For Sunday December 21, 2025
Blue Christmas Interfaith Service
December 21 – 6pm
This is St. Paul’s Fifth year offering a Blue Christmas/Longest Night Interfaith Service. You might wonder what this service is. The Diocese offered a brief article on it with a good explanation:
“As the holiday season unfolds around us, with twinkling lights, joyous carols, and bustling festivities, many of us carry a quieter reality. For some, the holidays can feel like a long and dark season—a time when grief, loneliness, or struggles weigh heavier against the backdrop of celebration. For those who find the holiday season difficult, Blue Christmas services are a tender and reflective gathering where we bring pain, struggles, and hopes, finding solace in the promise of Christ. A Blue Christmas service acknowledges that not all hearts are merry and bright this time of year. It is a service of lament and healing that offers comfort and peace to those burdened by life’s many challenges.
The season of Advent is all about the expectation of coming joy, but for many, this waiting feels inauthentic. Perhaps they are grieving the loss of a loved one, facing the reality of a difficult diagnosis, or experiencing economic struggles. Maybe they are overwhelmed by the weight of the world’s injustices or isolated from loved ones. Blue Christmas provides a time to bring these realities to the altar, to name the weight we carry, and to lay them before God.
For me, sitting in a quiet sanctuary, surrounded by others who are also carrying burdens, I feel relief. The holiday season can be especially taxing emotionally, financially, and, at times, physically. This is the power of Blue Christmas; it is church for the weary, a place where the light of Christ shines warmly, even in the darkest night.
The Rev. Nina Bacas, Rector of St. Barholmew’s in Poway, said, “Not everyone can find joy at Christmas time. It’s difficult terrain for those who have suffered from loss, mental health crises, addiction, or other hardships. In response, the church invites all to come to the Blue Christmas Eucharist, where there is no need to mask feelings for the sake of social norms. Blue Christmas is a safe, peaceful space to experience Christ’s healing, acceptance, and love as we remember our losses and release our burdens to God.”
The readings, prayers, and hymns of a Blue Christmas reorient us toward the heart of the Christmas message. As we light candles in the darkness, we remember that Jesus came into a world much like ours—filled with suffering, division, and longing—and brought light, peace, and love. This service reminds us that God is not distant from our struggles but walks with us in them, offering healing and renewal.
For our neighbors, our parishioners, and even ourselves, Blue Christmas is a gift. It reminds us that even on the longest night, the light of Christ is never extinguished. It assures us that our pain is seen, our struggles matter, and our hope is secure in the Christ who came to live among us….”
At St. Paul, we offer this service with our Interfaith neighbors, as we know the common human experience of grief and challenges are experiences not separated by faith traditions or belief systems. Our Blue Christmas service is an invitation to show up and be in tender community together.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services
Pink Sunday Recap
Last Sunday was truly one for the books! As we wait for the announcement of our 2026 pledge in-gathering goal, we donned our finest pink liturgical attire and shared in two beautiful services. Together, we wrote down our gratitudes and prayers for St. Paul’s and offered them at the altar. We officially welcomed 15 new members into our parish family—and then we toasted it all during the Pink Coffee Hour.
Dear Church, it is a joy and a privilege to share in the life and ministry of this place with you. May we continue to keep our hearts open to where the Spirit is inviting us to participate as St. Paul’s steps into this new year!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent in pictures from this special day.
Special thanks to Music Director Charles Peery and the St. Paul’s Choir for elevating our worship through song and anthem, to Jim DeMersman for baking and frosting 150 cupcakes, and to Ed Walsh for providing the champagne and cider.
Click for full size!
🎄 Help Decorate the Church for Christmas!
🎄 IT’S TIMMMME! We’re decorating the church for Christmas this Sunday, December 21 at 12PM, led by Michael Painter. Come share your holiday spirit and help make the church beautiful for the season!
Preparing for the Co-Rectors’ 2027 Sabbatical
The Sabbatical Committee is excited to share that we are actively preparing for the 2027 sabbatical of our Co-Rectors, Rev. Dan and Rev. Jessie. We do this work with deep gratitude for their faithful and tireless leadership and with a shared commitment to both their long-term well-being and the continued flourishing of our parish.
A sabbatical is an extended period of time away granted to clergy after years of service to a congregation. It is not a reward for work completed, but a sacred and necessary practice that allows clergy to rest, renew, and return with fresh vision, energy, and strength.
