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From The Rector
Chicks and Churches
As we move through Lent, we witness Jesus confronting the powers that are arrayed against him. Our scripture this week reveals the complex relationship between Jesus and Jerusalem that will be worked out on the journey to the cross and resurrection. Jesus chooses a simple metaphor, and I am struck by the chicks being protected by their mother hen.
Jerusalem had much need for protection. The Pharisees represented their particular religious outlook for the Judean people by seeking to make all of life “holy,” extending some spiritual disciplines more widely across the population. They were focused on the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and they opposed mixing ancient traditions with contemporary cultures. Herod was the king whose rule the Romans established over the region that included Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. Jesus challenged the collaboration between Herod and imperial Rome.
Jesus is moving toward his major confrontation in Jerusalem, both with the religious and the secular powers. And in this conflict, our scripture tells us he is choosing compassion.
We live in our own complex relationship as a congregation in the Coachella Valley. We are one community of faith surrounded by a secular world that is apathetic and one of potential conflict. We are not alone. There are other Episcopal congregations and other denominations that share Jesus’ compassion for the people of this valley, and share a common commitment to follow him.
This weekend, the Vestries of St. Margaret’s and St. Paul’s will be on a retreat together. We will come together to know each other, and to learn what is common in our compassion and commitment in following Jesus. Each of our parishes is facing challenges in our own communities, and we understand there are more significant challenges ahead which face all of us. Please remember us to God in your prayers.
Remember the smooth stone you took last week – or will take this week – and the discipline of Release and Growth. We are seeking to be released from the traditional burdens that keep us from growth, and we seek the Spirit’s direction in growing into Jesus’ Lenten journey.
Our celebration this weekend, in church and on retreat, will reflect on Jesus in his conflict and compassion. Join us as we both celebrate and commit to his “life of fearless love for the world.”
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'”
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Deaths in the Parish
 Friends,
Harry Hulson died this morning. February 17th.
He was in hospice care in Desert Hot Springs.
In his retirement, after a career as an accountant, Harry became an active member and participant in SongShine, a vocal therapy class devoted to helping people with Parkinson’s, stroke and neurological disorders to sing in order to strengthen their speaking voices.
His son John has asked that we remember him at our services. There will be no funeral.
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Ralph “Butch” Marion died on February 3rd.
Butch was an off and on visitor.
May these beloved children of the Lord, rest in peace.
There will be no funeral here.
Blessings,
Andrew
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Newcomers Class
with Fr. Andrew
Many worshipers wonder how to become a member of St. Paul’s. If you are interested, join our Rector in the Chapel on Sunday, February 28th at 9:15 am. You’ll learn how easy it is to become a member and will hear more about St. Paul’s, its ministries, and how we serve our members and our community. This is a single session class and is not the same as the Inquirers’ Class. If you are already a member of St. Paul’s, this class is not for you.
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Ushers, Altar Ministers and Altar Guild Member Training:
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
There will be hands-on training for Ushers, Altar Ministers (Acolytes, Chalice Bearers and Worship Coordinators) and Altar Guild members, on SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2016. The training will be delivered separately for each ministry: 9:00 am – Worship Coordinators; 10:30 am – Altar Ministers and Ushers; 1:30 pm – Altar Guild. We ask that all current and prospective members of theses ministries attend – even those who have extensive experience serving. And we also invite participation by those who simply want to learn more about these ministries. You may find one is just right for you! Please RSVP to the parish office (760.320.7488).
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Chapel
Check it out
February:
The Prophets: Then & Now.
Led by guest presenter Rev. Dean Lueking.
2/21 Isaiah – Prophet of the Holy and contemporary examples
2/28 Jeremiah – Prophet of Torment and contemporary examples
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Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
February
2/23 Lenten Taize in the Church at 7:00 pm.
March
3/6 Lent and Wilderness.
Leader TBD.
3/13 Lent: Gazing At the Face of Evil.
Leader TBD.
3/1, 3/8 & 3/15 Lenten Taize continues in the church at 7:00 pm.
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Fridays at 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
Book Study: Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. Join us as we encounter together the struggles of this renowned and gifted preacher and Episcopal priest.
Br. John Charles and Audrey Spencer will lead the sessions. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Books will be available for purchase at the first session. The book is also available on Amazon and as a Kindle eBook.
February
2/26 Leaving Church – A Memoir of Faith
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Thank You From Roy’s
We’ve been asked to pass along the gratitude of our homeless brothers and sisters and their children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center for your generous support of St. Paul’s annual Christmas gift card drive, which raised enough money to provide 80 Walmart gift cards of $25 for Roy’s residents this year. We hope everyone will help continue this good work in 2016 by donating baked goods and funds for new underwear, and by watching this space for other ways you can become engaged with those in need at Roy’s. Your help makes a real difference, and is genuinely appreciated. For more information, contact Chris Kelly – 760.406.2978.
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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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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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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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“Harpsichord Spring”
Even instruments can be resurrected – the harpsichord being among the many instruments of the Baroque and Renaissance whose original voices can be heard today. A series of 3 concerts – solo, ensemble, and two – yes, two – harpsichords, performed by celebrated international performers, will surprise you.
Click here for details
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DAUGHTERS
OF THE KING
St Paul’s Chapter of the Daughters of the King meets this Tuesday, February 23rd, in the Chapel in the Parish Hall at 1:00 pm. We are continuing our study of the text, “Monastic Practices,” and invite women of the parish to join us as we deepen our vows of prayer and service. This week’s discussion of the chapter “Stability” will be facilitated by our chaplain, Br. John Charles Westaway.
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Bishop’s Visitation
Bishop Mathes will visit St. Paul’s on December 3-4, 2016.
He will Preside and Preach at our worship and will offer Baptism and Confirmation.
The Inquirer’s Class will begin in early October.
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VESTRY RETREAT
The Rectors and Vestries of St. Margaret’s and St. Paul’s will be on a retreat together this weekend, Feb. 20 – 21.
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CHOIR CALL
We are currently short on singers in the Choir, especially in the Bass and Soprano sections. We know that there are very fine singers (you) sitting in the pews because the Choir hears you singing as they process. Now would be an excellent time to join the choir as we prepare for Easter and following to June when the choir takes a much needed break. Please contact Nathan Ensign for more information after services or at 760.320.7488, ext. 225.
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Giving Made Easier
St. Paul’s has a new system for online giving and we encourage you to use it (see the right hand column on this web page.)
If you have any questions, please contact the office. Our online system makes it easy to direct your donation to a specific fund.
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Next Taizè Services
Our next Taizé service is Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to this quiet service of music and meditation. For more information, contact Nathan Ensign at 760-320-7488 x225.
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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
The next COMMUNION SERVICE at Windsor Court is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9th at 10:15 am. The priest and residents always welcome parishioners to join in the worship. The priest will impose ashes in observance of Ash Wednesday for those attending this service.
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COFFEE HOUR
Sunday’s Coffee Hour after the 8:00 service is sponsored by Michelle Hathaway. Bruce McLean & Mark McMillan mark their 30th anniversary as hosts of the Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service. Please consider hosting an upcoming Coffee Hour. The sign-up book is on the table to your right as you enter the Parish Hall.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites you to join our circle on
Wednesday’s from 10 am-1 pm 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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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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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 because of our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Please let Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself be your guide.
“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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