For Sunday October 6, 2024
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is This Sunday, October 6, 2024!
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.
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!
Newcomer Class
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.
Patio Parties!
Special Announcement from your Junior and Senior Wardens about our Co-Rectors!
Picture of our Co-Rectors on their first Sunday with us, October 3, 2021
If you weren’t at our Sunday services this past week, our Junior Warden, John Raposa, gave an announcement on behalf of the Vestry: “Today is a day of joy and celebration. When the Parish was without a rector and in the transition period, there were those who did not believe that this Parish could support more than a part time priest. But, being St. Paul’s, the Parish thumbed its nose at those naysayers and so called two priests, Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan, each on a three-quarter’s time basis. So, while there are two persons, from an employment standpoint there are one and a half.
It has been just a bit over three years since Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan joined us. And it has been quite a ride. Some might even say a wild ride. In these three years, we have grown in membership. We have grown in mission. And we have grown in generosity.
In June when Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan were away at General Convention, the Vestry met privately and decided to re-call Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan – now on a full-time basis!
From the Vestry’s perspective, this will allow Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan to further concentrate on their pastoral and priestly – their sacerdotal – functions. And there is still work to be done. We do need additional staff to support Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan. The Vestry views this as the first step.
And so, on behalf of our Senior Warden Alex Christensen and the whole Vestry, I ask you to join me in re-welcoming Rev. Jessie and Rev. Dan as our Co-Rectors.”
Rectors’ Discretionary Fund
The first Sunday of the month loose-plate offerings (i.e., general giving, not pledged giving) will be designated for the Rectors’ Discretionary Fund (sometimes referred to as “Benevolence.”) This fund provides the clergy a financial pool to draw from when unanticipated (and unbudgeted) spending requests arise. The traditional uses of the discretionary fund are to assist the poor of the community. Examples of appropriate discretionary spending for those in need include rent, utilities, medical bills, etc.
Latino Ministry Meeting on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30PM
Latino Ministry invites you to the October meeting on Wednesday, October 9th at 6:30PM in the library—join us in the church at 6PM for our Simple Eucharist to ground our meeting, and then head with us to the library. Dr. Joy Zavarich will be leading a discussion about Latino culture, perceptions, and being good neighbors. The Memorial altar for the Day of the Dead will be set up October 24th. Contact Bonnie Stroock for more info – bcstroock@aol.com
Security Grant Update!
In case you missed Security (Grant) Sunday on September 22nd, we wanted to share with you from the Security Grant Team the exciting updates to this project!
Security Grant
With growing congregation concerns about active shooter domestic terrorist threats and other natural and human-caused hazards, the Emergency Preparedness Taskforce was formed in July 2022. The taskforce sponsored an active shooter training and orientation, led by a City of Palm Springs police officer in August. In collaboration with the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center (LA JRIC), the taskforce identified church campus critical threats and hazards, based on FEMA’s model.
During the summer and fall of 2022, in collaboration with Diocese of San Diego, the task force created a church-specific web site (https://archive.stpauldesert.church/911), outlining how to respond to identified emergencies on campus. We completed and submitted a FEMA-funded $200,000 security grant application to the CalOES California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program in October.
The grant, in its entirety, was approved in December 2023 and fully funded in February 2024. Throughout 2023 and until construction began on April 1st, 2024, the taskforce weekly planned the infrastructure upgrades.
Campus Infrastructure Security Enhancements
- Installed new Unified Communications “phone” system; deactivated old system from 1983
- All new campus-wide cabling, network infrastructure, firewall, state-of-the-art WiFi7, and fiber-optic Internet access.
- 4 new security communications interfaces and zones for each building and apartment
- 40 security sensors
- 20 motion detectors
- 10 glass break sensors
- 5 panic buttons
- 29 state-of-the-art security cameras
- 9 door entry point mobile control access system
- Over 125 new lighting fixtures and devices
- Campus-wide lighting automation
- Decorative ironwork gates and fences, including 1 with access control
Emergency Preparedness
Based on interviews and collaboration with the Diocese of San Diego security officer, the LA JRIC, professional FEMA experience and literature review; and task force technical and medical experience, we created and custom-tailored the localhost:8882/911 web page.
