For Sunday May 19, 2024
THIS SUNDAY
The Day of Pentecost – Whitsunday
Sunday, May 19
The term Pentecost is used in the New Testament to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit.
Do you speak or read a language other than English? We need you for our celebration of Pentecost! Please email revjessie@stpaulsps.org and let Rev. Jessie know what language you can share and what service you will be attending.
DECK OUT IN ALL THE GLITZY RED YOU CAN!
You’re Invited!
After the 8:00 AM Service there will be a red-themed coffee hour outside. Those attending can bring red-themed food items to share. Drop your food off with our Assistant Sexton, Cecilia, at the outdoor serving tables.
After the 10:30 AM Service, join us in the Parish Hall where we will share an ALL-CHURCH Spring (red-themed) Pentecost Potluck. What to bring? Use this guide. If your last name begins with letters A-E: Salad/Side Dish; letters F-L: Main Dish; letters M-R: Your Choice; letters S-Z: Dessert. Questions? Call the Parish Office: 760.320.7488.
Trinity Sunday is the feast that celebrates “the one and equal glory” of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Trinity Sunday is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year (BCP, p.15). Celebration of Trinity Sunday was approved for the western church by Pope John XXII in 1334. This feast is associated with Thomas Becket (c. 1118-1170), who was consecrated bishop on Trinity Sunday, 1162. His martyrdom may have influenced the popularity of the feast in England.
An Episcopal Visitation is a bishop’s official pastoral visit to a congregation of the diocese. Canon law requires every diocesan bishop to visit every congregation in their diocese at least once every three years. Bishop Susan Brown Snook usually visits annually.
The canonical purposes of a visitation are for the bishop to examine the condition of the congregation, oversee the clergy, preach, confirm, preside at the eucharist, and examine parochial records. The BCP also assumes that the bishop’s visitation will be an occasion for baptism/confirmation, and that the bishop will preside.
We hope you’ll join us on June 2. The bishop will preside at the 8AM service, meet with Confirmands between services, preside at the 10:30AM service, and have a Q & A in the Parish Hall with a full lunch after the 10:30AM service, followed by a meeting with the clergy and Vestry.
Wear your blue St. Paul shirt!
(Extra shirts can be purchased at the Welcome Table.)
Bishop’s Statement on Conflict in the Holy Lands
Click here to read Bishop Susan’s StatementLike to sing? Consider Joining Our Summer Prior Choir
On the first Sundays of July, August, and September, we are inviting you to be part of our Prior Choir, which will meet a half hour before the service (10 AM) on those Sundays and will sing an easy anthem during the service. This activity is open to anyone who is interested and willing to try it. You, your children, your grandchildren can all sing with us if you foresee that working. We will not wear robes or sit in the Chancel for the whole service. You’ll come up at the Peace, sing the Offertory, and return to your pews. It won’t be Bach or Beethoven, but it will be designed more for your success and enjoyment. This musical gift will add to the service and give everyone a fun opportunity to sing with us!
See you on July 7, August 4, and September 1!
Laundry Love Launches at St. Paul’s!
St. Paul’s participated in a new ministry geared towards meeting a basic need among the most vulnerable in our community: clean clothing. Earlier this year, Mike Mullins, a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and a postulant for holy orders (vocational diaconate) reached out to us to see if we could help support a new project called Laundry Love.
Laundry Love is a national organization that partners with local businesses to offer time slots where anyone in need can come and receive free loads of laundry (for more information visit https://laundrylove.org). Through the St. Paul’s Co-Rector Discretionary Fund, we were able to provide a bulk of the seed money to start this new ministry at the Wash Time Coin Laundry, right across the street from DAP. Once a month on a Wednesday evening, a team led by Mike Mullins will sponsor a team to help coordinate this act of service to our community.
St. Paul’s participated in its first Laundry Love event this past Wednesday. 7 parishioners agreed to be a part of St. Paul’s pilot trial for this incredible ministry, along with several parishioners from St. Margaret’s. From 6-10PM, we served 32 guests and helped with 256 loads of laundry! We will likely be involved in sending a team once per quarter. If you are interested in being a part of this new ministry, please reach out to the Co-Rectors and we will get you in touch with the Peace, Justice, and Mercy Ministry Steering Committee.
