For Sunday November 10, 2024
A Note from the Co-Rectors After the Election
Dear Beloveds,
There are many words spent in the last 24 hours about the election results (see the Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on the U.S. presidential election here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/letter-from-presiding-bishop-sean-rowe-on-the-u-s-presidential-election/ or the House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris’ message here: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2024/11/06/episcopal-leaders-respond-to-former-president-donald-trumps-election-to-second-term/ or our own Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s Reflection on the Presidential Election here: https://edsd.org/news/bishops-reflection-on-the-presidential-election/).
As you all know, St. Paul received a grant for new security systems around campus (e.g. new door lock system, cameras, integrated wifi, outdoor lighting and fencing, etc.). One of the features we now have are several “panic buttons” in areas of the church buildings. When a threat to the campus occurs, a panic button can be pressed, and police officers will arrive promptly on campus. Last week, as our sexton was moving furniture and cleaning, he accidently pressed the panic button in the children’s room. The good news is: the buttons work! Police arrived and knew exactly where on the campus to attend to within moments. The officers were understanding and took the time to familiarize themselves with the additional buttons around campus, giving suggestions for best placement, etc.
As the night unfolded on Tuesday, many of us felt like we were not just pressing the panic buttons, but we were actively jamming them in, white knuckled and calloused. Our reptilian brains were stuck in the flight, fight, or freeze responses, the involuntary physiological reaction to perceived threats. Our sense of what is good and right in the world (or at least in democracy) was unraveling. Our hopes for security and safety for the dignity for ALL humanity (and the creation, for that matter) all seemed to dissolve in the wake of what has felt like an eternity of campaigning, voting, and electing our government officials. And some of us in this parish slept soundly.
Wednesday many of us woke up to a reality not hoped for, and future fraught in our minds fueled by fear and anger. And as I said to friends and parishioners all day, “Yes, today we grieve, and we hold all the space we need for it. And we keep being who we are, loving and justice-seeking and peace-making people. And we continue to believe that only light can displace the darkness. So, we keep lighting candles and shining more and more light. And that there are enough people who believe in this, that we will find one another, and we will keep creating the kind of community and space that we need in order to exist and survive and thrive…”
Many of you showed up on Tuesday to pray and to hold space for others, as we awaited what the unfolding of democracy might look like in this country (thank you to all the volunteers and pray-ers!). And, so many of us gathered all day on Wednesday at the church, because as I mentioned to a few parishioners in passing, “When we don’t know what else to do, we come to church.” Folks gathered to hand out blankets and backpacks to our houseless neighbors (57 people received these basic needs!). Folks showed up to The Path Ahead class with Rev. Dale to deepen their own spirituality and to learn. Folks showed up to our evening Eucharist to pray and hold silence, to share in communion, and to leave with fistfuls of flowers leftover from the Pride Mass Wedding to put on neighbors’ doorsteps. (see the pictures below)
The truth is, we hold sorrow and joy in both hands, even as we follow the one who knew from the beginning that death is the only way to life. We follow the one who lived in a politically charged time himself but who did not look to the politics to do the saving he was out to do himself (see: The Roman Empire During the Time of Jesus: https://www.kurtwillems.com/blog/roman-empire-during-time-jesus and the list of footnoted resources for additional “light” bedtime reading). We are people of resilience and people of hope and people of promise and people of love. Yes, we can grieve (and many of us are cycling through the stages like crazy at any given moment). Yes, we can and will pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off from sitting in the ashes, and we will move forward as we have in so many moments in our history. We will move toward that bending moral arc of justice that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pointed us to.
And in the meantime, let us be gentle with one another. Let us notice that we are a diverse group of people who gather together at St. Paul, and let us be committed to demonstrating how to talk with and treat one another in such a divisive political climate. Let us work for justice. Let us work for peace. As Etty Hillesum wrote, “Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it toward others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
Dear ones, however you woke up on Wednesday, we are still in it together. And when we don’t know what else to do, we show up at church. Keep showing up. Keep reaching out. Keep looking for those on the margins with tears in their eyes, and rather than offer platitudes or quick fixes or fight chants or statistics (or bad theology), be tender with one another. Be the kind of spiritual oasis in the desert where anyone, wherever they are in their spiritual journey, is welcomed, is safe, and is loved. Let us continue to be the kind of church we’ve always dreamed of. Let us hold out light in the darkness.
Jeff Chu, journalist, author, speaker, preacher (https://byjeffchu.com), offered a small blessing that I’d like to pass along to you:
“May you find even the smallest foothold of hope and then offer it to someone else who also needs one.
May you remember that you are loved.
And then remind someone else that they are loved too.
And then, may we help one another to get back to the sacred work that we are called to: acting justly, and loving mercy, and walking humbly. Amen.”
Reach out if you need a hand or a hug or a light. You are loved. You are not alone. And we are glad you are part of St. Paul’s.
