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Wind and Sea – Why Not Me?
In addition to the parables Jesus uses to describe God’s reign, he also decisively intercedes with nature, demons, and illness to show his disciples that God’s kingdom requires a maturing faith. But whether Jesus is speaking in parables, teaching plainly, or performing miracles, his disciples continue to miss his meaning; their faith is static and stuck.
In this week’s reading, Jesus is awakened to respond to a crisis. He speaks “Peace” to the forces of nature and they become still. His disciples are awestruck because “even the wind and sea obey him.” Time and again they are awestruck, but they don’t move any closer to real faith or trust in God. The disciples manage to be constantly overwhelmed either by anxiety or by awe and neither leads them to a place of peace, of empowered faith.
“Even the wind and sea obey him.”
What would it mean for us to get beyond anxiety and awe, and simply act in accordance with Jesus’ teaching and actions? What if we obeyed and grew in faith?
I think that obeying Jesus need not be onerous or particularly mysterious. First, we start as the beloved of God – not seekers of God’s love. Second, we act in response to that love. Third, we serve – we direct our action to those in need, particularly those outside our community of faith.
We make obedience more difficult when we overthink it or when we try to use it to justify ourselves or some special status in relationship with God.
Imagine the storms that might cease if all of us gathered to worship this week and left the service in order to serve the world in Jesus’ name. Join us as we engage with Jesus’ power and see faith grow.
Fr. Andrew
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Mark 4:35-41
When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
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Fr. Andrew Leaves for General Convention
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From June 23rd to July 3rd, Fr. Andrew will be representing the Diocese of San Diego at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City.
The GC does legislation in two “Houses”: The House of Bishops, and the House of Deputies. Each diocese is represented by their bishop(s) and up to 8 deputies – 4 Lay and 4 Clergy. The legislation that is produced is driven by committees, which conduct hearings, deliberate, perfect legislation, and sometimes create their own resolutions.
At this convention, Andrew has been chosen to chair the House of Deputies’ Committee #14 on Stewardship and Development. That Committee will work with the parallel committee from the House of Bishops. The schedule is intense.
Each day will have time for worship and prayer. You are welcome to follow the services.
You may follow the prayers of others and submit your own requests.
Please keep the General Convention, our Diocese, and Andrew in your prayers.
Fr. Andrew will report back to the congregation on July 5th at the Episcopal Café at 9:15 am.
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First Annual Trans-Pride Picnic
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The First Annual Trans-Pride Picnic is next Sunday, June 28th at Ruth Hardy Park from 1 pm to 4 pm. This event was organized by the Transgender Community Coalition and the TDOR (Transgender Day of Remembrance) Palm Springs in response to the growing number of trans-youth suicides. The event is an opportunity for Transgender, Intersex and their friends and allies to get together, socialize and help build healthy relationships with the community. Attendees are asked to bring a homemade or store-bought dish and also blankets to spread on the lawn. Local government officials will present proclamations recognizing Trans-Pride Day as June 28th. More information is available here.
The Vestry approved St. Paul’s joining other local churches in supporting this event and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
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“Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café returns in The Chapel”
6/ 21 Why Institutions Matter.
Facilitated by Diane Stielstra
Read up on it here.
6/28 Is the Holy Spirit the Snake in the Garden?
Facilitated by Craig Ewing
Read up on it here.
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library”
6/23 Book of Common Prayer: Sacraments Part II.
Facilitated by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
6/30 Book of Common Prayer: Creeds/Catechism/Documents.
Facilitated by Br. John Charles Westaway.
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Baked Good Donations for
ROY’S DESERT RESOURCE CENTER
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St. Paul’s ongoing outreach to the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center needs renewed donations of cookies, cakes and other baked treats for our Monday night dessert service at the North Pam Springs facility. Homemade items are especially popular and appreciated. You can simply bring donations with you to church and leave them with an usher before the service. Or you can feel free to contact Chris Kelly – (760) 406-2978 – for further information. Thanks for your help.
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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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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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Plan to join us for a special coffee hour next Sunday, June 28th, after the 10:30 service, as we wish Music Director Nathan Ensign a relaxing, productive and reflective Sabbatical. Nathan returns in the fall.
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Copies of . . .
A CHURCH GROWS
IN THE DESERT,
Rev. Robert Semes’ history of the first 75 years of St. Paul in the Desert, are available at the Church Office during regular business hours. Rev. Semes is an accomplished historian and his richly illustrated book chronicles the life and times of the people and events that shaped the Church we are today. Cost of the book is $20.00.
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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 July 8th, 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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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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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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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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