For Sunday June 30, 2024
The Right Reverend Sean Rowe
Elected 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
[Episcopal News Service – Louisville, Kentucky]
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania and bishop provisional of Western New York, was elected and confirmed June 26 at the 81st General Convention to serve as the 28th presiding bishop. His nine-year term as presiding bishop, the face and voice of The Episcopal Church and its chief pastor, begins Nov. 1.
The House of Bishops elected Rowe on their first ballot in a closed session at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Louisville. The result later was announced publicly in the afternoon session of the House of Deputies, which greeted the news with cheers. The deputies proceeded to confirm him with a nearly unanimous majority, 95% in favor, and the standing-room-only crowd erupted in applause across the hall at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Rowe was elected from a slate of five nominees chosen through a process led by the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop, which is made up of 20 bishops, clergy and lay leaders. The other presiding bishop nominees were Nebraska Bishop J. Scott Barker, Central New York Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe, Pennsylvania Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez and Atlanta Bishop Robert Wright.
Summer Spiritual Formation:
The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy
Join us Sundays in July for our study of “The False White Gospel,” by Jim Wallis. The class will be an overview of this text which asks, “What does white Christian nationalism mean to the Christian community?” Our focus will be on the six primary Scriptural verses that the author offers as guidance and support, to encourage and sustain us in our faith.
“Wallis rightly notes that the need for justice and equity is greater than ever and implores us to reclaim the Jesus of the Gospels in the face of white Christan nationalism that threatens our democracy, our faith, our common life.””(The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.)
July 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2024 – 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM – Church Library – Led by Dr. Joy Zavarich.
(Class participants are encouraged to purchase the book, but that is not a requirement to attend the four sessions.)
Rev. Jessie & Rev. Dan’s June/July Schedule
The Revs are traveling for (mostly) church-related business. They’re finishing up their time in Louisville, KY at The Episcopal Church’s General Convention. General Convention (see https://generalconvention.org for info).
After General Convention, the Revs have been invited to serve as “Priests-in-Residence” for two Sundays at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church in St. Barthelemy, F.W.I. (https://www.stbartholomewsanglicanchurch.com). This church is a vibrant and joyful faith community that invites clergy to serve for two Sundays as supply, while getting some much-needed rest and relaxation. While there, the Revs will officiate a wedding (the day before their anniversary!), and share in a Taize service and a meditation group, as well as remain available for any pastoral needs. If you’d like to read more about this “Priests-in-Residence” model, see https://www.stbartholomewsanglicanchurch.com/history/visiting-priests/. Don’t worry—the Revs will take time there to rest, feed the turtles on the church property, and swim in the ocean, before returning to the desert!
In their absence, if you have a pastoral emergency, please call the pastoral emergency line and you will reach a priest-on-call: 760-320-7488, select Option 8 (the Revs will not be available via phone/email, but will reply to non-emergencies upon their return).
You are invited to enjoy some fabulous supply clergy to cover the Sundays they are away! The Rev. Canon Steve Huber will preach and preside on June 30; and the Rev. Dale Carr will preach and preside on July 7. Please welcome these priests with the generous hospitality that St. Paul’s is known for around the diocese! You will be in great hands, and we trust they will be as well! (And please continue to fulfill your pledge this summer! As folks travel, we want to keep the air conditioner on for those who stay in town and keep the livestream going for those who want to escape the heat!)
July Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM via RingCentral. For July, Book Club has selected Horse by Geraldine Brooks. A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history: from these strands, a Pulitzer Prize winner braids a sweeping story of spirit, obsession, and injustice across American history.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Like 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!
Join the Altar Ministry
We are calling anyone age 5 to 105 to consider joining the altar ministry! Altar service provides valuable assistance to clergy and the congregation throughout our worship. We have openings for both Altar Guild (those who set up before the service and clean up after), and Altar Ministers (those who serve on the altar and assist the Priests during the service).