Border Compassion Update
On Saturday, April 27th ten members of St. Paul’s traveled across the border to work with Border Compassion and the migrant shelter in Mexicali. We were able to distribute many pairs of Bombas socks, play games with children to help provide a sense of normalcy as they face severe disruption of a stable childhood, and heard stories from folks about their experience of trying to seek a better life for their families. We ended our time visiting the graves of those who died trying to make the crossing through the desert mountains. In the cemetery where they lie they are separated from the rest of the folks. Even in death, there is a border. Special thank you to Andrew Trofka, Rodney Dickson, and Bonnie Stroock for organizing this incredible trip. Another trip is planned for this winter, so stay posted for news on how to join next time.
Movie Night at St. Paul’s
Saturday, May 18th, 7:00 PM, Theater on the lawn outside the Parish Hall.
“Joyful Noise” is a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love, and renewal. Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton play dueling divas who clash over control of a small-town choir that enters a national competition. Amid the humor, the movie underscores the prevailing theme that people need to come together during hard times.
Spiritual Formation Feedback Questionnaire
At St. Paul’s, we are blessed with an abundance of retired/active priests, ministers, and educators who offer wonderful classes and retreats throughout the year! We are planning for our education/spiritual formation programing for the 2024-2025 year. Your answers to this questionnaire will help us find out what parishioners want and need. It should only take a few minutes of your time. Thank you for completing it!
Interested in Education for Ministry (EfM)?
Interested in a deeper dive into Episcopal spiritual formation? Consider signing up for EfM, a distance learning program for adult Christian formation through theological education and reflection offered by the Beecken Center of the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Think of the education level as somewhere between Sunday School and seminary.
This proven program has helped hundreds of lay folks around the country grow in their faith and discern what ministry they may be called to as a baptized member of Christ’s church. If you are interested in finding out more, stop by the EfM table outside during coffee hour for the next two weeks or email Ray Tackett ertack6560@gmail.com. Click here to read more about EfM: https://edsd.org/news/education-for-ministry-fertile-ground-to-grow-your-faith-2/
Circle Supper—End of Season 2024!
End of Season Circle Supper Final Gathering! Everyone who is currently participating in a Circle Supper (whether you went every month or only a time or two) is invited to attend the “End of Season Joint Circle Supper” at Billy Reed’s Restaurant, Palm Springs, Thursday, May 30, at 6:00 PM. Please RSVP to Nancy Antonius at nancyjantonius@gmail.com by noon, Sunday, May 26. Reservations are a MUST. We will need to give the restaurant an exact headcount prior to the event.
Altar Flowers
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom . . .” Isaiah 35:1-2
Fresh flowers at the altar honor God and add to the beauty of our worship. We are in need of altar flowers for several special celebratory Sundays coming up, including the Bishop’s visit! If you would like to sponsor altar flowers for a future Sunday to commemorate a special person or event, you’ll find the sign-up book in the Narthex, or you can call the Parish Office at 760.320.7488 to reserve your sponsorship dates(s) A donation of $95 for each altar flower sponsorship is suggested.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for The Anglican Church of Canada, The Most Reverend Linda Nicholls, Archbishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, The Right Reverend Rafael L. Morales Maldonado, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the clergy and people of St. Matthew’s, National City; for the richness and diverse cultures in the church and the essential role of intercultural dialogue and development.
For those commended to our prayers: Ned Smith, Merle McBee, Charice Mayer, Jared Mayer, Bonnie Ong, Robert Blackshear, Michael Marguet, June Marguet, Lisa Yegin, Michael Neill, Jerry & Teresa O’Steen, Ronald Woodward, Karen Nelson, Nick Kuttig, David Stanfill, Bob Westaway, Judy Young, George Forrest, Paris Coffey, Patricia H., Will & Rob, Mark Austin, Jill & Robert Philbrook, Richard Osuna, Eliott Kahn, Delores Swanson, Debbie, Nuan Pan, Antoinette, John, Zadaiya, Jacob Parshall, Andy Johnson, Terry Garrity, Rus Butler, Joe Christopher, Hap Blaisdell, David Valenzuela, Amelia Grinstead, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton, Marilyn De Silva Currie, Jamie Currie, Greg Gowdy, Tom Lutgen; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Charles Gossett, Betsy Westaway, Damon Nelson, Pat Mauritzen, Donald Beck, Mark Levin0. Rest eternal grant to these, your servants, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
For those with birthdays: May 19: Steve Moore; May 20: Robert Hettinger, Jane Thomas; May 21: Julee Collins; May 22: Jo Anne Adair; May 24: Woody Wood, Vern Marken; May 25: Maya Scott, Sarah Olson.
