For Sunday October 27, 2024
All Hollowtide
You are invited this Sunday, October 27, to our All Saints’ services (remember that we move All Saints’ up a week due to Pride). At both our 8AM and our 10:30AM services, we will be having a baptism—join us in praying for Terry Fabian and Billy Stevens who are preparing for this sacrament. At the services, we will be providing a chance in the Eucharist to say aloud the names of our departed loved ones. After each service, we will be processing at the end of the service to our outdoor altar where the Latino Ministry has set up an ofrenda for us to put up pictures or names of our beloved deceased. We want to invite you to bring a copy (not an original!) of any pictures of your loved ones to put on the altar.
Then on Wednesday, October 30th at 12noon, we will have a Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) simple short service. This is sponsored by the Latino Ministry and will be held in our outdoor altar. Lastly, you are invited to our All Souls’ Day Requiem Mass on Wednesday, October 30th at 6PM. This is also in the outdoor memorial garden. It is a beautiful service of remembering, saying names, and we share in a candlelit Eucharist under the stars. Following this service, the Legacy Society is sponsoring a simple reception afterwards for everyone that we would love to have you attend. We will have a chance to place carnations near the niches in our columbarium, and to share in stories of Legacy.
If you know of someone who has lost someone special in the last year, this is a wonderful chance to invite them to one of these most important services. It is a way of welcoming people into community when loss and grief creates so much loneliness. You have a chance to be the welcome and comfort of God to hurting hearts.
Patio Parties!
Welcome to the fourth year of St. Paul’s Patio Parties! If you’ve never been, THIS is your year to sign up for one.
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 Future of the Parish Hall; 2) Mission & Ministry (Outreach/Community Advocacy); and 3) A Possible 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!
Our first three Patio Parties were a wonderful time of deep discussion and dreaming! We hope to see you at one of the remaining three.
SIGN-UP AS THE FIRST CLASS STARTS THIS TUESDAY THE 29TH!
Be part of healing and wholeness and justice in our parish and wider community.
SIGN-UP AS THE FIRST CLASS STARTS THIS THURSDAY THE 31ST!
Rev. Dan and Rabbi David are back at it again with this dynamic interfaith class.
St. Paul’s Happenings in the Last Week or So…
- On Wed. Oct. 16, St. Paul’s served at Laundry Love, an offsite service opportunity to give dignity to people by paying for loads of laundry at a local laundry mat. And on Wed. Oct. 23, the Mercy Ministries offered dignity by providing a “shopping experience” for folks to get clothes and needed sundries.
- On Thur. Oct. 17, almost 30 people (and one nun!) showed up to sing their hearts out to the “Sound of Music”! Make sure to save Sat. Nov. 16 for a special showing of “Studio One Forever” followed by a Q & A with those connected to this significant film.
- On Sat. Oct. 19, the Diocese had its first in-person Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV) training, held here at St. Paul, led by Deacon Nancy Holland and Charlette Preslar, Director of Formation. We had eight new LEVs trained (with a current LEV who came to get a refresher training)! This is a dynamic and special ministry of bringing Eucharist to homebound or hospital-bound parishioners. These eight join the seven LEVs who’ve already been trained—making 15 people trained for this most important sacramental ministry of pastoral care. Saturday was a labor of love, as trainees worked through what it means to bring one’s presence fully to a visit, and to hold space for deep listening. This will become a more significant ministry at St. Paul as we build the systems and infostructure (and a new LEV customary) under Rev. Jessie’s leadership, expanding pastoral care. Stayed tuned for this ministry to unfold!
- On Sat. Oct. 12, the Finance Committee met with ministry leaders for an important 2025 Budget Planning Day. Finance Committee met for its monthly meeting on Sun. Oct. 20, to continue work on current finances, budget planning, the on-going big project of creating a St. Paul Business Manual, and many more projects. *Not pictured is dedicated Finance Committee member Rick Nauman, who called in from New Orleans to participate.
- St. Paul’s took a gorgeous hike and enjoyed the change in season together in God’s creation on Sat. Oct. 19. Special thanks to Chris Kelly for organizing this day.
- Last Sunday, Oct. 20, we had a Newcomers’ Class and welcomed 11 new folks into getting to know St. Paul! If you see someone you haven’t met, make sure an introduce yourself to them. Stories were shared about how people found St. Paul, and what we are all looking for in a faith community. Grateful to be part of a dynamic and engaging church.
Two weddings, two funerals, and two baptisms by month’s end—we have a full sacramental life at St. Paul!
Election Day Prayer Vigil
Election Day Prayer Vigil Volunteers
Want to be a peacemaker in the middle of a difficult election season? Consider signing up to help make our parish an oasis of peace on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5).