Whether you are new to St. Paul or a long-term parishioner wanting to experience congregational worship on a different level, please consider joining this important ministry. It is a fun way for you to meet new people and learn more about worship. We will schedule training as soon as we know how many people are interested.
If you would like to sign up for Altar service, please contact either of the Altar Ministry Co-chairs, Kathy Kilmer (kmkcc@aol.com) or Br. John Westaway (brjohncharles@gmail.com).
Summer Camping Get-Away
St. Paul’s Campers invite you to join the group in Idyllwild’s cool pine scented forest, July 22-24, at the Riverside County Campground. At this writing, our reserved campsites, Sites # 42-43, are filled. But if you want to be added, we’ll work out alternative space. Please contact Bonnie Stroock at 760.799.9336 to make arrangements. Cost – $20. Campers should plan to attend a group meeting with Bonnie on July 14th outside by the Parrish hall, after the 10:30 service, to go over final details of the trip.
New? Moved? Updated your info? Birthday/Anniversary?
We are finalizing the Church Directory Updated Addendum and want to make sure your info is in there! If you want to make sure we have your email or phone or home updated, please call the Church Office or email our Registrar, Orin Ellingson, at registrar@stpaulsps.org with that information. ALSO, if you want your birthday and/or anniversary added to our weekly prayer list, please let us know! Thanks for helping us stay connected.
Add a Name to the Prayer List at St. Paul
Want to add someone’s name to the prayer list? Please call the Church Office or email our Registrar, Orin Ellingson, at registrar@stpaulsps.org with names. Prayers remain on the list for one month unless otherwise noted.
St. Paul’s Vestry is the Best!
Many thanks to our incredible Vestry members, who have worked tirelessly this year on more things than a normal church gets done in a decade! No seat-fillers on this Vestry!
John R. (our Junior Warden), Nick, and Brooke have served on the Campus Care Committee (Property), working on projects such as the columbarium expansion, working with the security grant team for implementation, HVAC replacement, parish-wide inventory assessment, reviewing agreements with Well in the Desert and our cleaning supply vendor, apartment renovation, and ongoing building maintenance.
Alan has worked as a co-chair of the Strategic Plan Implementation Team (SPIT), co-chaired the Vestry Nominating Committee, recruited many of you for various leadership roles, been a member of the Stewardship Committee, and has agreed to Co-Chair Stewardship this year.
George (our Treasurer), Raffaele, and Rick have served on the Finance Committee, working on projects such as the Annual Audit, transitioning to a bookkeeping vendor, creating an Endowment Fund and Policy, working on a Financial Policy and Procedures Manual for the parish, leading the Budget Committee, beginning work on a multi-year financial plan for the parish, created a new Investment Policy, all while monitoring the monthly financials.
John H., Jan, Marian, and Rick have served on the newly formed Human Resources Committee, working on projects such as a new Employee Handbook, Employee Annual Review Process, assisting the Co-Rectors in hiring key new staff members, facilitating the semi-annual mutual ministry review between the Co-Rectors and Vestry, and supporting the wellbeing of the clergy and staff.
Nancy heads up reporting on Parish Life Committee, making sure the Parish keeps a joyful spirit while eating hiking, camping, reading, dancing, and playing together! She also does quite a bit of informal pastoral care, checking up on folks and making people feel welcomed and wanted and invited.
Alex (our Senior Warden) has co-chaired the Strategic Plan Implementation Team (SPIT), co-chaired the Vestry Nominating Committee, and been part of almost every meeting listed above! She is committed to making sure communication happens across so many projects and ministries, and she helps committees problem-solve and make connections to achieve greater work together. She is also committed to making sure our Co-Rectors take time off, so that we can together keep up the good work
God is calling all of us here to St. Paul. PLUS, Vestry members welcome the church at every Sunday Service, reminding us of our connection to each other and to the many things this parish is about. Thank a Vestry Member today!
Happy Pride!
We’re so glad you’re here!
