The Abundant Life – June 19, 2025 – Newsletter Archives

For Sunday June 22, 2025

Episcopal Public Policy Advocacy and Awareness Campaign: Summer 2025

In May, a group of our clergy, including both active and retired persons, spent a day examining how we might best support our siblings who call St. Paul in the Desert home during this time when the witness of Christians in support of democracy is urgent and critical. Out of our discernment came a decision. During the summer months in each issue of The Abundant Life, we will spotlight a specific issue which is a part of The Episcopal Church’s ministry of advocacy growing out of positions taken by our triennial General Conventions or made by our national Executive Council.

The aim of our “Campaign for Advocacy Awareness” is to learn:

What advocacy means
Why advocating for justice is an essential Christian practice
What The Episcopal Church in the United States (“the national Church”) is doing to advocate for creation care; racial reconciliation; ending poverty; migration, refugees, and immigration; and human rights and peace-building
How we as a parish, as small groups, and as individuals can choose wisely our witness, rooted in our Baptismal Covenant, to
- renounce evil, including the evil powers of this world that corrupt and destroy the children of God
- proclaim by word and action the Good News of God in Christ
- seek and serve Christ in all persons
- strive for peace and justice, respecting the dignity of all persons.

Translating these vows into action is answering the call to follow Jesus as our model, our exemplar, our Lord. Through even small actions, we learn with our Episcopal forebears over the centuries that we need be neither hesitant nor ashamed for advocating to extend God’s justice.

Uncover any part of the Christian Church’s history and you will find a checkerboard of good and evil, not too different from any organization, institution, or nation, nor—truth be told— any individual. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson is often quoted as saying that there is more good than evil in the world, but only by a little bit. That “little bit” is where the victory is ultimately won for the Good. You don’t have to wait to check out the Church’s resources. You can register with the Office of Government Relations to receive action alerts, prayers, advocacy resources, resources for ending Holy Land conflict, and other aids: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. Starting this Pentecost, please prayerfully consider joining us this summer in living out our baptismal covenant as we seek to co-labor with the Spirit in the world.

THIS WEEK’S ADVOCACY AREA: STAND WITH HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

In this second week of our advocacy campaign, we highlight the often-dangerous work of human rights defenders around the world. They are a courageous lot: journalists reporting truth to power, lawyers defending opponents of repressive regimes, and activists of all sorts standing up and speaking out for those whose voice is ignored or repressed.

In Malachi 6:8, the prophet declares, “He has told you, o mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” The prophet’s message resonates in our Baptismal Covenant. There we are asked, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

Please join me in writing to your Senators and Representative and taking a stand with those who, all too often, stand alone. You can do so easily by clicking Action Alerts – The Episcopal Church, selecting “Stand with Human Rights Defenders,” and completing the simple form available there. You can also customize the ready-made message provided by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations.

In solidarity,
The Rev. David Norgard, D. Min.

Interfaith Prayer Vigil at St. Paul’s—June 25 at 6PM

Peace, Justice, and Mercy Ministries had a FULL Year!

What used to be known as “Social Justice Ministry” has undergone deep discernment in the last few years to broaden the scope of outreach with some intentional focus. In the past, “Social Justice Ministry” primarily served to distribute sundries and clothing to guests at the Well once a month, and the leaders of this did an incredible pivot to share ALL of our supplies with folks in LA after the fires a few months ago while the parish hall got its much-needed makeover.

Since early January, the ministry (which had been doing this work of discernment for a few years), really spent time with anyone from the church and with a consultant, to work on focusing on four very distinct areas under the wider ministry title umbrella: PEACE, JUSTICE, AND MERCY MINISTRIES. The four areas are: RACIAL JUSTICE, LGBTQ+, LATINO, AND MERCY.

Over the past year, each ministry area, represented by its leaders at the Peace, Justice, Mercy quarterly leadership team meetings, prayed and set goals around discernment. Here are the goals which were set, most of which were accomplished. Some of the goals needed to change as realities on the ground impacted them. Others were left undone for next year. But nearly all of them were achieved in some shape or fashion. The ministries are looking forward to what is next!