Rev. Dan and Rev. Jessie have guided St. Paul’s through a season of extraordinary growth, spiritual deepening, and expanded outreach ministry. Their wisdom, dedication, and devotion have been a profound blessing to both this congregation and the wider community.
The committee is preparing an application for a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant, a highly competitive grant that supports clergy sabbaticals and—importantly—invites congregations into their own season of renewal. From Lilly’s perspective, a sabbatical is a holy time not only for clergy, but also for the parish: a season to deepen shared ministry, strengthen lay leadership, and trust in the vitality of the whole body of Christ.
Recently, parishioners participated in a Listening Session, offering prayerful reflection on hopes and dreams for this sabbatical season. Their voices are already shaping the sabbatical vision and will continue to guide the committee’s work.
In the months ahead, the Sabbatical Committee will continue working with the Co-Rectors and parish leadership to refine the sabbatical theme and discern meaningful ways for the entire congregation to engage during this important time.
This is truly a moment of abundant life—honoring faithful leadership, strengthening shared ministry, and preparing well in advance for a season of rest and renewal in 2027. We are grateful for your prayers, your wisdom, and your ongoing participation as this joyful work unfolds.
Please reach out with any questions or reflections to me, Marian Stinson+ at marianstinson58@gmail.com.
Here are a few moments from those who attended the Sabbatical Listening Session this week:
“I’m excited to be included in the process of planning for the Co-Rectors’ Sabbatical in 2027. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us, as a church, to share our gratitude for them and all they do. It’s also a special time in the life of the church as both they, and we can pursue our own Sabbatical goals of rest, renewal, and joy.”—Patty
“In 2027 the Parish will be concluding its first five-year strategic plan, which could present the congregation with a unique opportunity to use sabbatical time to critically evaluate the successes and shortcomings of this plan. In the same manner, looking prospectively this could be a time of preliminary discernment for the next five year strategic plan.”—John
“I had the chance to share thoughts on my experiences as a parishioner at St Pauls as part of a planning process for the Co-Revs sabbatical in 2027. I really enjoyed the conversation with other members of the church and we all felt that our parish is a special place that is growing, dynamic, and continually focused on achieving the goals of its strategic plan.”—Dusty
“I’m glad we’re starting to plan & prepare now for the 2027 sabbaticals so everything will go as smoothly as possible during that time. Everyone needs to do their part & get onboard & work together as a team so it’s a win for the Revs & a win for the whole church community.”—Nancy
“It was a blessing to be part of the discernment for our beloved Co-Rectors sabbatical in 2027. Our love and desire to care for their well-being and that of our parish was evident in the conversations we had today.”—Kathy
LGBTQ+ Ministry Builds Ecumenical Bridges
This past week members of the LGBTQ+ Ministry and the local Roman Catholic parishes’ Gifted and Called Ministry (their LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group) met to discuss a collaborative Lenten project for 2026. We give thanks for the opportunity to advocate for full LGBTQ+ inclusion in every church. Stay tuned for this important project as more details will be forthcoming in the new year!
Parish Hall Kitchen Renovation Update as of Dec. 18
Here a few items to note this week on the progress of Kitchen Renovation:
- Extensive electrical work continues.
- Appliances, sinks, plumbing fixtures and tables have been ordered, with deliveries expected in early to mid-January.
- Flooring has been ordered.
Immediately following the unveiling of the refreshed Parish Hall on Pentecost, the Kitchen Task Force appointed by the Vestry began work on preparing the Parish’s permit application to fully renovate the Kitchen. Although small, our Kitchen is treated as a commercial kitchen for local (Palm Springs Municipal Code) and state (California Building Code) requirements, essentially as if we were a restaurant. These requirements are extensive and complicated and necessitated the engagement of specialists and engineers in design and drafting, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical/energy, and structural/building. We worked with these specialists and engineers throughout the summer crafting an application that we believed met all code requirements, which was submitted on August 29, although the City did not put it “in process” until mid-September.
Four City agencies had to sign off on our application before a permit was issued: Planning Department, Health Department, Fire Department and Building Department. Each of these departments has purview over a piece of the various city and state requirements for commercial kitchens. We worked with these departments throughout the autumn, modifying and clarifying our permit application as each mandated. These discussions were extensive and laborious, and the process was oftentimes frustrating, as responsiveness is not a key attribute of local governance. Our permit was finally issued on Nov. 21, the Friday before Thanksgiving. Plumbing work began immediately the following Monday.
