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From Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
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Restoration and Healing
We have two wonderful and familiar stories in our gospel reading this week: the restoration of Jarius’ daughter, and the healing of the woman who had been afflicted with a hemorrhage, or flow, for 12 years. What is important in these two vignettes is the deep and abiding faith of both primary characters. Jarius came to Jesus and fell at his feet; the woman felt all she had to do was touch his clothing to be healed. They had heard about this Jesus, but had never encountered him. They had a sense, though, about his grace, power and love.
Another aspect of the scripture which is profound is the fact that both stories feature female characters as those brought to wholeness. In Jesus’ time, women did not associate with men, nor were they accorded value. In particular, a woman with a flow was deemed unclean by the Levitical Code and was not to have contact with men. In this story, the woman pays no heed to this law because she wants healing and wholeness. Defying cultural norms, in the midst of a crowd, she reaches out and touches Jesus’ clothes in order to be healed. Jesus’ response is immediate: “Who touched my clothes?” Jesus knew that power had gone out from his being and he wanted to know who had received it. There is an exchange as the woman identifies herself and is honest, even with fear and trembling, about her desire for healing. Jesus responds, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.”
Jesus offers the abundance of his grace, love and power to all who come to him in faith. But our reticence is so often at the forefront of our dis-ease: “I’m not worthy to receive grace, love and power because those in authority have told me so in word and deed, time and again.” We need to be bold in our faith and accept the grace, power and love offered so openly. It is given to all equally!
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John 6:1-21
Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
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The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
June 26, 2015
Dear Ones,
Today’s Supreme Court decision on marriage equality brings to a close thte legal questions regarding marriage. In his majority opinion Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy states: “The court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry. No longer may this liberty be denied to them.”
As one who believes that love and marriage should be made available to all, I am thankful for this decision. I remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
Thus, today is a day of thanksgiving for me and for so many who have personally felt pain and injustice in their lives. However, this 5-4 decision points to the reality that, despite much change in the last two years, many disagree with this decision — some on religious and theological grounds.
I suggest that as we give thanks we also remain aware that this is still a place of disagreement. Our yearning for the peaceable kingdom calls us to be sensitive to the reality that while this decision of our highest court concludes the political debate, we must hold space for continued conversation in which we honor all.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop
View statement online
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Fr. Andrew Leaves for General Convention
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Listening to opening speeches. Other preliminaries for the rest of the day. The Convention starts rolling at 8 am tomorrow. I will have had productive committee meetings or hearings by then.
BTW we are near the back row. About 50 yards from the front.
Andrew, via text message on 6/24/15
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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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Episcopalians for PRIDE – All Are Welcome
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 According to a recent study, over half of all Americans (58%) believe that religious groups are “alienating young adults by being too judgmental on gay and lesbian issues.” Want to help change that opinion? This year the Episcopal contingent will be at the front of the San Diego PRIDE parade along with the mayor. With more than 300,000 onlookers, many of whom are millennials and young families from around the county, we have a great opportunity to reverse this misconception. St. Paul’s Cathedral typically has more than 100 marchers and last year we were joined by St. Margaret’s, St. David’s, St. Mark’s, Grace San Marcos, Good Samaritan, St. Andrew’s Pacific Beach and St. Bartholomew’s. The parade ends at Balboa Park where St. Paul’s throws a BBQ for everyone in the contingent. Kids, strollers, friends are all invited.
Date: Saturday, July 18 Time: 10am (parade starts at 11am) We lead the parade, so don’t be late! Additional information is available at St. Paul Cathedral’s website: www.stpaulcathedral.org
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Help Others Beat the Heat
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St. Paul’s will be sponsoring a new ministry this summer to help those in need to gain relief from the heat. Through the Social Justice Team, St. Paul’s will be providing and distributing free bus passes to clients of Well in the Desert and others so they can have access to the cooling center, showers, Bingo and crafts workshops offered there. Daily bus passes are $3 (adult) and $1.50 (senior/disabled). If you would like to contribute to this important effort, please make checks payable to Church of St. Paul in the Desert, with “bus passes/Social Justice” in the memo line, or, place cash in an envelope identified in the same way. Any support you can give will be greatly appreciated.
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First Annual Trans-Pride Picnic
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The First Annual Trans-Pride Picnic is 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”
6/28 Is the Holy Spirit the Snake in the Garden?
Facilitated by Craig Ewing
Read up on it here.
7/5 Report on the General Convention.
Facilitated by Rev. Andrew Green
7/12 Charleston: Responses from voices of faith.
7/19 Forgiveness: The First Step Toward Reconciliation.
7/26 Speaking to the Soul: Jesus calms the storm.
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“Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Library”
6/30 Book of Common Prayer: Creeds/Catechism/Documents.
Facilitated by Br. John Charles Westaway.
THERE WILL BE NO TUESDAY NIGHT SESSIONS
DURING JULY AND AUGUST
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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
Sunday’s Coffee Hours following both services are festive gatherings to celebrate the sabbatical of our Music Director Nathan Ensign, commencing July 1st. Join us as we sample the type of culinary treats Nathan may find on his travels.
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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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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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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