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“My grace is sufficient for you.”
Paul describes a mystical experience; his own encounter with God. He then tells of an unnamed “thorn” that he dealt with, perhaps a physical, mental or psychological illness. Paul assumed that his thorn is a gift to remind him to be humble. Paul finds meaning in this illness and brings his limitations to God in prayer. He does not receive a cure, but he receives healing consolation – a grace for every season of life. “My grace is sufficient for you….I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so the power of Christ may dwell in me….for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”
In reflection, this is not a lesson of acceptance and passivity in which you just take life as it comes. Rather it is a lesson of affirmation that our weakness, our dependence on factors which seem beyond our own control, can be the source of transformation. It is a lesson that God is the only power and is ceaselessly working for good in every life condition, including illness, unbelief, and failure. We are therefore invited to go beyond limitation and scarcity thinking, to boundless grace and abundance thinking. Within the physical limitations – often described as “reality” – there is a deeper reality, the energetic movement of God supporting and transforming us.
The people of Nazareth questioned Jesus’ abilities and faith. If we, like them, believe that Jesus was just a son of a carpenter who grew up to be rejected by his kinsmen and ultimately killed, then we too will render him powerless in our lives. But if we, like Paul, “consider the exceptional character of the revelations” found in scripture about Jesus to be true – then we can point to Christ with hope for ourselves and all creation, and courageously follow the law of love as he did.
As we gather to hear the scriptures and share the common table we are reminded of the sufficiency of God’s presence and love, through the carpenter’s son, in all things we encounter.
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2 Corinthians 12:2-10
I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven– whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person– whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows– was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
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Harriet Yost
April 27, 1921 – June 28, 2015
Funeral to be celebrated this coming winter at St. Paul’s.
View her Obituary
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Announcement from the Rector
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I am excited to inform you that at General Convention, the Episcopal Church brought Marriage Equality into our laws and worship. Considering the history of our Diocese, it was great to have a unanimous support from our deputation and bishop. What was “provisional” has become “usual.”
At St. Paul’s, we have been caring for all couples equally in our practice. Now all couples need only conform to the marriage canons. There will be no additional requirements for anyone marrying for the first time. Read more
Fr. Andrew
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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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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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“Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café returns in The Chapel”
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”
THERE WILL BE NO TUESDAY NIGHT SESSIONS
DURING JULY AND AUGUST
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Baked Goods 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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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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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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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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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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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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