The Abundant Life – June 29, 2017 – Newsletter Archives

The Abundant Life

June 29, 2017 For Sunday, July 2nd

From the Rector

Discipleship Rewards Program

If you are like me, you may make some financial decisions about the rewards program of a specific credit card. I used to exclusively use one card to build up rewards with that airline. I switched my strategy for a card that rewards me with a cash rebate at the end of the year. I love my rewards!

And I have begun to expect them.

This is the third Sunday we have been reading from the 10th Chapter of Matthew. Jesus has named and sent 12 disciples to do the work he has been doing. He gave them his authority and taught them what that would cost them. In these last two verses of the chapter, he encourages them with three references to rewards. The reward of a prophet, the reward of the righteous, and the reward of the disciple.

These are not three tiers of rewards, like the typical silver, gold, and platinum. The reward for welcoming a prophet is to be considered as a prophet, for welcoming a righteous person is to be considered as a righteous person, and for giving the least assistance to a disciple is to be considered as a disciple also. There are no miles here and no cash value. The rewards are all in the context of the chain of relationship that defines the new community of Jesus.

If you welcome a disciple, you welcome Jesus; and if you welcome Jesus, you welcome God who sent him. If you pay attention to a prophet, you, in turn, become a prophet. If you acknowledge the behavior that makes a person righteous, you become more just yourself. Welcoming any of these, “little ones” because you believe they come from God, is a part of being drawn closer to God. It is a part of being transformed by God.

What if we expected to be transformed by God’s loving us?

God’s love transforms us as a part of re-balancing or reconciling the world to God. Then each of us is sent out as a part of that same divine mission. We begin by welcoming the prophets, the just, the little ones beloved by God, and by welcoming one another as we are – as God does.

Our weekly worship is a great time to check-in and reflect on that mission. We celebrate the rewards that represent God’s transformation and reconciliation, and we go forth to welcome and serve God’s world. Join us.

Fr. Andrew

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Featured Scripture

Matthew 10:40-42 (NRSV)

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

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A Letter from the Governor

Click here to read the Governor’s message

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Hospitality Ministry

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

Barry Hagenbush & Robert Woods are sponsoring the coffee hour

after the 8:00 service on Sunday.

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, July 12th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.

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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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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

7/2 Guest of Honor: Reflection on Matt. 10:40-4

Led by Alan Zimmerman Read about it

7/9 A Key Insight about Romans 7:15-25

Led by Craig Ewing Read about it

7/16 What Kind of Soil & Sower Are You? Reflection on Matt. 13:1-9

Led by Ron Geikow Read about it

7/23 The Gospel According to Annie – A Reflection on Romans 8: 12-25

Led by Rev. Canon David Caffrey Read about it

7/30 Nothing Can Separate Us: Reflection on Romans 8.26-39

Led by Gary Scott Read about it

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Tuesdays @ 7PM

AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY

No evening sessions during July & August. Sessions will resume September 5th.

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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 Thursday. Friday office hours are 9 am – 11:30 am through summer. 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