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Welcome Bishop Chilton and Mike!
The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen and her husband Mike have begun their stay with our Parish community.
The Knudsens will be here through March 27th. (Mike will leave earlier to fulfill musical obligations back in Maine.) Mike will be singing with our choir and joining with Mark Thallander’s Choral Festival in Los Angeles this Sunday. Bp. Chilton will be preaching and presiding at worship, sharing in the leadership of the Confirmation Class with Br. Michael-Gregory, leading our Vestry Retreat next weekend, and will be folded into the ministry of our Parish and Diocese for this time.
In addition, they will be enjoying life in the desert; our beautiful weather, golf, and sight seeing around the valley.
To God’s Beloved People of St Paul in the Desert:
After driving across country, dodging record snowstorms, Mike and I are here! We have moved into the apartment “upstairs”, and we keep pinching each other to make sure we’re not dreaming. Palm Springs is lovely. You are a faithful and grace-filled limb of the Body of Christ, and we look forward to sharing in your ministry in the upcoming weeks. Thank you and thank God for this opportunity.
Blessings, +Chilton
Join us this weekend as we welcome them in worship.
Fr. Andrew
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Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
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The 37th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was held this past weekend. The Rector, 6 delegates and alternates represent our parish. Friday was given to ministry oriented workshops, an initial business session, and the Convention Banquet with Diana Butler Bass as the Keynote Speaker. She referred to C.S Lewis’ famous book “Mere Christianity” and offered her ideas a bout the church that is needed in our generation. She called it “Here Christianity.” Hear her presentation by clicking here.
Craig Ewing, Bonnie Stroock, George Holliday, Mike Carson, Glen Calvin (standing), and Mike Funke (standing) are pictured at our table for the convention business sessions.
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Safeguarding God’s People: Save The Date!
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Saturday, February 19 at St. Margaret’s, Palm Desert.
Session begins at 8:30am and lasts until 4:00pm. (Note: Participants are required to attend the entire daylong session to receive certification of training.) To register on the Diocesan website; click here. Contact Registrar Isabel Lynne for more information: 619-481-5455.
The Diocese of San Diego is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment where, by God’s grace, the full work of the Church can be carried out. Sexual misconduct on the part of any clergy person, employee, or volunteer of any congregation, institution, organization, school or agency within the diocese violates the mission of the Church, is prohibited, and will not be tolerated.
Safeguarding God’s People teaches how exploitation and harassment occur, the awareness we need to prevent such occurrences, and – should exploitation or harassment occur – how to respond.
Who needs to attend?
* All paid employees
* Vestry members
* Youth group volunteers
* Sunday school teachers
* Lay Eucharistic Visitors and anyone going into someone’s home
* Worship leaders
* Some volunteers
If it has been more than five (5) years since you last participated in a Safeguarding God’s People training, you will be required to attend this workshop in Palm Desert (or a workshop on Saturday, March 5 at Sts. Peter & Paul, El Centro, or Saturday, March 12 at St. Michael’s, Carlsbad). For questions/clarification regarding when you last attended this training, call Br. Michael-Gregory at 760-320-7488, ext. 224.
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The next scheduled meeting for DOK is on February 22nd at 1:00 PM at St. Margaret’s, in the conference room. Newcomers are welcome.
Join us as we begin to read our choice for Lenten reading, “Adventurous Prayer” from the Women in Faith series.
Please RSVP for the meeting and to place an order for a copy of the book, to Bonnie Stroock 760.324.7949.
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ECW Luncheon Set For March 2nd
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The Episcopal Church Women will gather for their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 2nd.
During the business meeting, which starts at 11:30 a.m., plans will be finalized for the group’s Spaghetti Dinner, White Elephant Event and Bake Sale, on March 5th. The salad luncheon follows at noon, with the afternoon’s program to be announced at a later date.
All women of the church are invited to attend, and newcomers to the parish will be especially welcome. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite salad, rolls, or dessert to serve four; beverages will be provided. For additional information, please contact Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
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The ECW Annual Spaghetti Dinner has it all!
 There is a great meal to look forward to, the promise of fellowship for the entire parish family, a festive atmosphere, and of course, the traditional White Elephant event, and Bake Sale. And it’s all coming to St. Paul’s the evening of March 5th.
Dinner will be Served between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, which will be decorated Italian bistro style, with red and white checkered cloths and candles. George Holliday and Rick Tinsley, who will be reprising their roles as chefs again this year, shared the evening’s menu: spaghetti, with choice of either vegetarian or meat based sauce, tossed garden salad and bread. A variety of beverages will be offered, and desserts will be available for a nominal cost.