Racial Justice

SMART GOALS set in September 2024

Offer Sacred Ground course in Fall 2024 and January 2025
Work to re-imagine the “Welcome to the Table” grant proposal by the end of 2024, including developing and implementing an “Antiracism Listening Circle” by Spring of 2025 (pushed back to 2025-2026 due to emotional space needed after the Section 14 settlement and the fact that the grant is no longer offered by the national church)
Engage with at least 1 local organization to explore possible partnership on at least 1 program aligned with the Racial Justice Ministry within the next 12 months (Green Room Theater)

Outcomes From the Discernment Retreat in March 2025:

In the end, we desire to bring people of different backgrounds together (race, gender, different economic backgrounds) to form and build relationships with each other

Next Steps:

Start Welcome to the Table Listening Circles—for Section 14 Survivors interact with parishioners from St. Paul’s. The methodology of these groups could expand to other demographic groups
Advocacy—listen for opportunities out of the Table discussions
Offer a “prequel” to the Sacred Ground training—read the book Waking up White together
Connect with other organizations that do racial justice work in the area—what needs are there? How could St. Paul’s fit in?
MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth events—keep those externally focused and host other groups
More involvement from parishioners in the annual Black History Parade?
Look into offering arts-focused events focused on racial justice (theater or films or……..)
Offer Sacred Ground training in the broader community—at other houses or worship? Or with nonprofits?
Look into LARK Training from the Diocese and see how that fits together with what St. Paul’s is doing
Connect with groups serving people of color in the area to see if there are material needs that St. Paul’s could help to meet

Mercy Ministry

SMART GOALS set in September 2024

Continue monthly clothing distribution at St. Paul’s, exploring alternating venues (i.e. UMC, Border Compassion, or a multi-organization “clothing fair”, etc.) from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025 (stopped in January 2025 due to parish hall renovation – goods were donated to victims of the LA County fires)
Continue to support Laundry Love on a bi-monthly basis through December 2025 (instead of sponsoring 6 events per year (one every two months as originally planned) we ended up sponsoring all 12 and taking over responsibility for running Laundry Love from St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church).
Mercy Ministry to engage with at least 1 local organization to explore possible partnership on at least 1 program within the next 12 months (Martha’s Village – Navigation Center; Mizell Center – Senior Ministry).
Determine feasibility of implementation of a quarterly shower service at St. Paul during the lunch-time meal service by Spring 2025 (due to suspension of the lunch-time meal service, this goal pivoted – at the other lunch-time meal locations there are showers offered and St. Paul’s is looking into washing the towels used at the monthly Laundry Love events).

Outcomes From the Discernment Retreat in March 2025:

A barrier to moving out of poverty is removed—clean clothes are needed for job interviews, going to school, other activities
Clean clothes help improve health and make a more positive outlook possible
People in need feel included in the larger community and they feel hopeful
The broader community learns that financial support for laundry services is needed by some people
Nonprofits are on-site to inform Laundry Love participants about other services—so participants can sign up for other resources they need
Community residents realize that they can come together and create a grassroots social safety net, always present even when government funding is cut.

Next Steps

Connect with the city about Martha’s Village Shelter (Advocacy)

–lower the bar for entry so more people can be admitted to the program?

–find out how the currently unused (new) kitchen can be utilized

–ask about why volunteers can’t participate now and can that be changed

Connect with the Mizell Center about possible outreach to seniors (Relational ministry)

–find out about loneliness among seniors and their need for connection

–What do seniors need?

–How can St. Paul’s participate? Look for a relational ministry opportunity in particular.

Sundries ministry–(Hands-on, distributing items)

–talk to nonprofits that are meeting basic needs in Palm Springs and ask them what kinds of items are needed. Could be something else other than sundries

–find a new partner that is giving away food or providing services where St. Paul’s could distribute sundries (UMC Church feeding program? Laundry Love?)

