For Sunday May 18, 2025
Mark your Calendar for Pentecost and the Ribbon-Cutting of the Refreshed Parish Hall—June 8th at 9:30AM!
Interfaith Screening of “No Other Land”
Join us for a Special Screening off “No Other Land,” a powerful documentary on resilience amidst destruction, followed by a panel discussion with Palestinian-American Aziza Hasan and American-Israeli Rabbi David Lazar, sponsored by the Palm Springs Interfaith Clergy Group.
“No Other Land” is an Oscar-winning documentary co-directed by Palestinians Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal and Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that offers a profound exploration of the ongoing destruction of villages in the West Bank. At its core lies the compelling story of Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta, and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, who unite in their fight against the systematic demolition of homes and lives. It serves as a powerful lens into the lives disrupted by Israeli policies in the region, highlighting truths about occupation, displacement and the Palestinian human spirit. Learn more and register here: https://orhamidbar.org/nootherland/
Special Wednesday service with Fr. Lorenzo on May 21 at 6PM!
Fr. Lorenzo Lebrija and his husband Troy Elder are starting new lives on the other side of the country. Troy has started his new position as director of the detention program at Americans for Immigrant Justice, an award-winning non-profit law firm that fights for justice for immigrants through a combination of direct representation, impact litigation, advocacy and outreach. Lorenzo+ is still following the Holy Spirit in exploring new ways the church can thrive in the future as the executive director of TryTank Research Institute.
Join us for a simple contemplative Eucharist on Wednesday, May 21st at 6PM celebrated by Fr. Lorenzo, and allow him to bless this community that has meant to much to the two of them. “It seems appropriate to close out one chapter on the feast of Lydia of Thyatira, Coworker of the Apostle Paul,” Fr. Lorenzo noted, “St Paul’s has shown nothing but great hospitality to me and so many others.”
Latino Ministry Meeting Recap
Last night, 12 people attended the Latino Ministry Monthly meeting to talk more about how our parish can continue to strengthen our strategy around immigration rights. In addition to recapping the TODEC meeting held last week and reviewing the Red Card distribution, the Latino Ministry was pleased to host the Rev. Brian Johnson.
Rev. Johnson is the vicar of our sister parish, St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Indio, CA. He let us know some of the needs in the Latino community where he serves, as well as some tangible ways for St. Paul’s to partner with what they are doing down valley. Stay tuned as the brainstorming, listening, and idea gathering gives way to concrete action steps this coming Fall! We are grateful for discerning ways where our parishes can partner together to serve Latino/a/x folk in the Coachella Valley.
Laundry Love Next Wednesday—May 21st
If you would like to volunteer at the next Laundry Love event on Wednesday May 21st, please reach out via email to Ray Tackett at ertack6560@gmail.com or Megan Goehring at megantics22@gmail.com
The Antidote for Political Overwhelm — by Lori Thiel
“Have you ever felt overwhelmed by politics? As Christians, our faith can anchor our hope and reinforce our resilience. If you’re looking for a way to dispel despair and channel your values, the Episcopal Church can light the way.
The Episcopal Church advocates for its public policy priorities to the U.S. government through its Office of Government Relations (OGR) and the Episcopal Public Policy Network. These organizations work in tandem to influence policy and legislation on critical issues and positions based on General Convention and Executive Council resolutions that align with our values as Episcopalians and Christians.
We engage in advocacy because federal government legislation and policies affect Episcopalians, our brother and sister Anglicans around the world, and the most vulnerable among us…”
Want to continue reading, click here: https://edsd.org/news/the-antidote-for-political-overwhelm/
Interfaith Bible Study – The Book of Jonah
Mother, May I? Class
Every Sunday in May, you’re invited to a special Q&A with Mother Jessie in between the services. Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask a priest, but never had the chance? Have some wonderings from your Lenten spiritual journey that you want to explore in more depth? Are you new to the Episcopal Church and are curious about some of the quirkiness in our tradition? Come ready to ask all your questions about God, church, being Episcopalian, etc. “Mother, MAY I?” is a chance to hear from Rev. Jessie and see where the conversation goes. Meet you in the music cottage with your questions!
HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE CLASS AND WANT TO SUBMIT IT FOR CONVERSATION CONSIDERATION—EMAIL REVJESSIE@STPAULSPS.ORG!
