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November 10, 2016 For Sunday, November 13th
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From The Rector
Trust in God and Don’t Be Afraid
The days immediately after an election are always a time of mixed emotions. The disconnect between those who supported the winner and those who supported the other candidate is most apparent in the midst of grieving loss and celebrating victory. In addition to the presidential election, there were other offices contested and ballot measures decided which add to strong reactions.
In place of a psalm this week, we will say or sing a song from Isaiah. This song reminds all of us where our true hope resides – especially for those who feel hopeless and lost and as importantly for those who feel vindicated by electoral outcomes. “Surely, it is God who saves me.” Its message is for both sides of our national divide.
At St. Paul’s we have engaged in a Season of Prayer surrounding this election. The prayers from our Book of Common Prayer focused on a faithful process as Christians with responsibilities as citizens. We continue to pray for our current leaders and begin to pray for our President Elect, as well as others who are newly elected. We will pray for wisdom and good decisions. We will continue to pray that our elected leaders keep in mind those who are in the greatest need in our society, the poor, the outsider, and the mentally ill to name a few.
This is a time of transition for our country as we move from contentious campaigning to a new administration. As people of faith, we have a responsibility to support our leaders with our prayers and good will. May they attend to their duties with effectiveness, compassion, and humility. We also have the responsibility to remember who “is our stronghold and sure defense.”
Join us in worship, where none are winners or losers, but are the people of God who are practicing on a small scale to respect the dignity of one another. Then we are sent out to live that respect for others as we trust God to lead us.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Isaiah 12:2-6
Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.
Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
And on that day you shall say, *
Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name;
Make his deeds known among the peoples; *
see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, *
and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, *
for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
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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 after the 8:00 service is hosted by Michelle Hathaway. The Daughters of the King host the coffee hour after the 10:30 service. There are several Coffee Hour sponsorships available through year-end. Please consider signing up to be a host.
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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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African Team Ministries
For two Sundays, beginning 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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Get Tested Coachella Valley!
 The Desert Aids Project Mobile Testing Van will be at St. Paul’s, 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 here.
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Next Saturday!
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”. If you plan to attend, please sign up during coffee hours in the Parish Hall, or call Sharon at 760.285.8910. Everyone is invited to this Spirit-filled time together.
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Walk the Labyrinth
The Labyrinth Guild of St. Margaret’s invites you to join them as they walk the labyrinth on Tuesday November 15th at 6:00pm. Br. John Charles, of St. Paul’s, will open with a short reflection on “Gratitude.” All members of St. Paul’s are invited and welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served by the Daughters of the King.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20th
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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“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 27, at 9:15 am in the Conference Room in the Parish Office. 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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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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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 8: Strong Gun Laws, Like Registration and Licensing, Lead to Government Confiscation – Although some opponents of strong gun laws, particularly those requiring gun owners to register their firearms or obtain a license, claim these laws will lead to governmental confiscation, there is simply no evidence to support this claim. If it were true, confiscation of lawfully-owned guns would have taken place in jurisdictions that already require gun owners to register their guns or obtain a license. The gun lobby can point to no such evidence. Moreover, the “slippery slope/confiscation argument” has been taken off the table by the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Second Amendment.
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Faith Building 2016
Sundays at 9:15 am in the Library – The Episcopal Cafè
November
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
December
12/4 Bishop’s visit – No Session.
12/11 The God Who Descends – The Incarnation Part I –
Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch.
12/18 The God Who Descends – The Incarnation Part II –
Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey
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Thursdays @ Noon in the Library
12/1, 12/8, 12/15 and 12/22 – Join us for an Advent exploration of Brian McLaren’s book The Great Spiritual Migration led by Audrey Spencer. Bring a bag lunch and share thoughts on this book’s theme of migrating from Christian faith defined as a system of beliefs to a love-centered way of life.
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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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Print a copy of The Abundant Life?
Click here
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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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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 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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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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    The Church of St. Paul in the Desert
Local: 760.320.7488 // Fax: 760.416.2441
Email: clergy@stpaulsps.org Website: http://www.stpaulsps.org
125 West El Alameda
Palm Springs, California 92262
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