Work is now occurring six days a week (Monday-Saturday) excluding holidays and when liturgical events happen on Saturdays (such as funerals). Demolition of the Kitchen was completed earlier this week. Our refrigeration appliances have been given a new lease on life by being donated to The Galilee Center that serves the needs of the underprivileged and disadvantaged by providing food, clothing, and other basic necessities. Extensive plumbing and electrical work are underway. We expect that the new kitchen appliances, sinks, tables etc. will be ordered next week and delivered shortly after the New Year. Flooring should also be ordered next week. As a condition of permit approval, we will have to install a new electrical service to the Parish Hall. This work will begin presently and requires trenching from the south side of the Music Cottage to the west side of the Parish Hall. The grassy area including the jungle gym will be closed off during this work which is expected to take about two weeks due to required Edison and City inspections, although it could stretch on a bit longer because of the fast approaching Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The project timeline is approximately 16 weeks from permit issuance, with a targeted completion by the bishop’s annual visitation on Laetare Sunday, March 15.
Click to view full size!
Parish Office Hours
The parish office will be closed from Christmas Eve through January 2, though Sunday services will continue at 8 AM and 10:30 AM on December 28 and January 4. All check and cash donations must be received in the plate by Sunday, December 28 to count for the 2025 tax year. Online and digital offerings may be made through December 31, as well as any other donations postmarked before the end of the year.
Please reach out to Nancy Leal, our Parish Administrator, at parishad@stpaulsps.org or 760-320-7488, with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your generosity!
The Feast of Epiphany
Upcoming Classes
Skills for Facing Adversity Through Psychological & Spiritual Awareness
In today’s stressful political climate, prayer and meditation can help us reconnect with peace and joy. Within that openness, we can explore how witnessing cruelty and scapegoating impacts our own wounds—and begin the work of healing
Mondays at 3:30 PM
Jan 5, 12, 19, 26
Yucca Room — Parish Hall
Led by Grace Jill Schireson
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life
A six-session program exploring aging as a season of growth and purpose. Through discussion, prayer practices, and creative expression, participants deepen spirituality, build community, and discern God’s ongoing call.
Wednesdays at 4 PM
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11
Yucca Room — Parish Hall
Led by The Rev. Dale Carr
Celebrating Our Differences — Workshop
Join us as we explore how many of us have a preference on how we collect information about the world, how we make a decision on what to do with that information, whether we like to drill down to a decision or look for more possibilities, and if we are energized for life by thoughts, concepts, and ideas, or persons, places, and things.
Saturday, Jan 10 at 9AM —12PM
Yucca Room — Parish Hall
Led by The Rev. Mark Spaulding
Baking in Community
Join us for a fun, hands-on baking class where we’ll create delicious treats, share a meal, and build community. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Everyone leaves with something they’ve made.
Saturday, Jan 10 at 9AM —12PM
Location — TBD
Led by Pete Smith
Journey to Confirmation
Are you ready to explore faith with curiosity and openness?
Whether you’re asking deep questions, drawn to the beauty of Anglican worship, returning after time away, or simply wondering what baptism, confirmation, or reaffirmation mean, this is for you.
Journey to Confirmation offers a thoughtful, supportive space for anyone seeking to learn about Christianity and how we live it in the Episcopal Church. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey—longtime believer, hesitant seeker, or first-time explorer—you are welcome here.
Kickoff Potluck
Sunday, Jan 11
Following the 10:30AM service
Confirmation Classes
Jan 18, Feb 1, 8, 15, & 22
March 1 & 8
Yucca Room — Parish Hall
Following the Star: Coffee & Conversation with the Co-Rectors on Our Third Weekend Service
During Epiphany, we remember seekers who followed God’s leading toward something new.
Join the Co-Rectors for a conversation about the developing third weekend service. In this season of insight and illumination, come learn about its shape, time, liturgical style, and the needs it might meet in our growing parish.
Sundays at 9:15 AM
Jan 11 & 18
Saguaro Room — Parish Hall
Led by The Rev. Dan Kline &
The Rev. Jessie Thompson
So I Send You: A Discipleship Study Based on the 7 Signs in the Gospel of John
This study invites us to explore the seven signs in the Gospel of John as markers of God’s kingdom breaking into our world. Through these signs, we discover that even small acts of faith can transform lives. This study helps us discern our unique call as disciples—bringing Christ’s light into every encounter. Together, we reflect on hospitality, pray for healing, embrace wholeness, seek abundance, face fear, examine intent, and deepen our faith as we go forth to continue Jesus’ work.
Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
Jan 13, 20 & 27
Feb 3, 10, 17, & 24
Yucca Room — Parish Hall
Led by The Rev. Dcn. Cris South
New Online Bible Course on the Hebrew Scriptures … for Smarties!
