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The Abundant Life
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May 25th, 2017 For Sunday, May 28th
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From the Rector
Enter Deeper, Eternal Life
The seasons of the Church’s year, stretching in a line, culminate in the relationship Jesus has sought for us throughout. We anticipate and celebrate the birth of the Messiah (Advent-Christmas). We watch as Jesus cares for people on the margins and builds a community of disciples (Epiphany). We reflect as he confronts the powerful institutions of government and temple while the cost of his mission becomes clear (Lent). We share in the excitement as his disciples move from confusion to joy at the empty tomb (Easter).
Whereas there are good reasons for the journey through the church seasons, I want to imagine this progression in a way different from a straight line. The Gospel for the Seventh Sunday of Easter returns to Jesus’ prayer for his disciples – us.
Jesus does not pray that we would finish the race faithfully, as the Apostle Paul does. He does not pray that we would be well armed for spiritual warfare as the letter to the Ephesians does. He does not promise to wipe away every tear, as both Isaiah and Revelations do. Jesus wants his disciples to have eternal life. He wants us to have eternal life.
“It is not the same as gaining physical health through our own efforts. We don’t get there by eating healthier or by exercising, although those are good things to do. We are not given it as a reward.
Jesus tells his disciples that eternal life comes from a relationship with God that is both deep and intimate. In this Gospel, knowing Jesus as coming from “God’s presence” is essential. Seeing Jesus and his connection to God is critical, if you would follow him.
This is not “knowing” like we know or understand a skill or an idea. It is like a father knowing his son or a daughter her mother. It is like two people in love who complete each other’s sentences, but are always growing together more deeply, as they become “one.”
Eternal life is not the end of our spiritual development, not a “place” like heaven. The eternal life that comes from a deep connection to God is the context in which all our life happens. Eternal life is a relationship we are invited to practice, to know, to see – today.
As we worship this week, we are invited to see, touch, and taste a deepening of eternal life with Jesus and with all who come to his table. Join in.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
John 17:1-5 (NRSV)
Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
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Summer Hours
Beginning Friday May 26th, the Church office will maintain summer hours. We will close at 11:30 a.m. on Fridays until after Labor Day in September.
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Sunday, June 4, is the Feast of Pentecost.
In the New Testament, “Pentecost” refers to the coming of the Spirit shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. Pentecost is the day we remember the story given to us in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. As the story goes, 40 days after the resurrection (which we celebrate at Easter) Jesus ascends into heaven (which we celebrate on Ascension Day). Before he ascends, Jesus promises that he will not leave us “comfortless,” but will send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us – to guide the church. Ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the people gathered.
On the Day of Pentecost, the clergy wear RED vestments to signify the work of the Spirit. It is customary for the people in the congregation to wear RED on the Day of Pentecost as well. We wear RED to remind us of the fire of the Spirit.
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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 Parish Office Conference Room. 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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National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend
Saturday June 3rd & Sunday June 4th will be National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend, honoring all those lives which have been lost or damaged by our nation’s continuing plague of gun violence. As in the past, St. Paul’s will mark this important event with special announcements and prayers during its normal Saturday and Sunday services. Those wishing to remember victims of gun violence are also encouraged to wear an orange ribbon or a small article of orange clothing in addition to their best Pentecost red.
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Volunteers Needed
PEW RACK MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS
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.
PARISH OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
HELP, Summer Volunteers Needed! Due to vacation schedules, the parish office is in need of volunteers during the summer months to assist in various administrative tasks including preparing, printing and assembling the weekly worship booklets. If interested, please call the Office- 760 320-7488 and leave your name and contact information.
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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 sponsored by Jessica & Marcus Scott.
Please consider signing up to be a Sunday Coffee Hour host.
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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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FAITH BUILDING 2017
Sundays @ 9:15 am
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè
5/28 Jesus Prays for His Disciples: Reflection on John 17: 1-11 – Led by Gary Scott
6/4 The Breath of God: John 20:19-23 – Led by Craig Ewing
Read about it
6/11 Trinity Sunday – A Reflection: Matthew 28:16-20 – Led by Jerry Di Noto
Read about it
6/18 Compassion Workers: Reflection on Matthew 9:35-10:8 – Led by Gary Scott
Read about it
6/25 String of Pearls: Reflection on Matthew 10:24-29 – Led by Ron Geikow
Read about it
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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.
5/30 Practice of Fasting – Led by Br. John Charles
6/4 Wedding – Led by Gary Scott
6/13 Death & Mourning – Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey
6/20 Aging – Led by Br. John Charles
6/27 Body – Led by Craig Ewing
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Thank You from Roy’s!
With the facility slated for closure on June 15, 2017, St. Paul’s is suspending its long-standing outreach to the homeless men, women and children at Roy’s Desert Resource Center. St. Paul’s Social Justice Committee is exploring ways to continue the church’s historic commitment to the homeless and marginalized through new programs and hopes to have some concrete plans shortly. In the meantime, the Committee would like to extend very special thanks to all who have volunteered time, money, baked goods and prayers to this ministry. Please discontinue any such donations until new plans are in place, and WATCH THIS SPACE for further developments.
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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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