–where will items be stored? (sundries and socks)

Laundry Love – discern starting a second shift per month during the daytime

LGBTQ+ Ministry

SMART GOALS set in September 2024

Establish LGBTQ+ curriculum within The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego with implementation of at least 1 course at St. Paul by the end of May 2025 (did not happen – waiting on the diocese – we hope to have some classes on LGBTQ+ topics this coming program year).
Complete 2 LGBTQ+ events for engagement of the St. Paul parishioners between November 2024 and May 2025 with at least 1 external and 1 internal event (Studio One Forever Movie Night at St. Paul’s & Info-A-Go-Go Table at the Trans Pride event)
Engage with at least 1 local organization to explore possible partnership on at least 1 program aligned with the LGBTQ+ Ministry within the next 12 months (LGBTQ Center & Transgender Wellness Center)

Outcomes From the Discernment Retreat in March 2025:

Less violence and prejudice against transgender people and more understanding and awareness of them
Make Palm Springs a safe place for transgender people
People in the broader community become transgender allies

Next Steps:

Attend the “Living Out” event on 3/25
Listen to and then build a relationship with the Trans Health and Wellness Center

–learn about who participates and which services they provide

–identify a relational ministry opportunity for St. Paul’s members

Conduct listening sessions with transgender members of St. Paul’s

–be gentle in listening, as PTSD is prevalent in this community

Attend the Trans Pride Event and Trans Day of Remembrance—do they need volunteers?
Talk to other LGBTQ Centers and DAP
Work on biases against trans people in our own parish
Ask Reverend Jessie to help assist with making connections with trans groups in Palm Springs – she has just completed some continuing education through the Transmission Ministry Collective –www.transmissionministry.com

Note: This ministry is brand new and is helping us to focus on ALL the letters of the LGBTQ+ alphabet.

Latino Ministry

SMART GOALS set in September 2024

Create a space to commemorate the Day of the Dead, including a special service on October 30^th.
Participate in a trip to the Cobina shelter in Mexicali on December 21^st with Border Compassion.
Engage with at least 1 local organization (think in the Coachella Valley) to explore possible partnership on at least 1 program aligned with the Latino Ministry within the next 12 months (TODEC – which helps with immigration rights).

Outcomes:

Immigrants obtain legal status in the U.S. and avoid getting deported
Create a welcoming environment for immigrants in Palm Springs
The broader community gains an understanding of the challenges facing immigrants
Related to group providing services at the border: immigrants are able to survive in Mexico while waiting to be processed for entry into the U.S.

Next Steps:

Reach out to the Latino community in Palm Springs to learn about how the church can help (community listening)
Fine tune the distribution of red cards and orange sheets—get legal advice?
Reach out to TODEC to learn about legal resources that are available
Find other groups in the Valley that are providing assistance to immigrants and look toward partnering with one of them (possibly instead of continuing visits to the Border)
Develop an advocacy strategy—research city/county positions/procedures on immigration first and then identify an issue where St. Paul’s could advocate
Look at adding a relational ministry opportunity—The “Read to Me” program is one idea
More film or arts events promoting awareness of issues facing immigrants?
Investigate what it would mean to become a “sanctuary” church—Diocese may have resources on this
Galilee Center has expressed a need for adult diapers

When asked what God has accomplished through you and your fellow parishioners this past year in your specific ministry area, here are a few things some of the Peace, Justice, and Mercy Ministry Leaders said:

“I really appreciated your remarks about so many people at St. Paul’s being lone wolves in how they do their thing for the church. Where I see the spirit moving is this consistent call to a better future – how can we be a better church, more of a community, more involved and supportive of each other? I think the spirit speaks through this kind of visionary thinking and prophetic call. I have no idea how we move from lone wolves to something more collaborative but I felt hope in just hearing it named. I know we’ll get there – I’m comfortable with uncertainty in the meanwhile.”—Pete Smith, Mercy Ministries

“Mercy Ministries has been busy this year. Following the closing of the Parish Hall for a remodel ,we have re-constructed our Ministry, focusing on Laundry Love and seeking partnerships with other local non-profits to help those of little or no income.”—Ray Tackett, Mercy Ministries

