For Sunday November 2, 2025
Legacy Society Spotlight: Lena & John Granet
John and Lena Granet come from different religious traditions but are both well-grounded in their Christian spirituality.
In his youth, John’s family exposed him to diverse religious cultures, including the Eastern Orthodox Church and Judaism. John says he also found The Episcopal Church particularly alluring. “I was especially drawn to the music and the Book of Common Prayer.” Over time, John said he has grown to favor the “Anglo Catholic” tradition within the Episcopal Church. Lena was raised in a devout Roman Catholic environment. Eventually, their paths crossed, and a close friendship developed. John and Lena soon uncovered a shared, deep trust in God and a strong commitment to social justice. John introduced Lena to The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, and they were ultimately married at St. Paul’s. Together, they made a strong and lasting commitment to the mission of the Church.
John is a gifted musician and composer. Over the years, he has generously shared the fruits of his talents with St. Paul’s. Lena is a tireless social justice volunteer, contributing countless hours to causes benefiting the less fortunate – in Palm Springs, and beyond. Why are they so dedicated to the mission of St. Paul’s? Lena explains, “We love the Church because it is so welcoming, so “real.” We also love our Co-rectors, and we find our fellow parishioners to be kind, worldly, cultured – people who have conscience. They live Christianity.”
John and Lena want to see this manifestation of Christian devotion at St. Paul’s continue – ad infinitum. When the Legacy Society was first introduced at St. Paul’s, just a few years ago, John and Lena knew they had a great opportunity to invest in their vision for the future of the Parish. They had always been committed to leaving a financial gift to the Church, to carry on their work after them. But they worried about how to do it. The Legacy Society was their answer. “We realized we now had a stable, established option that would serve our intended purposes.” For them, the Legacy Society helped to simplify their long-term planning. Lena and John find solace knowing their commitment to St. Paul’s Legacy Society will help fulfill the Church mission for the benefit of future generations.
The mission of the Legacy Society of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert is to empower the life and mission of the Church through planned giving, so future generations will experience the abundant love of Jesus Christ.
To learn more please reach out to: The Office of Communications & Events at communications@stpaulsps.org
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Welcome Back Sunday Was a Hit!
This past Sunday, our whole parish came together for Welcome Back Sunday, and what a day it was!
We kicked things off with a beautiful service that set the tone for the season ahead. After worship, everyone headed over to the Ministry Fair, where tables were buzzing with energy and ideas. It was amazing to see all the ways people can get involved and share their gifts.
Then came the potluck in our newly refreshed Parish Hall—and wow, did it look great! The food was incredible, and the conversations even better. It was the perfect chance to catch up, laugh, and enjoy being together again.
A huge thank you to every team and volunteer who made this day happen—from planning and setup to cooking and cleanup. You made it special, and we’re so grateful!
Here’s to a season full of connection and community. We can’t wait to see you at the next event!
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Many Thanks to Orin Ellingson, St. Paul’s Volunteer Registrar as He Retires
This past Sunday at Welcome Back, we shared with the church that Orin Ellingson, the Volunteer Registrar at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert is “retiring.” Orin has been a steady presence in the front office for almost two decades! His care and service to this community have been a bridge, serving under the last rector (who was here for 30 years), throughout the interim period between rectors, THROUGH a pandemic, and into the first four years of the new co-rectors’ ministry. Orin has diligently kept parish records, managed all aspects of church membership transfers, updated addresses and Giving Numbers, input data for Record of Services for The Episcopal Church, contributed immensely to the completion of Parochial Reports each year, maintained the church wide prayer lists, served as weekly cash counter, served as chairperson of the Legacy Society Steering Committee, managed mass mailings, served as parish contact for the Palm Springs Historical Society, assisted with bulletin stuffing and mail, and so many more miscellaneous office tasks. He has stepped in to help in any way that has arisen to support the flow and needs of the office. And he has done all of this with grace, steadiness, integrity, and joy.
Orin has discerned that this is a good time to “retire” from this position and finally just BE a parishioner. (Perhaps with the addition of two new staff, he knows the office is now in good hands and he doesn’t have to worry.) In this last month, Orin has graciously helped onboard these staff with the knowledge he has about the systems he’s managed. He has generously given of his time and presence to make sure things run smoothly.
