The Abundant Life – February 27, 2025

This Sunday – March 2^nd Eucharist Mini-Retreat!

From 1-3PM on Sunday, March 2^nd spend some time with The Revs and the Confirmation Class getting a glimpse of what happens during the liturgy of the Eucharist. Bring your questions and join us for a great afternoon. Sign up by clicking on the banner above!

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Potluck and Burying the Alleluias – Tuesday, March 4^th!

Join us in your Mardi Gras colors and beads, and bring a sweet or savory treat to share on Shrove Tuesday, March 4^th at 5PM! While the Parish Hall will still be under construction, we’ll enjoy our meal outside at tables in the columbarium. We eat at 5PM and then we burn the Great Fire (bring last year’s palm branches to burn—this is where we get the ashes for Ash Wednesday!). We will have a very brief liturgy where we “bury” the Alleluias and see the church transform to Lenten purple. You won’t want to miss this great event!

Ash Wednesday March 5th

Parish Hall Refresh Weekly Update

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Lighting/Electrical: Installation of all wiring including data cables is nearing completion and will be finished by tomorrow.  LED strips to replace the old florescent lights atop the four beams in the main hall are being selected.

Walls, Ceilings and Doors: Drywalling begins next week, including numerous repairs, taping, mudding, and sanding all walls, ceilings and doors to a near-smooth finish in preparation for priming. Given the condition of these areas, especially the walls, this work will take a minimum of two and more likely three weeks. The task force is also assessing some exciting options for the recessed area on the east wall of the main hall currently painted blue … more to come on this.

HVAC: Last Sunday the Vestry approved expanding the scope of work of the project to include additional new mini-split HVAC units servicing the kitchen and restrooms. This will allow the Parish Hall swamp coolers to be fully decommissioned. This work will is expected to occur either next week or the following.

Do you want to help? If you would like to contribute to defray the costs of the Parish Hall Refresh in addition to your stewardship pledge, please contact one of the wardens: alex.c.christensen@gmail.com or john.raposa1@gmail.com.

Outreach Discernment Retreat
Saturday, March 22 – 9am-3pm

As we enter a new phase of ministry with a refreshed parish hall, the big question has been, “What’s next?” Because this is such a critical moment in our parish’s future, we are bringing in a nationally recognized expert to lead us in discerning what our outreach strategy will be going forward. Want to help us figure out how we partner with other community organizations outside of the four walls of the church? Curious about how we use our own campus facilities for greater community impact? Please join us for brainstorming, prayer, and good conversation as we participate with the Spirit. MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE, AS SPACE IS LIMITED. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS RETREAT!

Laundry Love Update and Stories

Last Wednesday, February 19th, we processed 261 loads of laundry for the less fortunate. We served 41 households and were able to help 66 individuals. For some time we have had a gentlemen who attends Laundry Love regularly. He is deaf and as we get busy it is a challenge to understand what he is saying or what he needs. Ann Grainger, one of our volunteers, signs and began conversing in the most beautiful language. All who were in the laundromat were amazed to see the smile on our guest’s face and Ann’s, too! The needs of our guests were met in a brand new way! It’s about more than laundry, it’s about human connection and relationship building.

Another guest at Laundry Love began asking how they may be of help. They did not have a job yet, but wanted to volunteer as soon as they did get a job. Within the month a job was offered and accepted, and we had a new volunteer! While they continue to live in a car, they went to work every day and as of this past Laundry Love had saved enough money to be able to rent an apartment! Everyone who knew the story shared the happy moments. We have watched, waited, and prayed, finally to the fruition of the struggle they endured. Thank you for supporting Laundry Love. Lives are being changed because of your talents, time, and treasure being shared with the wider community.

Improving the Performance of our Instruments in the Sanctuary—Part 1

Recently we’ve taken some steps to improve the performance of our instruments in the Sanctuary. First, the 1923 Steinway Model O has lost its ability to hold a tuning for more than ten days. One might think this is an age-related issue, but the pinblock which holds the tuning pins is not the original one. It has already been replaced once, but the desert climate is hard on wood. Short of replacing the pinblock again, an expense which is questionable given that it’s already been redone once and which is an expense not in proportion to the value of the piano itself, there were two possible options, neither of which is optimal.

The first was to hammer the pins into the pinblock by an additional 1-2 mm. This risks cracking the block and could result in the string windings touching the metal frame, which could make unwanted noise and make it difficult to tune. The second was to inject cyanoacrylate glue around the pins. The first reaction is to be fearful of any liquid interaction with the wood. But technicians (especially ones who are expert in the desert climate) say it is a very effective, although a last resort, solution. So that is what we have done.