“This year the Latino Ministry has moved our emphasis from educating the parish on Latino customs and spirituality to finding ways to help our Latino siblings in dealing with the federal crackdown on immigrants.”—Chris Butler, Latino Ministry

“On March 30, 2025, I had the honor of being one of the recipients of the Servant Ministry Award from Bishop Susan. I was truly surprised of this honor, but without all the generous donations we received from our parishioners we would not have been able to Give with Love to Those In Need after the Pasadena Fires. You all are the Servants of God and Tony and I were the ‘drivers.’ Thank you for your generosity.”—Lena L. Granet, Mercy Ministries

“Racial Justice offered Sacred Ground Part 1 in the Fall and Spring, as well as Part 2 in the Spring. Our past grant proposal called “Welcome to the Table” was reworked and established the implementation of Antiracism Listening Circles(for Fall 2025). Our local engagement was with Green Room Theater Company to partner with a grant they received to implement in Fall 2025. We assisted a parishioner in obtaining their documentation for the Section 14 settlement. Having successfully completing our 2024 Smart Goals, we will continue for the cause of Racial Justice.”—Dr. Joy Zavarich, Racial Justice Ministry

“For me the opportunity to be purposeful and relevant is extremely important as I walk in my faith. The opportunity to show God’s love and grace for everyone is a must for me.”—Ann Grainger, Racial Justice Ministry

“The Latino Ministry Committee has investigated needs of Latino neighbors especially migrants. In Coachella, the TODEC office gives legal advice and funds to people seeking help and wanting to become citizens. St Paul in the Desert gave TODEC some funds and also some supplies were delivered to the Galilee Center. Some of our members are signing up as volunteers at the Center and they will find out more about it. Since March, over 200 ‘red cards’ have been distributed by the committee to church members to give to people who are afraid of being picked up by ICE. We also gave another 200 cards to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Indio. These cards state people’s rights both in Spanish and English. Thank you for helping us show concern for Latinos who live in fear of being deported. The committee offered a Cinco de Mayo coffee hour at church. Our June meeting had over 20 people attend so more congregants are interested in the migrant situation.”—Bonnie Stroock, Latino Ministry

“This past year’s involvement with Peace, Justice and Mercy Ministries has led me into a deeper dive into the needs of the community around St. Paul’s through observing and listening. I have visited the TODEC Center (Training Occupational Development Educating Communities) in Coachella, the Galilee Center in Mecca, Desert Aids Project in Palm Springs, Transgender Community events, and been involved with the Read with Me volunteer program. As we live out the Gospel in the upcoming year, I have a renewed sense of determined hope that St. Paul’s will plant and nurture the Kingdom of God’s peace in our Beloved Community.”—Andrew Trofka, LGBTQ+ Ministry

Lay Eucharistic Visitor Program Off To A Great Start

During the pandemic, lay eucharistic visitor ministry was suspended across the church. Finally, we have been able to bring it back. In a community like ours, with so many parishioners homebound or ill in the hospital, this vital ministry is a lifeline of support to those who cannot make it in-person to church. Livestream of church services, while important, cannot replace the relational ministry that must be a part of sacramental care.

This past Sunday, the 14 Lay Eucharistic Visitors (who underwent training from the parish and the diocese, in addition to completing Safe Church, and are licensed to do this work) met to recap their experience in the Spring of 2025 and to do some continuing education on how to build on the strong start to this ministry that has happened so far. Since February, over 34 home eucharistic visits have been made! We give thanks for those who are committed to this pastoral work and ask your continued prayers for them.

If you are interested in being put on the regular list of those receiving a eucharistic home visit, please reach out to Rev. Jessie at revjessie@stpaulsps.org.

