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The Abundant Life
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August 17, 2017 For Sunday, August 20th
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From The Rector
Gather All People
Isaiah is offering all the people of God a message of hope, but not everyone sees it that way. Through the prophet, God is broadening the invitation for who is welcome in the temple. All are exhorted to “Act justly and do what is righteous, …” and all those who respond faithfully are welcome. God specifically includes immigrants who desire to honor the sabbath and meet God’s expectations, as well as “outcasts” and others who were of low status. God intends that “My house will be known as a house of prayer for all peoples, …” Who could not rejoice at this gracious welcome?
The people who would not rejoice are those who do not want to share. There are some who believe inclusion should be for those who have the necessary status or ancestry. They believe welcoming outsiders diminishes their share of blessing. However, God wants to make room for every race and nation, so that all might participate equally. The inclusion of “immigrants” and outcasts does not demean anyone, but increases the community who witness to God’s justice and righteousness.
God’s witnesses must act justly, and do what is right. Anyone who loves and wants to serve God – who is willing to honor God’s holy covenant – is welcome to worship and belong. In fact, God is seeking those who long to be gathered, to belong, and God does not stop seeking or gathering.
I feel a part of each group. Having been gathered and loved by God, I am reluctant to trust that God’s love and provision will be enough for me and for the next to be welcomed. Yet, God has given me compassion to desire to share that same love with others. In the trusting and in the sharing, I become connected with those who made a place for me and with those who are yet to be gathered. I claim two parts of God’s bigger, better whole.
Our weekly gatherings for worship project the fulness of God’s calling to us as a house of prayer for all peoples. We are led to reflect how much gathering remains to be done, and how varied it will be. Join us.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8(CEB)
The Lord says:
Act justly and do what is righteous,
because my salvation is coming soon,
and my righteousness will be revealed.
The immigrants who have joined me,
serving me and loving my name, becoming my servants,
everyone who keeps the Sabbath without making it impure,
and those who hold fast to my covenant:
I will bring them to my holy mountain,
and bring them joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their entirely burned offerings and sacrifices on my altar.
My house will be known as a house of prayer for all peoples,
says the Lord God,
who gathers Israel’s outcasts.
I will gather still others to those I have already gathered.
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Save the Date
Sunday, September 10th!
 Kathy Kilmer and Br. John invite all members of the Altar Guild and Altar Ministers and, all those interested in serving in one of these Ministries, to save the date of Sunday, September 10th, for St. Paul’s Altar Guild/Altar Ministers’ Annual Kickoff Meeting. The time is set for 12:30 pm at a restaurant near the church (to be announced). If you’re interested in joining one of these Ministries, either at the Altar or behind the scenes, we’d love to have you attend! For more information, please connect with Kathy at kmkcc@aol.com or Br. John at brjohncharles@gmail.com.
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Outreach to the Homeless and Working Poor
Services For the Homeless – Volunteers and Donations Needed – St. Paul’s Social Justice Committee is expanding our Parish’s outreach to the homeless and working poor by coordinating deliveries of clean underwear, socks and other necessities with Well in the Desert. Volunteers to help deliver and distribute these items, as well as cash donations to support their purchase, are much needed. Please consider sharing your time and resources with those in need. Simply drop a check in the Sunday collection plate with “Social Justice” on the “memo” line or contact Chris Kelly at 760-406-2978 for information on how you can volunteer your time.”
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Come to Diocesan Convention
The 44th Annual Diocesan Convention will take place on Friday & Saturday, November 10 & 11 at St. Bartholomew’s, Poway. All are welcome to attend workshops and participate in the diocesan wide food packing service project. Our goal is to pack 25,000 meals with our own hands. Our theme this year is “Hand in Hand in Christ.” Won’t you join hands and attend? Learn more and register today: edsd.org/diocon
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St. Paul’s Facebook Page:
If you are a Facebook user, please “friend” Church of St. Paul in the Desert. You’ll be surprised to find many interesting articles and news about us and the Episcopal Church. Committee Chairs are encouraged to submit pictures and your ministry’s news and events for Facebook posting. Sending your information to parishad@stpaulsps.org for the website, bulletin and Facebook. We extend our gratitude to Nathan DePetris or taking on this ministry.
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The Parish Life Ministry
. . . has sign-up sheets in the Narthex and the Parish Hall for small potluck suppers at various parishioners’ homes. These supper get-togethers have been popular in the past and are a great way to meet new people and to catch up with friends. Sign up today!
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Hospitality Ministry
Please join us in the Parish Hall after each Sunday service for coffee and refreshments.
Barry Hagenbuch & Robert Woods are sponsoring the coffee hour after the 8:00 service.
Hap Blaisdell is sponsoring the coffee hour after the 10:30 service.
Please consider sponsoring a coffee hour this summer!
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Communion at Windsor Court
 The next communion service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, September 13th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.
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Parish Life Book Club
The Parish Life Book Club (PLBC) will not meet in August. You’ll want to join them at their next meeting on Tuesday, September 5th at 1 pm in the Parish Library to discuss Martha Hall Kelly’s debut novel “Lilac Girls.” Here’s what Lisa See had to say in her NY Times review, “Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days.”
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FAITH BUILDING 2017
Sundays @ 9:15 am
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè
August
8/20 There’s No Problem Bigger than God: Reflection on Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32.
Led by Alan Zimmerman Read about it
8/27 Building the Church of Christ: Reflection on Matt. 16:13-20.
Led by Audrey Spencer Read about it
September
9/3 20 Ways to Live a Thankful Life: A Reflection on Romans 12:9-2
9/10 On–Going Love: A Reflection on Matthew 18:15-20
9/17 You Be the Judge (Not!): Reflections on Romans 14: 1-12
9/24 Smile, Though Your Heart Is Aching: Reflections on Philippians 1:21-30.
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Tuesdays @ 7PM
AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY
August
There will be no Tuesday evening sessions in August. Sessions resume September 5th.
September
Biblical Wisdom Literature: A study of the Book of Proverbs
9/5 Intro. To Wisdom Literature & the Place of Proverbs
Facilitated by Jerry Di Noto
9/12 Collections of Proverbs
Facilitated by Gary Scott
9/19 The Poems of the Book of Proverbs.
Facilitated by Craig Ewing
9/26 The Relation of Proverbs to the Covenant
Facilitated by Alan Zimmerman
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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
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