Much thanks to our Director of Music, Charles Peery, who continues to make improvements and seek the best steps forward to ensure everything is ready for our gathered worship.

Spirituality for the Second Half of Life

Building on the premise that spiritual formation is a lifelong endeavor, what we needed and pursued in our earlier chapters are different as our spiritual formation develops later in life. Using the book by Richard Rohr, with an introduction by Brené Brown, Falling Upward, A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, we will explore in readings and discussion our own journey and aspirations as we reflect together. We will also use contemplative practices to strengthen our inner lives and to gain personal insights for our on-going journey. Books will be supplied. Private journals kept during the class are encouraged. We will learn from each other as we study Rohr’s book. The purpose of the class is to support and encourage us to seek joy and meaning and insight wherever we are in our spiritual journey. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Pocahontas Table Read

Have you ever wondered about the real Pocahontas and John Smith Story? Learn how they met, developed their friendship and how and why she saved his life. But, the story doesn’t end there. She develops a great relationship with the Church of England priests and is baptized and brought into the church. She meets and marries John Rolfe, has a baby and travels to England. She eventually meets the King and develops a friendship with him. But the tragic end comes, and all her hopes for a peaceful friendship between the races comes to an end, unfortunately for the future of our country. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Sacred Ground Part II

Finally, what many have been waiting for – the second half of Sacred Ground! Sacred Ground is the Episcopal Church’s film & reading based dialogue series on race, racism, and faith. “Circles” (i.e. discussion groups) provide the opportunity for difficult, but respectful and transformative conversations as we move toward Beloved Community. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

The Divine Feminine Trinity: Resistance in Past, Present & Future Class

Join in exploring the divine feminine as a source of strength, wisdom, and courage. We will explore scriptural, historical and current examples of women claiming the power of the Magnificat to transform the world. Through readings, meditation and art, together we will seek creative, life-giving ways to respond to the world as it is while participating in God’s work of transformation. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Radical Forgiveness in Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona Class

Perhaps Shakespeare’s earliest play, The Two Gentlemen of Verona has been criticized as an aesthetically inferior, immature work. But it hides gems of theology, including a brilliant exposition of substitutionary atonement (penal substitution to be precise) and a moving representation that asks us to consider the theology of Real Presence, not to mention the troubling (for audiences and critics alike) act of forgiveness with which the play ends. We will watch a performance and discuss all this and more. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Depictions of Women as Catalysts for Moral Change in 19^th Century Opera Class

Some operas in the repertoire are dismissed by modern critics for the perception that female characters have little agency or are relegated to a fate beyond their control in a way in which men are not. But in the late 18^th and 19^th century repertoire we find that there are quite a few librettos which take quite a different approach: Women as catalysts for moral change. This class will examine operas from Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Massenet and Gounod to see how this depiction in certain operas serve as a critique of a more rigid and condemnatory vision of Christian morality (or cultural Christianity) in favor of a more robust and more fully human vision. We will thus find in opera a kind of precursor to some of the feminist and liberationist movements that would come in the 20th century. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Baking in Community

We’re giving up the church oven and kitchen for Lent this year which means this baking day will be about baking without the usual kitchen. We’ll meet in an outdoor kitchen near Pete Smith’s home and make flatbreads, socca/farinata and a blueberry buckle on the gas grill and griddle. Bring your own cast iron item if you have one and we’ll use it. We’ll have a light lunch and take home dough and batters to make at home on your own grill or oven. Attendance is limited – please sign up via website banner, and access instructions and details will be emailed to you. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS ONE-DAY MINI-RETREAT!

Embraced by God’s Love: A Women’s Lenten Mini Retreat—Sponsored by Sisters in Spirit

This mini retreat is an opportunity for all women of the parish to be refreshed. Join us as we gather in faith and fellowship for reflection and renewal. Expect a time for quiet reflection and prayer, spiritual practices and play, and sharing fellowship in a loving community. Also expect art and snacks. Please register in advance to help us plan for you. CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS!

Preparing for the End of Life: Plan Your Own Funeral Mini-Retreat—Saturday, March 29 from 9AM -12NOON

Thoughtfully led by our Co-Rectors and retired clergy, explore planning your funeral, final things, legacy, and more. Come and bring your questions and learn how to prepare in ways that honor our living legacies, give our framework for funerals in the Episcopal tradition, and provide comfort to our loved ones that they will best know how to honor our wishes. Believe it or not, it will be a fun and interesting morning! CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP FOR THIS MINI-RETREAT!