Trinity Sunday with Deacon Cris South

On Trinity Sunday, we had to have 3 clergy serving at the altar. We give thanks for Deacon Cris, a recent transplant to the desert and a retired deacon from the Episcopal Dioceses of Hawaii and Western North Carolina, who stepped in to complete the trio. As St. Paul’s continues to discern calling a deacon to our parish (should the Bishop send us one), Deacon Cris modeled to our parish what a deacon does liturgically: carry the Gospel, read the Gospel, bid the prayers, set the table, and say the dismissal. The only thing that she didn’t do was preach, but we’re sure we’ll hear her soon.

In reflecting upon the day, she said, “There was a moment I was almost in tears today with the joy of serving with and for all of you.” There was an accident on the way to church, so at the 8AM she made it right in time, serving without an alb. That is the charism of the diaconate – pivoting at a moment’s notice with the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit, willing to step into the mess and muck of the world. When you see Deacon Cris, a regular 8AMer, please give her a hearty thanks and welcome to the Church of St. Paul in the Desert!

Parish Camping Trip

Camping at cool Idyllwild next Wednesday through Friday morning (June 25-27) has 3 spots open. Just $20 a person. See Bonnie Stroock during coffee hour or call 760-799-9336 or click on the banner above or email bcstroock@aol.com to get a map and site #’s.

Episcopal Church Immigration Updates

Join us every Tuesday at 1 pm ET for a 30-minute call on the changing landscape of U.S. immigration, refugee, and migration policy. Episcopal Migration Ministries will share updates and resources and will be joined by the Office of Government Relations and the Chief Legal Officer. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Click here to Register

Summer Prior Choir

Choir rehearsals are on hiatus for the summer. We will have a “Prior Choir” on the first Sundays the month (July 6, August 3, and September 7.) On those Sundays we meet in the choir loft at 10 to learn an easy anthem for that day’s worship. We do not robe or sit up front, and everyone is welcome. Choir rehearsals on Thursday and Sunday will resume in September. Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please contact Chuck Peery musicdirector@stpaulsps.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry

A prayer shawl is a shawl, often knitted or crocheted, created with the intention of providing comfort, solace, and a tangible expression of faith. It can be used as a physical reminder of prayer and as a source of peace and comfort for individuals in need. St. Paul’s had a thriving Prayer Shawl Ministry several years ago, but many of the members have passed away or disbanded during COVID. Barbara has had a vision to revitalize this important ministry.

Clergy bring prayer shawls with them to hospitals and homes for Eucharistic visits or unexpected emergencies or surgeries and we are almost out of them!

These shawls continue to comfort and bring peace to individuals and families, reminding them that they are connected to the larger church, that they are not forgotten, and that they are being prayed for. If you have the skill of crocheting or knitting and would like to make a prayer shawl for someone in the church, please reach out to LENA GRANET at 760-322-2179 or lorainehome@gmail.com. You can knit or crochet at home, or you can join the growing group—they WILL MEET AT LENA’S HOME ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 11AM.

Pentecost and Parish Hall Re-Opening (and Special Announcement info)!

Click the images to view full-size.

This past Sunday was a very joyful Pentecost. We said prayers from the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Mexico. We wore our best red, the color of Pentecost. We gazed at the final set of the new altar frontals and vestments. We renewed our Baptismal Covenant which calls us towards peace-making and justice-seeking in the world. We heard readings in many different languages. We sang songs in English and Spanish. We honored and thanked our Music Director, Charles Peery. Last, but not least, we reopened our new parish hall! Over 300 people showed up in the middle of a hot June morning to experience the fire of the Spirit being poured out. We are grateful for the visitation of The Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, the Canon to the Ordinary (clergyperson assigned to the Bishop to assist in executing her vision), who shared that a portion of the funding for the Parish Hall was money from the sale of St. Anthony’s in Desert Hot Springs, who closed some years ago. What a fitting place for the money to be spent, as St. Paul in the Desert also hosts the columbarium from St. Anthony’s. In addition, we thanked the many individuals involved in the refresh of the new Parish Hall (see below).

