The Abundant Life – April 24, 2025

A Special Holy Week and Easter Celebrated at St. Paul’s!

Thank you to ALL who made the entire Holy Week and Easter Services happen—altar guild, altar ministers, Jon Coates—our bulletin printer, musicians, Chuck Peery—our music director and our choir, John Tubera—our parish administrator, Mike Mullins—our diaconal intern, registrar, and sextons, assisting clergy, ushers, lectors, intercessors, the production team, lighting vigil creators, flower arrangers and church decorators, welcome team, Easter Vigil party planners, etc. What a joy to celebrate in this place! Thank you to all who donated flowers in memory/honor/thanksgiving for loved ones. And thank you to all of you who brought Easter lilies to homebound/hospital bound parishioners (over 35 households were visited!).

As our Easter sermon beckoned us, “Let us go out and proclaim that death could not hold down the Author of Life, the Author of Love. Let us live as though we have a voice and a choice at living in hope and witnessing resurrection. Let us go back to the places where there seems to be no light and no reality other than grief, and weep near the tomb and look for the Risen Christ and help others see the Love that is the Ground of All Being, the Love Beyond the Horizon. Like Mary, let us proclaim that we have seen the empty tomb, but that it is a sign not of a robbed grave of a dead man, the Son of God defeated, but that it is a sign of a God who keeps promises and defeats all forces of evil and destruction. A God whose Love tells us that we are to not hold on to this for only for ourselves, but whose Love calls us to continue the work he began on earth. The Risen Christ, now alive in us, can propel us to do good and to heal. We are the embodiment of the resurrection in the world!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, proclaims the abundance of God’s steadfast love. And the promise of resurrection, of new life, of life breathed into that which was dead is for you and for me, and for this whole world.

Go out and share this Good News freely!
‘I have seen the Lord!’

You are beloved, dear ones.
Happy Easter!
He is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

For more pictures of Holy Week and Easter, please see our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Hap Blaisdell, Longtime St. Paul’s Parishioner, Celebrates Holy Week with a Visit and Palm Branch!

Thank you to EACH ONE of you who worship with us at home and online. We know many of you are homebound (or in hospital stints), and many of you are snowbirds who’ve had to make decisions about returning to your other home during this season. We are so glad you’re part of St. Paul’s, and we celebrate the Resurrection with you from across the globe! You remain in our prayers.

Strategic Plan Update!

We are in the third year of our Strategic Plan (CLICK HERE to read it), and our Strategic Planning Implementation Team (SPIT) has been hard at work in chairing the seven objectives and helping lead us in it. You hear each week from a Vestry member in service who shares how they see particular parts of the Strategic Plan at work in the church. Here are some of the exciting brief updates from the seven chairs of SPIT:

Objective One: Grow the Parish & Engage Parishioners in Discerning Growth Pathways

“We have been focused on two goals.  The first was enhancing our Welcome Team efforts at both Sunday services, with a new, beautiful Welcome Table, recruiting new members, transferring leadership of the team to the very capable and caring Suzi Osuna, and expanding our outreach at community events like the One PS Picnic. The second goal was to devise, launch, and analyze the data from the “6Ts Survey,” which collects the interests and skills of each member of the parish. That work continues and may lead to new and interesting developments in the fall!”—Patrick Von Bargen, Objective 1 Chairperson 

Objective Two: Enrich Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Care, & Community Life

“In focusing on Enriching Spiritual Formation, we have increased the diversity and frequency of Spiritual Formation Classes and retreats, as well as the mode of online sign-ups. With the new technology in the Parish Hall/Library refresh project, we will increase the ability to include homebound and snowbird parishioners in video call participation in said classes/retreats. In working on Pastoral Care, we now have 16 trained (and 13 active) Lay Eucharistic Ministers, who go out each Sunday in rotating pairs to do 1-3 homebound/hospital-bound visits each week. We are working on customaries for funerals and weddings to streamline administrative pieces and pastoral care for individuals, couples, and families.” —The Rev. Jessie Thompson, Objective 2 Chairperson 

Objective Three: Empower Community Advocacy

“We are in a period of community listening as we seek to reimagine our outreach ministries with the changes to our campus infrastructure and as our parish grows. One of the major shifts is that we are moving from a predominantly donating items model to a sending volunteers to partner organizations model. We held an Outreach Discernment Retreat during Lent and we have a much clearer direction as we focus on building relationships with the following communities: 1. Mercy Ministries (Homeless Folks), 2. Latino Ministry (Latino Folks), 3. LGBTQ+ Ministry (especially Transgender Folks), & 4. Racial Justice Ministry (All People of Color).”—The Rev. Dan Kline, Objective 3 Chairperson 

