For Sunday September 1, 2024
Special Class on Sundays in September
Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse
No matter how far apart two sides are, there are effective strategies to bring people together. Starting Sunday September 8th and running through the remaining Sundays in September, join us in the library from 9AM-10AM for “Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse.” Designed by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and its Department of Faith Formation, the class was created to help Episcopalians understand how to use civil discourse to bridge partisan divides that keep us from moving forward. It provides tools for us to learn from one another ahead of the Nov. 5 general election and beyond.
Click Here To Learn More About This Course
Click Here To Register For This Course
Parish Life Circle Supper Ministry 2024-2025
Last Day To Sign-Up is Sunday, September 1st!
“Circle Suppers” are gatherings of small groups of parishioners (usually no more than 10-12) who meet monthly to socialize – typically while sharing a meal. These “Suppers” often take place in members’ homes or local restaurants – but can happen anywhere that’s comfortable and conducive to relaxed conversation. Circle Supper gatherings have no assigned reading and no prescribed (or proscribed) topics of conversation. They are all about building friendships across a large parish where many people, new and old, see their fellow parishioners rarely, or not at all. The goal is to nurture friendships and have fun. Please pass the word to any of your friends and family who may want to join – full time residents and snowbirds alike.
Registration for this season’s Circle Supper program will be available on-line only and everyone who wants to join, both past participants and newcomers, must register. You may do so anytime between now and September 1. Click on the Circle Supper banner below or this link to sign up.
Mark your calendars for the Circle Supper kickoff event on Thursday, September 19 at 6:00 PM.
Like to sing? Consider Joining Our Summer Prior Choir
This Sunday, September 1st is the last Prior Choir for the Summer!
On Sunday September 1st we are inviting you to be part of our Prior Choir, which will meet a half hour before the service (10 AM). We will sing an easy anthem during the service. This activity is open to anyone who is interested and willing to try it. You, your children, your grandchildren can all sing with us if you foresee that working.
We will not wear robes or sit in the Chancel for the whole service. You’ll come up at the Peace, sing the Offertory, and return to your pews. It won’t be Bach or Beethoven, but it will be designed more for your success and enjoyment. This musical gift will add to the service and give everyone a fun opportunity to sing with us!
Latino Ministry is gearing up for a great year!
Latino Ministry members gathered this week for a meal and some planning for the upcoming year. Lots planned, but for now, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 15th, where with the Daughters of the King, a special coffee hour will be planned after services.
Fall Choir Rehearsals
Choir rehearsals will start for the season after the postlude on September 22! We will use the schedule we have been using this past year: Sundays after the 10:30 AM postlude for 30-45 minutes, and Thursdays at 5:45 PM for 45-60 minutes. Singers choose which time is best for them. There is no expectation that you’ll attend both rehearsals, but you are certainly welcome to do so if you choose.
Our first Sunday to sing in worship will be Welcome Back Sunday on October 13 (one morning service that day at 9:30 AM.) Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please contact Chuck Peery musicdirector@stpaulsps.org
September Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall Conference room. For September, Book Club has selected The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. Sam Hill was born with red pupils, he was called “Sam Hell” by his classmates. Forty years later, Sam reflects on the tragedy that causes him to turn his back on his friends and his hometown. Sam embarks on a journey that will bring into view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Online Workshop: Vote Faithfully: Episcopalians Engaging the U.S. Election
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:00pm EDT (10:00AM PST)
Join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry with guests from across the church exploring the meaning behind voting from a theological perspective that centers this civic action as one expression of caring for one another and God’s creation. Our panelists will offer framing for healthy, faith-based civic engagement from the theoretical to the tangible, including addressing why it is important for Episcopal churches to leverage our resources to help our broader communities vote.
In an election full of increasing pressures—disinformation, the risk of political violence, disenfranchisement, environmental concerns, and more—come learn how to navigate challenges while remaining focused in our preparations to cast our votes in this fall’s election. Our panelists will provide an engaging discussion and direct attendees to resources that can help you encourage your parishioners and community to vote faithfully.
Panelists Include:
- Michael Curry – Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church; New York, New York
- Willie Bennett – Senior Congregational Engagement Officer, Episcopal Health Foundation; Houston, Texas
- Joyce Statz – Health and Justice Advocacy Network (HJAN), St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church; Austin, Texas
- Amy Coultas – Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky
- Alan Yarborough – Church Relations Officer, Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations; Washington, District of Columbia (moderator)
Security (Grant) Sunday! September 22nd!
Did you know that St. Paul received a $200,000 grant from the State of California to strengthen and secure the campus to make it a safer place? We have been thrilled with the Security Grant Team, who have overseen the completion of this grant over the past two years. They have put in hours and hours to ensure the best use of the funds has been utilized. And they are ready to unveil it to the parish!
Join us this Sunday, where you’ll hear firsthand about the details of the grant and its impact on the campus. After BOTH 8AM and 10:30AM services, you are invited to stick around and hear from the team and take a tour of the campus. This is a Sunday you won’t want to miss!
Diocesan Eucharistic Visitor Training at St. Paul on Saturday, October 19!
On Saturday, October 19th from 9AM – 1PM, St. Paul’s will be hosting the first in-person Eucharistic Visitor Training in many years! We are excited about this offering and thrilled that the Diocese is coming to us. This is a special ministry of bringing Eucharist to homebound or hospital-bound parishioners. If you are looking for a great way to serve, you might be called to this ministry. If you are already trained as a LEV, you are invited to this training to sharpen your skills and help support others.
