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From Jerry DiNoto
“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
The evangelist put these consoling words into this reading to assure his readers that faith in Jesus’ resurrection isn’t reserved only for the eyewitnesses of the event. Even we, twenty centuries later, can achieve that same faith.
Those who created our gospels, not being eyewitnesses, came to faith in Jesus’ resurrection years after the event. They might have been chronologically closer to the historical Jesus, but the process by which they began to believe in his resurrection was identical to the one we employ 2,000 years later. There’s no other way to reach that essential truth of our faith than by coming into contact with people who demonstrate, by the way they live, that they’ve experienced the risen Jesus. By mentioning those who have not “seen yet believe,” the fourth evangelist is telling us that he, unlike Thomas, didn’t physically put his hand and finger into Jesus’ wounds, but he had experienced the wounds of those who had become the body of Christ, those who had been at times wounded to the point of death by the way they gave themselves to others. The author of this gospel wasn’t converted by visions or arguments, but by actions, actions which sprang from a belief in Jesus’ generous, life-changing presence right then and there and witnessed by an active believing community.
The evangelist placing Jesus’ command to forgive one another’s sins in this gospel is key to our understanding the message of Jesus. Nothing better demonstrates our belief in Jesus’ resurrection than our determination to become forgiving people. It is by touching the wounds of hatred and placing our hands in the side of injustice that we come to see the need for the healing presence of Jesus.
Thomas found the frightened disciples locked up in a room. Clearly not the actions of a believing community. Is it any wonder that he doubted? I wonder was he doubting the Resurrection or was he doubting the disciples’ faith? Thomas’ doubt urges us to be the people we say we are – the loving, forgiving, healing, accepting and inclusive hands and face of Christ.
As we gather to celebrate our faith in the Risen Lord, we also extend our wounded hands to a broken world and say,
“Peace be with you.”
Jerry DiNoto
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Featured Scripture
John 20:19-31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
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Defeating Evil Through Love
The Bishop and Clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and
The Bishop and Clergy of the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Gathered at St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego
Click to read their letter on violence regarding the recent events in Brussels.
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Death of a Friend of St. Pauls
We learned that the Rev. Robert Kley who assisted at St. Paul for several years died on February 21st in Phoenix, AZ. May light perpetual shine on him. Remember Fr. Kley, his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers.
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United Thank Offering
 The United Thank Offering (UTO) – of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society – will be collected at all services April 16th and 17th. Please use the blue giving envelopes in the pew pockets or the special UTO collection boxes for your donations. Collection boxes can be found in the parish hall and Narthex (church lobby). Since 1871, the Episcopal Church has gathered funds for this special offering as an expression of thanks for personal blessings. Donations fund grants in support of ministries in communities at home and around the world where there are no other sources of aid available. For more information, please see the UTO informational brochures in the pews. You are invited to take your copy with you and read the interesting history of this missionary outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church. Questions? Contact Bonnie Stroock at 760.324.7949.
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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, April 3rd 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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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Chapel
Check it out
April
4/3 Reconciliation & Anglican Relations presented by Bishop Sue Moxley
4/10 The Mystery of Easter. Facilitated by Alan Zimmerman
4/17 Easter People Dressing a Corpse.
Facilitated by Audrey Spencer
4/24 Love One Another– John 13:31-35.
Facilitated by Br. John Charles
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Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
April
“Studying, Speaking and Singing the Psalms”
Presented by Rabbi David Lazar.
4/5 Psalm 121- Turning Our Eyes Toward the Mountains
4/12 Psalm 130- Calling Out from the Depths
4/19 Psalm 118- Praising Together with the Other
4/26 Psalm 30- Riding the Roller Coaster of Life
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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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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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Feedback Wanted!
This year we celebrated Palm Sunday without the reading of the Passion. This required the permission of our Bishop and he asked that we share people’s responses. Specifically, how did it enhance or detract from your full participation in Holy Week.
Written responses may be mailed to St. Paul’s or emails may be sent to parishad@stpaulsps.org.
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Bishop Sue Moxley
to lead study on
Water Concerns
The Social Justice Committee and the Adult Faith Building team invite you to join Bishop Sue Moxley for a study on Global Water Concerns. Water is a vital source of life affecting our world –physically, environmentally and spiritually. Bp. Moxley, retired bishop of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island, is widely known as a passionate advocate for social justice. Bp. Moxley and her husband Bruce are previous and always welcome visitors to St. Paul’s. Please join us Thursday, March 31st at 7:00 pm in the St. Paul’s library. Click this link for full information.
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Our next Taizé service
. . . will be Thursday, April 7th at 7:00 p.m.
In a setting of icons, religious art and candles, this quiet service of chant and meditation has been a welcome respite for many during our busy work week.
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Picnic at The Living Desert!
The Family/Children’s Ministry will have a “bring your own lunch” picnic at the Living Desert on Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 pm. For more information, please contact Ted Barajas at 760-902-1014.
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St. Paul’s Campers
are planning a weekend trip to Idyllwild Co. Campground on July 15 to 17. Plan to come and escape the desert in the tall pines and mountain air of Mt. San Jacinto. Call Bonnie Stroock if you are interested in joining us. 760-324-7949
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CHOIR CALL
As some of you have remarked, 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 the weeks that follow to June, when we break for summer. 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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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
The next COMMUNION SERVICE at Windsor Court is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th 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
Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments. Coffee Hours are an important ministry of hospitality for both our members and guests.
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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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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