Objective Four: Empower Lay Members for Service & Leadership

“The current focus of Objective Four: Empower Lay Members for Service & Leadership has been working with Objective One to devise and launch the 6 T’s Survey and to analyze its data. Work has also begun to create a structured formal system for vetting and creating new ministry/program ideas. At the same time, work to create and codify a ministries/programs assessment process is also underway.” —Clinton Carbon, Objective 4 Chairperson 

Objective Five: Empower Staff to Advance the Church’s Mission

“The team for Objective 5 includes the Co-Rectors and the HR Committee. Our mission continues to be to serve as advisory support to the Co-Rectors in the areas of best practices for human resources and volunteer services. The HR Committee has approved a final draft of an employee manual, a preliminary plan to develop a multi-year staffing model and future plans to create a volunteer manual.”—The Rev. Canon Tom Clarke, Objective 5 Chairperson 

Objective Six: Update the Campus Infrastructure

“Substantial progress has been made on Strategic Plan Objective 6: Update the Campus Infrastructure. Completed projects include implementation of the security grant (lighting, gating/fencing, security system, video surveillance, electronic access controls), replacement of the office apartment HVAC, expansion of the Colonnade Columbarium by 110 niches, and refresh of the Library. The Parish Hall Refresh is currently underway and expected to be completed on budget by the Feast of Pentecost, June 8. Future projects under consideration include refresh of the Church flooring/carpeting and optimization of the chancel space, preparing for implementation of AB 1562 which generally prohibits watering of turf on commercial properties, and possible assessment of the Parish Hall kitchen.” —John Raposa,Objective 6 Chairperson 

Objective Seven: Enhance Fiduciary Strength & Stability

“We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our parish community. The committee is currently reviewing its size and actively working to enhance diversity within its membership. The annual appeal will remain brief and focused. Increasing outreach to individuals who have not previously pledged will be a key priority.” —Alan Glass, Objective 7A Chairperson 

“We continue to draft the business manual for St Paul’s paid administrative staff and office volunteers. The manual includes basic business policies, advice on internal controls and step by step operations processes. We are designing the manual to be user friendly and able to be easily updated as needed.” —Brooke Wolford, Objective 7B Chairperson 

Peace, Justice, & Mercy Team Tours Navigation Center

We had a great visit to the Navigation Center on the Wednesday in Holy Week, which serves the unsheltered here in Palm Springs. Alejandra Diaz, Director of Programs and Operations, showed us around. It’s a great looking place with a lot of room. We met the food director, Angel, and we got to see one of the temporary housing units – they call them pods. The kitchen is huge and well equipped.

The process for anyone wanting shelter starts at the Access Center across from the airport. The Navigation Center housing and facilities don’t take walk-ins. Folks staying at the Access Center get transported to the Navigation Center for dinner, overnight on a cot and breakfast before going back to the Access Center. Meanwhile, the people living in temporary housing at the Navigation Center get 3 meals a day and access to laundry, computers, case workers and other services at the Navigation Center.

Alejandra said that they were looking for volunteers to help with activities such as movie night, bingo, conversation, board games. Timing is up to us, but most people are at the center in the evenings. Megan brought up doing a day-time Laundry Love session for Access Center people and Alejandra said Martha’s could provide transport to the laundromat. Lena asked about sundries – both centers can use them and they have specific requirements in terms of items and sizes. We talked about cooking for the folks with kitchenettes – no one has pots, pans, etc. provided – what they have they can take with them – there might be an opportunity to give people equipment as they learn to cook for themselves.

Volunteer orientation at Martha’s will happen at the Navigation Center in Palm Springs.

There is a lot more, but the bottom line is that the scouting team feels positive about a good relationship Martha’s and the people using the centers. More details to come in the near future as we continue discerning when and how to partner with the Navigation Center.

Special thanks to Vestry Members and Finance Committee Members, Pete Smith & Brooke Wolford, for coordinating this tour.

Laundry Love Crew Serves During Holy Week

Another successful Laundry Love event happened last week during Holy Week, this time in partnership with an enthusiastic crew from the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert. A few of the volunteers from UUCOD participated last fall and they were impressed with how things fell into place through the evening. One volunteer described LL as “a well oiled machine.” Another asked, “Oiled with what?” This time, it was home-baked cookies, courtesy of UUCOD, which were shared with all our LL guests! Thank you to our St. Paul’s Mercy Ministries Laundry Love Team, led by Megan Goehring and Tony McEwing!

