The Abundant Life – September 19, 2024

Security (Grant) THIS 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!

A Year in Music at St. Paul: A Note from the Director of Music

It was about this time last year when the music program at St. Paul’s changed dramatically in terms of personnel and funding. At the very end of that transition period, I was hired and began playing on October 15. More than playing, I was responsible for choosing hymns and service music. In the Episcopal church, musicians serve at the pleasure of the clergy, so I am happily part of a shared vision for the direction of the music program that began with the dreams and desires of our Rectors. Their vision involved diversity of styles, a wide range of music sung by the congregation, and attempting to begin a volunteer choir.

To that end, we have sung about 300 hymns in the span of the year, with only two or three of them repeated. Music is chosen to coordinate with the Lectionary and with any special emphases requested by the Rectors. Just under ten percent of our hymns have been from sources other than the Hymnal 1982, such as multicultural hymns, folk songs, and spirituals. During the short Christmas season we sang or heard over 25 different carols. This summer we experimented with a new Gloria and Sanctus each month during July, August, and September. We presently have just over 20 choir folders assigned to people who have volunteered to sing.

I am constantly impressed and gratified by the singing of the congregation. I have learned that even if something is not familiar, worshippers give it their all. In case you don’t know, this is a rare and precious gift that not all congregations enjoy.

I have also been so grateful for the volunteer musicians who have stepped up with such competence and good spirits. We have a great time preparing music to share.

Ever heard someone say, “This is why we can’t have nice things” ? It’s usually applied in some sort of unfortunate circumstance. I’d like to flip that flippant remark to “This is why we CAN have nice things,” because the people of St. Paul share their musical gifts so generously.

We’re about to start the Fall schedule of choir rehearsals again. Won’t you consider supporting the music program through your participation? You can sing with us, you can pray for us, you can consider increasing your pledge as a tangible way to support music. Help us continue to grow, to improve, and to “have nice things!”

Chuck Peery
Director of Music

Save the date!

Bishop Susan will be Consecrating the Newly Constructed West Wing Colonnade Columbarium in a simple outdoor service on Tuesday, October 8^th at 10:00 AM. AFTER this date, members may contact the front office to purchase a niche (no contracts will be signed until after October 8). You are invited to this special service.

Thank you to those who gathered to pray with/for Section 14 survivors and descendants

Chris Tumilty, the diocesan Director of Communications, came in from San Diego last week to see St. Paul’s parishioners in action, advocating for the dignity of every human being, as we connect our liberation to the liberation of our neighbors. He wrote an article about it for the diocesan newsletter, and you can read it here: https://edsd.org/news/neighbors-in-need-the-church-of-st-paul-in-the-desert-stands-with-section-14/

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.

St. Paul’s Mercy Ministries

Mercy Ministries needs donations of sustainable wearable walking shoes sizes 9-11 both for men and women. At this time no more clothes are needed. We will begin our monthly distribution of sundries for our visitors at the Well on Wednesday, September 25^th.

If you’d like to help set up, serve, or tear down for this distribution, please call Lena at 760-656-0575 or Ray at 503-689-7361

Election Online Prayer Service with Bishop Susan Brown Snook

Are you looking for a way to come together in prayer for our nation during the election season? Join Bishop Susan on October 1 at 6:20 p.m. for a special prayer service as we pray for justice, peace, and wisdom in this important time. All are welcome.

For more info and the Zoom link: https://edsd.org/event/election-online-prayer-service-with-bishop-susan-brown-snook/

October Book Club

The next Book Club meeting will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in St. Paul’s Parish Hall Conference Room. For October, Book Club has selected Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Setting: Warwickshire, England in the 1580s. A woman and her husband settle in Henley Street, Stratford, and have three children. The boy, Hamnet, dies in 1596, aged eleven. This novel is a brilliant reimagining of a marriage, family, and a boy.

New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com

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

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 The Church of North India (United), The Most Reverend Bijay Kumar Nayak, Moderator and Bishop.

For the Episcopal Diocese of Virgin Islands, The Right Reverend Rafael Morales Maldonado, Bishop Advisor.

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. Timothy’s, San Diego; for our diocesan clergy as they gather for Clergy Conference.

