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From Alan Zimmerman
How Do We Measure Up?
The prophet Amos was no stranger speaking truth to power. Amos was a livestock farmer with an orchard of fig trees and lived in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. During his lifetime, the Northern Kingdom, Israel, under the reign of King Jeroboam, enjoyed an unprecedented period of economic prosperity and territorial expansion. However, not everyone shared equally in the economic prosperity. The wealthy landowners were benefiting at the expense of small farmers. This was the background for the confrontation between Amos and Amaziah, the high priest of the shrine in Bethel, and an elite of King Jeroboam.
Amos said the Lord was setting up a plumb line, a device used by surveyors and builders to assure a wall’s vertical alignment. When the wall is straight, the vertical axis is true and the wall stands unsupported. When the wall does not stand straight, it needs to be shored up, but is destined to eventually collapse.
Amos foretold the Lord’s judgment of Israel, and the linearity of the plumb line was not subtle. Israel’s religious and political institutions were not measuring up and there was no recourse. Things were going to change and not in a good way. Amaziah was outraged and sent Amos packing, telling him to go prophesy in Judah. Amos objects to these orders. He protests to Amaziah that he is a farmer in Judah, not a prophet. And he goes on to affirm that he is on an instructed spiritual journey of his own, to go and prophesy to the people in Israel. Amos was further inflamed, and ranted that the future ahead for the kingdom would be one of cruel insults, death and exile.
Amos preached for programs of justice and righteousness. This included concern for the disadvantaged and greater social equality. Like a wall that is made straight, the pursuit of justice and righteousness needs to be plumb and true. When the axis of the wall is not plumb, it is destined to fall. This was Israel’s fate.
God’s gifts to us include the mentality and ability to speak up when circumstances require it, and we need to recognize when things don’t measure up. Facing adversity and hostility requires faithfulness to our goals. Our success in achieving our goals depends on our ability to examine our lives and assess our progress.
God is inviting us to hold up the plumb bob. How are we measuring up?
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Featured Scripture
Amos 7:7-17
This is what the Lord God showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said,
“See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate,
and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”
Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said,
`Jeroboam shall die by the sword,
and Israel must go into exile
away from his land.'”
And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, `Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
“Now therefore hear the word of the Lord.
You say, `Do not prophesy against Israel,
and do not preach against the house of Isaac.’
Therefore thus says the Lord:
`Your wife shall become a prostitute in the city,
and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword,
and your land shall be parceled out by line;
you yourself shall die in an unclean land,
and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.'”
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Stand With Innocent Victims –
All of Them
Many leaders are responding to the news of two more black men killed by police officers. Alton Sterling and Philandro Castile are their names. And last night to the shooting of 12 police officers, and the killing of 5. Brent Thompson and Patrick Zamrippa were among the first Dallas police officers killed in the line of duty since 1989, and theirs among the only names released at the time I am writing this.
Many others will publish their reflections as Friday unfolds. Everyone will be encouraged to offer their “thoughts and prayers.” Thoughts and prayers are good, but are not enough. They need to lead to action that makes each of us a part of the solution. I need to live out in my decisions and actions which acknowledge that black lives matter as much as white lives. I need to support our police officers in their often dangerous and complex calling to serve and protect our communities. God needs us to act.
This weekend we will hear the story from Luke’s Gospel of the “Good Samaritan.” Canon Victoria will be preaching, but I want to offer one thought. I am sure that the leaders who saw the man lying beaten on the side of the road, who passed by on the other side, would have texted their thoughts and prayers for him had the technology been available. However, only one character in this story took action, the action that was required to bring healing and wellness. No one expected it would be the Samaritan. Except Jesus. He expects us to do the same.
Along with our thoughts and prayers, may we be the people who take the actions that lead to healing and wellness.
Fr. Andrew
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Help Answer Gun Violence
In the wake of the Orlando shootings, St. Paul’s Social Justice Committee is looking for some new faces to assist in its continuing program to combat the scourge of gun violence. The Committee is currently planning educational programs on gun safety and violence prevention, as well as opportunities for advocacy and prophetic witness for a more peaceful society. Contact Chris Kelly at cwklly615@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out what you can do to help.
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Welcome Seminarian
Patricia Horkey
St. Paul’s is honored to have Episcopal Church seminarian Patricia Horkey with us during the month of July. Patricia will assist at our services and may participate in other activities and programs. Patricia is a nominee for ordination at our sister parish in Idyllwild, St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church. Patricia is the leader of St. Hugh’s Precious Elder Ministry. Welcome Patricia!
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Ron Thomas deceased
Ron Thomas, beloved spouse of Jerry Di Noto, died on July 2nd. A lifelong Christian Scientist, he attended services at St. Paul’s to support Jerry’s faith tradition. As per his request and in conformity with his religious beliefs there will be no funeral service. Our healing prayers and condolences to Jerry and the family.
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Dick Secrist Celebration of Life
 On Friday, July 29th, there will be a “Celebration of Life” for Richard (Dick) Secrist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellingham, Washington.
On Saturday, July 30th, Christopher & Nancy Secrist will host a celebration of the 90th birthday of Anna Secrist. Cards may be mailed to: Anna Secrist, Orchard Park Assisted Living, 844 W. Orchard Dr., Bellingham, WA 98225, or phone 360.671.5770. For further details, contact Nancy at 1771 Academy Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226; 360.733.5457.
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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 Library
Check it out
July
7/10 Have We Fruit? A Reflection on Col. 1: 1-14
Led by Patricia Horkey
7/17 Lessons for the Episcopal Church in the “Book of Mormon.”
Led by Craig Ewing
7/24 A Scandalous Love – Mary Magdalene
Led by Audrey Spencer.
7/31 Weeds and All
Led by Gary Scott
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Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Faith Building – In the Library
There will be no Tuesday sessions in July or August.
 When Tuesdays @ 7 pm returns in September, we will be reading and studying John Dominic Crossan’s book, “How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian: Struggling with Divine Violence from Genesis to Revelation.” The book is available on Amazon in paperback after July 26 (pre-orders only before that date). The paperback edition costs $11; hardcopy is $22. It also available on Kindle for 14.99. Please call the office to reserve your space and to let us know that you’re purchasing your book.
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Baked Goods and Fruit
for Roy’s
With the snowbirds flown, St. Paul’s Monday night outreach to the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center needs your support to help get through the summer doldrums. Home-made or store bought baked desserts, cakes and cookies, as well as fresh fruit, are urgently needed. Simply bring your donation to church on Saturday or Sunday and leave it with the ushers. Contact Chris Kelly at (760) 406-2978 for further information.
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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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Sunday Childcare Change
Sunday worship childcare for 8:00 am services will be suspended for the summer, from July 3 through September 4, resuming on Sunday, September 11. Childcare will be available for 10:30 Sunday services, beginning at 10:00 am, throughout the summer.
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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, July 13th 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.
Today’s Coffee Hour after the 8:00 service is sponsored by Michelle Hathaway.
Please consider hosting an upcoming Coffee Hour. We have no sponsors yet for the month of August! 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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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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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 incidences are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and confidentially. If you believe you have experienced misconduct of any kind, please contact Mr. John Seitman, jseitman@pacbell.net, 858-793-4555 or the Rev. Janet Wheelock, jwheelock@edsd.org, 952-240-8067.
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