 On a ‘Safari’ … for white elephants – A BIG part of the annual ECW Spaghetti Dinner evening’s festivities is the White Elephant Event. So, it’s not too early to go on a “safari” for a white elephant near you. Popular items include electronics, books, linens, dishes, lamps, vintage toys, gently used stuffed animals, candles, and decorative pieces. Donations, valued at $5.00 or more, will be gratefully accepted, and can be left at the church, marked for the sale. Any questions can be directed to Bette Knutson, 760.416.5739.
 The Bake Sale always dazzles with its selection of cookies, cakes, pies, and breads. Contributions of bakery items (please, nothing that needs refrigeration), should be brought to the church between noon and 4 p.m. the day of the sale. There is also a need for non-sugar treats.
Tickets are on sale following all church services in February, with a cost of $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for children between 3 and 12 years of age. Children under three are free. This event is the ECW’s main fundraiser of the year with proceeds going to meet the special needs of the church and the community. In charge of this year’s dinner arrangements are co-chairmen Diane Stielstra and Mari Covell.
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Camp Stevens, our diocesan camp and retreat center near Julian, provides a enriching summer camp program for children, teens, and a choir camp. At Camp Stevens, attendees are provided the experience to appreciate and care of one-another while deepening their love of God and God’s creation.
St. Paul in the Desert would like to enable a disadvantaged child the chance to experience the enrichment of Camp Stevens. We need to raise $500 to do this. Please place your donation in the green Camp Stevens box in the parish hall, or leave a check,in the box, or in the collection plate and mark it “Camp Stevens Child”.
Watch for updates, this spring, about interesting retreats and workshops that you can be part of in the beautiful natural world of Camp Stevens.
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Ushers – – Frontline Hospitality Ambassadors
Ushers greet parishioners, newcomers and visitors as they arrive for worship, projecting warmth and hospitality with a smile, “hello” or “good morning.” They distribute bulletins and help people find seating. Ushers introduce newcomers and visitors to parishioners who will be sitting near them during worship. They can further enhance a visitor’s welcome by pairing them with a member who is available to show them to coffee hour or introduce them to the clergy. Ushers help worshipers move to and from the altar rail during communion in a smooth and orderly procession and accommodate anyone who may need special assistance anytime during the service. They also complete a worshiper headcount for every service. The Usher Ministry is comprised of men and women willing to devote their time and hospitality-focused talents to this important front-line function. Parishioners interested in volunteering for this Ministry should contact Ron Shepherd at 760.832.4709 or by email at ron_karen_shepherd@yahoo.com.
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Desert SOS Dessert Ministry
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The St. Paul-Desert SOS Ministry
Needs Providers and Servers
Several St. Paul volunteers provide and/or serve dessert to residents of Roy’s Desert Resource Center every Monday evening. We continue to need more PROVIDERS of desserts. Please sign up to be a Provider. The dessert needs to be delivered to the church by 4 p.m. on Monday or donate to the weekly plate using the pew envelope and mark with “Dessert”. Anyone interested in volunteering for our Monday night dessert ministry should contact Hap Blaisdall at 760.323.5726.
Hap challenges each ministry to sign-up for a given Monday night. Signup sheets are posted in the Parish Hall for those of you who would like to serve and/or provide desserts. You may also contact Hap Blaisdell for more information at 760.323.5726.
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Choral Event in Los Angeles
The Choir of St. Paul in the Desert has been invited to participate in the 7th Annual Wonder, Love and Praise Choral Festival sponsored by The Mark Thallander Foundation this Sunday, February 20th at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Cathedral in Los Angeles.
 There will be around 600 adult singers and a children’s choir of around 150 under the direction of Mack Wilberg–Associate Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 12 of our choir members have had extra rehearsals and will be a part of this joyous musical celebration. The program is at 7:00 p.m. and you are most welcome to attend–there is a $10 suggested donation at the door.
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Lent Is Coming
Ash Wednesday is March 9. There will be services at 12 noon and 6 pm for Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.
March 13 is the First Sunday in Lent and it is also when Daylight Savings Time begins. Set your clock ahead before you go to bed on Saturday the 12th.
There will be a Lenten Book Study on Thursdays at 12 and at 7 pm. More information will be available next week.