If you are interested in learning more, please click on the link here: https://edsd.org/event/lay-eucharistic-visitor-training-2/ and talk with one of the Revs prior to registering.
You are the perfect person to join Altar Guild!
Altar service provides valuable assistance to clergy and the congregation throughout our worship. We are currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Altar Guild. These “behind the scenes” Altar Guild volunteers perform the myriad tasks required to prepare the Altar for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. They are also responsible for the proper disposition of Eucharistic elements, linens and utensils/vessels following the Celebration.
Whether you are new to St. Paul or a long-term parishioner wanting to experience congregational worship on a different level, please consider joining this important ministry. It is a fun way for you to meet new people and learn more about worship.
If you would like to volunteer for Altar Guild or learn more about it, please contact either of the Altar Ministry Co-chairs, Kathy Kilmer (kmkcc@aol.com) or Br. John Westaway (brjohncharles@gmail.com) or chat with one of the Co-Rectors.
New Online Bible Course … 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 course-offering which will be the first in a two-year cycle of classes covering the whole Bible in four semester classes. This fall, there will be a 12-week class on Christian Scriptures 1 (focused on the Historical Jesus and his World as portrayed in the Four Gospels ), starting on Monday 9th September.
For more information (including scholarships available), email Dr. Moseley (drdavidmoseley@gmail.com). Video Recordings of all the classes from Hebrew Scriptures 1 and 2, Christian Scriptures 2, and a preliminary short course on Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation), are also available.
Dr. Moseley has had over 50 parishioners from the Diocese of San Diego and beyond participate in his different course offerings over the last two years since launching this online teaching endeavor. He’d love to open this opportunity to learn to parishioners at St. Paul’s!
St. Paul’s Mercy Ministries
St. Paul’s Mercy Ministries (formally Social Justice) is taking a “Summer Hiatus” as it is too hot to set up a sundries table. In light of this, please refrain from bringing clothes or other items to the church. INSTEAD, stock up on those items and keep them in your car, and be ready to hand them out when you see someone who needs something. Sunblock, hats/visors, and cool water are great resources to have on hand.
Thanks for all your support in this great ministry! WE’LL SEE YOU IN THE FALL!
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.
New? Moved? Updated your info? Birthday/Anniversary?
We are finalizing the Church Directory Updated Addendum and want to make sure your info is in there! If you want to make sure we have your email or phone or home updated, please call the Church Office or email our Registrar, Orin Ellingson, at registrar@stpaulsps.org with that information. ALSO, if you want your birthday and/or anniversary added to our weekly prayer list, please let us know! Thanks for helping us stay connected.
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
Fresh flowers at the altar honor God and add to the beauty of our worship. We are in need of altar flowers for several special celebratory Sundays coming up, including the Bishop’s visit! 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 is suggested.
Prayers of the Church
For the Anglican Communion, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for Igreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola (the Anglican Church in Mozambique and Angola), The Most Reverend Carlos Simao Matsinhe, Presiding Bishop and Primate.
For the Episcopal Diocese of New York, The Right Reverend Matthew F. Heyd, Bishop.
For the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook, Bishop of San Diego; for the clergy and people of St. Luke’s, San Diego; for Diocesan Institutions & Organizations – The Bishop’s School, Episcopal Community Services, RefugeeNet, Vida Joven, St. Paul’s Senior Services, and Camp Stevens.
For those commended to our prayers: Ann Nauman, Dixi Tegard, Cheryl Balkin, Fanny Levy, Harry Nussbaum, Ruth Coleman, Eva Wilson, R. Gene Wilson, Jimmy Faye Johnson, The Kovitz Family, Crystal Caballero, Julie Galperon, Jessica Rodriguez, Dora Caballero, Maddie Johnston, Janet Elder, Ken Smithler, Dawn Alvarado, Jim Weigert, Robert Ravnikar, Paula Herrera, Bob Blum, Steven Pilgrim, Tony McEwing, Eliott & Tish Kahn, Karl Jacobson, Clayton Goehring, Megan W., Howard Cecil, Lynda Nolan (Nina), Gale Brawley, Roger Allen, Br. John Westaway, Hap Blaisdell, 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: Penny Lyons, Jenny Mobley, Cecilia Jackson, Greg Gowdy, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
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 with birthdays: September 2: Jeffrey Tucker; September 3: Br. John Westaway, Steven Holston, Leilah Mendivil; September 4: Patricia Lutgen; September 6: David Olsen, Jeffry Georgianni.
For those celebrating anniversaries: September 1: Mary & Roy Seger; September 2: Diane & Andy Jessup; September 7: Janet & Gilbert Mendoza.
Today’s Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God.
“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 September September 8, The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, September 2 – Labor Day – Parish Office Closed
- Tuesday, September 3 – 1:00 PM – Stewardship Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, September 3 – 2:00 PM – Book Club – Parish Hall Conference Room
- Wednesday, September 4 – 6:00 PM – Mid-week Eucharist – Come and rest
- Thursday, September 5 – 1:00 PM – Campus Care meeting – Library
- Saturday, September 7 – 2:00 PM – Movie Night Sponsors Orientation – Parish Hall
- Sunday, September 8 – Sunday School – Season Kickoff
- Thursday, September 12 – 6:30 PM – Latino Ministry monthly meeting – Library
- Sunday, September 15 – Coffee Hour following services (shared with DOK) – Mexican Independence Day
- Thursday, September 19 – 6:00 PM – Circle Supper – new season kickoff event – Parish Hall
- Sunday, September 22 – Security Grant Sunday – Join us for a status update of our Security upgrades
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.
