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From the Rector
Is Compassion Ever Random?
One of the hallmarks of Jesus is that he demonstrates compassion. He feels compassion for crowds of people who are shepherd-less, who are hungry, who are struggling, and who are grieving. The heroes in his parables demonstrate compassion. Jesus is clearly moved by the difficult situations of the local people, by local leaders, and even by “enemies” like last week’s centurion.
In our Gospel this week, Jesus continues his journey through the region of Galilee. He has headed south of the Sea of Galilee and as he enters the village of Nain, he witnesses a funeral procession.
There must have been some story that was not written down, for the author to know so much detail. Perhaps some of the disciples were from the area and knew the deceased young man or his mother. Without more information, Jesus’ compassion seems random, but I don’t think so.
One way of thinking about this is to calculate all the reasons this widow “deserved” to have her only son back. Last week the village elders did just that when encouraging Jesus to help the occupying centurion. Jesus has a wider sense of compassion that supersedes “deserving.”.
The compassion which Jesus demonstrates is neither random nor reward. It is an essential character of Jesus.
Jesus is defined by his compassionate nature. His willingness to embrace the deep need experienced by both friend and enemy is as much a part of his nature as is his being the incarnate son of Mary. However, as much as it is a part of Jesus’ nature, it does not lead to automatic or mechanical responses.
It makes me wonder. If the compassionate response does not always lead to physical healing or new life after death, what is its purpose and nature?
Maybe it is back to the nature of Jesus and the nature of relationship. The Urban Dictionary defines passion as putting more energy into something than is required. Rather than going about day to day and person to person, doing the minimum, maybe Jesus was totally invested in the possible. His investment, his divine compassion was a sign of what was possible in a reign of God that included each and all.
Week by week in worship we get to glimpse this “possible” in transformed bread and wine – and in our transformed selves. We are invited to practice and embody this deep compassion as Jesus did. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Luke 7:11-17 (NRSV)
After the healing in Capernaum, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
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Gun Violence Awareness Day
Thursday June Second is “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” – a day to remember the victims of gun violence in our country, educate ourselves concerning this serious national problem and to take sensible action toward a more peaceful society. This year, St. Paul’s invites you to remember this important day by wearing orange – the official gun violence awareness color – on Thursday June 2. The Social Justice Committee will also be passing out orange ribbons and helpful information and links before and after regular services on Sunday June 5, with special prayers to be included in both services. As we wore red for Pentecost, you might want to wear orange on Sunday June 5th. For more information on National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the Episcopal Church’s witness against gun violence, see the Facebook page “Episcopalians Against Gun Violence.” .
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Volunteer for “Roy’s Movie Night”
 We’re looking for a few additional volunteers to join us for the Social Justice Committee’s new monthly “Movie Night” event for the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center. Come help set up, serve popcorn and drinks, be an usher and enjoy a fun film with our brothers and sisters at Roy’s – a good time will be had by all. You must be able to commit to the second Thursday of each month from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. For more info, contact church Head Usher Ron Shepard before or after the Saturday or Sunday services, or call Chris Kelly at 760-406-2978.
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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
June
6/5 End of Life Care.
Led by Rev. Andrew Green.
6/12 Caring for the Dying – the “CONE” Theory of Death.
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey.
6/19 Freedom and Subjection
Led by Br. John Charles.
6/26 The Three Kinds of Grief Nobody talks About
Led by Craig Ewing.
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Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
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.
June
6/7 Luke 14:1-24 – Table Manners.
Led by Br. John Charles.
6/14 Luke 15:1-32 – Parables of the Lost.
Led by Br. John Charles.
6/21 Luke 23:32-49 – Reflections from the Cross: The Death of Jesus.
Led by Br. John Charles.
6/28 Luke 24:13-35 – The Road to Emmaus.
Led by Br. John Charles.
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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 SUMMER
OFFICE HOURS
Effective May 31 through Sept 6, our summer office hours will be 9:00- 4:30 Tuesday through Thursday: and Friday 9:00 – noon.
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
If you’re interested in getting to know your fellow parishioners at a more social or personal level, the St. Paul Parish Life Committee may have something just for you! This new endeavor is looking for ways for St. Paul’s members to socialize and have fun together, with programs starting gradually this summer and expanding in the fall. If you have thoughts on how social and recreational activities could be developed and sustained, please contact Fred Ross and/or Gary Hiatt at 760-325-1542, or email Fred at fredeross@comcast.net or Gary at ghiatt@comcast.net. Gary and Fred look forward to hearing from you.
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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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Thank you!!
The Daughters of the King thank our St. Paul family for your generosity during our spring ingathering for the United Thank Offering (UTO). We have sent a check to the UTO organization in the amount of $1480! Thank you for supporting the work of the Church in the world with your generous contributions.
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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
The next COMMUNION SERVICE at Windsor Court is scheduled for this 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.
Sunday’s Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service is sponsored by Bill Himelright & Dave Carter.
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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