The Abundant Life – August 31, 2017

The Abundant Life

 August 31, 2017                                     For Sunday, Sept. 3rd

From The Rector

An Authentic Self

St. Paul never mentions the word authentic in his letter to the Christians in Rome, but he describes actions that can be practiced to forge our authentic selves. I want to paraphrase some of these, so we can discern how he intends for us to manage our actions. In serving God, he says to be sincere and enthusiastic. To stand up for what is right and to stand against what is unjust. To be generous in our giving and in our living. To upend the power of status by making compassionate choices. To think beyond “payback” to engage in reconciliation. And the key to our self and service: to pray as a way of life, not as an emergency resource.

Paul’s list is exhaustive, a very wide lens through which we can examine our actions to see if they build community. The one particular action of faithful prayer – which binds us to God’s love and so forms our authentic selves – builds up other people with right intention and blesses our community and the wider world.

Regular prayer builds the relationship with God whereby we understand ourselves as belonging and being known, valued, and cherished. He grounds our authentic selves, and provides the relationship that forms the context for all the other practices Paul lists. When I am known and loved, I can speak and act with my own voice without fear.

Through the practice of prayer, I learn to see and hear God’s love in ordinary as well as unexpected places and persons. God graciously gives us these to love, as he has loved us – as his grace works to make us complete and authentic.

Join us for our weekly worship and be encouraged by common prayer and authentic joy.

Fr. Andrew

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Featured Scripture

Romans 12:9-21 Common English Bible (CEB)

Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.

If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

Fr. Andrew

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The Devastation of Harvey

Support the Episcopal Relief & Development’s (ERD) response in Texas and Louisiana. Our Assisting Bishop sent this letter regarding the disaster and our response:

My sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego,

A wise person once noted that the most significant prayers are “Help!” and “Thank you!” The people of Texas and Louisiana are praying for help amid the deluge, and giving thanks for the smallest blessings – even a pair of dry socks. We can answer those prayers, both by remembering their plight in our prayers, and by donating to Episcopal Relief & Development, which is poised to steer funds to the dioceses in the region right away….. Remember Katrina (and Wilma and Rita, which added to the disaster)? The aftermath of Harvey will be a similarly extended season of opportunity to demonstrate our love for neighbors. Pray without ceasing, give what you can, and start thinking about how we in this diocese might offer our labor for healing and restoration. Shalom, +Katharine The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Assisting Bishop

Click here to donate directly to the ERD
 

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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 849 Restaurant, around the corner from the church. There will be a special, 2-course menu at a very reasonable cost. 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 44^th 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

50,000 meals project – As described above, delegates and volunteers at the Diocesan Convention in November plans to build 50,000 meals for the hungry in partnership with Family and Friends Community Connections (FFCC), a San Diego based organization with a long history of service to the homeless and seniors locally and beyond. Fr. Andrew and the Vestry hope that St. Paul’s parishioners will help us raise $2,500 to assist in paying for the materials needed for this project. Please consider supporting this important event. If donating by check, note 50k meals in the memo line.

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Sunday School Resumes on September 10th

Sunday School resumes on September 10^th @ 10:30 a.m. Sunday School will be offered on the first three Sundays of each month. The fourth Sundays of the month the 10:30 service will be children’s services. 

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The Parish Life Ministry – Circle Suppers

We will be organizing new Circle Supper potluck groups soon.  Sign up for these fun, small group potluck suppers in the back of the church or the parish hall.  If you are interested but out of town, please email Fred at Fredeross@comcast.net.  The fall groups will be in place from October through December.  Sign up today!

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St. Paul’s Logo T-Shirts Available

Special Events/Parades will be taking orders for St. Paul’s new logo T-Shirts! Suggested donation is $10.00. You can also call the office with your order. These shirts can be used by participants in future events and parades we are planning. 

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Hospitality Ministry

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

Ben & Alexis Clark are sponsoring coffee hour after the 8:00 am service Sunday.

 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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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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FAITH BUILDING 2017

Sundays @ 9:15 am

AT ST. PAUL’S IN THE LIBRARY – The Episcopal Cafè                        

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Tuesdays @ 7PM

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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