With Jesus
Jesus is talking at length to his disciples at the “Last Supper” in this week’s Gospel reading. He wants them to remain, to abide, to stick with, find life in – him. As I reflect on the events surrounding his arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection, it seems he anticipated the danger of their abandoning him, of cutting themselves off. And they did. They not only broke and ran, they harmed their relationship with Jesus. It was that harm, that break that began to be healed when the Risen Jesus meets them just a few days later in the upper room. When Jesus addresses his disciples with a greeting of peace and a call to mission, the healing of their relationship begins.
Relationship is the key. Jesus is the vine, his disciples – we – are the branches. Building from this analogy, he describes relationship with him as the source of fruitful ministry, of doing the work of God.
What does it mean to bear fruit, to do the work of God? In our Catechism, we teach that the mission of the church is the reconciliation of the world to God in Christ. This mission is about fostering, nurturing, and restoring relationships. The fruit we are called to bear is a harvest of relationships.
In a world or even a community that struggles with broken relationships, our calling is important and any relationship that we build or restore is a beginning – budding new growth. Jesus instructs his disciples to stick with him, building and renewing the relationship that will sustain them.
Join in worship as we share the calling to stick with Jesus and nurture a growing circle of relationships.
Fr. Andrew
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John 15:1-8 Common English Bible (CEB)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.”
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The United Thank Offering Returns!
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 The United Thank Offering is making it’s return to St. Paul’s. The UTO is a ministry, started in 1871, where Episcopalians give thanks to God for special gifts. Blue cardboard boxes or envelopes are used for coins, bills or checks that are sent to the UTO offices in New York. The money that is collected then underwrites grants that are requested for ministries in the USA and overseas. One local example is a church in San Diego that was granted money for the purchase of a portable shower. It has been used by the homeless in their area and is now a part of the “Showers of Blessings” program at the Episcopal Church Center. Please think about your blessings and plan to bring an offering to put in the special UTO baskets at church on May 24th, the Day of Pentecost. Blue envelopes will available during the month of June in the pew pockets or a limited number of blue boxes will be available from the Sunday School, Bonnie Stroock or the Parish throughout the month of May. Please help support this ministry and take a blue box home this week. Please think about your blessings and plan to bring an offering of thanksgiving to put in the special UTO baskets on Saturday May 23rd or Sunday, May 24th.
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“Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café returns in The Chapel”
5/3 If God Isn’t Enough, What Is?
5/10 Used People
5/17 Confirmation Sunday- Bishop’s Visit: NO SESSION
5/24 The Power of Pentecost
5/31 What Is Your Story?
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library”
5/5 Instructional Eucharist.
Presented by by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch.
Open to all parishioners.
Why we do what we do on Sundays.
We will meet in the church for this date only.
5/12 The Psalms: Orientation.
Presented by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
5/19 Accessing the Psalms.
Presented by Jerry Di Noto
5/26 A Zen Perspective on the Psalms.
Presented by Bro. John Charles Westaway
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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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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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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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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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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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Taizé Worship
. . . service returns on May 7th at 7 PM. This is a contemplative, candle-lit service of chanting, prayer and meditation. All are welcome to join us. Bring a candle and a friend! Our last Taize service before summer break will be on June 4th at 7 PM.
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Children’s Baptisms
. . . will take place Sunday, May 17th at the 10:30 service with Bishop Mathes presiding. If you would like to have your child baptized, please call Marco Barrios in the Parish Office at 760.320.7488, ext. 227, to schedule an appointment with Fr. Andrew.
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ST. PAUL’S CAMPERS
Several of St. Paul’s camper members are planning for our annual Idyllwild summer outing on July 17 to 19. Can you join us up in the cool pine trees and fun atmosphere of the Idyllwild County Camp Ground? Adults, kids, even dogs, are welcome. Contact Bonnie Stroock to make a reservation 760-324-7949 or bcstroock @aol.com.
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Save the Date:
Saturday, May 2nd, from 9 AM to Noon. Fr. David Caffrey will present a workshop on Intercessory Prayer in the Parlor of the Parish Hall. The Daughters of the King host this event and invite all interested Parishioners to attend.
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Save the Date:
May 5th at 7 PM in the Church for The Instructed Eucharist: Why do we do what we do? Presented by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch. This Eucharist Service is an opportunity to learn more about the worship we experience every Sunday. In lieu of a sermon, Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch will offer verbal explanations throughout the service of the various components of our liturgy. It is designed to offer a deeper understanding of our worship and its meaning. All are welcome!
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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 May 13, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR CELEBRATION
Please consider hosting a Coffee Hour celebration. A binder at the entrance to the Parish Hall indicates available Sundays throughout 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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