San Diego Pride Parade—July 20!
March with the Diocese! https://edsd.org/event/san-diego-pride-parade/ (and make sure to click on the link to see one of St. Paul’s own marching last year!)
St. Paul’s Social Justice Ministry Needs Summer Clothing Donations
The Social Justice Ministry is seeking donations of new or gently used warm weather clothing to distribute to our needy neighbors. Hats, sun visors and other summer accessories are also appreciated. Please place your donated items in the collection containers located in the Narthex.
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.
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.
Why did you enroll in EfM?
An interesting article from the Diocese about deepening one’s faith: https://edsd.org/news/why-did-you-enroll-in-efm/
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (SKH), also known as the Hong Kong Anglican Church (Episcopal), The Most Reverend Andrew Chan, Archbishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, The Right Reverend W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of San Diego; for the clergy and people of St. Francis, Pauma Valley.
For The Order of the Daughters of the King, celebrating 139 years of Prayer, Service and Evangelism, as they gather at their Triennial 2024, “A New Day Dawns,” June 26 – 30, in Louisville, Kentucky; pray for St. Paul’s delegate Patty Kiker and Alternate Delegate Bonnie Stroock.
For those commended to our prayers: Forest Irons, Garrett Estrin, Christy Stafford, Helen Cornell, Daniel Cornell, Les Zendle, Jerry Hanson, Mick Welsh, Spearman, Marnie Balog, Kevin, Carmen Vasquez, Brooke Wolford, Paul Olingy-Bizzaro, Don Russell, Julia, Lupe Yañoz, Paula Davis, Marna & Rick Hill, Robert Koch, Lynn Koch, Dick Koch, Dorothy Baker, Larry Wilson, Teresa O’Steen, Harry Nussbaum, Janice Linsenmayer, Roger Allen, Hap Blaisdell, David Valenzuela, Amelia Grinstead, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton, Marilyn De Silva Currie, Greg Gowdy, Tom Lutgen; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Sandi Scardino, Betty Marken, Leone Zendle, David Rebella, Patricia Thompson, Jai Bezaire, Blanche Mickelson, Woody Wood, Jerry O’Steen.
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: July 1: Lydia Ealy-Zingg, Raffaele Alberto, Rick Reed, Joseph Casazza; July 2: John Murren, Erik Palmer; July 3: Alex Finlay-Christensen, Shelia Brubaker, Richard Wordeman; July 4: Carolyn Etheridge, Joel Cutler; July 5: Anne Pichette, Curtis Goehring.
For those celebrating anniversaries: July 2: Natasha & Nevin Hemrajani; July 3: Mark Berry & Daniel Schmidt; July 5: Alexis & Benton Clark.
For those for whom flowers have been donated – Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by The Reverend Canon Victoria T. Hatch, in thanksgiving for Shelia Brubaker’s birthday (July 3).
“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 July 7, The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Tuesday, July 2 – 2:00 PM – Book Club via RingCentral – “Horse,” by Geraldine Brooks
- Wednesday, July 3 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
- Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day – Church and Parish Office closed
- Sunday, July 7 – 9:00-10:15 AM – Summer Spiritual Formation – “The False White Gospel” – Library
- Wednesday, July 10 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
- Saturday, July 20 – 8:30 AM – San Diego Pride Parade – Meet at St. Paul’s Cathedral – March with the Diocese!
- Monday – Wednesday, July 22-24 – St. Paul’s Campers summer getaway – Riverside County Campground – Idyllwild
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
Join our E-Mail List
You’ll find this invitation on the front page and many pages throughout our website. It’s intended for anyone who wants to receive communications from St. Paul’s via email. This includes The Abundant Life weekly, online newsletter. If you haven’t already, sign up today!
Get “Social” with St. Paul’s!
Want to see daily pics about what’s happening at St. Paul’s? Be sure to like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And, subscribe to our YouTube channel to view our livestream and past services.