Introduction to the Enneagram: A Personality Map to Spiritual Growth Class
The class explains the nine personality types identified by the Enneagram, a dynamic tool for self-understanding and spiritual growth with roots in the contemplative Christian tradition. The class explores the gifts and challenges of each personality type in its own particular spiritual journey to the fullness of life that Jesus models and invites us to share. The class begins with a diagnostic to help participants identify their types. Throughout the course, one-on-one sessions for type exploration will be available. Participants will use the book Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. They can purchase the book on Amazon.com or on www.enneagraminstitute.com
Towards a Fuller Gospel: Illuminating Scripture to Inspire Change
EDSD Class on Zoom, Tuesdays in May.
Towards A Fuller Gospel is a dynamic virtual speaker series highlighting the voices of racially diverse clergy as they illuminate scripture through the lens of their lived experiences, cultural perspectives, and/or the stories of the communities that formed them. Over the course of four weeks, faith leaders from across the Episcopal Church will model how race, identity, culture and community shape and expand the ways we understand and apply sacred texts today.
Whether you’re a faith leader, scholar, or seeker, this series invites us to engage deeply with scripture in ways that challenge, inspire, and transform.
When: 6:30-7:30 PM May 6, 13, 20 & 27
Where: Zoom (participants will receive a link after registering)
Featured speakers: The Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Brokenleg; The Rev. Canon Eric McIntosh; The Rev. Ryan Macias; The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers.
Register here: https://edsd.org/news/toward-a-fuller-gospel/
Putting Faith into Action: Using Christian Faith to Navigate Difficult Times Class
We are living through a challenging chapter of the American story in which the history of our country is being called into question, many of our cherished freedoms are at risk of being compromised, and the very fabric of our society is threatened. What can we do to fight back against the forces that divide our nation and weaken its democracy? As Christians we have a not-so-secret weapon, our faith in Jesus Christ. Episcopalians have come to understand this faith according to the “three-legged stool” of Anglicanism which attempts to balance Scripture, Tradition, and reason/experience as the sources of faith. In this class we will examine Christian faith from the perspectives of progressive theology and psychology, discussing ways in which it could be brought to bear on the controversies surrounding immigration, racism, sexual orientation/identity, health care, and economic inequality. Class members will also have the opportunity to put faith into action concerning these issues. This class will meet in the library.
Parish Hall Refresh Weekly Update
May 15, 2025
Do you want to help? If you would like to contribute to defray the costs of the Parish Hall or Library Refresh in addition to your stewardship pledge, please contact one of the wardens: alex.c.christensen@gmail.com or john.raposa1@gmail.com
Click to view full-size
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
June Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on June 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Music Cottage on the church campus. For June, Book Club has selected Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. Steppenwolf is a poetical self-portrait of a man who felt himself to be half-human and half-wolf. This Faust-like and magical story is evidence of Hesse’s searching philosophy and extraordinary sense of humanity as he tells of the humanization of a middle-aged misanthrope. Yet his novel can also be seen as a plea for rigorous self-examination and an indictment of the intellectual hypocrisy of the period.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
St. Paul’s Hiking Group – Historic Redlands Walking Tour
Saturday August 9, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Escape the desert heat with a pleasant morning walk through Old Redlands, California, “City of Millionaires,” one of Southern California’s most quaint and picturesque towns. About 2.5 miles, easy walk with sun and shade, good for all ages. More details as the date approaches.
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:
- Simply click on the banner at the top of this email and you will be able to fill out the survey.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do NOT click any button asking you to complete another, different survey. It’s probably a marketing survey from Survey Monkey.
- 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!
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 York, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, who is the acting Archbishop of Canterbury. Pray for The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East, The Most Reverend Hosam Elias Naoum, President Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, The Right Reverend José A. McLoughlin, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the clergy and people of St. Matthew’s, National City; for the richness and diverse cultures in the church and the essential role of intercultural dialogue and development.