We are looking for 2 volunteers per hour between 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM to be present in the church as we open up the doors of the church all day for quiet prayer. All you have to do is sit there, offer your own prayers, and keep an eye on things. Come help us create a contemplative atmosphere for folks to be able to bear their anxieties to God.
Sign up to volunteer for an hour here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA5AC2EA2F9C34-52071822-election#/
St. Paul Women’s “Appy Hour”
You’re invited to the second St. Paul Women’s “Appy Hour” on Monday, November 4th. Click on the banner to sign up, and directions to an offsite parishioner’s house will be emailed to you. Meet new friends and strengthen relationships with women in the parish.
Want to help at Diocesan Convention?
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego holds an Annual Diocesan Convention, and this year it is in the desert at St. Margaret’s in Palm Desert on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9.
From all three Desert Churches (St. Paul’s, St. Margaret’s, St. John’s), we are asking if you’d like to volunteer and help for part of this huge event! Set up coffee/snack bars and person-ing them, helping with registration table, set up and take down of dinner on Friday, set up and distribution of lunch boxes on Saturday, and many more opportunities.
To find out more how you can help, please contact Debby Jansma, Parish Administrator/Facilities/Membership at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 760-346-2697 x 104 or 760-219-1203 (cell) or debbyj@stmargarets.org.
Our annual Diocesan Convention is just around the corner! Bringing together clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese, Convention is a time of worship, fellowship, and important decision-making. This gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are called to go as a diocese.
Delegates will vote on resolutions, elect new leaders, and participate in discussions that shape our diocese. In addition to business sessions, there will be opportunities for learning, fun, and prayer. To help you get ready, we’ve prepared everything you need to know about the upcoming Convention. Below you can review the schedule, pre-convention hearings, resolutions, nominations, and the 2025 Diocesan Budget–all the important details are available at your fingertips.
Whether you’re attending in person or following along as a visitor online, these resources will keep you up to date on the work of the Diocesan Convention. Your participation is vital as we come together to reflect, discern, and plan how we can share Christ’s love courageously throughout our diocese and beyond.” Click here for more info: https://edsd.org/news/diocesan-convention-2024-all-you-need-to-know/
DAP Health Equity Walk
EDSD LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Summit
The Intersection of Psychology and Spirituality CLASS –Tuesdays from 3:30-5 PM in the Library—October 15, 22, 29, and November 5!
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life℠ Class
Wednesdays before Eucharist 4-5:30PM Nov 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec 11, Dec 18—led by The Rev. Dale Carr
The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life℠ is a curriculum from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, on the spirituality of aging that combines guided discussion with contemplative practices to reframe aging for persons of faith. Over six sessions, participants grapple with ageism, identify changing spiritual needs, equip themselves with new prayer practices, and engage in discernment about God’s continuing call. Rejecting stereotypical views of aging that define it in terms of a singular narrative of decline, The Path Ahead instead reveals this season of life as a time of spiritual growth and pursuit of purpose. Employing video presentations, directed discussion, contemplative practices, and the arts, the course encourages connection, builds community and promotes wellbeing.
Parish Life Event: St. Paul’s Does Disneyland!
Parishioners, family & friends, you are invited to a fun day at the “Happiest Place on Earth” on Monday, November 18th (Minnie Mouse’s Birthday)! The park opens at 8 a.m. but you can arrive whenever you want, either with St. Paul’s carpooling group, or on your own. However you get there, we will ALL meet at 11AM for a group picture (Location: At the end of Main Street and before the Castle there is a circular garden area with a statue of Walt & Mickey in the middle—we’ll meet in front of the statue). Have fun and get to know your fellow parishioners in a totally informal, fun environment.
You are responsible to purchase your own ticket (and can do so on https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/?CMP=OKC-330339_GM_DLR_destination_disneylandpark_NA). Yes, the cost varies but the one-day admission to one park is $134 & to both parks, $199. If you wish to add Lightning Lane, that will be an additional cost depending on which you choose and there is a fee for parking.
Wear your St Paul’s shirt. Carpooling is encouraged. Cars can be left in the church parking lot. (According to Waze, the group should leave at 5:30AM to arrive by the 8AM opening.) You can buy your admission ticket on-line. Please make sure to make a reservation for Nov 18. Everyone, whether you have a pass or are using a ticket, please reserve Disneyland Park.