With his last day in the office today, Thursday, October 30th, Orin can now attend church events and just enjoy being part of the community of faith. This means that he is available for you to invite him out to eat or meet up! If you’d like to offer words of gratitude for Orin’s gift of service, we invite you to email him on his personal email or send cards to his home address, which can be found in the church directory OR to mail cards to the front office and we will make sure he receives them.
We thank God for Orin and his selfless time serving this community. We know his impact is wide-reaching and will have a lasting impact.
“New Beginnings”
Musings with Maya Angelou
“As summer comes to a close, we’re reminded of the beauty in endings that lead to new beginnings. Just as the seasons turn, we too can release what no longer serves us and step boldly into what lies ahead. Here’s to carrying lessons forward, letting go with grace, and welcoming tomorrow with open hearts.”
To the Co-rectors and the entire community of St. Paul in the Desert,
I announce my “retirement” as a Parish Office volunteer, effective October 30, 2025. After that date, I will no longer be working in the office, nor will I continue serving on the committees and work groups to which I’ve been assigned. I am looking forward to living into a different relationship with the church, foremost as a Parishioner – a member of the congregation – no longer immersed in the day-to-day, organizational business of the Parish. As much as I will miss all that, I’ve decided it’s time for a change.
I began my volunteer journey at St. Paul in the Desert almost 20 years ago, and it has been an incredible experience for me, every step of the way. I’ve worked with some truly wonderful people – both church staff, and volunteers like me – and have benefitted immensely from those work relationships. I know how blessed I’ve been to be a part of the Parish Office team for so long.
I would like to thank everyone I’ve interacted with over these years, for helping to make my journey so meaningful. Now, it’s time for me to pursue my New Beginnings.
With best regards,
Orin
Children’s Ministry Hosts Halloween Craft Day at Victoria Park
The Children’s Ministry recently sponsored a Halloween craft-making activity at Victoria Park in Palm Springs as a way to connect with our neighbors and explore opportunities for outreach to children and families in our community.
Families at the park were enthusiastic participants, joining us to create festive Halloween masks and decorate pumpkins. Face painting was a big hit, and our “Box City” activity—led by Sunday School teacher Gail Heitman—sparked creativity as kids decorated and arranged boxes into imaginative structures.
Throughout the afternoon, we had meaningful conversations with parents and shared written information about who we are and why we’re doing this. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many families expressed appreciation for this type of activity, noting that they often lack the financial means to take their children to commercial play spaces. One mom even asked if we could host something like this every Saturday!
These are baby steps toward building trust and relationships by meeting families where they are. As we continue to connect, we hope to welcome them into our parish hall for future activities.
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Join St. Paul in the Desert for Palm Springs PRIDE & Veterans’ Day Parade!
We’re excited to march together in two meaningful events this November! Come show your support and celebrate community, inclusion, and service.
- Palm Springs PRIDE Parade – Sunday, November 9
- Veterans’ Day Parade – Tuesday, November 11
Everyone is welcome to walk with us! Click on the graphics above to sign up and be part of these joyful and powerful moments.
Let’s make a statement—together.
BEARING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS AMID THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Read Bishop Susan’s MessageHelp Needed for November 16 Anthem
Our Director of Music is looking for 2–4 volunteers who can read music well enough to play small percussion instruments (such as maracas or castanets) during the anthem on Sunday, November 16.
If you’re comfortable reading music and would like to help, please reach out directly to Charles Peery at musicdirector@stpaulsps.org
Vision Forum 2025
Vestry Interest Form
November Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 2 PM. (Meeting delayed for 1 week for November 4 election.) The meeting will be held in the Music Cottage on the church campus. For November Book Club has selected The Royal Secret by Lucinda Riley. In this suspenseful and heart-pounding novel, an ambitious young journalist unravels a dangerous mystery that threatens to devastate the British monarchy. Keeping secrets is a dangerous game.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com.
Save the date—SAFE CHURCH Training In-Person at St. Paul’s on Nov. 18th!
