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From Jerry DiNoto
Reflections on Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews were a group of second generation Christians who were beginning to wander away from the faith, disgruntled that the second coming hadn’t happened yet. They expected Jesus to return quickly, and when he didn’t they asked, “Where is this messiah that was promised? Is the story even true? Is the resurrection true?” I suspect some people today still struggle with these questions.
The writer of Hebrews responds to this faith crisis with a profound statement about faith, a statement that I hope we will ponder on our faith journeys. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Basically stated, we are not going to receive proof. Faith is about potential—the God you put your faith in hasn’t finished the job yet, and we may never really see the end result in this lifetime. It’s hoped for, it’s unseen. Our biblical patriarchs and matriarchs lived out that faith and were led by that faith to accomplish God’s plan. A plan whose end they did not live to experience.
As for us, our striving for justice and peace for all people and respecting the dignity of every human being will not be fully realized in our lifetime. God’s Kingdom –the realm of peace, justice, inclusion, forgiveness, compassion and love may not be established in the near or distant future. Yet we have the blessed assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Our lives can be dedicated to advancing undeterred in the faith that God’s realm will come.
How do we do that? We strive to support one another in our needs- I certainly witnessed this in the outpouring of love and support upon the death of my spouse. We reach out to the marginalized and outcasts of our city. We are currently challenged to work and live out our democracy’s best hopes and ideals. Finally, and most importantly, we gather in our varying degrees of faith and doubt to pray, partake and be sustained with hopeful assurance of a life that is not yet seen – that is certainly living our faith with conviction in my book!
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It has been a gift for me to share these summer reflections during Fr. Andrew’s vacation.
Blessings!
Jerry Di Noto
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Featured Scripture
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old– and Sarah herself was barren– because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
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Parish Life News
 Sign up now for the parish “Summer Doldrums” potluck to be held on Thursday, August 18, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall! Bring your most-requested dish and be prepared to share your thoughts about fun things you would like to do with your fellow parishioners. The sign-up sheets are in the parish hall and in the narthex. The sheets also have a few questions about your interest in smaller potlucks held at parishioners’ homes. And remember, your parish life team is open to new members—we always appreciate more help and new ideas. Contact Fred Ross (fredeross@comcast.net, 760-325-1542) or Gary Hiatt (ghiatt@comcast.net, 760-325-1542) for more information or to volunteer your assistance. Your team of six thanks you!
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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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Help Answer Gun Violence
In the wake of the recent 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 learning what you can do to help.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Library
Check it out
August
8/7 Spirituality of summer.
Led by Alan Zimmerman
8/14 Pope Francis says;
“Church should apologize for discriminating against gays.”
Led by Craig Ewing
8/21 Speaking to the Soul: It’s hard to say goodbye.
Led by Gary Scott
8/28 Message in a Bottle- God Paints Backwards.
Led by Audrey Spencer
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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. 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 is suspended for the summer, from July 3 through September 4, resuming on Sunday, September 11. Childcare is 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, August 10th 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 Hours after the 8:00 & 10:30 services are sponsored by Bill Himelright & David Carter.
Please consider hosting an upcoming Coffee Hour. There are 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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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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