After a ribbon cutting to mark the special occasion on a red carpet, we made a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT inside the hall. Inspired by the project, several anonymous donors asked if they could help contribute to refreshing the parish hall kitchen as well! The Vestry said yes. So, the good news is we will be getting a brand-new kitchen by the end of the summer! What this means is that the hall will remain closed during the rest of that construction. This also gives time for standard operating procedures to be developed for use of the various classrooms, HVAC, kitchen, etc. Coffee hour will be held in the narthex during the warm summer months. We give thanks for all the ways that God has blessed our parish this Pentecost. Come Holy Spirit!

For additional pics, keep your eyes on St. Paul’s Instagram and Facebook pages for more updates!

July Book Club

The next Book Club meeting will be held on July 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Music Cottage on the church campus. For July, Book Club has selected Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips. In 1874, in the wake of the Civil War, erasure, trauma, and namelessness haunt civilians and veterans, renegades and wanderers, freedmen and runaways. This story is about a mother and daughter seeking refuge in the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia. It is a brilliant portrait of family endurance against all odds.

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

Hiking Group Special Summer Event!! A morning walking tour of beautiful and historic Redlands! Join us for an informative and easy 2.5 mile stroll through the quaint Victorian neighborhoods and lovely tree-lined streets of one of Southern California’s most important and best-preserved citrus boomtowns. Bring good walking shoes, a hat and some sunscreen and plenty of water. Walk starts at 8:30 sharp, takes about two hours. Stay to shop or lunch with friends, or follow special directions the scenic “back way” to the desert through rolling hills and orange groves. Detailed info and updates will follow as 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 Igreja Anglicana de Macambique e Angola, The Most Reverend Vicente Msosa, Presiding Bishop and Primate.

For the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, The Right Reverend Deon K. Johnson, Bishop.

For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the clergy and people of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs; for members of Religious Orders, especially the Society of St. Paul.

For those commended to our prayers: Michael & Nancy Zoric, Mike Brunetti, Shirley Patton, Kimie Mackey, Lucy Youngren, Lori Miller, Kristina Clark, Matthew Hempeck, Bob and Steven, Roger Parker, Lee Castillo, Roger Allen, Franklin Updike, Robby Robinson, Ramon Gueits, Ted Guice, Barb Steeves, Louise Betzler, Donald Hamilton, Mary Hamilton, Teri Whitmer, Ken Ballard, Raul Valdez, Patrick Jarvis, Wanda Carnes, Nicholas Ropac, Mary Stevenson, Marie Benjamin, Bonnie Ong, Kathryn Briski, 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: Linda Boyle Butler, Mary Crawford, Dorothy Walton, Patricia Armstrong, Calvin Moore, Princeton Vaughans, Leo Withers, Dennis Telles. 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: June 22: Marie & Jeffrey Ratnam, Rodney Dickson & Jeffry Georgianni; June 23: Sandra & George Piccardi; June 28: Roger Donnelly & Stephen Lisante, Betti & Ken Hendrickson.

For those with birthdays: June 22: Bob Edgerly; June 24: Sharon Strong, Michael Harbin; June 25: Charles Hull; June 26: Mark McMillan, Ruth Wylie; June 27: Mary Mann.

For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Rodney Dickson & Jeffry Georgianni, in thanksgiving for their anniversary (June 22).

“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 June 29, The Third Sunday after Pentecost.

June 15, Trinity Sunday.

Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s

Sunday, June 22 – 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services – Pentecost II
Sunday, June 22 – 1:00 PM – Vestry Meeting – Library
Monday, June 23 – 6:00-8:00 PM – Parables of Jesus class – Online via Zoom
Tuesday, June 24 – 1:30 PM – Daughters of the King – Music Cottage
Wednesday, June 25th – 6:00PM – Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrants, Refugees, & Asylum Seekers
Wednesday – Friday, June 25-27 – Summer Camping Trip – Idyllwild
Sunday, June 29 – 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services – Pentecost III
Tuesday, July 1 – 2:00 PM – Book Club – Music Cottage
Wednesday, July 2 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
Friday, July 4 – Independence Day Holiday – Office Closed

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.

Click here for more information:

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/