Putting Faith into Action: Using Christian Faith to Navigate Difficult Times Class

CLASS BEGINS THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 27!

We are living through a challenging chapter of the American story in which the history of our country is being called into question, many of our cherished freedoms are at risk of being compromised, and the very fabric of our society is threatened. What can we do to fight back against the forces that divide our nation and weaken its democracy? As Christians we have a not-so-secret weapon, our faith in Jesus Christ. Episcopalians have come to understand this faith according to the “three-legged stool” of Anglicanism which attempts to balance Scripture, Tradition, and reason/experience as the sources of faith. In this class we will examine Christian faith from the perspectives of progressive theology and psychology, discussing ways in which it could be brought to bear on the controversies surrounding immigration, racism, sexual orientation/identity, health care, and economic inequality. Class members will also have the opportunity to put faith into action concerning these issues. This class will meet in the library.

Mother, May I? Class

Every Sunday in May, you’re invited to a special Q&A with Mother Jessie in between the services. Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask a priest, but never had the chance? Have some wonderings from your Lenten spiritual journey that you want to explore in more depth? Are you new to the Episcopal Church and are curious about some of the quirkiness in our tradition? Come ready to ask all your questions about God, church, being Episcopalian, etc. “Mother, MAY I?” is a chance to hear from Rev. Jessie and see where the conversation goes. Meet you in the music cottage with your questions!

Introduction to the Enneagram: A Personality Map to Spiritual Growth Class

The class explains the nine personality types identified by the Enneagram, a dynamic tool for self-understanding and spiritual growth with roots in the contemplative Christian tradition. The class explores the gifts and challenges of each personality type in its own particular spiritual journey to the fullness of life that Jesus models and invites us to share. The class begins with a diagnostic to help participants identify their types. Throughout the course, one-on-one sessions for type exploration will be available. Participants will use the book Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. They can purchase the book on Amazon.com or on www.enneagraminstitute.com

Interfaith Bible Study – The Book of Jonah

Towards a Fuller Gospel: Illuminating Scripture to Inspire Change

EDSD Class on Zoom, Tuesdays in May.

Towards A Fuller Gospel is a dynamic virtual speaker series highlighting the voices of racially diverse clergy as they illuminate scripture through the lens of their lived experiences, cultural perspectives, and/or the stories of the communities that formed them. Over the course of four weeks, faith leaders from across the Episcopal Church will model how race, identity, culture and community shape and expand the ways we understand and apply sacred texts today.

Whether you’re a faith leader, scholar, or seeker, this series invites us to engage deeply with scripture in ways that challenge, inspire, and transform.

When: 6:30-7:30 PM May 6, 13, 20 & 27

Where: Zoom (participants will receive a link after registering)

Featured speakers: The Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Brokenleg; The Rev. Canon Eric McIntosh; The Rev. Ryan Macias; The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers.

Register here: https://edsd.org/news/toward-a-fuller-gospel/

LARK

EDSD’s Localized Anti-Racism Knowledge (“LARK”) is a 2-day workshop that equips our congregations for local contextual ministry through stories of leaders and communities of color who have faced structural and systemic challenges across the extent of our region. Participants will then analyze and think critically about ongoing instances of racism in our neighborhoods and consider how they can apply what they have learned to their own lives and ministries. Through post-workshop follow-up, the program makes space for folks to nurture the relationships and resilience necessary for advancing racial reconciliation and justice within our diocese.

When: Friday, May 2, 3:30-8:30 PM & Saturday, May 3, 9:30-4:30 PM, with a follow-up Zoom meeting TBD.
Where: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3725 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Cost: $50 per person, with sliding scale/grace-based options.

Register here.

Parish Hall Refresh Weekly Update

April 24, 2025

Do you want to help? If you would like to contribute to defray the costs of the Parish Hall or Library Refresh in addition to your stewardship pledge, please contact one of the wardens: alex.c.christensen@gmail.com or john.raposa1@gmail.com

The Center is offering a Gender Expansive Language Workshop

As we seek to live into our baptismal covenant and parish mission value statement that “we believe in the dignity of every human being,” we continue to find ways to learn and grow. Join on zoom a brief workshop the LGBTQ Center is putting on this Thursday, April 24 at 2PM. Let’s grow together this Eastertide.

Attention, St. Paul’s Hikers!

This year’s Spring Hike will be on SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., at the Coral Mountain Archaeological Park in La Quinta, California.

