For Sunday October 13, 2024
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
Patio Parties!
Welcome to the fourth year of St. Paul’s Patio Parties! If you’ve never been, THIS is your year to sign up for one.
What are Patio Parties?
Patio Parties are a one-time two-hour gathering at a parishioner’s house, whereby the Co-Rectors lead an energetic and exciting conversation around matters in the church. This year we will discuss 1) the Future of the Parish Hall; 2) Mission & Ministry (Outreach/Community Advocacy); and 3) A Possible Third Weekend Worship Service.
The host home provides drinks, and you can bring snacks and great ideas to share! Whether you’ve been a member for 55 years or only recently begun to call St. Paul your spiritual home, YOU are invited. In fact, we need your voice and ideas. Patio Parties are a great chance to meet new people, and this year there’s a few new surprises you won’t want to miss!
Want a St. Paul’s T-shirt?
Purchase your Church of St. Paul in the Desert T-shirt at Welcome Back Sunday! Wear your church pride and baptismal covenant: “We believe in the dignity of every human being” to community events and represent faith community. (If you already have a shirt, feel free to wear it on Welcome Back Sunday.) Shirts are $25, and can be purchased with cash or check.
Wednesday Eucharists happen weekly from 6-6:30PM
Come to a short, spoken, contemplative Eucharist.
The Rev. Deb Seles and Doug Thompson got married last Saturday Oct. 5!
Special thanks to professional photographer and parishioner Paul Lamar, whose photography website is here: https://jpldesigns.godaddysites.com
Bishop Susan Remembers Eileen Fiedler
Eileen Fiedler was inurned in St. Paul’s columbarium (Oct. 5), and Bishop Susan had a past connection with her that brought such joy (see the brief video below of the Bishop blessing the niche).
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The Feast of St. Francis Pet Mass
The Feast of St. Francis brought so many wonderful dogs to our outdoor Pet Mass last Sunday (Oct. 6), and despite the heat, dogs and cats and birds came to be blessed in the afternoon! (If you took any pics, send them to the Revs—it was such a sweet time of God’s goodness!) And many of you have lost such special pets in the last year, so we are holding you in our hearts and prayers. Special thanks to all of you who donated items to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter (and special thanks to the shelter volunteers who brought two cute puppies to tempt us all into adoption!).
St. Paul’s Women’s “Appy Hour”
A new group for the women of St. Paul met for the first time (Oct. 7) with 16 in attendance! “As we get to know one another better, we will explore options for outings and other activities to have fun together. We hope to gather monthly. Please watch the St. Paul website and The Abundant Life for details about our November meeting. Signups will be online, so it’s easy to join us. The more, the merrier!”
The Blessing of the new Columbarium Niches
The Bishop came to consecrate the newly constructed columbarium niches with a beautiful Morning Prayer service and blessing of the niches. (We offer special thanksgiving for the work of John Raposa, Jr. Warden, Nick Falconio, Vestry Member & Campus Care Committee, & Jerome DiNoto, Columbarium Coordinator, in bringing this project to fruition.) A wonderful time of fellowship and refreshments took place in the library following.
The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality CLASS –Tuesdays from 3:30-5 PM in the Library—October 15, 22, 29, and November 5!
While we may expect our enlightened spiritual leaders to exhibit wholesome and healthy personal traits, we need to understand the difference between the development of spiritual consciousness and awareness of our personal defenses, traumas and traits. Spiritual consciousness is developed through prayer and meditation and enables us to see our oneness with creation. Psychological awareness is developed through an intimate and accepting conversation with our defenses: What just happened? Why am I upset? What upset another in our interaction? It is crucial to know how these two modes of awareness support each other so that we can continue our growth in both dimensions.
Two suggested books for the class:
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
Naked in the Zendo by Grace Schireson
Rev. Grace Jill Schireson, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an ordained Buddhist priest in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki roshi. She has trained in the United States and in Japan at Several Zen training monasteries. She has authored three books on Zen and numerous articles in Buddhist and Psychoanalytic Journals.
Election Day Prayer Vigil Volunteers
Want to be a peacemaker in the middle of a difficult election season? Consider signing up to help make our parish an oasis of peace on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5).
We are looking for 2 volunteers per hour between 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM to be present in the church as we open up the doors of the church all day for quiet prayer. All you have to do is sit there, offer your own prayers, and keep an eye on things. Come help us create a contemplative atmosphere for folks to be able to bear their anxieties to God.
Sign up to volunteer for an hour here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA5AC2EA2F9C34-52071822-election#/
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.
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
Looking for a way to help LGBTQ+ folks?
THWC Needs your help!
My name is Aro and I am the Outreach Coordinator at Transgender Health Wellness Center (THWC) in Palm Springs. THWC is on a mission to improve the access to care for LGBTQ+ folks, particularly Trans and Gender Diverse individuals who have faced barriers. This is in partnership with IEHP and we are hoping to get as many people to take this survey.
IEHP is trying to collect data on their TGI clients to see how many of us are out there and how to improve our access to care. The overall goal is to improve health equity and access to services (general care, gender affirming care, surgery, etc.) for TGI folks throughout the IEHP service area. The data will be collected through the ConnectIE self enrollment form here: https://connectie.findhelp.com/forms/connectie-network-self-enrollment-form
Folks will need to scan the QR code and self-enroll into the survey, let them know Transgender Health & Wellness Center referred them. If they complete, we have some IEHP water or fans for folks. Below is the flyer. Thank you.