In-Person Safe Church Training
November 18, 2025
9am-noon
The Church of St. Paul in the Desert, 125 West El Alameda, Palm Springs, CA 92262
“Safe Church Safe Communities” training is required by the Episcopal Church every three years. In our commitment to support as many people as possible in accessing the training, we have begun offering in-person training in addition to the training offered online. This in-person training meets the needs of those who are challenged by technology, or who would benefit from participating in community. Participants will receive training on ethical and theological expectations placed on church workers/volunteers, the impact of misconduct, and the Church’s commitment to creating spaces where individuals and families are secure and valued. Safe Church, Safe Communities training is required for all volunteer and employment positions throughout the diocese. It is the Church’s responsibility to ensure safety, integrity, and trust within its community.
In order to complete all the necessary aspects of the training and receive a certificate, you must attend the full training.
Register Here
Join the Production Team at St. Paul!
We’re building a team—and we need you!
Have you ever thought about joining the Production Team here at St. Paul in the Desert? Do you have skills in live-streaming, sound, or photography? Maybe you have experience or ideas that could help us grow and expand our team.
If so, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Jonathan at communications@stpaulsps.org to learn more or get involved.
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 Reverend Dan, at revdan@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, The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate; pray for the Church of the Province of West Africa, The Most Reverend Doctor Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Archbishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas: The Right Reverend James Scott Mayer, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for the faculty and students of the West Coast Collaborative; for the Clergy, Delegates, and official youth presence at the 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention; for our nation’s elections and all elected officials.
For those commended to our prayers: Michael Neill, Sherry Reynolds, Jud Hoiseth, Tony & Pat Ellerd, Natalie Ousley, Vicky Boaz & Marty Turner, David Faull, Jessica Rodriguez, Crystal Gonzalez, Julia Anne Galperen, Troy Elder, Forest Irons, Reuben Hernnadez, Shaun Water, Patricia Valtier-Medina, René (Reno) Valtier, Rodney Binder, Sam Grewal & Family, Gabriel Georgia, Michael L. Marguet, Benjamin Carrillo, Jerry Brown, Fergus, Joan Anderson, Harry Lit, Lori Miller, Lucy Youngren, Bonnie Ong, RC Eckert, Gaile Eckert, Cheryl Kelley, Tish & Eliott Kahn, Hap Blaisdell, Terry Fabian, Pat, David Valenzuela, Chloe Grace Wilson Barton; pray for all those for whom no prayers have been said.
For those who have died: Bernward Boecker, Michael Fights, Mary Helen Kelly, Shirley Patton, Richard Klinkerman, Ben Clark, Gloria Stevens, Amy Kidder, Dan Anderson, Virginia Roberts, Robert Jay Williams, Johathan Relerford, Arthur Binns. 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 departed rest in peace. Amen.
For those celebrating their anniversary: November 5: Wesley Henry & Adam Swinney.
For those with birthdays: November 2: Marilyn Sigerman, John Ellis, Ernesto De Leon; November 3: Bruce Blauvelt, Rev. Deborah Seles; November 5: Valerie Winters, Rosendo Perez; November 7: Mark Berry; November 8: Christopher Nance.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Doug Thompson, in thanksgiving for, and in celebration of Rev. Deb Seles’ birthday (November 3), AND BY Ramon Gueits, in loving memory of McLeamon Legg.
“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 November 9, The Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, November 3 – 2:00 PM – UNCLOBBER Bible Verses Class — Saguaro Room — Parish Hall
- Wednesday, November 5 – 12:00 PM – Día De Los Muertos service – Memorial Garden
- Wednesday, November 5 – 2:00 PM – Men’s Bereavement Group
- Wednesday, November 5 – 6:00 PM – All Souls’ (transferred) Requiem Mass – Memorial Garden
- Wednesday, November 5 – 7:00 PM – All Souls’ reception sponsored by The Legacy Society – Parish Hall
- Thursday, November 6 – 3:30 PM – Interfaith Bible Study — Yucca room — Parish Hall
- Thursday, November 6 – 4:00-8:00 PM – Poetry for PRIDE – Parish Library
- Thursday, November 6 – 5:45 PM – Choir Practice — Choir Loft
- Thursday, November 6 – 6:00 PM – CoCo – The Movie – Memorial Garden (Sponsored by the Latino Ministry)
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
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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/