You’ve heard of The Bible for Dummies. Now, introducing The Bible … for Smarties! A chance to explore and learn about the Bible without dumbing it down. Going beyond your typical Bible Study, this seminar will be a university-level academic class focused on Nurturing Students towards a Nuanced, Critical Interpretation and Sophisticated Understanding of the Texts of the Bible. Dr. David Moseley will be the Instructor for this upcoming online offering in the Spring — a 12-week class on Hebrew Scriptures 2 (focusing on the Prophetic Literature and the miscellaneous Writings that include Poetry, Wisdom and Philosophy, Inspirational Stories and Apocalypse), starting on Monday 12th January 2026.
*** All Classes meet on Zoom on Monday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m. *** Classes are recorded and can be accessed if you miss any of the *live* discussions. For more information, click on this LINK which includes all you need to know about the material we will be covering, the schedule, and registering for the class. Scholarships are available – please inquire. And please feel free to email Dr. Moseley (drdavidmoseley@gmail.com) with any questions.
Flower Ministry
- Donate SMALL vases or jam jars (glass or plastic) in the marked basket near the Welcome Table.
- Show up on any Monday at 9AM and help arrange flowers in the sacristy.
- Show up on any Monday at 9AM 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).
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 $105 for each altar flower sponsorship (or $75 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 Anglican Church of Burundi, The Most Reverend Sixbert Macumi, Archbishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana: The Right Reverend Jacob W. Owensby, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Doctor Susan Brown Snook, Bishop; for clergy and people of Church of St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs, and for those experiencing homelessness and those who journey at their side.
For those commended to our prayers: Katie Walsh, Rev. Gary Bradley, Michael Neill, Tellez Family, Kevin Lee, Aaron Riviers, Gerardo Reynoso, Anika Burke, Nesbit Hatch & Dennis Rexroad, Don Moore, Adrienne, George, Bridgette Oliver, Nicole, Beverly Schafer, Bob Blum, Steven Pilgrim, Marysia, Francis, Marty, Raysheen Kidd, Douglas Woodmansee, Terry Garrity, Chris Migdol, Michael Himelright, Sandy Lyons, Matt Shepherd, Bob Carter, Samuel Panarella, Mary Eckert, Michael Jardula, Teresa Slowik, Natalie Ousley, Mark Pamperin, Bruce McLean, Greg, Sherry Reynolds, Jud Hoiseth, Tony & Pat Ellerd, Vicky Boaz & Marty Turner, David Faull, Jessica Rodriguez, Crystal Gonzalez, Julia Anne Galperen, Troy Elder, Reuben Hernnadez, Shaun Water, Patricia Valtier-Medina, René (Reno) Valtier, Rodney Binder, Sam Grewal & Family, Gabriel Georgia, Benjamin Carrillo, Jerry Brown, Fergus, Joan Anderson, Harry Lit, Lori Miller, Lucy Youngren, Bonnie Ong, RC Eckert, Gaile Eckert, 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: Hugh Curtis, Samuel Pineda, Rev. Tom Callard, Cecily, Jackie Smart, Robert Menifee, Chuck Coursey, Michael Marguet, John Alex Houlton, Brian Emmanuel, Denni Bogert Russell, Michael Cohen, Mark Carnavale, Ron Withrow, Ethan Heitman. 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: December 23: Rick Gooch & Gary Smith December 26: Michael Funke & Rick Roberts.
For those with birthdays: December 22: Greg Barton, December 24: Tyrus Brown, Linda Richard,
December 27: Rev. William Hardwick
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Sunday’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Gary Hiatt in memory of Fred Ross, AND by Rick Gooch and Gary Smith in thanksgiving of their 42nd Anniversary.
“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 revdan@stpaulsps.org. The weekly print deadline is Wednesday noon.
For next Sunday’s Lectionary readings, go to www.lectionarypage.net and click on December 28, The First Sunday after Christmas
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.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
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Sunday, December 21 — 12:00 PM — Decorating the Church for Christmas — In the Church
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Sunday, December 21 — 6:00 PM — Interfaith Blue Christmas Service — In the Church
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Wednesday, December 24 — 4:00 PM — Christmas Eve Family Service — In the Church
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Wednesday, December 24 — 11:00 PM — Christmas Eve Midnight Mass — In the Church
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Thursday, December 25 — 10:30 AM — Christmas Day Service — In the Church
TODEC Update
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
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