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A Holy Communion Service will be held, Wednesday, February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at Premiere Health Care, presided over by Fr. Fred Myers. Fr. Fred always welcomes assistance at Communion.
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Turn In Dried Palm Crosses
 If you received a Palm Cross last year on Palm Sunday, do you still have it?
The ashes that we use on Ash Wednesday (March 9) are made by burning the Palm Crosses from precious years.
There will be a basket in the lobby at church where you can leave your crosses.
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Bridal Shower for Sarah Green
 A Bridal Shower for Sarah Green will be given by the Altar Guild. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 12th at 2 p.m. This invitation is for all the ladies of the parish. Please RSVP to Kathy Kilmer at 760.325.0332 or email your reply to her at: kmkcc@aol.com.
Sarah and her fiance’, Shaun, are registered at Macy’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond & Target.
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The Childrens Choir
 All children age 4 and above are welcome to participate in this group, learning singing skills and providing special music for the 10:30 service several times during the school year. For more information or questions please contact Nathan at 760.320.7488, ext. 225.
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Coffee Hour
There is no host for the 8:00 Coffee Hour. The host for the 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour is Craig Ewing, Senior Warden of Vestry.
The 2011 coffee hour sign-up sheets are posted on the north wall at Hogarth Hall. Find an empty slot and fill it with your name. For more information, call Ray Kelley at 760.778.1725.
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Inquirer’s/Confirmation Class
“I Will, With God’s Help”
This class started February 10th and runs through March 17th. Bishop Chilton Knudson will be a companion to participants in this 6-week series based upon the Baptismal Covenant from The Book of Common Prayer. The course encourages newcomers to the Episcopal Church, as well as longtime Episcopalians, to examine and share their own faith journeys. The course may lead to Confirmation for those who desire it during Bishop Chilton Knudson’s visit to St. Paul’s on Sunday, March 20th. The class meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and began February 10th. Please call the church office at 760-320-7488, ext. 0 to sign up.
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Mid-Week Worship Break
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Wednesday evening worship offers a break during the week. The Holy Communion service meets in the Library, reflects on a saint from our Church Calendar, all who wish can participate in the sermon, and it last 45 minutes.
As you can see in this picture, the only thing missing is you. Join in this informal worship opportunity.
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The Family and
Children’s Ministry
meets THIS SUNDAY after the 10:30 a.m. service, February 20th. Be sure to join us and help plan the Children’s special photo project. Also on the agenda, is to plan our date to go hiking. Meeting to be held in the newly redecorated, Godly Play room. See Bonnie Stroock for more information.
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Altar and Narthex Flowers
The New 2011 Altar and Narthex Flower Sign-up Sheets NOW AVAILABLE
Thank you – to all our parishioners who have signed up to provide the gracious gift of flowers for the altar and narthex. Many have bestowed these arrangements of love in memoriam to beloved family member(s) or friend(s) or in thanksgiving for the gifts we have received. The floral arrangements are a endearing visible sign of your love to them and to your fellow parishioners. We need altar flowers for the weekend of February 27th to keep our altar blooming with the beauty that Woody Miller masterfully creates for us each week. There is still room available for flowers for the narthex for those dates also.
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Earn Money While Dining Out
fo r The Church of St. Paul. Whenever any St. Paul’s parishioners have breakfast, lunch or dinner at “The Old Creek House” in Palm Springs the restaurant will donate 10% of the total to The Church of St. Paul in the Desert. Simply sign your name and write in the name, “The Church of St. Paul in the Desert”, on your receipt. A check for the amount will be sent to St. Paul’s. The 10% does not include promotions or other discounts.
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Newcomers
Are you sure we have your contact information? If you haven’t received any of the latest mailings then we probably don’t have your mailing address. In January we will sending invites for you to join us in a series of Newcomer events that we believe you will find to be informative and enjoyable. We may not have your current address. If you feel this is the case, then please fill out the form in the pew pocket and place it in the plate, give to an usher or you may send your contact information by email to vjwinters@dc.rr.com.
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Bullies Not Welcome Here
At St. Paul in the Desert we want to welcome all worshipers to a place that is free of violence and bullying.
Physical, verbal or emotional violence against others or against oneself is not acceptable.
The Episcopal Cafe article on Cyber-bullying is available here.
“It Gets Better” is a series of video messages to encourage Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender youth and let them know that they are loved as they are.
“A Blessing for Those Who Are Bullied” was written by the Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
It is not enough to say “NO” to bullies. It is important to stand up for people and to provide resources for those who have been the targets.
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