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The Abundant Life
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February 1, 2018 For Sunday, February 4th
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From the Rector
Raised Up to Serve
Jesus and the first disciples are busy as Mark’s telling of the Good News continues. In addition to the work of preaching, healing, and “throwing out demons,” Jesus, eats, rests, and prays. Even while his fame is building, Jesus engages in spiritual practices which support him.
The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law is the first of a series of healings where someone is “raised up,” says Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean, President, and Professor of New Testament at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. She sees these as resurrection events that set the tone and direction of Mark’s story. Simon’s mother-in-law is raised up to serve this group, but by extension, to serve God’s good news. It’s not about putting a woman back on her feet just to serve the men; it is about the natural/spiritual return to order, to serving with one’s best gifts.
Jesus is about raising people up, literally as in this woman’s case, and symbolically as in the cases of those who are held down or oppressed by demons and illness. God’s good news is the healing and liberation that Jesus offers. The needs of the crowd and the demands of healing must have been overwhelming. Those who serve – even Jesus – need to be cared for, need to be renewed.
Jesus rises early and walks to a deserted place to pray. We don’t know his style of prayer, but I imagine it was pretty simple. We have the “Our Father” which Jesus taught the disciples. We have his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. We have his prayer of forgiveness from the cross. All of these are simple, direct, and compassionate. It is likely that words were not the focus of this prayer, but rather time for Jesus to reconnect and simply be with God. His time apart at prayer raised Jesus up to continue his preaching and healing in other towns.
Everyone of the baptized has been raised from death with Jesus and we have been called to serve with Jesus. We have been called to serve like Jesus. As with Jesus, the challenges of our service can be demanding and even threaten to overwhelm us. Like Jesus, we need to go apart to rest in God’s company and listen, and to be restored by the balm of God’s great heart. Then, like Jesus, we can return to the community of disciples, and direct our best gifts to those God would have us serve.
Join us in Jesus-directed prayer, community, and service.
Fr. Andrew
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Featured Scripture
Mark 1:29-39 (CEB)
After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew.Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once.He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed.The whole town gathered near the door. He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.
Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.
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A Death in the Parish
A Requiem Eucharist Funeral Service for well-known parishioner Kaye Clemons will be held at St. Paul’s on Saturday, February 17th, at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Katherine Lee Clemons (Kaye)
November 19, 1924 – January 26, 2018
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FAITH BUILDING
Sundays at 9:15 AM in the Library
The Episcopal Cafè
2/4 An Answer to a Hard Question? Reflections on Isaiah 40: 21-31
Led by Craig Ewing
2/11 God’s Extraordinary People: Reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-14
Led by Br. John Charles
2/18 God’s Bow in the Clouds: Reflections on Genesis 9:8-17
Led by Audrey Spencer
2/25 Out of Our Hands: A Reflection on Romans 4:13-25
Led by Gary Scott
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Sundays @ 6:00 PM in the Library — Accepting God’s Gift of Faith
Preparing for Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation — The Adult Faith Building team will assist in facilitating this seven-session program designed for those wishing to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church. Instructional preparation for candidates will include seven consecutive two-hour Sunday evening sessions beginning February 4th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM through March 18th. All are welcome to attend any of these sessions as part of your Lenten renewal, whether or not you are seeking confirmation, reception or reaffirmation.
February
2/4 Welcome/Orientation & My Faith Journey — Led by Fr. Andrew and Jerry Di Noto
2/11 Our History and Heritage: — Led by Jerry Di Noto and Craig Ewing
2/18 The Christian Life: — Led by Br. John Charles and Audrey Spencer
2/25 Our Beliefs – Part 1: — Led by Jerry Di Noto and Ron Geikow.
If you would like more information or wish to become a candidate or a sponsor, contact Jerry Di Noto at 760.320.7488 ext. 224 or Fr. Andrew at 760.320.7488 ext. 223. The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori will preside at Baptisms/Confirmations/Receptions and Reaffirmations during her Visit on March 25, 2018.
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Gun Violence in 2017
The facts are in for Gun Violence in 2017: There were 46,451 gunshot deaths and 31,234 injuries, 732 children and 3,234 teens injured or killed, and there were 345 mass shootings. So far this year (as of 1/26/18) there have been 14 mass shootings, 3,644 shooting incidents, 1,010 deaths, 1,801 injuries, 43 children and 194 teens killed or injured. And of these, 11 were school shootings. The CDC and the AMA recognize we have an epidemic of gun violence in our nation. Please contact our senators and representatives and ask that they push for sensible gun regulations:
Senator Dianne Feinstein: (202)224-3841, http://www.feinstein.senate.gov
Senator Kamala Harris: (202) 224 3553, http://www.harris.senate.gov
Representative Dr. Raul Ruiz: (202) 225-5330,http://www.ruiz.house.gov
You can also support a variety of organizations that are working to achieve this goal:
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: http://www.bradycampaign.org
Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence: http://www.faithsunited.org
Women Against Gun Violence: http://www.wagv.org
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence: http://www.csgv.org
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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.” This is a single session class with Fr. Andrew. In this informal setting, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about St. Paul’s and learn how to become a member. The next session with Fr. Andrew will be Sunday, February 25th at 9:15 am, in the Conference Room in the Parish Office.
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Next Taizé Service
Join us for our Taize service on Thursday, February 1, at 7:00 pm. As one person said, “Taize is a deeply spiritual service by candlelight with music, quietude and prayer. It is a wonderful opportunity to center your day and your life while expressing gratitude.” For more information, contact Nathan Ensign at 760.320.7488 x225.
Next Taize service on Thursday, March 1, at 7:00 pm.
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Parish Life Book Club
The Parish Life Book Club meets on the first Tuesday each month at 1:00 PM in the Library and new members are always welcome. On February 6, 2018, the Book Club will discuss The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. This book is a modern classic and the compassionate glimpses into its characters’ inner lives in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s are enduring, powerful and timely.
The Book Club is a group of people who enjoy reading and talking about the books they read. For more information contact Jackie Freeburn at jfreeburn@dc.rr.com.
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Mardi Gras Parish Pot Luck Dinner: Tuesday, February 13th. 5-6:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Bring your favorite dish; enjoy fellowship and entertainment. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Parish Hall. Please indicate what you will be bringing and if you are able to stay and help clean up.
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Valentine’s Day Cards
The Children’s Family Ministry will be going to Hallmark Assisted Living on Sunday, Feb 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. For this service project, the children and residents will be making Valentine’s Day cards. You are invited to participate. Hallmark’s address is: 344 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA.
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Communion at Windsor Court
 The next communion service at Windsor Court is Wednesday, February 14th at 10:15 am. The priest and the residents are always happy to have parishioners attend.
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“Let the Good Times Roll”…. Save the Date
Sunday, February 18th at 4:00 PM – We are delighted to present the BRASS ROOTS TRIO. This trio is a fusion of classical, jazz, Americana and Latin styles. With trumpet, French horn and piano, they have won acclaim for their breathtaking virtuosity, artistic passion and adventurous programming since 2004 – definitely not your stuffy classical concert. Your donations are graciously accepted at the door and a reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
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The Good Book Club
Presiding Bishop Curry invites and encourages us to join The Good Book Club; a study of Luke during Lent, and Acts during Easter season. St. Paul’s DOK chapter is hosting weekly study sessions at 1:00 PM on Tuesdays in the office conference room during Lent, beginning February 20. More information to follow. (The Good Book Club can be joined individually by subscribing at
publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org.)
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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?
Print a copy
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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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