I am looking for partners who can help us collect SOGIE Data for Riverside County. Please join me and share with your network of peers and clients.
Parishioner shares how he connects his faith to public witness
Michael Howard, a St. Paul parishioner, shared how he is bearing witness and inviting others to do so, in a time where it is easy to get stuck or feel things are “too big” to know what to do. He shared a very practical and peaceful way to connect our faith to action.
“[Last Thursday] evening I made public witness about the injustice of the mayhem and murder proceeding against the population of Gaza. I joined members of Code Pink, Women for Peace near the Marilyn Monroe statue in the Palm Springs Downtown Park. We plan to make this weekly public silent witness every Thursday starting at about 6 PM. You are welcome to join it. To learn more about Code Pink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_Pink Lefty, pinko, agitators! The Holy Spirit is an undisclosed backer.”
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
Wondering how St. Paul’s got so many socks?
A brief story how St. Paul’s receives so many Bombas Socks to share to those who need them:
About 10 years ago, I was watching “Good Morning America,” and they had a couple of guys on the show named Randy and Dave, from Chicago. They were both from the investment world and while being very successful in their respective jobs, they found little enjoyment with their blessings of wealth. They had heard from New York City that the number one most requested item at the shelters, were socks. It gave them the idea, and they quit their jobs and started a new journey in their lives called Bombas.
Bombas is the Italian word for bumble bees and the reason why there is a bee woven onto each pair. Bees by nature collect honey and bring it to the combs to sustain the life of the whole community. This is the inspiration for their company, to help sustain each other. For each pair sold to a retail consumer, they are committed to making a pair for those who are shelter-challenged. The company was, at the time of the interview, still in its infancy of about two years old, and they were accepting applications for member partners.
For several days, the interview was in my mind, and I thought what a story of love that these two men told. You see, at St. Paul, we were struggling with financial donations for the Social Justice Ministry, and I thought that if we could get some free socks, we could use more money for underwear and other items. So, I searched them out on the internet and found their website and read the company philosophies and strategy. I completed an application for St. Paul and sent it in to them for consideration. I forgot about having done the application, when about six months later I got an email saying we had been accepted as a partner!
The first year we were given 1,500 pairs to distribute, and they went quickly. The next year we got another 1,500. Eventually we were raised to 2,500, 3,500, 4,000, 6,000, 7,500 and then to 10,000 pairs for the last three years including distribution during the Covid pandemic!
Socks not only keep a person’s feet warm in the winter but also serve equally important during the summer months to prevent the hot pavement from drying out the skin and eventual cracking that can lead to severe infections. Bombas makes their socks for this community differently from their other consumer socks. They are thoughtfully made out of long-staple cotton for durability, and they are treated with anti-microbial properties to help prevent from infection of the feet of those who wear them with pride, which is one more way that Bombas cares for those who receive their socks. They are all black so that they do not show wear, have no uncomfortable toe seams, have nice arch support, and are designed for a lifetime of use.
While 10,000 pairs annually seems like a lot of socks, we are just barely tapping the need for them through St. Paul in the Desert. I look forward to the day when we can go to the next distribution quantity of 50,000 pair annually. We have the opportunity to impact the life of so many people through the generosity of our Palm Springs Parish. Please take some home with you, keep them in your car, and share the love of Randy and Dave with the world.
Thank you,
Steve Moore, longtime parishioner of St. Paul
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 12 (moved to accommodate Election Day), 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
Studio One Forever
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 Episcopal Church in the Philippines, The Most Reverend Brent Alawas, Prime Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, The Right Reverend Audrey Cady Scanlan, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of San Diego; for Formation Leaders on retreat at Camp Stevens, and for Deacons throughout the Church.
For our two catechumens as they prepare for their baptism: Terry Fabian and Billy Stevens.
For those commended to our prayers: Sandy Slauson, Jan Wacker, Marilyn, Mia Glazier, Sonny Barnard, Kelly Barnard, Ned Smith, David Mellisch, Michael Marguet, 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: Odell Jones, Sophie Miller, 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 17: Arthur Rivera & Gregory Schroeder; October 18: Sally & Forest Irons.
For those with birthdays: October 13: Rick Tinsley, Summer Schoch; October 15: Rex Comer, Donald Shamp; October 16: Rodney Dickson; October 17: Leon Walker, David Faull; October 18: John Rauch.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Michelle Hathaway in celebration of the birthdays of her daughters, Gen and Arra.
“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 October 20, The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.
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.
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 15 – 2:00-4:00 PM – Patio Party – South Palm Springs
- Tuesday, October 15 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Spiritual Formation – The Intersection of Psychology & Spirituality
- Wednesday, October 16 – 5:30 PM – Laundry Love
- Wednesday, October 16 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest.
- Thursday, October 17 – 5:45 PM – Choir Practice
- Thursday, October 17 – 6:30 PM – Movie Night – Sound of Music “Sing Along” – St. Paul’s Parish Hall Theater
- Saturday, October 19 – 8:00-1:00 PM – St. Paul’s Hikers – Herngt “Aki” Preserve
- Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 AM-1:00 PM – Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training – Library
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.