The Reconciliation of a Penitent: Remembering Confession in Lent

The Book of Common Prayer contains two orders of service for private confession, known officially as the Reconciliation of a Penitent. Making a private confession is a traditional and powerful spiritual practice, and the choice to confess or not confess to a priest is governed by the adage: All may, some should, none must. This Lent, your clergy will be reserving times throughout the week for hearing confessions. If you would like to set up a time for this sacrament, please CLICK ON GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SIGN UP for a private appointment with a clergy member.

Morning Prayer with the Co-Rectors on Facebook in Lent

Join us every weekday morning (except Fridays) to pray Morning Prayer. Participation in the Daily Office is at the heart of Anglican spirituality. The Book of Common Prayer provides a Daily Office Lectionary that identifies readings and psalm choices and a Table of Canticles with suggested canticles for use at Morning Prayer. If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your prayer life or learn how to use the Book of Common Prayer for yourself, please join us on the church’s Facebook page as we commit ourselves to this ancient prayer practice! You don’t need to “have a Facebook page” to view Morning Prayer. Just type in your search feature:https://www.facebook.com/stpaulinthedesert

Bishop Susan’s Annual Visit to St. Paul’s

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 30 (both services)!

Help Person the St. Paul’s Table at the 1PS Community Event at Ruth Hardy Park on Saturday, March 22!

Click on banner to volunteer!

Help Person the St. Paul’s Table at the Trans Pride Community Event at Ruth Hardy Park on Saturday, March 29!

Click on banner to volunteer!

Join Lent Madness

What is Lent Madness? Click here to find out:

Ed Walsh gives it a rave review, saying, “I’ve participated each Lent and found it fun, entertaining, spiritual, and educational. It gives you exposure to the vast diverse array of saints in the Episcopal Church.”

6 Ts Survey

Our survey tracking system shows that many parishioners started to fill out the survey but just didn’t have a chance to complete it (by typing in their name and email address and clicking the “Done” button at the end).  If you had to stop mid-way, please try again.  If you started the survey from an email link, you might find that you can pick up where you left off; others would just start anew, reminding yourself that it only takes 13-15 minutes to do at one sitting!  Thank you so much for your time — it will make a big difference!

As you heard about at the Annual Meeting we have a new tool to help connect parishioners to their passions and needs in the church and the wider community. Under the parish’s Strategic Plan Objectives One and Four, the 6 Ts Task force has developed a survey for all parishioners that we hope can bring us together to do more and for each other. The “Six Ts” refer to parishioners’ talents, testimony, time, temperament, treasure, and ties (relational networks).

It takes only 13-15 minutes (it’s been timed!) and you can do it easily on your computer, smartphone, or tablet (all connected to WiFi).

Here are the simple instructions to complete the survey:

1. Simply click on the banner at the top of this email and you will be able to fill out the survey.
2. Almost all the questions just ask you to check the boxes that apply to you, except for those at the end that ask you to fill in your contact information.
3. When you reach the end of the survey, be sure to click the “Done” button. If you do, you will receive a confirmation email that you have completed the survey.
4. Do NOT click any button asking you to complete another, different survey. It’s probably a marketing survey from Survey Monkey.
5. If you run into any issues, there will be a team of folks next to the Welcome Table on Sunday morning at both services to offer assistance.

The 6Ts survey is designed to benefit each parishioner and the church, too. By asking you about your interests, the survey can offer you more opportunities to connect with other like-minded parishioners in spiritual formation, ministry work, volunteer possibilities within the church and the community at large, and even recreational activities. By asking about your skills, the survey can help the Revs and our lay leaders identify ways that you might like to contribute to the church’s vitality and that are suited to your particular strengths and interests.

All of the information collected in the survey will be confidential; it will only be available to the clergy and laity authorized to review that information specific to their duties as employees or supervised volunteers. 

Thank you for helping us connect more regularly and more meaningfully with one another!

Annual Meeting Recap & Impact Report

The Episcopal Church’s Immigration Toolkit

Shifting federal policy on immigration is already impacting people in all four of our counties. With this in mind, the Episcopal Church’s church-wide office routinely collects up-to-date immigration resources for congregations. Visit the Immigration Action Toolkit to find ways your congregation can help migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.

Click here for more information: