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From Jerry DiNoto
Walls crumbling around us!
Wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets are typical themes in biblical apocalyptic literature. They are symbols of the shaking of foundations and the end of all that seems solid and strong. As I reflected on Jesus’ prediction, “not a stone will be left upon a stone” in Mark’s gospel, memories of watching the crumbling of the World Trade Center came to mind. The feelings we had must certainly have been the feelings of Jews watching the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Yet, how does this translate into our lives? Our temples are not necessarily just buildings. They can be whatever structures we erect in our minds, hearts and imaginations that hold our faith together- relationships, family, theological beliefs, national pride, economic systems and self -image. We can experience many seeming apocalyptic endings where the walls seem to be crumbling around us by any of the long list of human disasters and loss. While we are in the midst of these times, it is hard to see grace. Yet, we are called to live by faith and hope.
Against these uncertainties and anxieties, Jesus tells his followers not to be alarmed. These challenging events happen but they are not the grand and glorious consummation. They are the “birth pangs” which precede the emergence of something entirely new.
Apocalyptic texts are not usually associated with being “good news,” although that, indeed, is often what they truly are. The standard apocalyptic theme is a recognition of a fundamental truth, that things may be terrible, but nevertheless God is going to intervene and make things right.
For Mark, God is indeed intervening, but not in the form of fanatical and violent resistance to the seeming destructive powers. God, in Christ, has come as one who suffers, one who reigns from a cross, the great act drawing all things together to the goal, the culmination, the new world order of God. We are called to faithfully work through our personal and societal apocalyptic challenges and reflect gospel values in our lives and in our world.
As we gather to partake in the hope filled remembrance that Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. We are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God and we are enriched with grace to move beyond our apocalyptical situations.
Blessings and Peace!
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Featured Scripture
Mark 13:1-8
As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, `I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”
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Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
Friday November 20th from 7-8 pm at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs. There will be live music, entertainment, and information booths from 5–8 pm. This event is to remember and pay respect to Transgender persons who have been killed because of their gender identity.
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Calling All Elves!
It’s time to “deck the halls” for Christmas!
Tuesday, November 24, starting at 9:00 a.m. We need a few jolly holiday volunteers to help decorate the Parish Hall and Parish Office lobby. In addition, we’re looking for some “ladder-nimble” Elves to help string external lights on the front of the church. (We want to be appropriately adorned for the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade.)
Tuesday, December 22, starting at 9:00 a.m. We need helpers to decorate the interior of the church.
If you would like to participate in any of these fun activities, please call the Parish Office @ 760-320-7488 to sign up.
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African Team Ministries
In three weeks, the African Team Ministries will display wonderful gifts for purchase in our Parish Hall. This year they will offer men’s crosses, women’s crosses, jewelry, musical instruments and a host of other hand-crafted items. Please remember these unique and wonderful gifts you can purchase at this annual event. In the process you will be helping the people and our ministry in Africa. Thank you for supporting this ministry.
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Becoming a St. Paul’s Member
Many worshipers wonder how to become a member of St. Paul’s. If you’re one of them, join Fr. Andrew in the Parish Library on Sunday, November 29th at 9:15 am. In this single-session class, you will hear interesting facts about St. Paul’s, plus, learn all you need to know about becoming a member of the Parish. (Note: this is not the same as the Inquirers’ Class.) If you are already a member, this class is not for you.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Chapel
November
11/15 Being Terrible.
Led by Br. John Charles
11/22 To Forgive, Devine.
Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
11/29 The Sea Calls Out for Justice.
Led by Craig Ewing.
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Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
Meets in the Library
November
Foundations of our Faith:
Living out our Crazy Christian Lives.
11/17 Foundations of our Faith 3:
Living out our Crazy Christian Lives,
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey.
11/24 Foundations of our Faith 4:
Living out our Crazy Christian Lives,
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey.
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Christmas for the Homeless
It’s time once again for our annual Christmas fundraiser for the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center. In the past, we have used donated funds to buy Walmart and Revivals gift cards which Roy’s residents can use to purchase essentials, and we’re planning the same for 2015. Our target this year is to raise $2,000 (for 85 gift cards) between now and December 25, so please consider a contribution to this worthy cause. Simply drop your check payable to St. Paul’s into the plate any Sunday and make sure to write “Roy’s Christmas” on the memo line. Don’t hesitate to contact Chris Kelly at (760-406-2978) with any questions or for more information on how you can help our ongoing outreach to Roy’s.
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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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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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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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Announcements
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CHURCH
OFFICE HOURS
The church office is open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with a lunch break from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
Should you call on Monday when we are closed to the public, please leave a message. In case of an emergency, a priest will return your call.
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THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Please join us for worship on Thanksgiving Day:
We will have one service at
10:30 A.M.
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TAIZÉ MEDITIATION
SERVICE
Taizé style meditation services are returning for 3 Tuesdays in Advent. Our next Taizé service will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 PM. To learn more, contact Nathan Ensign at: 760.320.7488, Ext. 225. NOTE: we are looking for a few volunteers to assist in setting up for the services.
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VESTRY NOMINATIONS
We will soon be preparing the ballot for the next vestry elections. Please give thoughtful consideration to who you would like to see serving in this capacity and submit their names (even your own!) for consideration by the vestry nominating committee.
There’s no need to ask individuals if they are willing to serve. The committee will do that. Submit names soon to any vestry member.
Click here for the Vestry Member E-mail list.
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COPIES OF
“A Church Grows in the Desert”
A riveting history of St. Paul in the Desert from 1939-2014, are still available at the office. This well illustrated and thoroughly researched book makes a super gift or stocking stuffer. Cost is $25.00.
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SAVE THE DATE
DOK is pleased to offer our parish the second workshop in prayer practices on Saturday, November 21st, from 9 to noon. The Rev. Canon David Caffrey will lead us in Contemplative/Meditative Prayer.
Canon Caffrey’s first workshop was presented this past spring on Intercessory Prayer.
Please call Sharon Strong if you are attending (760.295.8910).
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FAMILY/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FACTOID
Did you know that our ministry has outings? Our next outing will be a picnic at Whitewater Preserve on November 15.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Sunday School sessions are active and exciting for the new school year! We look forward to having the children attend the 10:30 Sunday School Program. We are still looking for volunteers to be a storyteller or a doorkeeper. If you are interested, please contact Ted Barajas at 760-902-1014 or email at tedbarajas1@yahoo.com.
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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 December 9th, at 10:15am. The Presiding Priest always welcomes assistance from parishioners.
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COFFEE HOUR
Sunday’s Coffee Hour after the 8:00 service is hosted by Robert Woods & Barry Hagenbuch. The Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service is sponsored by James Kyle & Mark Leggett in celebration of their 2nd Wedding Anniversary.
There are several Sunday hospitality opportunities available through the end of the year. Please consider hosting a Coffee Hour after the 8:00 or 10:30 services with family or friends. Sign-up binders are on the large table on the right as you enter the Parish Hall.
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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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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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 John Seitman, at jseitman@pacbell.net or 858-793-4426.
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