For Sunday September 29, 2024
September has been a wonder-FULL month at St. Paul!
Here are a few highlights from this last month that we want to celebrate:
On Saturday, September 7, the Vestry and Co-Rectors met with a consultant who facilitated a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR). MMR is a process by which the clergy, the vestry, and other active members of a congregation reflect together on the ministry of the church. The Episcopal Church recommends doing MMR regularly (every three to five years) to strengthen a congregation’s effectiveness in living into its stated mission.
On Sunday, September 8, we unveiled the newly re-purposed children’s room, and we blessed crosses for backpacks, and blessed Sunday School teachers and children!
On Wednesday, September 11, St. Paul’s folks showed up and prayed on the steps of City Hall, as we seek to be peace makers and justice advocates in the complex situation of the Section 14 survivors and descendants. (Pictures taken by Chris Tumilty.)
On Saturday, September 14, the Strategic Plan Implementation Team (SPIT) met to plan and think through the goals and objectives our parish is working on this year.
On Sunday, September 15, the Daughters of the King (DOK) held a Service of Rededication and a Service of Installation of their new chaplain, Rev. Jessie. The Latino Ministry sponsored a special coffee hour to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
On Thursday, September 19, Circle Supper Kick-Off was a great success! These groups meet all year to eat and fellowship.
On Saturday, September 21, the Vestry met for a half-day retreat on Financial Literacy! Our treasurer did a great presentation, and we feel ready as we prepare for next year’s budget!
On Sunday, September 22, we held Security (Grant) Sunday, where our Security Grant Team shared with the church ALL the incredible things that the grant brought us. They cut the ribbon on the completion of the grant and then took folks on a tour around campus. What a celebration! Thank you to our Grant Team—Steve, Derek, and Valorie!
So many wonderful things are happening here, and we look forward to this coming Sunday, September 29, where we’ll celebrate the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels!
Fall Choir Rehearsals
We will use the schedule we have been using this past year: Sundays after the 10:30 AM postlude for 30-45 minutes, and Thursdays at 5:45 PM for 45-60 minutes. Singers choose which time is best for them. There is no expectation that you’ll attend both rehearsals, but you are certainly welcome to do so if you choose.
Our first Sunday to sing in worship will be Welcome Back Sunday on October 13 (one morning service that day at 9:30 AM.) Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please contact Chuck Peery musicdirector@stpaulsps.org
Join us for our outdoor “dog mass” (bring your pet) at 8AM, a non-pet indoor mass at 10:30AM, or bring your pet to be blessed from 3-4PM in the outdoor memorial garden. Blessed pets will receive a St. Francis metal that attaches to collars. These services are a great opportunity to bring friends. We will have a “pet altar” for you to share pictures of your beloved pets who have been loved into their eternal glory (so bring your pictures of those furry loved ones lost). This year we are partnering with Palm Springs Animal Shelter by collecting any pet donations. There will be a barrel out at services and at the pet blessing to collect the following items the shelter has requested:
- Gently Used Bath Towels
- Gently Used Washcloths
- Gently Used Blankets
- Gently Used Flat Bed Sheets Only
- Unopened/Not Expired Wet or Dry Dog or Cat Food
Dog Food Specifically: Pedigree or Purina kibble in small, medium and large size. For can food we use different brands in the 13oz size only.
Cat Food Specifically: Friskies kibble in small sizes or 22lb bag. For can cat food we use the Friskies 5.5oz size only.
We DO NOT need: Dog or cat treats, fresh food, toppers for dogs or cats, specialty food like digestive or kidney care. We do not need toys or other miscellaneous items.
Women of St. Paul “Appy” Hour!
Monday, Oct. 7 from 4-6PM
We’d like to get to know you! Join us to talk, laugh, and listen at fun gatherings and outings especially for women of St. Paul! The first get-together will be offsite on Monday, October 7 from 4-6PM. Please bring an appetizer to share. Drinks will be provided. Click above on the banner to sign up and you’ll receive an email with directions to Jan Wacker’s home (about 1 ½ miles from the church). Come and get to know other women and have a fun time doing it!
Save the date!
Bishop Susan will be Consecrating the Newly Constructed West Wing Colonnade Columbarium in a simple outdoor service on Tuesday, October 8th at 10:00 AM. AFTER this date, members may contact the front office to purchase a niche (no contracts will be signed until after October 8). You are invited to this special service.
Save the Date for Welcome Back Sunday October 13
One service at 9:30AM!
