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The Abundant Life
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May 11th, 2017 For Sunday, May 14th
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From Jerry DiNoto
Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen The Father
Featured Scripture John 14: 1-14
As we begin Chapter 14 we hear the consoling words. “I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.” Can anyone doubt the power and conviction these words carry for us who believe in the presence of Christ Jesus during and after our mortal journey?
Thomas, who is usually perceived as needing more information, questions about not knowing “the way” and Jesus answers, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” This reminds me of a World War II story of a British soldier who was lost in the Malayan jungle. A kindly native offered to help him and he followed him. As they plodded along exhausted through impenetrable jungle the soldier understandably asked, “Are you sure this is the right way?” The native replied, “There is no other way, I am the way.”
Philip, who also needed more information, was looking for a clearer understanding and manifestation of the Father. Jesus tells him, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
I understand the words of Jesus in this gospel passage through a faith in the Risen Lord. This understanding leads me to wonder about the impact Easter has made on me and how the continued celebration of the risen life of Christ has affected me since Easter. I can understand these words of Jesus at the Last Supper because of my belief in the mystery and reality of Easter. Indeed, these consoling words only make sense in this context.
During his life, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus was, and is, constantly going before us to prepare and demonstrate how we also can live and journey and be witnesses to The Way. As such, I believe we are called, like Jesus, to be a people through whom a hurting world can see the compassionate, healing and forgiving presence of God.
Jesus uttered these words just before he gave the spiritual life-sustaining gift of the Eucharist; it has been the summit of our prayer and worship ever since. As we join with one another to celebrate this gift of presence and assurance, we are reminded that we are part of the great body of followers of Jesus Christ, beginning with Mary Magdalen, Peter and the other disciples who witnessed and preached the Resurrection. We are reminded that we also are called to be The Way for others.
Jerry Di Noto
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Featured Scripture
John 14:1-14
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
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Parish Potluck and Concert: May 20, 2017
Parish Life Committee invites you to a pot luck and concert on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Depending on the heat and the wind, we will gather in the parish hall or perhaps outside under the colonnade around 5:00 p.m. following the 4:00 service and will plan to eat about 5:30. Tickets may be purchased for beverages.
Entertainment will be provided by Heatwave Show Band from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Coachella Valley. They are an award winning group of musicians aged 11–20 from various schools throughout the Coachella Valley. Check out more information on the group and see video samples of their music at:
https://www.facebook.com/HeatwaveBand/
We will be requesting a donation of $5 – $10 per person which will help defray the cost of the band.
Mark your calendar to bring family and friends to this fun event.
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Susan Green Candidate for Deacon Ordination
 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 17th. 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 cost for the transportation is $30; payments are now being received.. Sign up today in the Parish Hall.
Click here to read Susan’s account of her Journey to Being a Deacon.
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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 single session class with Fr. Andrew is Sunday, May 28, 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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Pew Rack Ministry
Volunteers are needed to become part of this stewardship of upkeep, replenishment and inventory of the information in our pew racks. If interested, please call the Office- 760 320-7488 and leave your name and contact information. You will be contacted by the committee chair for training and scheduling.
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Parish Life News
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 sponsored by John Hampson. The Coffee Hour following the 10:30 service is hosted by Lucinda & John Hampson.
Please consider signing up to be a Sunday Coffee Hour host.
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HIKERS WANTED!
 The Parish Life Hiking Group will be hosting its May 2017 hike at 8:30 am on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Our hiking destination will be the mountains, forests and orchards of the Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa. Join us in the Church parking lot at 8:30 am and where we will organize rides to the trails in Yucaipa. We plan to return by approximately 12:30 pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a bright spring morning excursion into God’s beautiful creation.
Contact Chris Kelly 760.406.2978 for further information.
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ART MUSEUM FIELD TRIP
Family & Children’s Ministry is sponsoring a field trip on Sunday, May 14th – Mother’s Day to the Palm Springs Art Museum. We depart after the 10:30 service and Sunday School session. For more information contact Ted Barajas at 760.902.1014.
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PARISH LIFE BOOK CLUB
 The Parish Life Book Club meets every first Tuesday of the month. You won’t want to miss our next discussion on June 6th at 1:00 pm in the Library. We’re reading Mitch Albom’s latest book The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. Albom is the author of several best-sellers including Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Frankie Presto is an orphan from the Spanish War, who is raised by a blind music teacher. Frankie ultimately ends up in America with his guitar and six magic strings. We hope you’ll join us as we consider Frankie and his talent and life. See you on June 6th.
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Communion at Windsor Court
 The next Communion Service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, June 14th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.
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Serving Christ in Others!
The St. Paul Social Justice Committee will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday May 11, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the church office library. Main topics of discussion will include the church’s plans for serving the homeless in the wake of the coming closure of Roy’s Desert resource center and other city and nonprofit programs. Please join us to plan how you and St. Paul’s can make a difference in serving our neighbors and our community. Call Chris Kelly (760) 406-2978 for further information.
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FAITH BUILDING 2017
Sundays @ 9:15 am
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè
5/14 Theology of Our Political Movement – Led by Alan Zimmerman
Read about it
5/21 Truth and Beauty: A reflection on John 14:15-21 – Led by Br. John Charles
5/28 Jesus Prays for His Disciples: Reflection on John 17: 1-11 – Led by Gary Scott
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Tuesdays @ 7PM
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY
Christian Formation Inspired by Jesus’ Jewish Heritage.
This series, based on Rev. Lauren Winner’s book, Mudhouse Sabbath, includes DVD presentations and discussions. It is a look at Jewish traditions and how they have spiritual relevance for Christians.
5/16 Doorposts– Led by Craig Ewing
5/23 Jewish and Christian Prayer – Led by Rev. Canon Victoria Hatch
5/30 Practice of Fasting – Led by Br. John Charles
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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
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