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From the Rector
Wellness in Exile
“Thus says the Lord…the God of Israel, to all the exiles…” in Jeremiah’s letter to them. The time was near 586 BCE – approximately 2600 years ago; with the changes of some names and geography, it could be powerfully relevant today. God’s exhortation to the exiles of Judah, many of whom had been unfaithful, is that they should embrace their new home in exile and thrive. Not only thrive, but contribute to the wellness of this new home.
The heart of this message is that they are to create families and community and rebuild their faith. The people of Judah are given hope because God wants them to thrive in their new community where, as their history unfolds, they will live for more than a generation. And God wants the Babylonian community to thrive as well. This is a reconnection to the blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12: Abraham is to be blessed with a multitude of descendants who in turn will be a blessing to the rest of the world. The wellness of the world is a consequence of the wellness of the people of faith.
The people of God are “blessed to be a blessing.” We thrive in order that our communities may thrive. This dual blessing was true for the exiles of Jerusalem, whose community in Babylon was named Tel Aviv – the “hill of spring” – reclaimed land that was not wanted by the locals, but was a foundation for the rebirth of the exiles. And the people did thrive. They grew and prospered. They were blessed, and they were a blessing for the Babylonians.
God calls people of faith to live within a cycle of blessing that continually aims for wellness – for all. We are challenged as were the exiles living on the “hill of spring.” They were to pray and act out the blessing: the wellness of the locals among whom they lived. How much more are we – the faithful who live in abundance – called to pray and work so that today’s exiles and refugees are blessed. In turn, God’s wellness will spread among our whole community.
Join us in worship as we consider the dynamics of blessing and wellness, and hear God’s call to be part of the dynamic so that all may thrive.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 (NRSV)
These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
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All Saints’ Day,
November 5, 2016
In our annual observance of All Saints’ Day, we recognize and celebrate our relationship with those who have gone before us. We invite you to offer the names of loved ones who have passed away within the last 12 months. The names will be celebrated during All Saints’ Day services the weekend of November 5 & 6. You can submit names by adding them to registers located in the Parish Hall and Narthex, or by phoning the Parish Office at 760.320.7288. (NOTE: If you have submitted names in past years, you need not re-submit them. They are part of a permanent parish record and will be remembered along with those newly added.) Deadline for submitting names is Wednesday, October 23, 2016.
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2016 Desert AIDS Walk
 Join the 2016 Desert AIDS Walk Team, now! The 2016 Desert AIDS Walk is Saturday Oct. 22nd. Members of St. Paul’s have participated in every walk since the first one in 1989. Sign up to walk. Get sponsorships. Help support people in the Coachella Valley with HIV/AIDS. We are recruiting Walkers and Sponsors after each service. Look for the AIDS Walk Table on the walkway near the west entrances to the church. You can also join the team at desertaidswalk.org. Our Team name is St. Paul in the Desert. Please make donation checks payable to Desert AIDS Project.
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43rd Annual Diocesan Convention – Local this year
The 43rd Annual Diocesan Convention takes place right in our own backyard this year, at St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part! Registration is being handled online only at http://www.edsd.org. Convention dates are Friday and Saturday, November 11-12. New at Convention this year – Youth Genius Bar. Do you need help navigating Instagram, Facebook or Twitter? Youth from all over the diocese will come together to answer tech questions on Friday afternoon and evening during Convention.
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10 MYTHS ABOUT
GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
Today the Social Justice Committee continues presenting another one of 10 myths about Gun Violence in America as published by the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV)
Gun Violence Myth 3: Gun Violence Only Affects People in Urban Crime-Ridden Areas. The sad reality is that gun violence affects all segments of our society. As newspaper headlines show, deadly shootings occur in areas which are supposed to be the safest – including schools, houses of worship, office buildings and shopping centers. No one is immune from the devastation caused by easy access to guns.
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Accepting God’s
Gift of Faith Program 2016
 Are you worshipping with our community and ready to take a further step to become an Episcopalian through Baptism and/or Confirmation? Already an Episcopalian and have been inactive and want to reconnect? Confirmed in another denomination and want to be received into the Episcopal Church? Then our Accepting God’s Gift of Faith Program is for you! The program will consist of eight weekly sessions in preparation for Adult Baptism/Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation by Bishop Mathes on Sunday, December 4th. Sessions will be on Tuesdays at 6:00pm, starting on October 11th. Sessions begin promptly with dinner at 6pm and end by 8pm. This group journey will lead participants through their own spiritual life story as well as through the history, theology and worship of the Episcopal Church. It is an opportunity to spiritually grow in and through the community of faith at St. Paul’s. Please RSVP your interest in attending by calling the Office by September 30th at 760.320.7488, ext. 0.
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Parish Life News
 As the weather cools and our snowbirds begin returning to their desert home, we have a number of activities being readied for everyone’s enjoyment. First, please join your fellow parishioners for an autumn potluck in the parish hall on Thursday, October 27th at 6:00pm (please arrive around 5:30 so we can get the food set out). We will have sign-up sheets in the Narthex and Parish Hall. Please bring a dish to serve 6-8. Fr. Andrew and the vestry will be leading a program entitled “Together We Serve.”
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And there’s more . . .
Those attending the “Summer Doldrums” potluck in August identified a number of activities with which they would like to be involved. We’re starting with the top two: Hiking and a Book Club.
Chris Kelley volunteered to organize monthly hikes in interesting places around the valley.
Jackie Freeburn will coordinate the development of the book group.
More information and sign-up sheets will be in the narthex and parish hall.
Finally, there was enthusiastic support for small potlucks with groups of perhaps 8-10 parishioners. Alan Zimmerman will be organizing those who expressed interest into small groups. More information to come shortly.
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EDSD Book Drive
For the fall collaborative project, the Diocese is asking churches to collect new and gently used books for children up to age 14. Start collecting books now, and bring them to Church on Sunday, October 30th. We will then bring all the donated books to Convention on November 11-12, at St Margaret’s, Palm Desert. All donations will be distributed throughout the desert region to children in need by Episcopal churches and other social service agencies.
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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. There are many dates still available to sponsor an arrangement this year. RESERVE YOUR DATE NOW by completing the sponsor sign-up form in 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
October
10/9 Attitude of Gratitude- 10 Lepers (Lk.17:11-19)
Led by Br. John Charles
10/16 We Must Risk Delight.
Led Craig Ewing
10/23 Pride and Prejudice
Led by Gary Scott
10/30 Speaking to the Soul- Joyful Choice
Led by Audrey Spencer
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Tuesday Evenings at 6:00 PM
Inquirer’s/Confirmation Class in the Parish Hall
The Inquirers’/Confirmation Class will meet in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evenings through October and November. Participation if for those who have previously registered for this year’s class.
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Announcements
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office Hours are 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday. The office is closed on Mondays.
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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“St. Paul’s 101”
Welcome! If you want to join St. Paul’s or learn more about the parish, come to “St. Paul’s 101.” The next single session class with Fr. Andrew will be Sunday, October 30, at 9:15 am in the Chapel in the Parish Hall. In this informal setting you will have the opportunity to ask questions about St. Paul’s and learn how to become a member.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE
ON GUN SAFETY
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars! With important new gun safety initiatives on the California ballot this November, St. Paul’s Social Justice Committee will be kicking off its 2016-2017 Speaker’s Series with an informative presentation on gun violence and safety issues by Dori Smith, local head of the national gun safety advocacy group, “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.” The talk will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, at 7:00 pm in the Library, and light refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us to learn more about this important issue, the upcoming ballot initiatives and how you can become more involved in fighting for gun safety.
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Giving Made Easier
We encourage you to use our new system for online giving.
Pay your pledge, make a donation to St. Paul’s or support select ministries.
More information in the column to the right of this publication.
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Sunday Worship Childcare
Childcare is available for both the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services.
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WELL IN THE DESERT
OPEN HOUSE
WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 18th, 2016
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
588 W. Rosa Parks Rd. (building behind First Baptist Church)
Indian Canyon to Rosa Parks, P.S. Gas Station on corner
Click logo below for website.
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Taize Services Resume
On Thursday, October 6th we will resume our monthly Taize services at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. This quiet service of silence, psalm and meditation through singing Taize chants is offered for all in a setting of Liturgical art and candlelight. Contact Nathan Ensign for more details at: 760-320-7488 Ext. 225.
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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
The next COMMUNION SERVICE at Windsor Court is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12 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.
Sunday’s Coffee Hour following the 10:30 service is hosted by Lou Armentrout, Mick Welch & Rob Moon.
Coffee Hours are an important ministry of hospitality for both our members and guests. There are several Coffee Hours without sponsors throughout the year. Please consider signing up to be a host.
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Call for Confirmation Class Sponsors
Are you interested in accompanying a member of the Confirmation class on their spiritual journey? This is an opportunity to make new spiritual friendships that will last well beyond the confirmation experience. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call Br. John Charles at 415-279-6340.
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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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Baked Goods and Fruit
for Roy’s
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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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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