For Sunday October 20, 2024
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!
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.
Welcome Back Sunday
Special Thanks to ALL who Helped and Attended Welcome Back Sunday!
What a celebration of God’s goodness in our faith community! May this new year bring growth and joy and wonder.
For more pictures, view the post on our Facebook Page.
And if you didn’t get a chance to hear the sermon, click here.
Laundry Love
Mercy Ministry Monthly Distribution
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.
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life℠ Class
Wednesdays before Eucharist 4-5:30PM Nov 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec 11, Dec 18—led by The Rev. Dale Carr
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life℠ is a curriculum from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, on the spirituality of aging that combines guided discussion with contemplative practices to reframe aging for persons of faith. Over six sessions, participants grapple with ageism, identify changing spiritual needs, equip themselves with new prayer practices, and engage in discernment about God’s continuing call. Rejecting stereotypical views of aging that define it in terms of a singular narrative of decline, The Path Ahead instead reveals this season of life as a time of spiritual growth and pursuit of purpose. Employing video presentations, directed discussion, contemplative practices, and the arts, the course encourages connection, builds community and promotes wellbeing.
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
Want a St. Paul’s T-shirt?
Wear your church pride and baptismal covenant at upcoming parades and community events: “We believe in the dignity of every human being.” Purchase your Church of St. Paul in the Desert T-shirt on Sundays at the Welcome Table! Shirts are $25, and can be purchased with cash or check.
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
DAP Health Equity Walk
EDSD LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Summit
Sock-tober in full swing!
Last week you read about St. Paul’s incredible partnership with Bombas Socks. There are many ways these socks have helped in the Coachella Valley and beyond. See the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s article about Deacon’s using our socks.
Because “Sock-tober” is here in the Valley, we’ve been able to share a few boxes with folks from Eisenhower who are collecting socks for Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. There is a group of medical professionals who work with the homeless every week as volunteers who give out socks to go with their health screens.
First is our own Rick Tinsley, Director of Food and Nutrition. Second is Denise Lewis, RN, who for her final MSN project through the University of Texas at Arlington, is also collecting socks.. In Lewis’ “Assessment of Wellness Needs” for her project, she noted the following: “Socks are the most needed item for unhoused persons but are the least donated (K.Crawford, personal communication, Sept. 30, 2024).
There has been a 47% increase in emergency shelter requests in Coachella Valley since 2017 (CVRMd, n.d). Roughly 1000 people are estimated to be without housing per night in Coachella Valley, and 65% are located out on the east side of the Valley where CVRM is located (CVRMb, n.d.). A significant number of these persons have addiction and chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes. Foot-related medical issues are more frequent in the unhoused population and are compounded by a lack of access to medical care and the ability to keep their feet clean and dry (D’Souza, et al., 2022). Blisters, calluses, toenail issues, infections, and injuries are all exacerbated when dirty, worn socks are repeatedly worn and can actively contribute to worsening conditions (D’Souza, et al., 2022).”
We are grateful to partner with folks to share in God’s love through the tangible item of socks.
Parish Life Event: St. Paul’s Does Disneyland!
Parishioners, family & friends, you are invited to a fun day at the “Happiest Place on Earth” on Monday, November 18th (Minnie Mouse’s Birthday)! The park opens at 8 a.m. but you can arrive whenever you want, either with St. Paul’s carpooling group, or on your own. However you get there, we will ALL meet at 11AM for a group picture (Location: At the end of Main Street and before the Castle there is a circular garden area with a statue of Walt & Mickey in the middle—we’ll meet in front of the statue). Have fun and get to know your fellow parishioners in a totally informal, fun environment.
You are responsible to purchase your own ticket (and can do so on https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/?CMP=OKC-330339_GM_DLR_destination_disneylandpark_NA). Yes, the cost varies but the one-day admission to one park is $134 & to both parks, $199. If you wish to add Lightning Lane, that will be an additional cost depending on which you choose and there is a fee for parking.
Wear your St Paul’s shirt. Carpooling is encouraged. Cars can be left in the church parking lot. (According to Waze, the group should leave at 5:30AM to arrive by the 8AM opening.) You can buy your admission ticket on-line. Please make sure to make a reservation for Nov 18. Everyone, whether you have a pass or are using a ticket, please reserve Disneyland Park.
Email Nancy Antonius to let her know you’re coming (and let her know if you’d like to carpool): nancyjantonius@gmail.com
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.
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
Wednesday Eucharists happen weekly from 6-6:30PM
Come to a short, spoken, contemplative Eucharist.
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 Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda (the Anglican Church of Rwanda), The Most Reverend Laurent Mbanda, Archbishop of Rwanda.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, The Right Reverend Kevin S. Brown, 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 All Saints’, Vista; for the children and teachers of All Saints’ Preschool.
For our two catechumens as they prepare for their baptism: Terry Fabian and Billy Stevens.
For those commended to our prayers: Marie Ratnam, Vivian Dortch, Marcia P., 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, 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: Anna Secrist, Roy Wiley, Timothy White, Sr., 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. 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 celebrating anniversaries: October 23: Irene & John Mancini; October 24: Darrell Thomas & Joey Dominguez.
For those with birthdays: October 20: Mike Neill; October 21: Gayle Conley, Rick Roberts, Antonio Quaranta; October 22: Robby Robinson; October 24: Louis Sanchez, Billy Stevens; October 25: Michael Leppen, Jessica Holland.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Steve Horstman in thanksgiving for the birthday of Leonard Sanchez (October 24). The flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Mark Legget, in loving memory of his husband, James T. Kyle.
“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 27, The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost – All Saints Day (transferred).
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
- Sunday, October 20 – 4:00-6:00 PM – Patio Party – North Palm Springs
- Tuesday, October 22 – Daughters of the King
- Tuesday, October 22 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Spiritual Formation – The Intersection of Psychology & Spirituality
- Tuesday, October 22 – 6:00-8:00 PM – Patio Party – Rancho Mirage
- Wednesday, October 23 – 9:00 AM – Mercy Ministry distribution of clothing/sundries – Colonnade
- Wednesday, October 23 – 4:00 PM – HR Committee – Library
- Wednesday, October 23 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest.
- Thursday, October 24 – 5:45 PM – Choir Practice
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.