Blessings and Big Love,
Rev. Jessie & Rev. Dan
Click to enlarge
March with St. Paul at the City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade, Monday, Nov. 11
One way of acting justly is to march together in additional parades besides the “big one” we just marched in. We hope you’ll consider joining us to represent St. Paul’s commitment to be a church for all people. The St. Paul contingent will assemble starting at 2:30 PM at our assigned parade spot, #56, in front of Wells Fargo, 543 S Palm Canyon – just south of Ramon.
There is parking behind the bank and nearby street parking. The parade runs along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon to Alejo roads. This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Serve.” A patriotic concert and fireworks finale at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road will immediately follow.
For those who would rather ride than march, limited parade vehicle seating will be available. Wear your St. Paul’s T-shirt and join in proclaiming our core value message that “we respect the dignity of EVERY human being.”
Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s Annual Convention is this Friday-Saturday (Nov. 8-9) held at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert
What is Diocesan Convention? Established in 1974, Diocesan Convention is the annual business meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and acts as the primary legislative body of the Diocese. It’s a time when clergy and laypeople from all over the diocese come together to vote on an annual budget, to elect officers, and to hear reports of work from diocesan programs. But more importantly, we join together, worship together, learn together, and discern together–reflecting on becoming a better people of God. If you’d like to learn more about Convention, click here: https://www.conventionedsd.org.
At our annual meeting in January, you voted for our four representatives. Outside of our clergy, Brooke Wolford, John Hampson, David Weir, and Kathy Kilmer will represent St. Paul’s, attending sessions, casting votes, and worshiping with the greater church. Please pray for the six attending and join them in the Parish Hall between services (9-10AM) this Sunday, November 10, to hear more about Convention.
Guest Preacher
We have the privilege of having Rachel Ambasing as our guest preacher this Sunday (both of our co-rectors will be here celebrating, but will have just come off of Diocesan Convention). Rachel will also be part of the Adult Forum held between services with our St. Paul’s Diocesan Reps to discuss how Convention impacts St. Paul.
Rachel Ambasing is the Missioner for Community Vitality and Diversity for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, where she focuses on multicultural ministries and programming. She is a second-generation immigrant of Igorot-Filipina and Chinese heritage, born and formed in South Bay San Diego. She attended Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she developed skills in multimedia, art history, fashion marketing, graphic design, web design, event coordination, trend-tracking and feeling out the zeitgeist. These skills, oddly enough, fit well with the demands of modern-day ministry.
Rachel also enjoys matcha americanos, all shades of the color pink, and seeing the diverse ways God’s goodness is embodied and expressed throughout our diocese. She is currently a nominee for Holy Orders and is in discernment for the priesthood.
Mercy Missions Closet Needs
Our Mercy Missions (formally Social Justice) is looking to care well for our neighbors as the weather turns cooler. Here are items you can bring to donate (and these items can be placed in the brown wicker bins at the entrance to services on Sundays):
- Athletic/walking shoes sizes 9-12
- Belts
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Jackets
- Sweaters
- Large and Extra Large Long pants (jeans)
Studio One Forever
Fall Spiritual Formation Opportunities
Be part of healing and wholeness and justice in our parish and wider community.
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.
Rev. Dan and Rabbi David are back at it again with this dynamic interfaith class.
Adult Forum – Sunday Mornings – 9:00-10:00 AM (Between Services) – In the Parish Hall
- November 10 – Diocesan Convention Q & A
- November 17 – A Peek Behind the Curtain with the Treasurer
- November 24 – Preparing for Advent
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!
Our first FOUR Patio Parties were a wonderful time of deep discussion and dreaming! We hope to see you at one of the remaining two. (If you wanted to sign up but the sign-ups are full, please email revjessie@stpaulsps.org and let her know what Patio Party you hoped to be at and she’ll send you the info!)
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 11:30AM 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). Disney raised the prices so the “Park Hopper” for that date is now $207 & the single park pass is $142. Anyone who decides to come, who has an annual pass and hasn’t made their reservation yet, can no longer book Disneyland, for that day, they can only book California Adventure BUT after 11, they can switch parks. This means we’ll make sure everyone is in and take our group photo at 11:30AM. 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
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
Pride Pizza Poetry
Grateful to celebrate a wonderful Pride weekend together at St. Paul’s!
We prayed together at an Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat service. We celebrated God’s inclusivity and love in our Pride Mass with the celebration of the marriage of Ray Hickman & Phil Pickens. We marched with joy in the Pride parade. And we stood in awe at the church, lit up in rainbow colors, a sign of God’s deep love for all. THANK YOU to everyone who set up, tore down, sang, decorated, organized, drove, walked, marched, cheered, prayed, worshiped, and celebrated! We could not be prouder of YOU and of God’s beautiful invitation for us all to share together as One Body. Additional pics can be found on Facebook and Instagram
Click to enlarge
Palm Springs celebrates diversity and unity with vibrant Pride Parade
—The Palm Springs Post
Rev. Mark Spauling’s son was quoted (and St. Paul was mentioned!): “Chris Spalding said the parade is a chance to come out and support as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Spalding was in town this weekend from Oakland for a wedding of his friends Ray and Phil, who got married Saturday night at The Church of St Paul in the Desert and were involved in the parade. ‘It means victory,’ said Spalding when asked what Pride means to him. ‘It means people are finally being acknowledged as equals. And that’s awesome, you know. That’s what the American Dream is supposed to be about. It’s supposed to be people coming together, loving each other, lifting each other up.’”