In addition we integrated data from the FEMA National Risk Index for Riverside County, which includes natural hazards such as wildfire, earthquakes, riverine and arroyo flooding, excessive heat warnings; and human-caused event such as domestic terrorism, active shooter events, fire, vandalism/sabotage (Spectrum outage 9/7/2024 most recent example) and medical emergencies.
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
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.
DAP Health Equity Walk
EDSD LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Summit
St. Paul’s Book Club
Are you someone who enjoys reading, discussing, and talking about books? Book Club started in 2017. On the first Tuesday of each month at 2PM, folks gather in the Parish Hall Conference Room to discuss a book they have all read. Talking together is a way to build community at St. Paul’s. Meet people in a friendly, social and non-judgmental way and talk about something everyone has in common: reading the same book. The book selections are eclectic. Classics to contemporary best sellers. Most titles are secular. Book Club participants make suggestions on the selection on books to read. Each member provides their own book. Members read via paper, electronic and audio books We are mindful to make selections that are available in local libraries.
The meeting is held on the First Tuesday of each month at 2PM: Nov 5, Dec 3, 2024. Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May, 6 Jun 3, 2025.
Alan Zimmerman
alanzimmerman@icloud.com
November Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM in St. Paul’s Parish Hall conference room. (Note: The regular meeting date has been changed to accommodate Election Day.) For November, Book Club has selected The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar. The discovery of the diary of Johanna Bonger, Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, reveals her influence introducing Vincent’s legacy to the world.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Want to help at Diocesan Convention?
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego holds an Annual Diocesan Convention, and this year it is in the desert at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9.
From all three Desert Churches (St. Paul’s, St. Margaret’s, St. John’s), we are asking if you’d like to volunteer and help for part of this huge event! Set up coffee/snack bars and person-ing them, helping with registration table, set up and take down of dinner on Friday, set up and distribution of lunch boxes on Saturday, and many more opportunities.
To find out more how you can help, please contact Debby Jansma, Parish Administrator/Facilities/Membership at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 760-346-2697 x 104 or 760-219-1203 (cell) or debbyj@stmargarets.org.
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 Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea, The Right Reverend Nathan Ingen, (Acting) Bishop – Interim Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, The Right Reverend Kevin D. Nichols, 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. Columba’s, Santee; for the Episcopal Schools Celebration; for the dioceses of Province VII: Alaska, Arizona, California, Eastern Oregon, El Camino Real, Hawaii, Idaho, Los Angeles, Micronesia, Navajoland, Nevada, Northern California, Olympia, San Diego, San Joaquin, Spokane, Taiwan, Utah, and Western Oregon.
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: Akinyele Roberson, Justin Gammage, Yasir M. Jones, Aaliyah Roberson, Kai Roberson, Kaari Martin, Aaden Silverberg, 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, 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, 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: Leonard Sutton, Santiago Sanchez, Anita Sanchez, Raymond Harris, Elliot Fields, John Norman, John Holland, Francisica & Louis Sanchez, Tommie Russell, Eileen Fiedler, Jesse Cruz, Jake Campbell, Richard Linyard, Janice Curry, A.J. Miller, Karl Jacobson, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 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: October 9: Jim De Mersman & Richard Patenaude; October 10: Janice & John Wacker; October 11: Rev. Dale Carr & Ken Ballard; October 12: Billy McJunkins & Dale Winters, Jeffrey Coates & Steven Holm.
For those with birthdays: October 6: Janae Chandrasena; October 8: Jackie Freeburn; October 9: Michelle Brown, Carolyn Scott; October 10: Doug Hairgrove, Cynthia Jenson-Elliott.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Jim De Mersman & Richard Patenaude in thanksgiving for their 34th anniversary (October 9), AND BY The Sanchez Family in loving memory of their parents, Francisica & Louis Sanchez. The flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Rev. Deb Seles & Doug Thompson, in thanksgiving for their marriage (October 5, 2024).
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 13, The Twenty-first 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
- Monday, October 7 – 4-6:00 PM – Women of St. Paul “Appy Hour” – Home of Jan Wacker
- Tuesday, October 8 – Bishop’s Consecration of new West Wing Colonnade Columbarium
- Wednesday, October 9 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
- Wednesday, October 9 – 6:30 PM – Latino Ministry Monthly Meeting – Library
- Sunday, October 13 – 9:30 AM – Welcome Back Sunday – Ministry Fair and Potluck Brunch
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.