Location:  The trail cuts along the edge of Coral Mountain in La Quinta, once the shoreline of the giant inland sea known as Lake Cahuilla and a center of a thriving indigenous culture going back thousands of years. There are three principal sites along the mountain, which include petroglyphs incised into the ancient tufa, the remnants of ancient fish traps, morteros and even occasional pottery shards, together with a variety of historic graffiti from pioneers on the De Anza Trail in the 1700 and 1800s. Scenery includes rugged desert mountain, wash (and lush La Qunita golf course)– recent rains may even send us some wildflowers. I’ve attached some photos showing a bit of the scenery and the archaeological sites.

The Trail:  The tail is about 3.5 miles out and back –mostly easy and level on gravel, about 300 feet of elevation change throughout, one short but steeper incline – some manageable sandy and rocky patches. Occasional shade from rocks and overhangs, otherwise sunny. Parking and tailhead access off Ave 58, no restroom facilities at trailhead.

What to Bring:  As always, bring solid, comfortable shoes with a good, grippy sole. A good sun hat and plenty of sunscreen are also recommended.

I will come prepared with history and details on the geology, the artifacts and the long and mysterious history behind the various rock art sites.  Lots more to come (including driving directions) as the day approaches. Hope to see everyone on the trail! To register, reach out to Nancy (nancyjantonius@gmail.com).

Join members of the Peace, Justice, and Mercy Ministries at the Human Rights Campaign Event on April 29

SIS Event for All Women

All women of St. Paul’s are invited to join Sisters in Spirit (SIS) for the 2:00PM matinee  of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on Sunday, April 27th at the Palm Canyon Theater.  More information to follow.

Calling all Campers! Spring Camping Trip to Blackrock, Joshua Tree National Park

Mark your calendars for Monday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 7, and join St. Paul’s Campers for a fun and relaxing time. Campsites are #8 and #5–They back into each other on a lower-level campground near the lower restroom. We will have a shared dinner on Tuesday, May 6. We have space for 10 campers and 4 cars. Please contact Bonnie Stroock ( bcstroock@aol.com) if you’d like to reserve and spot and join! It will be a great event! (Our summer trip is June 30 to July 2 up in Idyllwild at Riverside County Campground.)

Movie Night May 15 The Way!!

Synopsis:  A father heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling the “El camino de Santiago,” and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

Directed by Emilio Estevez and starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, Yorick van Waginengen and James Nesbitt (2 hrs, 3 min; released 2010).

Interfaith Screening of “No Other Land”

6 Ts Survey

Our survey tracking system shows that many parishioners started to fill out the survey but just didn’t have a chance to complete it (by typing in their name and email address and clicking the “Done” button at the end).  If you had to stop mid-way, please try again.  If you started the survey from an email link, you might find that you can pick up where you left off; others would just start anew, reminding yourself that it only takes 13-15 minutes to do at one sitting!  Thank you so much for your time — it will make a big difference!

As you heard about at the Annual Meeting we have a new tool to help connect parishioners to their passions and needs in the church and the wider community. Under the parish’s Strategic Plan Objectives One and Four, the 6 Ts Task force has developed a survey for all parishioners that we hope can bring us together to do more and for each other. The “Six Ts” refer to parishioners’ talents, testimony, time, temperament, treasure, and ties (relational networks).

It takes only 13-15 minutes (it’s been timed!) and you can do it easily on your computer, smartphone, or tablet (all connected to WiFi).

Here are the simple instructions to complete the survey:

1. Simply click on the banner at the top of this email and you will be able to fill out the survey.
2. Almost all the questions just ask you to check the boxes that apply to you, except for those at the end that ask you to fill in your contact information.
3. When you reach the end of the survey, be sure to click the “Done” button. If you do, you will receive a confirmation email that you have completed the survey.
4. Do NOT click any button asking you to complete another, different survey. It’s probably a marketing survey from Survey Monkey.
5. If you run into any issues, there will be a team of folks next to the Welcome Table on Sunday morning at both services to offer assistance.

The 6Ts survey is designed to benefit each parishioner and the church, too. By asking you about your interests, the survey can offer you more opportunities to connect with other like-minded parishioners in spiritual formation, ministry work, volunteer possibilities within the church and the community at large, and even recreational activities. By asking about your skills, the survey can help the Revs and our lay leaders identify ways that you might like to contribute to the church’s vitality and that are suited to your particular strengths and interests.

All of the information collected in the survey will be confidential; it will only be available to the clergy and laity authorized to review that information specific to their duties as employees or supervised volunteers. 

Thank you for helping us connect more regularly and more meaningfully with one another!

Annual Meeting Recap & Impact Report

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.

Click here for more information: 

Red Cards

Click to enlarge the images.

Arbor Day at St. Hugh’s