To read the entire article, click here: https://thepalmspringspost.com/palm-springs-celebrates-diversity-and-unity-with-vibrant-pride-parade/
Dr. Joy Zavarich was sent on behalf of St. Paul’s to a Gathering of Leaders
As the Episcopal Church continues to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities, Gathering of Leaders plays a crucial role by gathering and connecting the creative, innovative, and hope-filled leaders who are shaping its future. My recent participation at the Arizona 2024 Gathering of Leaders on Racial Reconciliation & Discipleship was an exceptional opportunity to meet and learn from committed leaders representing over 20 states and a wide variety of programs.
Through prayer, reflection, discussion and presentations we shared how Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship is happening across the church and the country. One significant concept that became clear to me during the gathering is the value and importance of speaking and telling the truth through storytelling when seeking Racial Reconciliation. We must tell the true stories of our church and our communities about past racial injustices, if we are to move forward with healing and reconciliation.
I look forward to sharing these insights with the parishioners of St, Paul’s, as the parish continues its work for Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship. I am grateful for this opportunity and thank the parish for sponsoring me.
Peace,
Dr. Joy Zavarich
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.
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.
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
Altar flowers, also known as chancel flowers, are a Christian tradition of placing flowers in the chancel of a church to beautify the space and honor loved ones. In the Episcopal Church, altar flowers are often used to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or the birth of a child. They can also be given in memory of a loved one or to honor a person.
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 (or $65 for narthex flower sponsorships) covers the flower shops fees.
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 South India. Currently, the positions of Moderator and Deputy Moderator are both vacant.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, The Right Reverend Sean Rowe, former Bishop, is now the Presiding Bishop-elect of The Episcopal Church.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of San Diego; for the Chaplains and ministries of the Armed Forces; for all Veterans of the Armed Services.
For those commended to our prayers: Helen Nickerson, Lori Miller, Terri Miller-Steele, Jimmy Wilburn, Jim Franklin, Don Devine, Terry Moran, Ken Smithler, Kathy Schmidt, Harry Nussbaum, Jim Bozora, Marie Ratnam, Vivian Dortch, Marcia P., Sandy Slauson, Jan Wacker, Marilyn, Mia Glazier, Sonny Barnard, Kelly Barnard, Ned Smith, David Mellisch, Michael Marguet, Tish & Eliott Kahn, Hap Blaisdell, Pat, 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: McLeaman Legg, Charlene Smith, Evelyn Claire, Marlene Cafferky, Anna Secrist, Roy Wiley, Timothy White, Sr., Odell Jones, Sophie Miller. Rest eternal grant to these, your servants, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
For those celebrating anniversaries: November 12: Drew Bizzaro & Paul Olingy; November 14: Norma Graves & Michael Davidson; November 15: Robert Moon & Robert Hammack; November 16: Michael Sonner & Duane Haverkamp.
For those with birthdays: November 10: Terrie Donohue, Steve Johnson; November 12: Pete Conley, Norma Graves; November 14: Tom O’Mara; November 15: Todd Muffatti, Duane Haverkamp, Steve Innes; November 16: Michael Howard.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Michelle Hathaway in thanksgiving for the birthday of her husband, John, AND BY Nick Bonnell, in memory of his brother, Spike, USAF, who died November 12, 1966, in service to his country. The flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Jim Bozora, in loving memory of his husband, Jon Mills.
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 November 17, the Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, November 11 – 11:00 AM-1:00 PM – Sacred Ground – Library (Note class time change for this week only due to conflict with the Veterans Day Parade)
- Monday, November 11 – 3:30 PM – Veterans Day Parade – Assemble at our assigned spot (#56) at 2:30 PM.
- Tuesday, November 12 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Psychology & Spirituality – Library
- Tuesday, November 12 – 4:00-6:00 PM – Patio Party – Central Palm Springs
- Wednesday, November 13 – 4:00 – 5:30 PM – The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life – Library
- Wednesday, November 13 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
- Wednesday, November 13 – 6:30 PM – Latino Ministry meeting – Library
- Thursday, November 14 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Interfaith Hebrew Bible Study – The Book of Ruth – Library
- Thursday, November 14 – 5:45 – Choir Practice – In the church
- Saturday, November 16 – 6:30 PM – “Studio One Forever” film viewing – In the church
- Tuesday, November 19 – 1:30 PM – Daughters of the King Open Meeting for ALL Women – Noonday Prayer and free Advent Study kickoff – 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.