We hope you’re as excited as we are to kick-off our liturgical season with a celebration in a single service at 9:30AM on Sunday, October 13. Consider carpooling that morning, as our parking will be limited with only one service. If you do not have mobility concerns, parking further away so that guests with mobility concerns can get parking closer to the church. Bring a dish to share in our BRUNCH POTLUCK after service! Last names from A – N: Bring a savory dish (eggs, hashbrowns, etc.). Last names from O – Z: Bring a sweet dish (pancakes, French toast, fruit, etc.). Drop off your covered and labeled dish before service in the Parish Hall, and make sure to pick up your dish after the potluck is over. Share in the Ministry Fair and find out where you might want to get involved! We look forward to a wonderful day!
October Movie Night “Sound of Music” Sing-a-long
Thursday October 17 at 6:30PM!
Parishioners, family & friends: Come and sing along, as you watch the Sound of Music on Thursday, Oct. 17th at 6:30PM at the St. Paul’s Parish Hall. It will be fun! Who doesn’t sing along to the Sound of Music?!
Should I bring anything?
Munchies to share are encouraged but not required. Feel free to bring a few of your “favorite things” or other props. Dress, for the occasion! Who is going to be the cutest Gretel??? Free soda, popcorn & sherbet cones. Word sheets will be provided. Contact Steve Moore (pscars4u@aol.com) with any questions!
Let’s Go Hiking St. Paul’s!
Is everyone ready for an “attitude adjustment” after this unusually long, hot and smoky Summer? Here is the information for our first hike of the season, which will be at the beautiful Oakmont Park/Herngt ‘Aki” Preserve in lovely Redlands, California, about 35 miles West of Palm Springs, on October 19. 2024.
The trail is a three-mile loop through the beautiful rolling hills, grasslands and oak groves of Live Oak Canyon, one of Southern California’s most unspoiled rural landscapes. The trail condition is very good, there are a few easy climbs about halfway through and then spectacular views of the nearby San Bernardino mountains and San Gorgonio massif. Wildlife sightings are common. Dogs ARE allowed but must be leashed at all times.
Brunch/lunch are available at a number of nice eateries in quaint, nearby downtown Redlands, and you are encouraged to find and enjoy a “long way home” on your return trip to the desert. Hikers should be prepared for all-dirt trails; please dress comfortably and wear solid walking shoes with good sole traction. There is a mix of sun and shade, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. Trekking poles or walking sticks are not essential but may be useful for those needing a little extra stability. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to Oakmont Park from Palm Springs. I will circulate driving instructions and further information as the date gets nearer. We really hope people can join us for this great kickoff to the season.
Please CLICK ON THE BANNER TO SIGN UP, or contact me at cwkelly615@verizon.net with any questions. FINALLY: With all our weather woes this year, all plans are subject to change or postponement in the event of rain, fire or other natural catastrophe. So please check now and then for notices and updates, especially as 10/19/24 gets closer.
Hope to see you there!
Chris Kelly
Hiking Guy
Diocesan Eucharistic Visitor Training at St. Paul on Saturday, October 19!
On Saturday, October 19th from 9AM – 1PM, St. Paul’s will be hosting the first in-person Eucharistic Visitor Training in many years! We are excited about this offering and thrilled that the Diocese is coming to us. This is a special ministry of bringing Eucharist to homebound or hospital-bound parishioners. If you are looking for a great way to serve, you might be called to this ministry. If you are already trained as a LEV, you are invited to this training to sharpen your skills and help support others.
If you are interested in learning more, please click on the link here: https://edsd.org/event/lay-eucharistic-visitor-training-2/ and talk with one of the Revs prior to registering.
Special Class on Sundays in September
Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse
No matter how far apart two sides are, there are effective strategies to bring people together. Running through the remaining Sundays in September, join us in the Parish Hall Parlor from 9AM-10AM for “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse.” Designed by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and its Department of Faith Formation, the class was created to help Episcopalians understand how to use civil discourse to bridge partisan divides that keep us from moving forward. It provides tools for us to learn from one another ahead of the Nov. 5 general election and beyond.
Click Here To Learn More About This Course
Click Here To Register For This Course
Election Online Prayer Service with Bishop Susan Brown Snook
Are you looking for a way to come together in prayer for our nation during the election season? Join Bishop Susan on October 1 at 6:20 p.m. for a special prayer service as we pray for justice, peace, and wisdom in this important time. All are welcome.
For more info and the Zoom link: https://edsd.org/event/election-online-prayer-service-with-bishop-susan-brown-snook/
October Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in St. Paul’s Parish Hall Conference Room. For October, Book Club has selected Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Setting: Warwickshire, England in the 1580s. A woman and her husband settle in Henley Street, Stratford, and have three children. The boy, Hamnet, dies in 1596, aged eleven. This novel is a brilliant reimagining of a marriage, family, and a boy.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
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.
