The Abundant Life – April 27, 2017

The Abundant Life

April 27, 2017                                         For Sunday, April 30th

From Jerry DiNoto

We are a new Creation!

Many of us are so accustomed to relating only to the institutional church that we can’t appreciate the early church’s quest to relate to the risen Jesus. The first followers of Jesus presumed he was with them as a “new creation,” a unique individual. Paul reminded his Galatian community of this when he wrote that the risen Jesus is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.

There’s a huge difference between biblical resurrection and resuscitation. Technically speaking, Jarius’ daughter, the widow of Nain’s son and Jesus’ friend Lazarus weren’t raised from the dead; they were resuscitated. Though clinically dead, when Jesus brings them back to life, they’re basically the same persons they were before they died. On the other hand, someone raised from the dead is a completely new person. He or she is no longer subject to the restrictions that limit you and me: constraints like culture, genetics, and gender. In Scripture, only Jesus is raised from the dead. This is the Jesus, the Emmaus journeying disciples experienced.

This Resurrected Jesus is the person Christians should expect to surface in their everyday lives. In doing so, they’re simply replicating the experience of Jesus’ first followers. As Peter states in today’s Acts passage: “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” Somehow, somewhere they came face to face with this new creation.

Jesus doesn’t meet the pair head on; coming from Jerusalem, he overtakes them. In his conversation with them, he first insists they appreciate the necessity of his dying before he could rise. Then he “opens” the Scriptures, demonstrating how he’s mirrored in those sacred writings. Eventually agreeing to stay with them, he finally makes himself known to the couple “in the breaking of bread.” Scholars point out that in this encounter, Luke is describing a Eucharist: initially depicting word and sacrament.

I believe Luke isn’t just referring to “going to Eucharist.” He’s convinced that the Lord’s Supper provides us the best opportunity to die to ourselves, become one with all those around us, and actually “recognize the body” of Christ present in our midst. Any other frame of mind during the Eucharist is what the author of I Peter calls “futile conduct.”

Gathering together, we embrace the new creation that we have all become and share our oneness as the Body of Christ. We are called to “see what we are and become what we eat”.

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Featured Scripture

Luke 24:13-35 Common English Bible (CEB)

On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him.

He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.

The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”

He said to them, “What things?”

Read More

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A Death in the Parish

Friends,

Ben died at home on April 8th.

His Funeral will be April 29th at 11.

Ben will be placed in the Columbarium.

Blessings,

Andrew

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St. Pauls “101” – Welcome!

If you want to join St. Paul’s or learn more about the parish, come to “St. Paul’s 101.”  The single session class with Fr. Andrew is this Sunday, April 30, 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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Guest Preacher

The Rev. Laurel Mathewson – May 6-7, 2017

Laurel, along with her husband, the Rev. Colin Mathewson are vicars in charge of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, North Park, San Diego. They are engaged in the North Park Project, which is building a new way of being the church in San Diego. You can learn more about the Mathewsons and the ministries of this faith community by checking their web-page.

From St. Luke’s web-page: We dream to be a place where all people can enter into uncomfortable and brave spaces with others different than themselves — different races, ethnicities, classes, creeds, sexual orientations, and gender identities — and find their perspectives and hearts transformed.  We follow a God who loves each of us especially for who we are and desires that every single human among us has all she or he needs to thrive in this world.  Until that day comes, we will work alongside God’s powerful Spirit to do justice in this hurting world and help all people find a loving and dignified home.

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THANK YOU!

We wish to thank all those who came and joined the Altar Guild members on Saturday, April 8th, to make Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday. It was great to see new faces and to get to know you, and we hope you enjoyed the experience and look forward to seeing you again next year! A special thanks to Rosanna Langley, who has been our instructor for many years and led us once again in the making of the crosses.

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Next Taizé Service

Our last Taize service of the season will be on Thursday, May 4^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.  In a setting of candles, icons and religious art, this meditative service of chant, scripture and silence is offered for all. Contact our Music Director, Nathan Ensign for more details through the Church office:  760-320-7488 Ext. 225.

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Communion at Windsor Court

The next Communion Service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, May 10th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.

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Susan Green Ordination for Deacon Candidate

Susan is a candidate for ordination as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church.  She has been in the discernment process for the last five years and studying at the Diocesan School for Ministry in San Diego for the last two years.  We will charter a bus to leave St. Paul’s Palm Springs at 6:30 am on June 17^th.  The bus will arrive at the Cathedral in San Diego in time for the Ordination at 10:00 am.  It will return at about 12:30 and arrive in Palm Springs at about 3:30 pm.  The approximate cost for the transportation will be $30.  Sign up today in the Parish Hall.

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Parish Life News

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.

Coffee hour after the 8:00 service is sponsored by Michelle Hathaway. 

Please consider signing up to be a Sunday Coffee Hour host.

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POTLUCK

SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, May 20, 2017, we are planning a PARISH POTLUCK in the arcade between the church and the Parish Office. It will begin at 5:00 pm following the Saturday 4:00 pm service. Sign up forms will be in the Narthex and Parish Hall soon. Entertainment is being arranged so be sure to plan to attend and enjoy this evening with friends, both old and new.

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The Parish Life Book Club  is a social group that meets monthly to talk about a book they select to read. The Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm. in the Library. The Book Club’s next meeting is May 2nd and we’ll discuss our current book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Ove, the protagonist in A Man Called Ove, is getting older. At first glance Ove is most certainly the grumpiest man you’ve ever met. Never trust first impressions. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. But behind Ove’s cranky exterior lies a story and a sadness. The Book Club welcomes new members. If you enjoy reading and enjoy sharing your thoughts and opinions with other readers join us on May 2nd. For more information please contact Jackie Freeburn at jfreeburn@dc.rr.com

FAITH BUILDING 2017

Sundays @ 9:15 am

AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè

4/30      Divinely Blinded: Lessons from the Road to Emmaus – Led by Rev. Victoria Hatch

             Read about it

5/7        God Loves Dirty Sheep: Reflection on John 10:1-10 – Led by Craig Ewing

             Read about it

5/14      Theology of Our Political Movement – Led by Alan Zimmerman​

             Read about it

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Tuesdays @ 7PM

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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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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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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