Email Nancy Antonius to let her know you’re coming (and let her know if you’d like to carpool): nancyjantonius@gmail.com
St. Paul’s Book Club
Are you someone who enjoys reading, discussing, and talking about books? Book Club started in 2017. On the first Tuesday of each month at 2PM, folks gather in the Parish Hall Conference Room to discuss a book they have all read. Talking together is a way to build community at St. Paul’s. Meet people in a friendly, social and non-judgmental way and talk about something everyone has in common: reading the same book. The book selections are eclectic. Classics to contemporary best sellers. Most titles are secular. Book Club participants make suggestions on the selection on books to read. Each member provides their own book. Members read via paper, electronic and audio books We are mindful to make selections that are available in local libraries.
The meeting is held on the First Tuesday of each month at 2PM: Nov 12 (moved to accommodate Election Day), Dec 3, 2024. Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1, May, 6 Jun 3, 2025.
Alan Zimmerman
alanzimmerman@icloud.com
November Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM in St. Paul’s Parish Hall conference room. (Note: The regular meeting date has been changed to accommodate Election Day.) For November, Book Club has selected The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar. The discovery of the diary of Johanna Bonger, Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, reveals her influence introducing Vincent’s legacy to the world.
New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Alan Zimmerman at alanzimmerman@icloud.com
Studio One Forever
Fall Choir Rehearsals
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.
Everyone is welcome! Questions? Please contact Chuck Peery musicdirector@stpaulsps.org
Want a St. Paul’s T-shirt?
Wear your church pride and baptismal covenant at upcoming parades and community events: “We believe in the dignity of every human being.” Purchase your Church of St. Paul in the Desert T-shirt on Sundays at the Welcome Table! Shirts are $25, and can be purchased with cash or check.
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
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, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby; for the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Mark Strange, Senior Bishop and Primus.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, The Right Reverend Santosh Kumar Marray, 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. Paul’s, Yuma; for migrants and all who minister to them.
For Terry Fabian and Billy Stevens as they receive the Holy Sacrament of Baptism today.
For those commended to our prayers: Ken Smithler, Kathy Schmidt, Harry Nussbaum, Jim Bozora, Lori Miller, Terri Miller-Steele, Marie Ratnam, Vivian Dortch, Marcia P., Sandy Slauson, Jan Wacker, Marilyn, Mia Glazier, Sonny Barnard, Kelly Barnard, Ned Smith, David Mellisch, Michael Marguet, Akinyele Roberson, Justin Gammage, Yasir M. Jones, Aaliyah Roberson, Kai Roberson, Kaari Martin, Aaden Silverberg, Carol Sorenson, Richard Teng, Terry Fabian, Bailey Crain, Tarik Doggett, Dorian Roberson, Yasmine Roberson, Stephanie Jones, Elizabeth Bracken, Bonnie Green-Vicory, Tessa Taylor-Herrick, Jim Bowe, Arlene & Philip Fitzpatrick, Michael Welch, Inez Taylor, Charlene Smith, 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: Charlene Smith, Evelyn Claire, Marlene Cafferky, Anna Secrist, Roy Wiley, Timothy White, Sr., Odell Jones, Sophie Miller, Leonard Sutton, Santiago Sanchez, Anita Sanchez, Raymond Harris, Elliot Fields, John Norman, John Holland, Francisica & Louis Sanchez, Tommie Russell, Eileen Fiedler. 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 celebrating Their anniversary: October 27: Gary Price & Andrew Petras.
For those with birthdays: October 27: Rev. Dan Kline, Troy Elder, October 28: Charles Koser; October 29: David Piluso, Edd Nazelrod-Woodward; October 30: David Wallace, Kaye Ball, October 31: Warren Safley, Keeman Wong; November 1: Lucinda Hampson, Marcus Scott; November 2: Marilyn Sigerman, John Ellis, Ernesto De Leon.
For those for whom flowers have been donated: Today’s Altar Flowers are sponsored by Sharon Enger & George Barros in loving memory of Gale Enger, St. Paul Organist Emeritus, AND BY Bill Stevens & David Binder, in honor of Bill’s baptism.
“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 3, the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost.
Upcoming Meetings & Events at St Paul’s
- Monday, October 28 – 2:00-4:00 PM –Spiritual Formation – Sacred Ground – Library
- Tuesday, October 29 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Spiritual Formation – Psychology & Spirituality – Library
- Tuesday, October 29 – 6:00-8:00 PM – Patio Party – East Palm Springs
- Wednesday, October 30 – 12:00 PM – Dia de los Muertos Service – Memorial Garden
- Wednesday, October 30 – 6:00 PM – All Souls’ Day Requiem Mass (transferred) – A reception sponsored by the Legacy Society will follow the service – In the Colonnade – All are welcome!
- Thursday, October 31 – 3:30-5:00 PM – Spiritual Formation – Interfaith Bible Study – The Book of Ruth – Library
- Saturday, November 2 – 4:00 PM – PRIDE Mass & wedding of Ray Pickens & Phil Hickman
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.
