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From the Rector
Who Is Willing to Hear?
We are amid the celebration of Saints. All Hallows Eve (Halloween) on Oct. 31, the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1, All Souls on Nov. 2, and All Saints Sunday on Nov. 6. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses.” This weekend is PRIDE Weekend in Palm Springs and our community remembers those who have stood for LGBT rights, those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who have stood beside them.
The Gospel for All Saints is the Beatitudes according to Luke – with blessings for the poor and woes for the rich. It is Jesus’ description of a reversal of honor and shame that is consistent with Luke’s perspective from the beginning of the Gospel. My reflection is an exhortation, and it urges those “willing to hear” to serve God by Gospel behavior.
This section is not addressed to the poor alone, but to anyone who would listen. To Love, do good, bless, and pray are spiritual practices for everyone and are universal in their appeal. All of us would likely agree that they would lead to spiritual health and wellness. As long as we get to choose who to practice with. There is little need for exhortation to adopt these practices with people we already care for comfortably.
At the end of the Beatitudes, Jesus commands those “willing to hear” to apply the best of spiritual practices, not to the outcast, not to their fellow poor, but to enemies, to oppressors, to occupying soldiers, and to the “haters.”
Could Jesus’ mandate possibly increase our options for sharing his Gospel? I want to be willing to listen to the mandate, but I don’t know. My imagination jumps to the Edmund Pettis bridge, snarling dogs, and billy clubs, or to the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. My imagination connects me with inspiration, but it may prevent the beginning of a spiritual practice that makes Jesus’ words real to me.
Jesus encountered the Tempter in the wilderness just after his baptism – but that followed years of growing in his spiritual practice, years of learning Torah, and years of experience with pride-filled leaders and Roman occupation. He grew in a faithful home, learned faithful practice, and heard God call him to love his enemies – and to teach others the same.
I don’t know of any saint who was born that way. Rather, I see people from high and low backgrounds, from rich and poor families, who are willing to listen, to hear Jesus calling. They hear and act, and over time become the lights of their generations. Some have become the light of our generation. Some of us will engage in the practice of loving enemies in such a way that we will inspire this and future generations.
Those who are willing to listen and to practice will grow closer to the Jesus of this gospel. Every generation needs saints; join in worship and join those “willing to hear: – and to practice sainthood.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Luke 6:27-31Common English Bible (CEB)
“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either.Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.
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Time Change!!
 Don’t forget to FALL BACK next weekend!! We return to Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, November 6th. The official time change is at 2 am. But you might want to turn your clocks and watches back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, Nov. 5th.
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The Palm Springs
Pride Parade
 The parade kicks off this Sunday at 10 AM. St. Paul’s Contingent # is 156. The assembly area is South of Vista Chino on Palm Canyon. Parade marchers should not try to check in before 9:30 AM. There will be new St. Paul’s Pride Parade T-shirts available at the Parade venue where we gather our contingent. If you have any questions, please call Br. John Charles at 415.279.6340.
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PRIDE WEEKEND
Service Schedule Change
The Palm Springs PRIDE Parade on Sunday November 6th, makes the church virtually inaccessible on Sunday morning. Our All Saints Principal Service will be Saturday, Nov. 5th at 4:00pm. The Choir will sing. There will be a quiet service at 8:00 Sunday with no music. There will be no 10:30 service.
Children welcome at worship; no childcare this weekend.
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Election Day Prayer Vigil
The Church will host a prayer vigil for our country on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. A Chapel will be created in the conference room and it will be available for prayer from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Daughters of the King will assist in the vigil.
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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. Diocesan Holy Eucharist will be on Saturday, November 12 at 9:00 AM. Our Rector, Fr. Andrew Green will be the preacher. No registration nessisary for this service.
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Get Tested Coachella Valley!