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 Church of Pakistan (United), The Most Reverend Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator/President Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, The Right Reverend Sean W. Rowe, 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 Grace, San Marcos; for our Executive Council, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, Diocesan Committees and Ministries.
For our two catechumens as they prepare for their baptism: Terry Fabian and Billy Stevens.
For those in the path of fire and for all First Responders – Almighty God, who is our strength and our refuge; be with those who are besieged by fire, guide those who evacuate so that they may find care and comfort in a safe place. Sustain those who respond when wildfires roar, keep them safe from harm, hold them in your sheltering embrace and keep the lives and homes of all they protect safe from harm. In the loving name of Jesus, who gave his life for all. Amen.
For those commended to our prayers: Carol Sorenson, Richard Teng, Terry Fabian, Bailey Crain, Tarik Doggett, Dorian Roberson, Yasmine Roberson, Stephanie Jones, Elizabeth Bracken, Bonnie Green-Vicory, Tessa Taylor-Herrick, Jim Bowe, Arlene & Philip Fitzpatrick, Michael Welch, John Holland, Inez Taylor, Charlene Smith, Steve F., Chet H., Bonnie, The people of Springfield, OH, Diane Miller, Peter, Kevin Lee, Willie Hubbard, Matthew Martini, Kirsten Taylor, Aileen, Terri Miller-Steele & Laurie Miller, Kathryn Briski, Kevin Phua, Harry, Paula Davis, Jim Franklin, Patricia, Dixi Tegard, Cheryl Balkin, Ann Nauman, Fanny Levy, Harry Nussbaum, Ruth Coleman, Eva Wilson, R. Gene Wilson, Jimmy Faye Johnson, Tish & Eliott Kahn, Hap Blaisdell, David Valenzuela, Amelia Grinstead, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton, Marilyn De Silva Currie, Tom Lutgen; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Francisica & Louis Sanchez, Tommie Russell, Eileen Fiedler, Jesse Cruz, Jake Campbell, Richard Linyard, Janice Curry, A.J. Miller, Karl Jacobson, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Penny Lyons, Jenny Mobley, Cecilia Jackson, and “For the repose of the soul of Jonathan (Jack) Warren Cornell.” Rest eternal grant to these, your servants, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
For those celebrating anniversaries: September 30: Wayne Watson & Larry Stralow; October 3: James Bisconti & Donald Shamp.
For those with birthdays: September 29: Ronald Shepherd, Jacqueline Gerard, Mick Dawson, Josh Brown; September 30: Dean Weller, Michael Davidson; October 1: Peter Di Carlo, Janice Wacker; October 4: Michael Patton, Steve Horstman; October 5: Isaiah Scott, Rick Bowers.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Wayne Watson & Larry Stralow in thanksgiving for their anniversary (September 30), AND BY Josh Brown & Martin Prew in celebration of Josh’s 77th Birthday (September 29). The flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Tom Laurita & Harry Nussbaum, in celebration of their 47th anniversary.
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 October 6, The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost.
Covid Care at St. Paul’s
The latest strain of the COVID-19 virus is spreading in Southern California. St. Paul’s is a particularly vulnerable population, and we all want to make sure we are doing our part in keeping each other safe.
First and foremost, if you are feeling even slightly sick (even if you think it’s just allergies), please stay home. We have an incredible livestream for our 10:30AM service, so if you miss 1 week in-person you can still participate online. It’s a small price to pay to keep your fellow parishioners safe.
Second, we will continue holding our coffee hour outside for better air ventilation.
Third, consider masking when in smaller groups in classes or other meetings on campus where rooms can get crowded and air ventilation is not ideal. We know that we are all tired of masking, but it’s an easy way to protect yourself and others.
Finally, in consultation with your physician, check to see if you are a good candidate for the latest vaccine. Let’s stop the spread together!
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Tuesday, October 1 – 2:00 PM – Book Club – “Hamnet” – Parish Hall Conference room
- Tuesday, October 8 – Bishop’s Consecration of new West Wing Colonnade Columbarium
- Sunday, October 13 – 9:30 AM – Welcome Back Sunday – Ministry Fair and Potluck Brunch
- Thursday, October 17 – 6:30 PM – Movie Night! – “The Sound of Music” (sing along) – Parish Hall Theater
- Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 AM-1:00 PM – Eucharistic Visitor Training
Save The Dates!
The Feast of St. Francis – Sunday, October 6 – Bring your pet to the outdoor 8:00 AM service or have them blessed at a special service for the animals later in the afternoon. You are invited to bring pictures of deceased pets for our “pet altar” at both services.
Welcome Back Sunday – Sunday, October 13 – We’ll have ONE service together at 9:30 AM, followed by a potluck brunch and Ministry Fair.
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.