For those commended to our prayers: Bonnie Ong, Karen Telles, Marcia Francois & Carmen Valles, Aaron Riviers, Daniel Schmidt, Andrew Herbach, Geri Rosato, Vivian Dortch, Nicolas Ropac, Austin & Lindsey Baker, Meredith Baker, Payton Baker, Landon Baker, Leslee Lafrantz Carolyn Thoma, Jeff Bonnell, Jim Bowe, Arlene & Phil, Sally Fullerton, Chrystal Gonzalez, Dora Caballero, Julie Galperon, Dan Anderson, Brian Thompson, Harry Lit, RC Eckert, Gaile Eckert, Cheryl Kelley, Tish & Eliott Kahn, Hap Blaisdell, Terry Fabian, 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: Leo Withers, Dennis Telles, Mary Ann Glass, Marilyn Williams, 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: May 20: Joseph Casazza & Rev. Frank Dunn; May 22: Rose Coslett & Allan Coe.
For those with birthdays: May 18: Ben Palmer; May 19: Steve Moore; May 20: Robert Hettinger, Jane Thomas; May 21: Jennifer Moreno; May 22: Jo Anne Adair, Paul Olingy; May 24: Vern Marken.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Christopher Nance, in loving memory of Bob Yeargan, on his birthday (May 15), AND BY Marcus & Jessica Scott, in loving memory of their daughter, Kyara Scott. The Flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Alan Glass & Chuck Peery, in thanksgiving for the 95th birthday of Mary Ann Glass (today – May 18).
“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
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 May 25, The Sixth Sunday of Easter.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Sunday, May 18 – 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Services – Easter V
- Sunday, May 18 – 9:15-10:00 AM – Mother May I? – Q & A with Rev. Jessie – Music Cottage
- Sunday, May 18 – 9:15-10:15 – Faith in Action Class – Library
- Sunday, May 18 – 12:15 PM – Finance Committee Meeting – Library
- Tuesday, May 20 – 1:00 PM – Mercy Ministry Meeting – Library
- Tuesday, May 20 – 6:30 PM – Towards A Fuller Gospel – Online
- Wednesday, May 21 – 4:00 PM – HR Committee
- Wednesday, May 21 – 4:00-5:30 PM – Introduction to the Enneagram Class – Library
- Wednesday, May 21 – 6:00 PM – Mid-Week Eucharist – Come and Rest – Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija Farewell Mass
- Wednesday, May 21 – 6:30 PM – Exec Committee Meeting
- Thursday, May 22 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Interfaith Bible Study – The Book of Jonah – Library
- Thursday, May 22 – 5:45 PM – Choir – In the Church
- Saturday, May 24 – 2:00 PM – Interfaith Gathering: No Other Land Documentary – Palm Springs Cultural Center
Want to help make St. Paul’s Campus & Buildings Better?
Have you have had a moment where you were at church and you saw the same lightbulb has been out for weeks and no one has changed it? Or maybe you go to grab a railing to steady yourself and find that it’s really loose and wonder why it hasn’t been fixed? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that your pew rack is missing cards or envelopes or pens and you are reminded that no one can fill them unless someone knows they are empty?
We have a BRAND-NEW tool that anyone can use to help us make sure the campus is safe, stocked, and ready for worship and other campus activities! Welcome to the NEW St. Paul’s Maintenance/Repair Request Form found online. If YOU see something that needs repairing, cleaning, sprucing-up, etc. on St. Paul’s campus, this is THE way to ensure that we know about it. Scan the QR code below OR click on the Building & Grounds Maintenance/Repair Request Form. You will be able to fill out the form in real time, which will allow our sexton to address those issues and/or the Campus Care Committee to address any major campus issues. Help us stay organized and prioritized!
If you see something that needs repairing, cleaning, sprucing-up, etc. St. Paul’s campus, this is THE way to ensure that we know about it. Scan below to reach our Building & Grounds Maintenance/Repair Request Form.
Annual Meeting Recap & Impact Report
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.
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.
Red Cards
Click to enlarge the images.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s Info on Reporting Misconduct
Intake Officers:
Ms. Megan Callan, megan@mecallan.com
The Rev. Willy Crespo, frcrespo@gmail.com
Ms. Meredith Hardy, mlh8180@gmail.com
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego considers the reporting and investigation of misconduct to be of critical importance. Reporting enables the diocese to protect the complainant, the respondent, and the larger community. It also allows the diocese to assist with the spiritual, psychological, and emotional needs of all concerned during and after the report of misconduct. Please visit edsd.org/safe-church-safe-communities/reporting-misconduct/