The Desert Aids Project Mobile Testing Van will be at St. Paul’s on Sunday November 13th from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. as part of the local campaign to encourage everyone to be tested for HIV and STDs. Almost 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who have HIV do not know they are infected. The D.A.P. Mobile Testing Van provides quick tests with test results in as little as 20 minutes. The tests are free. For more information check out the Get Tested website:
Click here for “Get Tested!”
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African Team Ministries
For two Sundays beginning next Sunday November 13th, and again on Sunday November 20th the African Team Ministries will display wonderful gift items in our Parish Hall. This year they will offer men’s crosses, women’s crosses, jewelry, musical instruments and a host of other hand-crafted items. Please check out these unique and wonderful gifts for sale at this annual event. Your purchases will support our ministry in Africa. Thank you!
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Save the Date! November 19
On Saturday, November 19th, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Parish Hall, The Rev. Canon David Caffrey will present a workshop on sharing the Good News of Christ. He will bring together those interested in – or those highly suspect of – what in the Episcopal Church is called the “dreaded e-word – evangelism.” With his usual humor and good grace, Canon Caffrey will involve us in a journey of joy, and says, “Evangelism is nothing to be afraid of. It’s simply sharing the Good News, and all of us can do that.” DOK is sponsoring the workshop, and invites everyone to attend.
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Transgender
Day of Remembrance
This is the Annual Day of Remembrance when we honor those who have been victims of violence and oppression in the Transgender community. As in previous years the local remembrance will be at Ruth Hardy Park, November 20th, from 5-7 pm. This is an opportunity for transgender, intersex and their allies to get together, socialize and build relationships with the community.
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10 MYTHS ABOUT
GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
The Social Justice Committee continues its presentation of Myths about Gun Violence in America, as published by the Legal Community Against Violence (LCAV):
Gun Violence Myth 7: Gun Violence is Inevitable in an Industrialized Nation. Although our society has become desensitized to high levels of gun deaths and injuries, gun violence is not normal and should not be accepted as an unavoidable part of life in an industrialized society. Gun violence is, in fact, relatively rare in other industrialized nations. Studies have shown that the U.S. has the highest rate of firearm deaths among the 25 high-income nations. The overall firearm-related death rate among U.S. children under the age of 15 is nearly 12 times higher than among children in 25 industrialized nations combined.
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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 AM
Episcopal Café in The Library
Check it out
November
11/06 No Session – Palm Springs Pride Weekend
11/13 The one unwilling to work, shall not eat!
Led by Alan Zimmerman
11/20 If Jesus can’t save himself, how can he save us?
Led by Br. John Charles
11/27 Speaking to the Soul – Keep Awake! – An Advent Reflection
Led by Gary Scott
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Tuesday Evenings at 6:00 PM
Accepting God’s Gift of Faith Program 2016.
This program consists of eight weekly sessions which began on October 11th and will continue through November in preparation for Adult:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Reception
- Reaffirmation
in the Episcopal Church on Sunday, December 4th by Bishop Mathes.
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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, November 27th, 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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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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HOLY COMMUNION
SERVICE FOR
LOCAL CARE FACILITIES
The next COMMUNION SERVICE at Windsor Court is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9th at 10:15 am. The priest and residents always welcome parishioners to join in the worship.
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PICNIC!
Don’t Miss the Children’s and Family Ministry’s Picnic!
Come join us at our picnic on Sunday, December 4th at 1:00 pm. at Ruth Hardy Park. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Snacks and prizes (games) will be available. Meet us near the playground.
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Taizé Service
The next Taize Service will be Tuesday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m. In a quiet setting of candles and Liturgical art, this service offers a style of meditation through repetitive chant, psalm and silence for personal reflection and prayer. All are invited. Contact Nathan Ensign for more details at: 760-320-7488 Ext. 225.
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Hospitality Ministry
Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.
Coffee Hours resume next Sunday after each service.
Coffee Hours are an important ministry of hospitality for both our members and guests. There are still several Coffee Hours without sponsors throughout year end. Please consider signing up to be a host.
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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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