For those celebrating anniversaries: May 20: Joseph Casazza & Rev. Frank Dunn; May 22: Rose Coslett & Allan Coe.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Steve Moore, in thanksgiving for many blessings, AND BY Tom Laurita & Harry Nussbaum in memory of Scott Jones, AND BY Drew Bizzaro, in memory of William Bizzaro, Dorothea Bizzaro, Richard Bizzaro & Sheila.
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom . . .” Isaiah 35:1-2
If you would like to sponsor altar flowers for a future Sunday honoring a special person or event, you’ll find the sign-up book in the Narthex, or you can call the Parish Office at 760.320.7488 to reserve your sponsorship date(s).
Send us your Prayer Requests via email — You may request prayers, “For those commended to our prayers” or “For those who have died,” by sending requests to registrar@stpaulsps.org. The weekly print deadline is Wednesday noon.
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net and click on May 26, Trinity Sunday.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Sunday, May 19 – The Day of PENTECOST: Whitsunday – (Wear red!)
- Sunday, May 19 – 9:00-10:15 PM – The Omega Course: The Future of the Church – Parish Hall Parlor
- Tuesday, May 21 – 10:00 AM – Bob Yeargan funeral service
- Wednesday, May 22 – 4:00 PM – Human Resources committee meeting
- Wednesday, May 22 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist (short, contemplative service)
- Sunday, May 26 – TRINITY SUNDAY – The First Sunday after Pentecost
- Sunday, May 26 – 1:00 PM – Vestry meeting
- Tuesday, May 28 – Daughters of the King – 1:30 PM, Closed Meeting for members; 2:00 PM, Open Meeting; Noonday prayer and discussion for all interested women – Parish Hall Conference Room
- Wednesday, May 29 – Social Justice Ministry’s monthly clothing and sundries distribution
- Wednesday, May 29 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharrist (short, contemplative service)
- Thursday, May 30 – 6:00 PM – Circle Supper – End of Season Dinner – Billy Reed’s Restaurant (RSVP required)
- Sunday, June 2 – Pentecost II – Bishop’s Visit – Reception following 10:30 Service – Q & A with the Bishop – Wear your St. Paul’s T-Shirt!
June Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 2 PM via RingCentral. For June, Book Club has selected Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. White lies. Dark humor. Deadly consequences. Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American—in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel. New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Forward Day by Day
The latest quarterly issue of Forward Day by Day has arrived and copies are available in the Narthex and Parish Office. St. Paul in the Desert supports your spiritual life beyond Sunday, and Forward Day by Day is a simple, but powerful way to begin engaging with a little hunk of scripture each day.
The daily reflections that follow the Bible verses are written by disciples, just like you, and share a wide range of lessions and thought-provoking messages. We commend it to you if you are looking for a daily prayer practice.
Queer Religious Pasts Exhibition from Paris
Join European scholars for an online exhibition on queer religious pasts. It presents different kinds of items that invite reflection on how the religious past may be viewed queerly. Remy Bethmont is Professor of British History and Civilization at Université de Vincennes – Paris 8, Saint-Denis, France. His field of research covers English Religious History and LGBTQI History in Britain. He also happens to be parishioner at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Munich, Germany. He will be joined by a British colleague from the University of Keele, Dominic Janes.
You can join the conversation at 6:45AM Pacific DST (at 3:45 pm Paris DST) on Friday May 24th by accessing the Zoom link: https://univ-paris8.zoom.us/j/95742671545?pwd=RG16VDJUbEE3VkxKdTBNN1ZLRHVEQT09
Cesar Chavez Celebration
Stay Connected
Sunday Service LiveStreaming
We are livestreaming our 10:30 AM Sunday Eucharist every week. You can view the livestream on our Home Page, YouTube Channel, and Facebook Page.
Missed a service? Or want to rewatch a liturgy? All our past services are available to watch either on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/StPaulintheDesert or on our Facebook timeline: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulinthedesert
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