For Sunday November 16, 2025
Fabulous Allhallowtide Week
What an incredible week we’ve shared! From the All Saints’ Legacy Reception to Movie Night, Poe-try for Pride, Interfaith Shabbat, Pride Mass, and marching in both the PRIDE and Veterans’ Day Parades—it’s been a time filled with community, celebration, remembrance, conversations, smiles, and waves. We cannot thank you enough for joining us throughout this amazing week.
A special shout-out to everyone who made it possible—from prep work and set-up to leading events and clean-up. Your dedication made all the difference!
Extra thanks to Jim and Richard for creating such beauty inside our church building, and to Douglas and George for installing the stunning lights that illuminated St. Paul’s during PRIDE weekend. Every detail reflected the beauty of the people who make up this fabulous parish.
We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to Steve Moore and JESSUP Auto for sponsoring the cars for the PRIDE and Veterans’ Day Parades. Your continued partnership means so much to us!
Here’s to many more weeks of joy and connection together!
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52nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
This past weekend was the 52nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and was held at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in San Diego proper. A diocesan convention is the annual gathering of clergy and lay representatives from every congregation within a diocese of the Episcopal Church. It is the primary legislative body at the diocesan level, somewhat like a local version of the Church’s General Convention.
During diocesan convention, delegates pray, worship, and conduct the essential business of the diocese. This includes electing leaders (such as members of diocesan councils or standing committees), approving budgets, considering resolutions, and receiving reports from ministries and committees. For instance, delegates to the General Convention are elected at the diocesan convention and important policy positions of The Episcopal Church are decided at that national meeting held every three years. In fact, all the public policy positions that were shared during the Advocacy Campaign this past summer by the retired clergy of our parish were from official resolutions voted on at the General Convention.
Some conventions also include workshops, presentations, and opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. This year’s convention included workshops on the 1,700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed, with a panel composed of Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran experts on the subject. It also included a workshop on Faithful Advocacy in Local, State, and National Contexts led by Alan Yarborough who is on staff with the Office of Government Relations: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/
These were great follow-ups to the adult formation classes we did on the Nicene Creed (Fall 2025) and Civil Discourse (Fall 2024) – in fact, Alan was one of the people in the videos for that 2024 class we held before the last election!
The diocesan convention matters deeply because it is where the collective voice of the diocese is heard. As a diocese spread out from San Diego to Yuma County, Arizona, the convention is an important chance for folks from the sea to the desert to find their shared concerns and develop relationships. It’s a time when decisions are made about mission priorities, financial stewardship, and responses to local and wider church concerns. Through prayerful deliberation, the convention helps set the vision and direction for ministry in the coming year. Most importantly, diocesan convention embodies the Episcopal tradition of shared governance—clergy and laypeople working together, guided by the Holy Spirit, to discern God’s call for their region. It reminds us that we are not isolated parishes, but members of a wider body, journeying together in faith and service.
“Aside from the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with clergy and laity from across the diocese, I was especially inspired by The Right Reverend Susan Brown Snook’s year-in-review of accomplishments. One highlight that stood out was the major transformation at St. Luke’s North Park, particularly because of St. Paul’s historical connection to that parish.
St. Paul’s once provided financial support to this former mission church and its ministry, and seeing how far they’ve come is truly encouraging. It’s a powerful reminder of how our shared efforts continue to bear fruit in the life of the diocese.” — Ed Walsh
“Hearing about the Diocese’s real estate projects—innovative affordable housing funded by grants and other sources on parish-owned land—was inspiring. These efforts provide a much-needed and scarce commodity: housing.
Attending the conference is always a great experience. It’s an opportunity to meet other senior wardens, vestry members, and ministry leaders, hear what they’re doing, and, in some cases, have people tell me how much they’ve heard about St. Paul’s and what we’ve accomplished. That always makes me smile and reminds me that we truly are one of the leaders in the Diocese.” Alex Christensen — Senior Warden
“Firstly, the workshop led by Alan from our Church’s Washington DC office was very informative; how we are collectively navigating through legislation within the constraints of our current administration.Next, participating in the voting of Clergy & Lay people was a very interesting process.Lastly, it was wonderful to spend time with, and get to know better, my fellow Conventioners. It was quite gratifying.” — Alex Cherkas
“A highlight for me was the passage of the resolution supporting the election of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.” — Andrew Johnson
We are so proud of one of our teenagers who was a youth delegate to Diocesan Convention: Julian Carr. Julian was baptized at the Easter Vigil in 2024 and has been an integral part of St. Paul’s ministry ever since. Most weeks you can find him as part of the Production Team, helping to make sure our live streamed services get into the homes of those who are homebound, in the hospital, or traveling. This year, Julian has joined the Diocesan Youth Council and is preparing to participate in the Province VIII Youth Pilgrimage to Hawaii. Members of the delegation will represent our diocese as they gather with students from Hawaii, Taiwan, Arizona, Navajoland, Utah, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Idaho. As part of the pilgrimage, the teenagers will be exploring stories of community through two different lenses: the indigenous community of Hawaii and their history of immigration. The delegation will also bring immigration stories from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Stay posted for ways to support Julian as he fundraises for this important milestone in his spiritual journey.
Next year’s convention is scheduled for early November 2026 at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Poway (a suburb of San Diego). At our annual meeting in early 2026, we will vote on delegates to represent our parish at that convention. Might God be calling you to this important ministry? If so, please reach out to our Sr. Warden, Alex Christensen, who will be able to direct you on next steps for getting on the ballot.
DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2025: RECAP Bishop’s Address
[embedyt]https://youtu.be/t_tBtnUmjdk[/embedyt]
More details about the Convention:
DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2025: RECAP
Join us TODAY, Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM for a special screening of Will & Harper, a 2024 documentary directed by Josh Greenbaum. The film follows actor Will Ferrell and his longtime friend, writer Harper Steele, on a 17-day road trip across the U.S. after Harper’s gender transition. Through humor, honesty, and deep friendship, the film invites viewers into a journey of discovery, acceptance, and love.
Sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Ministry
Followed by a discussion panel led by the Co-Rectors.
Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM
SAGUARO ROOM — PARISH HALL
Patio Parties
What are Patio Parties?
Patio Parties are a one-time two-hour gathering at a parishioner’s house, whereby the Co-Rectors lead an energetic and exciting conversation around matters in the church. This year we will discuss 1) the Parish Hall; 2) Mission & Ministry (Outreach/Community Advocacy); and 3) A Third Weekend Worship Service.
The host home provides drinks, and you can bring snacks and great ideas to share! Whether you’ve been a member for 55 years or only recently begun to call St. Paul your spiritual home, YOU are invited. In fact, we need your voice and ideas. Patio Parties are a great chance to meet new people, and this year there’s a few new surprises you won’t want to miss!
Flower Ministry Kicks off Monday, Nov. 17th!
Each Sunday we offer beautiful flowers to the glory of God in worship, adorning our chancel and narthex. These flowers need a second life after services! YOU are invited to show up each Monday, beginning November 17th, at 9AM to join with others in taking apart the flower arrangement and putting them into simple bouquets and small vases and delivering them to homebound parishioners and assisted living facilities. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate SMALL vases or jam jars (glass or plastic) in the marked basket near the Welcome Table.
- Show up on any Monday at 9AM (Nov. 17th and after) and help arrange flowers in the sacristy.
- Show up on any Monday at 9AM (Nov. 17th and after) and get a few arrangements and Flower Cards with parishioners’ addresses and deliver to home! (Easy drop offs at the door or left on the porch.)
- Pray for those delivering flowers, that they might offer and receive Christ in those deliveries.
- Reach out to our Flower Ministry Coordinator, Natalie Ousley, and let her know you’re interested (njousley@yahoo.com).
Office Holiday Open House – Mark Your Calendars!
December Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on December 9, 2025, at 2 PM before the SP Office Christmas Party The meeting will be held in the Music Cottage on the church campus. The Book Club pick for December is Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov, translated by Boris Dralyuk. Set in war-torn little Starhorodivka, Ukraine, beekeeper Sergeyich cares for his bees amid conflict and shortages, encountering different groups while his actions bring both respect and risk.
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.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS FULL, BUT PLEASE SHOW UP EARLY TO REGISTER IN PERSON.
Section 14 organization to mark settlement anniversary with summit
- The Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors organization will host a community summit Nov. 15 marking one year since the city of Palm Springs and survivors and descendants of Section 14 reached a $27 million reparative justice settlement addressing racially motivated displacement and property destruction.
- The free summit, titled “Healing, Accountability, and Moving Forward,” will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Paul in the Desert Church and include workshops on racial healing and trauma recovery, a town hall on the settlement’s implementation, and an interfaith service at 3 p.m. Registration is encouraged at this site.
- Bottom line: The settlement, announced in 2024, represents one of the largest municipal reparative justice agreements in U.S. history. “What was accomplished in Palm Springs has had ripple effects throughout the state of California and the nation,” said Areva Martin, lead counsel for the group.This story originally appeared in the Nov. 4 edition of the Daily Briefing from The Palm Springs Post.
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.
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.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate; pray for the Episcopal / Anglican Province of Alexandria, The Most Reverend Dr. Samy Shehata, Archbishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande: The Right Reverend Michael Buerkel Hunn, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for Clergy and people of St. Brigid’s in Oceanside, for musicians and those that bring art into our lives.
For those commended to our prayers: Rev. Dan Kline, Mary Eckert, Michael Jardula, Teresa Slowik, Natalie Ousley, Mark Pamperin, Bruce McLean, David, Smith, Greg, 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: Ethan Heitman, 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 anniversaries: November 22: Sandra Shaw & Bruce Blauvelt
For those with birthdays: November 16: Michael Howard; November 18: Roger Donnelly, Charles Morrison; November 19:Claire McCleery, November 22: Rev. Canon Anthony Jewiss, Carmen Vasquez.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Jesse Martel, in loving memory of his husband, Marshall Martel, on the first anniversary of his passing.
“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 23, The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, November 17 – 2:00 PM – UNCLOBBER Bible Verses Class — Saguaro Room — Parish Hall
- Tuesday, November 18 – 9AM-12PM – Safe Church Training (In-Person) — In the Church
- Tuesday, November 18 – 1PM – Worship Committee — Parish Library
- Tuesday, November 18 – 6PM-9PM — Patio Party
- Wednesday, November 19 – 10AM-12PM – Zoom Patio Party
- Wednesday, November 19 – 4PM — HR Committee
- Wednesday, November 19 – 5:30PM — Laundry Love
- Wednesday, November 19 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist. Come and rest.
- Wednesday, November 19 – 6:30 PM – Exec Committee
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.
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/
Red Cards
Click to enlarge the images.