For those in the path of fire and for all First Responders – Almighty God, who is our strength and our refuge; be with those who are besieged by fire, guide those who evacuate so that they may find care and comfort in a safe place; protect their homes and their pets, their neighbors and their friends, so that they may return home to a loving community. Sustain those who respond when wildfires roar, keep them safe from harm and hold them in your sheltering embrace so that they may complete these burdensome tasks, return home to their families, and keep the lives and homes of all they protect safe from harm, in the loving name of Jesus, who gave his life for all. Amen.

For those commended to our prayers: Steve F., Chet H., Bonnie, The people of Springfield, OH, Diane Miller, Peter, Kevin Lee, Willie Hubbard, Matthew Martini, Kirsten Taylor, Aileen, Inez Taylor, Terri Miller-Steele & Laurie Miller, Kathryn Briski, Kevin Phua, Harry, Paula Davis, Jim Franklin, Patricia, Dixi Tegard, Cheryl Balkin, Ann Nauman, 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,  Tish & Eliott Kahn, 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: Jesse Cruz, Jake Campbell, Richard Linyard, Janice Curry, A.J. Miller, Karl Jacobson, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Penny Lyons, Jenny Mobley, Cecilia Jackson, and “For the repose of the soul of Jonathan (Jack) Warren Cornell.” Rest eternal grant to these, your servants, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.

For those celebrating anniversaries: September 22: Larry Garrett & Ralph Ortiz; September 24: Andy Johnson & Robby Robinson; September 27: Christine Patterson & Laurent Dellac, Joan & Mick Dawson; September 28: Donald Owen & Jeffrey Tucker.

For those with birthdays: September 23: Thomas Sweeney; September 24: Edwin Clock, Frank Stahl, Roland Lampela, Richard Kiker; September 25: Jessica Scott, Daniel Drinan, Gordie Berry; September 27: Leith Chandrasena, Roberto Carrillo, Noe Cruz; September 28: Robert Moon, Matthew Hampson, Randy Hoepfner.

For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Robby Robinson & Andy Johnson, in thanksgiving for their 31^st Anniversary (September 24), AND BY Alex Escudero, in loving memory of his parents, Carlos & Maria Teresa. The flowers adorning the Narthex today are sponsored by Teri Whitmer, in loving memory of her son, Kelvin Marcel Whitmer, and to honor his birthday, September 21.

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 29, The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Covid Care at St. Paul’s

The latest strain of the COVID-19 virus is spreading in Southern California. St. Paul’s is a particularly vulnerable population, and we all want to make sure we are doing our part in keeping each other safe.

First and foremost, if you are feeling even slightly sick (even if you think it’s just allergies), please stay home. We have an incredible livestream for our 10:30AM service, so if you miss 1 week in-person you can still participate online. It’s a small price to pay to keep your fellow parishioners safe.

Second, we will continue holding our coffee hour outside for better air ventilation.

Third, consider masking when in smaller groups in classes or other meetings on campus where rooms can get crowded and air ventilation is not ideal. We know that we are all tired of masking, but it’s an easy way to protect yourself and others.

Finally, in consultation with your physician, check to see if you are a good candidate for the latest vaccine. Let’s stop the spread together!

Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s

• Sunday, September 22 – Following the 10:30 Service – Choir rehearsal in the Parish Hall
• Wednesday, September 25 – Mercy Ministries monthly distribution of clothing and sundries
• Tuesday, October 1 – 2:00 PM – Book Club – “Hamnet” – Parish Hall Conference room
• Tuesday, October 8 – Bishop’s Consecration of new West Wing Colonnade Columbarium
• Thursday, October 17 – 6:30 PM – Movie Night! – “The Sound of Music” (sing along) – Parish Hall Theater
• Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 AM-1:00 PM – Eucharistic Visitor Training

Save The Dates!

The Feast of St. Francis – Sunday, October 6 – Bring your pet to the outdoor 8:00 AM service or have them blessed at a special service for the animals later in the afternoon. You are invited to bring pictures of deceased pets for our “pet altar” at both services.

Welcome Back Sunday – Sunday, October 13 – We’ll have ONE service together at 9:30 AM, followed by a potluck brunch and Ministry Fair.

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!

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