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From The Rector
Kings and Context
This weekend we celebrate the Reign of Christ in our worship. This year, the Gospel selection is from Jesus’ interrogation by Pilate before his crucifixion. Jesus is not the kind of a leader we usually celebrate. We look for leaders who can solve the problems we face. Currently, leaders and candidates around the world are being asked about their plan to keep their people from harm.
The people who followed Jesus were looking for relief, for rescue, for liberation from Roman occupation. But, Jesus does not offer the kind of revolution they seek and it confuses everyone. Pilate examines Jesus as if he would challenge Rome, a typical firebrand easily open to treason charges, but Jesus rejects this definition of kingship.
The leadership that Jesus offers, which Pilate assumes is kingship, is being a witness to “the truth.” Jesus is a witness to God’s activity in the world, and his very being is a sign that God loves the world. All the world. Everyone.
The leadership of Pilate, Rome, and any form of government is about power, its accumulation and use. Pilate reminds Jesus that he holds power over him. Jesus rejects this. Pilate’s power is illusory and derivative.
The leadership that Jesus offers comes from belonging to truth, not power. It is based on vulnerability rather than dominance. In 1973, I was at the Trinity Institute-West Conference at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. One of the speakers was Br. Roger, the founder of the Taizé Community. He spoke about the possibility of a worldwide leader for all Christians. It would be a leader with authority, but no power. The leader described is Jesus before Pilate: God’s chosen who gives truth.
As followers of Jesus, we need to belong to God’s truth. It needs to motivate our actions and our decisions. But we must also be wary of believing that it confers power or privilege. Belonging to the truth is not an escape from suffering, or the guarantee of bliss, it is about participating in God’s redeeming love for the world and all its people.
Join this weekend in celebrating the vulnerable, inclusive, compassionate leadership of Jesus as we participate in his realm of peace and Justice.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
John 18:33-37 (NRSV)
Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the religious leaders. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
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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 two 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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Welcoming
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
11/22 To Forgive, Devine.
Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
11/29 The Sea Calls Out for Justice.
Led by Craig Ewing.
12/6 Keeping Advent.
Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
12/13 Shadows of Advent.
Led by Craig Ewing
12/20 Speaking to the Soul: Merry Christmas.
Led by Br. John Charles
12/27 Christmas Recess: NO SESSION
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Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
November
Meets in the Library
Foundations of our Faith:
Living out our Crazy Christian Lives.
11/24 Foundations of our Faith 4:
Living out our Crazy Christian Lives,
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey.
December
Meets in the Church
Taizé Prayer Services
12/1 Taizé Prayer Service. Led by Nathan Ensign
12/8 Taizé Prayer Service. Led by Nathan Ensign
12/15 Taizé Prayer Service. Led by Nathan Ensign
12/22 Christmas Recess: NO SESSION
12/27 End of Year Celebration & Reflection:
Parish Hall 7 PM
All Program participants and Team members are invited; dine, celebrate and reflect on the Adult Faith Formation Program.
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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
Join us in the Parish Hall for coffee and fellowship after each service on Sunday.
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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