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From the Rector
Are We Champions
The Feast of Pentecost – celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower Jesus’ disciples – is this weekend. The liturgical color is red, to remember the tongues of fire that rested on each follower. The Feast has several great stories about the beginnings of what would become the church, and adding to those stories, I focus on the end of the Gospel selection from John. Jesus promises to send the Advocate to remind the disciples of what Jesus said and did, and to teach them even more – “everything.” And he leaves them with his peace to bolster timid and fearful hearts.
And advocate is a champion or supporter. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will be for the disciples their Champion and Supporter. Those early disciples needed a Champion to lead their ministries, particularly in conflict situations, and they needed a Supporter to embolden them when discouraged. We need only look at Pakistani Christians today, for example, to see the need to minister through the conflicts of persecution, and to remain true to Jesus in the midst of violence.
Here in Palm Springs, I believe we need the Holy Spirit to be our champion and supporter by inspiring us with the words and deeds of Jesus, and by teaching us “everything” we need in order to become champions ourselves. Our model is not the militant champion who crushes, but the one who brings Jesus’ saving help. I hope we can be champions who offer our time, voices, and resources to stand for, advocate for, and protect those who have little or no voice in our own community.
I believe Jesus gave his disciples a champion in the Holy Spirit, to make them champions for others. As disciples, I believe that this role is crucial to all that we do. Our Adult Formation is not just about learning interesting facts about faith, but is about being trained to be champions for others. Our Sunday School is not just about foundational learning, but also about raising faithful, inspired children who can be champions for others.
And our worship each Sunday, and this gathering for Pentecost, is a particular training – where we admit our need of the Holy Spirit and prepare to be champions in our care of others – where our prayers and praise refine us as champions for God’s peace. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
John 14:25-27
I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
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Education for Ministry (EfM)
. . . is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. This international program has assisted more than 80,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service and bringing them into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship and engage in theological reflection together. If you are interested in learning more about EfM, Alan Zimmerman will provide an overview on Sunday May 29th at 9:15 am in the Chapel. For more information or questions, please call Alan at 313.407.4843.
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Altar and Narthex (church lobby) Flower Sponsorships
Sponsoring flowers for the Altar or Narthex is a distinctive way to remember loved ones or commemorate special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. RESERVE YOUR SPECIAL DATE NOW by completing the sponsor sign-up form in the Flower Sponsorship Binder. You’ll find the binder on the table to your right as you enter the Parish Hall.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Chapel
Check it out
May
5/22 Trinity Sunday -A Reflection.
Facilitated by Br. John Charles
5/29 Education for Ministry Program: Overview and Introduction
Presented by Alan Zimmerman
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Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
May
Please Note: In the Gospel of Luke, Led by Br. John Charles, Br. John respectfully requests that you [read] the scripture in advance of each session.
5/24 Luke 10: 25-37 – The Good Samaritan: A Way of Life
Led by Br. John Charles.
5/31 Luke 12:13-34 – The Dangers of Money
Led by Br. John Charles.
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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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Roy’s Still Needs YOU!
Just a reminder that St. Paul’s outreach to the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center continues through the summer months and needs your ongoing support. If you are a year-round resident of the desert, please continue to donate baked goods, fresh fruit and used clothing to this worthy cause. If you’re leaving us for the summer, take a moment to consider financial support for this important outreach before you go. Contact Chris Kelly(760) 406-2978 for more information.
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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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SERVING CHRIST IN OTHERS
Looking for new ways to put your faith into action? The St. Paul Social Justice Committee continues its important work on various fronts…including our continuing gun violence and safety initiative and our new “shower and service center” homeless outreach for the summer months. We’re working on a host of new social justice programs for the fall. We have ambitious goals and can use your ideas, your energy and your gifts. If you feel called to share Christ’s compassion and love please join us. Contact Chris Kelly (760) 406-2978 for further information.
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Save the Date!
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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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, June 8th at 10:15 am. The priest and residents always welcome parishioners to join in the worship.
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Hospitality
Ministry
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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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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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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