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The Abundant Life
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June 8, 2017 For Sunday, June 11th
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From the Rector
Blessing from the Community of God
This weekend we celebrate Trinity Sunday, and preachers around the world will try to be profound, or at least not presumptive. I will be among them and I want to keep it simple. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – as described by Jesus – appear in the Trinity formula only in Matthew 28, which we also read this week.
The Trinity is a mystery which most Christians understand as the way we view God intersecting our lives, and which theologians seek to understand as the inner life of God. I believe we can access and describe this inner life only as we experience it.
St. Augustine described God the Father as the lover, God the Son as the beloved, and God the Holy Spirit as the love that was communicated between them and that surrounded them. We likewise search for useful simplifications, and theologians continue their work of describing the mystery in ways that are hopefully consistent and meaningful.
St. Paul’s sign-off in his second letter to the fractious church he founded in Corinth seems to ascribe qualities to each of the three “persons” of the Trinity. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” Each one of us might experience God’s grace in a different way, but the grace is still God’s.
Grace, love, and communion are qualities that I want to emphasize. They are descriptors of God’s blessing for us and for the world. And they are behaviors for us to practice and imitate as we grow in Godliness and deepen our mutual relationships. They are a pathway for us to be agents of Jesus in the world. Please note: these are descriptions from my own understanding, not definitions of certitude. I invite you to describe them from you own experience of God’s interplay in your life.
In our worship this weekend, there will be creedal definitions, poetry, story, playfulness, and Bread and Wine to share at the table where all our descriptions can encounter the Mystery of God and the mystery of each other. Welcome.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NRSV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
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Summer Church Office Hours
The Church office has transitioned to summer hours. We will close at 11:30 a.m. on Fridays until after Labor Day in September.
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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 John Hampson and the Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service is sponsored by the Children and Family Ministry.
Please consider signing up to be a Sunday Coffee Hour host.
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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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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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Bethlehem Handcrafts
On Sunday, June 18th, Bethlehem Handcrafts will be here to sell their handmade carved olive wood religious art. The proceeds help Bethlehem’s Christian carvers support their families and allow them to remain in their homeland.
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Episcopal Night at Petco Park
Join us for a fun night at Petco Park in San Diego as the Padres take on the Detroit Tigers, Friday, June 23rd. The Party in the Park will begin before the game at 5 pm. The Episcopal choir will sing the national anthem before the game and Bishop Mathes will throw out the first ball. For more information please contact the parish office at 760.320.7488, or see the diocesan website
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Parish Life Book Club
Parish Life Book Club (PLBC) will discuss the book The Orphan Tale, by Pam Jenoff at their July meeting. Because the July 4th holiday falls on the first Tuesday of the month, the PLBC will meet on Wednesday, July 5th at 1:00 pm in the Library. The Orphan Tale is a compelling read about a traveling circus during World War II and the close friendship of two remarkable women during World War II and the sacrifice and struggles they must endure.
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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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Summer Parish Potluck
Please mark your calendar for August 10, 2017, for the summer parish potluck. Doors open in the parish hall at 5:30 with dinner at 6:00. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex and parish hall about thirty days ahead of the event.
The Parish Life team would appreciate your input. We’ve hosted several activities and your feedback will help us plan future events. Would you like more entertainment options or perhaps simply enjoy great food and the company of others? Please email your thoughts and suggestions to FredERoss@comcast.net.
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FAITH BUILDING 2017
Sundays @ 9:15 am
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè
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.
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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